Motorbike Tyres
“In what is traditionally a low volume month for motorcycle registrations, it was encouraging to see a strong 4 per cent growth in sales over the same period last year – ahead of the 66-plate change next month”, said Stephen Latham, Head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) which represents motorcycle retailers across the UK.
The Michelin Group has acquired Levorin, a Brazilian manufacturer of bicycle and motorcycle tyres.
Levorin is a family business which was founded in 1943 by Hercules Levorin. It specializes in the production of tyres for the commuter segment in Brazil. In 2015 Levorin had an annual turnover of 135 million euros and employs 2,000 people at its two plants in Sao Paulo and Manaus.
This week, with more commuter-sized motorcycles and scooters being sold than ever before, TyreSafe has unveiled dedicated materials to help keep riders safe on their daily travels. Launched to coincide with the Motorcycle Industry Association’s (MCIA) Ride to Work Week, the potentially life-saving advice for scooter commuters includes choosing the right tyre, essential routine maintenance and understanding when a replacement should be fitted.
Maxxis has confirmed it will renew its winning partnership with British Superbike legend, Chris ‘Stalker’ Walker in 2016. The MCE BSB runner-up and multiple race winner will once again be the face of Maxxis’ road bike offering, and continue to help the manufacturer develop the next generation of track and tarmac tyres.
The company will also continue its relationship with Lee Dunham and, in return for this support, the successful rider-turned-trainer will assist the Maxxis R&D team to create the next generation of motocross tyres
‘STORM Pulse’ is the world’s first long-distance electric motorcycle, with a range of 380 kilometres. The radical motorcycle has been developed by the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) student team who will be riding this motorcycle around the world in 80 days in 2016.
For this challenge, the team have chosen Dunlop’s latest Sport Touring tyre – the RoadSmart III.
CEAT, India’s second largest two-wheeler tyre company, has signed an exclusive distribution partnership with Pirelli. Pirelli was once the owner of CEAT – Cavi Electrici e Affini Torino SpA – but RPG acquired CEAT in India in 1982. Nevertheless Pirelli continued to hold the global rights for the brand until five years ago.
Figures from the Motor Cycle Industry Association show that, in June, registrations of scooters and mopeds were down -7.8 per cent compared with June 2014, at 846 units. However, June motorcycle registrations were up 21.6 per cent year on year at 12,282 units. Overall, two-wheeler sales in June 2015 rose 19.2 per cent.
The year to date registration figures are encouraging too, with the sector showing sales over the first six months of 60,965 machines; a 12.9 per cent rise over the first half of 2014.
Dunlop’s motorsport reputation continues to be tied to the Isle of Man TT. The tyre brand supplied three winners, with a further seven podium places claimed on Dunlop rubber in 2015 – it is the most successful tyre manufacturer in the history of the races.
The National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) has reported the continuation of positive growth in the UK motorcycle market. “It is positive to see that the motorcycle market has continued to grow, with dealers reporting a 10.7 per cent increase in registrations in May”, said Stephen Latham, the association’s head. Registrations in May closely resemble the average market increase of 11.3 per cent through the first quarter of 2015.
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 […]
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