Metzeler launches Racetec TD Slick motorcycle racing tyre

Metzeler Racetec TD Slick

Metzeler has added the Racetec TD Slick to its racing tyre range, after unveiling the new tyre at EICMA in November. The new model is designed for motorcyclists and club racers for both competition and training. As such it has been manufactured primarily for ease of use. It does not require tyre warmers and does not require a particular bike set-up. It is also designed for consistent performance over multiple sessions, versatility on different asphalt types and operating temperatures, and high abrasion resistance. The rear tyre can also be reversed between sessions, useful on circuits which wear tyres more on one side.

Metzeler designed Racetec TD Slick to deliver slick tyre advantages without the need for additional racing equipment. It targets both expert riders as a “plug & play” practice product and club racers looking for a value for money tyre focused on improving lap times. The tyre comes in one front and four rear sizes most commonly found as original equipment on supersport bikes.

Metzeler Racetec TD Slick characteristics

Racetec TD Slick size range

Front

• 120/70 ZR 17 NHS TL

Rear

• 180/55 ZR 17 NHS TL
• 180/60 ZR 17 NHS TL
• 190/55 ZR 17 NHS TL
• 200/55 ZR 17 NHS TL

The Metzeler Racetec TD Slick is made for a quick warm-up with lower glass transition temperature polymers. Consequently it is more resistant to cold tearing, making it suitable for use from low operating temperatures.

Metzeler adds that the evolution of resins resistant to high temperatures and their patented mixing process give Racetec TD Slick more uniform behaviour both on a thermal and mechanical level. This provides a high resistance to thermal decay, thus keeping the chemical-physical properties of the tyre constant. This is enabled by Metzeler’s exclusive patented Compound Continuous Mixing (CCM) process. This maximizes the homogeneity of the components in the polymetric matrix

The tyre does not require a complicated set-up for track use thanks to the choice of street-legal sizes that use sharp profiles but retain the geometries of tyres approved for road use. The rear tyre carcass is characterised by a classic radial single-ply rayon structure, similar to that used in supersport road tyres. The Racetec TD Slick is the result of development aimed at combining ease of driving, plug & play performance and the Metzeler road racing imprint to allow all motorcyclists to enjoy a weekend on the track.

The reversible rear tyre is enabled by its symmetrical structure. This evenly distributes the dynamic stresses and allows itself to be fully exploited even on circuits with more turns in one direction.

The zero-degree steel belts used both on the front and on the rear tyres are a patented technological solution that allows a high degree of structural flexibility and consequently a better feeling with the tyre. All this allows the motorcyclist to be more precise in the trajectory, adjusting it when already in mid-lean or delaying the braking point when entering the corner.

The rear Racetec TD Slick features a sharp profile that improves the handling of the motorcycle and at the same time increases the contact area when cornering, resulting in a considerable increase of grip. The profile of the front tyre reflects that of the rear for a balanced and harmonious behaviour of the tyre set.

Metzeler says the technologies contained within the new tyre were enabled by experience accumulated in road racing. The brand supplies tyres for competition in the Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man, which helps test versatility.

Metzeler slick portfolio

Metzeler’s slick racing portfolio includes the Racetec RR Slick for top competition, available in different compounds according to the type of use. The K0 and K1 compounds are dedicated to the professional use in the Superbike class of road racing activities, such as the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, and to the same classes of the various national championships. The K2 compound is more versatile. It was developed for professional and amateur competitions in which competitors need constant peak performance over several sessions. This makes the range particularly suited for demanding circuits and endurance sessions.