Metzeler has announced the release of two new tires in its Sportec range: the Sportec 01 and Sportec 01 RS. According to Metzeler, these tires are designed to cater to different riding styles and performance needs within the supersport category. The company says that the development of these tires benefited from Metzeler's experience in road racing, including their participation in the Isle of Man TT.
According to Metzeler, while both tires share the same DNA, they target different riders. The Sportec 01 is aimed at riders who want a versatile sporty tire that performs well in both dry and wet conditions, with predictable handling for various road conditions. The Sportec 01 RS, on the other hand, is designed for experienced riders who prioritize maximum dry grip, precise steering, and handling for both road and track use.
Target Riders and Motorcycles:
- Sportec 01: Intended for sporty riders who primarily ride on the road and desire confidence-inspiring performance in changing weather. Metzeler says this tire is suitable for supersport, naked, and sport-oriented crossover bikes.
- Sportec 01 RS: Targeted at experienced riders and performance enthusiasts who own supersport, high-performance naked, and hypernaked bikes. According to Metzeler, these riders seek direct feedback and track-day capabilities without needing to change tires at the circuit.
Tread Pattern:
Both the Sportec 01 and Sportec 01 RS feature a unified tread pattern design for the front and rear tires. Metzeler claims this design ensures consistent motorcycle behavior during braking and acceleration. The Sportec 01 features a redesigned tread pattern, evolved from previous Metzeler supersport tires, inspired by the Greek letter π. According to Metzeler, this design enhances water evacuation, directional stability, and performance in both wet and dry conditions. The Sportec 01 RS takes this concept further, with a slicker and more compact design to maximize the contact patch on dry surfaces.
Compounds:
- Sportec 01: Features a high-silica bi-compound architecture on both front and rear tires, designed for balanced performance across a wide temperature range. The front tire has a more stable central zone for braking and more flexible shoulders for grip while leaning. The rear tire has a central band optimized for stability and mileage, and high-grip shoulders for traction and acceleration.
- Sportec 01 RS: Uses an evolved bi-compound version with a sportier setup. The central zone is full silica for stability and control, while the shoulders use carbon black-based racing compounds derived from Metzeler’s road racing experience, including the Isle of Man TT. In the shoulder area, a racing-derived base layer, softer than the compound in contact with the road, aids in fast warm-up and consistent feedback.
Structure:
- Sportec 01: The structure is designed to provide balanced behavior between the front and rear. The front tire has a double rayon carcass and a 0° steel belt for stability under braking and directional precision. The rear tire has a single-ply rayon carcass and a 0° steel belt for support under acceleration and a wide footprint.
- Sportec 01 RS: Introduces an evolved structure using materials like PET (except for the 200/60 size, which uses rayon) to offer stability at high speeds, steering precision, and control in extreme riding conditions.
DYNATREAD Technology:
Both tires incorporate Metzeler’s patented DYNATREAD technology. This adaptive tread pattern system allows the tire to change its behavior based on stress, load, and riding style. During braking, acceleration, and high-demand use, the tread grooves tend to close dynamically, increasing the footprint. This maximizes rubber-to-asphalt contact when more grip is needed, while still ensuring effective water drainage in less demanding phases. According to Metzeler, DYNATREAD also helps reduce mechanical and thermal stress, limiting overheating, and offers riders greater control and confidence.
