Pirelli presenting new scooter tyre lines at EICMA

Two new products will enter the Pirelli scooter tyre range in 2017, and those interested in a sneak preview can see both at the EICMA show in Milan this week. The Italian tyre maker says the new Angel Scooter and Diablo Rosso Scooter will be “available with a complete range of sizes” and will progressively replace and expand upon the current Diablo Scooter range during the course of next year.

Visitors to the Pirelli stand at EICMA will notice that the Angel Scooter bears a number of familial resemblances to other Angel product lines – the tread pattern is similar to that of the Angel GT, for example. The Diablo Scooter is also a chip off the old block, and in Pirelli’s words “is inspired by the Diablo family DNA” and especially that of the Diablo Rosso line. The tyre takes its tread pattern from another product in the Pirelli moto stable, the 2016-launched Diablo Rosso III.

“Just as Diablo Rosso III redefined the concept of sport riding in the motorcycle world, taking it to a new level, Diablo Rosso Scooter represents the new frontier for high performance scooters thanks to grip, unprecedented handling and consistent performance, characteristics to make the daily ride more pleasant and satisfying, regardless of the environment,” writes Pirelli.

The Angel Scooter has been developed for scooter riders who travel all year round in an urban setting, often with a passenger. “This means that these riders need long life, comfort, safety under braking and easy, predictable performance in any conditions, even on wet surfaces,” notes the manufacturer.

According to Pirelli, ride comfort has been improved due to the presence of ‘shock absorption holes’ in the Angel Scooter’s tread; these are said to increase the flexibility of the tyre under the tread, not only allowing vibrations and bumps in the road to be absorbed, they also increase the area of the contact patch during braking. The combination of a high-silica compound and a new vulcanisation process reportedly provides “consistent and long-lasting performance in any weather condition” for the tyre’s entire lifespan.

The new multi radius profile used in the Angel Scooter is said to change tyre performance at different lean angles, making the ride more agile when it comes to directional changes and cornering, and then progressively more balanced and stable when leaning. “For the rider, this translates into greater confidence when making turns, stability in all conditions and predictable scooter performance in difficult situations.”

An initial, “limited” size range of fitments for 10 to 16-inch rim diameters will come to market from January 2017, and the full range will be available by the end of next year.

The radial Diablo Rosso Scooter is aimed at owners of sport and high-performance scooters who prefer a dynamic riding style and use their scooters both in the city and on ‘twisty’ roads in the country. “This tyre is perfect for those looking for excellent handling, highest-quality grip and consistent performance.”

Pirelli says the tyre provides maximum agility in directional changes, great stability in a straight line and precision when holding a riding ‘line’, whilst providing a high level of safety and predictability. It credits this to the combination of the profile and structure used in the tyre. Furthermore, “thanks to the materials and the experience gained in other areas, the new Diablo Rosso Scooter provides high level performance in all conditions and at a wide range of operating temperatures.”

Pirelli notes that high performance alone is “not enough” – this performance must be available throughout the tyre’s entire lifespan. The tyre maker states that the dual-blend, high-silica tread compound used in the Diablo Rosso Scooter rear tyre “provides excellent grip in all conditions and after significant mileage.” It adds that the sport profiles and the ‘flash’ tread pattern ensure even wear and excellent water displacement.

Ten sizes – six front and four rear – will be available from January 2017, with fitments covering 13 to 16-inch rim diameters.

Pirelli will be represented at EICMA, the 74th Milan Motorcycle Show, by its presence at Pavilion 10, stand C61. EICMA takes place between 10 and 13 November.