Motorbike Tyres
The latest new motorcycle and scooter figures show sales overall were up 6.3 per cent compared with January 2011. Under 50cc scooter sales were up 1.3 per cent in January, while over 50cc motorcycle sales increased 7.4 per cent.
During the last year Michelin has launched two major motorcycle products, the Pilot Road 3 and the Commander II, and these are being followed up by a new range, the Power Cup. This tyre replaces the Michelin Power One Competition, and Michelin says the Power Cup has been designed to “deliver outstanding grip when cornering and accelerating” and helps to improve track lap times compared with its predecessor.
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According to 2011 data from the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association, the European scooter tyre market for P speed ratings or higher has grown 73 per cent over a period of six years. A large chunk of this growth equates to more scooters on the road – the ETRMA says 81 per cent of users ride their scooters every day and 78 per cent ride their scooters to work. A third of all scooter riders are also motorcyclists.
The name Heidenau may be new to some Tyres & Accessories readers, yet the firm behind the name has produced motorcycle tyres for more than 60 years. Today Heidenau produces a broad range of tyres for various motorcycle and scooter segments – the company manufactures around 400,000 motorcycle tyres per annum in total – and the company claims a very good European dealer network, with sales in most European countries. In the past five years Heidenau has also taken on a more international flavour and now boasts strong partners in the US, South Africa and Australia. Last year it also began with a new Canadian partner and intends to further develop new markets.
Towards the end of 2010 Nankang released its first-ever motorcycle tyre, the Roadiac WF-1 radial. The range was developed in partnership with Delticom/Pneubo and is sold exclusively in Europe through Delticom AG web portals, including mytyres.co.uk. According to Nankang, three front wheel and six rear wheel fitments are now available in the Roadiac range.
This year Italian tyre brand GoldenTyre is introducing new scooter ranges. The first of these is a product intended for everyday use in all weather. The GT 75 M+S is suited for use in wintry conditions – the manufacturer states the tyre’s reinforced casing enables usage at a lower inflation pressure, a measure said to be recommended by experts for riding in the colder months. The tyre’s siped tread is also said to do a “superb job” in wet conditions, snow or in slush. The range in available in 10 to 14-inch sizes.
Cambrian Tyres is a family-run business, and as such the company says it appreciates the importance of a friendly, customer-focused approach in supporting its dealer network. And with 220 years combined experience in the motorcycle and tyre industries – an unrivalled figure, says Cambrian – and with everyone from the managing director through all of the sales, purchase and marketing staff being regular riders, Cambrian states its customers can be assured of knowledgeable help and advice on sales and technical matters.
Avon Tyres says 2012 is looking to be an exciting year, not least due to the launch of its new high-performance sports tyre, the 3D Ultra Sport. This tyre makes its debut at this weekend’s Motorcycle Trade EXPO show in Birmingham and will replace the popular VP2 range. Three distinct versions of the 3D Ultra Sport are being introduced, offering owners of sports motorcycles a choice to suit the sort of machine they have and riding they do. The versions are:
Continental has unveiled a new motorcycle tyre for the custom and cruiser sector, the ContiMilestone 2012 Mileage Plus. This new version of the ContiMilestone is said to offer a new for 2012 compound that, combined with deep tread, delivers even more mileage without compromising levels of grip; silicone technology has been used in the new compound, and Continental says this guarantees good wet grip without reducing mileage. Tread wear is also reduced through the tyre’s breaker construction – the tyre maker states that it ensures even pressure in the contact area.
The latest figures for sales of new motorcycle and scooter show an overall drop of 2.2% in 2011 compared to 2010. Overall the market has moved away from large motorcycles towards smaller motorcycles and scooters, often used for commuting. This trend is reflected with the biggest sales growth of the year coming from the 51-125cc sector.
Those who ‘soldier on’ throughout winter on two wheels need all the help they can in maintaining grip. Metzeler says its Feelfree Wintec is the first tyre conceived to allow scooter riders to use their two wheelers in every season, especially in the coldest months. The range was first introduced in 2007 for maxi scooters of up to 650cc and the tyre maker has now added a number of new sizes.
The popular ContiRoadAttack 2 range has been broadened by the addition of a new GT version, which has been developed for heavier sport-touring machines as well as big naked bikes. With an additional belt in the front and rear tyres, Continental’s RoadAttack 2 GT is said to deliver better durability, increased braking stability and improved consistency of performance throughout the tyre’s life when fitted on bikes such as the BMW R1200RT and Suzuki Bandit 1250.
As parent company Pirelli launched what is, it is probably fair to say, the mother of all pin-up calendars in New York, the firm’s Metzler specialist two wheel tyre brand launched a calendar of its own. The Metzeler Classics calendar, now in its 19th edition, celebrates two-wheeled competitions from the sixties with a series of black & white shots, paying homage to Japan and its motorcycling tradition, marked this year by such terrible adversity with Tsunami, earthquake and nuclear challenges.
Pirelli’s Diablo Superbike range has been expanded with two new sizes. The additions to the line up are a 100/70 R17 front wheel fitment and 125/70 R17 for the real wheel; these sizes are intended for mounting on 2.5” and 3.5” rims respectively and for use on 125cc and 250cc sport bikes.
Pirelli has premiered its new Diablo Supercorsa, a tyre it says is “perfect for professional riders and motorcyclists who have a sporty riding style but love the racetrack as well.” The newest member of the Diablo range will initially be produced in 120/70ZR17 front and 200/55ZR17 rear sizes and in both a SC (Special Compound) version, which will be showcased during the 2012 FIM Superstock 1000 Cup, plus a SP (Sport Production) race replica version suitable for daily use on the road.
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