Motorbike Tyres
Ian Hutchinson’s dominant victory in the RL360 Superstock TT has given tyre supplier Metzeler back to back wins. A ferocious pace was set for the race, with all of the first four riders completed the four lap event under the existing race record.
Michelin has unveiled a new range of hypersport and race tyres designed to coincide with its return to the MotoGP World Championship in 2016. Michelin says the tyres, which include the Power SuperMoto and SuperMoto Rain wet product, are designed to enhance lap times, riding pleasure and safety. Technical developments include “Adaptive Casing Technology” (ACT), which Michelin says will help to combat high-speed weave and ensures stability and grip at all lean angles.
The Ducati Scrambler special edition introduced on 22 May at the London Bike Shed – the “SC-Rumble” – is the latest chapter in Pirelli’s technical collaboration with its compatriot. Like other versions of the Scrambler, the bike is fitted with Pirelli MT 60 RS tyres, with the tread replicated on the tank along with the Ducati Scrambler logo. The SC-Rumble will begin a trip from the British capital to Biarritz, where it will participate in the Wheels and Waves event.
Avon has launched its new TrailRider motorcycle tyre, a product it calls its “most advanced tyre yet”. Making the point that the large trailbike segment has not been a big priority in markets more focused on sportsbikes, tourers, and naked bikes, Avon says that 600cc-plus dirt-styled bikes have become more important over the last decade. Bikes like the BMW R1200 GS and Triumph Adventure are amongst the best sellers in many markets, Avon adds.
Dunlop has launched TrailSmart, a tyre designed for modern adventure bikes and riders. The brand said the new tyres have “exceptional” wet and dry grip, improving handling both on and off-road, along with increased mileage. The tyre builds on the achievement of the DunlopTrailmax TR91 tyre, tailored for the evolving adventure bike segment.
Guildford Tyre Company has announced that the company will launch GTC Motorcycle this April. The new business will be headed up by Terry Rymer, the ex-double World Champion. Rymer joins GTC Motorcycle with a lifetime of experience in the motorcycle industry. In his role of business development manager, he will use his contacts to increase […]
Pirelli’s Diablo Supercorsa SP will be fitted to the new Ducati 1299 Panigale, 1299 Panigale S and Panigale R as original equipment in 120/70 ZR17 (front) and 200/55 ZR17 (rear). The Italian tyre manufacturer says the tyre represents technologies developed as a result of Pirelli’s racing experience and heritage as sole supplier of the World Superbike Championship since 2004. The latest fitments are the latest in a series of OE deals with Ducati and other marques.
“It is extremely positive to see that motorcycle registrations in 2014 were at their highest since 2009, suggesting that the improving economic recovery is finally having a positive effect on bike sales”, said Stephen Latham, Head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) which represents motorcycle retailers across the UK.
“With the winter weather approaching we expect to see demand for motorcycles at a yearly low, however it is encouraging to see that sales in November were up 14.5 per cent compared to 2013”, said Stephen Latham, Head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) which represents motorcycle retailers across the UK.
In total 5,795 bikes were registered in November – an increase of 734 more units more than November 2013.
When you read the term EV it generally conjures up the image of a four-wheeled electric vehicle. But it needn’t be so. The UK’s first dedicated electric motorcycle riding facility is now open and is available for riders to experience the all-new KTM Freeride-E.
An official partner of KTM UK, E-SCAPE, in Cheshire, is a bespoke facility for electric bikes and offers tuition and test ride opportunities for riders of all abilities on KTM’s recently launched electrically driven off-road motorcycle.
Japanese tyre maker Bridgestone has teamed up with a couple of Ninjas in order to help maximise their performance. The Ninjas in question are the Kawasaki Ninja H2R and H2 supersport bikes, respectively launched on 30 September and 4 November; the pair will be fitted with Bridgestone’s Battlax tyres as original equipment. The Ninja H2R receives the Racing Battlax V01 in size 120/600R17 for the front wheel and size 190/650R17 on the rear, while the Ninja H2 comes with the Battlax Racing Street RS10 in size 120/70ZR17 M/C (58W) as standard on the front and size 200/55ZR17 M/C (78W) on the rear wheel.
The soon to be released Bridgestone Battlax Racing Street RS10 sport radial will be fitted as original equipment on the new Yamaha YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M supersport bikes in Europe and North America. The range was launched at the EICMA International Motorcycle Show in Milan, Italy on 3 November; a size 120/70ZR17 M/C (58W) front tyres and 190/55ZR17 M/C (75W) rear tyre will be supplied for both models, while a size 200/55ZR17 M/C (78W) rear tyre will also be fitted to the YZF-R1M.
Pirelli has announced its title sponsorship of the Offroad British Masters Series in 2015. Run by Offroad Motorsport UK, the Pirelli British Masters Series will be run over six rounds at some of the UK’s top motocross circuits, including Foxhills and HawkstonePark. The manufacturer said it would enhance the availability of rider tuition and prizes for competitors as part of the deal.
“September marked another stable month with a 6.4 per cent growth for the motorcycle market.” said Stephen Latham, Head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) which represents motorcycle retailers across the UK. In total, 757 more machines were registered in September 2014 than in September 2013, however it was expected there would have been a higher demand on the back of the new 14-plate change.
They travelled through 28 different countries and set a new world record for visiting 25 EU Capital cities in just one trek. The 21-day expedition took them as far north as Helsinki, as far south as Athens, to Bucharest in the East and to Lisbon in the west. Harry Glover, 49, of 4/73 Special OP Battery and Pete Bray, 58, of 22 SAS, took on the gruelling trek called ‘Triumph over Tragedy’ to promote three charities close to their hearts. The charities involved are the Armed Forces supporters BLESMA and Soldiers off the Street, along with the Alder Hey Children’s Charity.
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