January 2015 launch for Pirelli’s next-generation enduro street tyre
Front (l) and rear fitments
A new enduro street tyre will soon arrive in Pirelli’s motorcycle portfolio, a product the Italian tyre maker describes as “the synthesis of the meeting of two worlds” – the field of off-road competition and the road trip. The Scorpion Trail II is poised to grasp the baton from the original Scorpion Trail and will be available from January 2015 onwards in six front and seven rear wheel sizes.
The Scorpion Trail II is suitable for the latest-generation adventure touring and enduro street motorcycles and is able to tackle even long journeys and excursions, with light off-road sections. Pirelli says the tyre was designed for motorcycles such as the Ducati Multistrada, Aprilia Caponord, BMW R 1200 GS, Triumph Tiger, KTM 1190 Adventure, Honda Crosstourer, Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré, Kawasaki Versys and Suzuki V-Strom – models increasingly purchased by riders primarily for use on the road but which, when needed, can also handle stretches of dirt and light off-road.
Pirelli claims high mileage, consistency of performance throughout the tyre’s entire life and top-notch wet characteristics as key features of the Scorpion Trail II. The tyre’s tread pattern was influenced by both the Scorpion off-road range and Pirelli’s Angel GT sport touring tyre. It therefore has what the manufacturer calls an “aggressive” look typical of an off-road tyre. The side grooves have been designed to ensure optimal drainage in case of rain, while the layout and “binary open” shape of the central grooves not only contribute to the drainage of water but also ensure better traction, greater stability and more regular wear. Pirelli says the tread gives good stability even at high speed, traction on dirt, handling, comfort and grip in all riding conditions.
Pirelli first introduced its bi-compound solution in some rear Scorpion Trail sizes, and in the new Scorpion Trail II this bi-compound technology has been utilised in all rear sizes. Compared to its predecessor, the new tyre has a wider central section which retains a compound developed for high mileage without compromising cornering performance, and particularly developed to offer excellent wet behaviour. The side compound was designed to optimise the balance between performance on dry and wet roads.
The profiles found in the Scorpion Trail II are derived directly from those utilised in the Angel GT. Thanks to a shorter, wider, contact patch area, the profile helps to reduce and level the wear of the tread, thus ensuring greater mileage. And with the application of new profiles it has been possible to enhance handling, which Pirelli claims remains unchanged throughout the whole life of the product. All these factors benefit traction and give better machine control, Pirelli notes.
Front:
120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W) TL
100/90 – 18 M/C 56V TL
100/90 – 19 M/C 57V TL
110/80 R 19 M/C 59V TL
120/70 ZR 19 M/C 60W TL
90/90 – 21 M/C 54V TL
Rear:
130/80 R 17 M/C 65V TL
140/80 R 17 M/C 69V TL
150/70 R 17 M/C 69V TL
160/60 ZR 17 M/C (60W) TL
170/60 ZR 17 M/C 72W TL
180/55 ZR 17 M/C (73W) TL
190/55 ZR17 M/C (75W) TL
As for the tyre’s structure, Pirelli says this was developed to enable the central and lateral compounds to work optimally. Therefore the Scorpion Trail II can deliver high performance, even at full load or when fitted to heavier motorcycles. Pirelli claims improved wet performance compared with the previous generation tyre and an incredible versatility that makes it comfortable even for long trips and on winding roads, and in adverse weather conditions.
Those wishing to personalise their Scorpion Trail II tyres will appreciate the dedicated area on the sidewall where they can apply custom labels. A wide range of customisation options exist, including a variety of fonts, colours, banners, logos and tracks.
Comments