Bridgestone today announced the launch of the BRIDGESTONE BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23, a new sports radial motorcycle tyre for street use that will be available from January 2024.
The Bridgestone BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 is the latest product in Bridgestone’s BATTLAX range of premium motorcycle tyres, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2023. Delivering various performance improvements over its predecessor, the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 is a next-generation sports tyre that’s engineered to meet the requirements of sporty riding on asphalt, featuring increased levels of exceptional dry grip performance when riding on circuits or cornering on mountain roads.
METZELER ROADTEC 02, the new sport touring tyre from Metzeler brand, is successfully completing the final development and testing phases and, starting from January 2024, will be available for sale to the public.
Compared to its predecessor ROADTEC 01, ROADTEC 02 significantly improves dynamic performance, primarily handling and wet road behaviour, and does so by using a high percentage of materials of natural origin (materials entirely or partially derived from biomass: plants and vegetables) or recycled.
The segment to which ROADTEC 02 belongs is the Sport-Touring one, i.e. that of tyres for mixed sport and touring use, but with this product the Metzeler brand has further raised the bar of sportiness by effectively creating a "Super Sport Touring" tyre. It is able to boast the typical characteristics of a touring tyre, such as high mileage and excellent grip on wet surfaces, combined with many of those more typical of super sports tyres, such as its handling which gives new levels of sportiness.
The PIRELLI SCORPION Trail III is the new enduro street tyre from Pirelli developed for maxi enduros that combine excellent performance on asphalt and in light off-road usage. The tyre is completing its final and rigorous outdoor tests and will be on sale to the public starting from January 2024.
In recent years the enduro street segment has become one of the most important on the market and Pirelli has chosen to develop tyres with increasingly sporty road performance but with an off-road look, with particular attention to ease of use in different road conditions.
Pirelli SCORPION Trail III in fact presents an aggressive tread look behind which lies strong technological innovation. It takes advantage of the most recent technologies, materials, and processes, as well as the knowledge acquired by Pirelli in the ‘big enduro’ segment, to respond to the most demanding market expectations by offering first-rate road qualities. Compared to its predecessor SCORPION Trail II, the new tyre guarantees significantly improved road handling and sportier behaviour thanks to excellent grip, as well as better performance in the wet. Furthermore, SCORPION Trail III ensures stability even with full load and can best interact with the machine's electronic systems. Finally, as regards to off-road riding, abrasion resistance has been significantly improved, which is an important parameter for those who love venturing on dirt roads.
Motocross riders will soon have a new tire to conquer deep sand with added traction and control when the new Mitas TERRA FORCE-MX SAND 2 comes off the line this October. Developed and tested with racers, this new rear tire was designed to give top traction in deep and soft sand. The new tread pattern will replace the current SAND pattern for rear wheels.
Mitas continues its drive to be the brand of choice for ultimate endurance enthusiasts, this time with the launch of its newest tire line, the ENDURO TRAIL-RALLY. This next generation tire line is the result of years of development and off-road testing by rally racers and is made to tackle tough terrain and any weather.
Mitas continues its drive to be the brand of choice for ultimate endurance enthusiasts, this time with the launch of its newest tire line, the ENDURO TRAIL-RALLY. This next generation tire line is the result of years of development and off-road testing by rally racers and is made to tackle tough terrain and any weather.
The ENDURO TRAIL-RALLY range comes in one rear tire and three different front tire options designed to give bikes greater stability, handling and puncture-proof resistance, even at high speeds. Riders can count on long-lasting durability even when put to the test of extreme endurance competitions.
Gustavo Pinto Teixeira, Vice President of Two Wheels and Specialty Tires at Yokohama TWS, remarks: “With this new line, Mitas now offers a complete tire range for rally riders. We took feedback from Dakar Rally racers to build a strong range of rally competition tires. We can’t wait to see how they perform in the 2024 Dakar Rally, the grand debut for the new Mitas ENDURO TRAIL-RALLY tires.”
Mitas announces the latest addition to its already extensive adventure tire portfolio: the Mitas ENDURO TRAIL-XT+. It is the next generation in a long line of Mitas off-road adventure tires conceived for riders who want to push the limits in off-road adventuring, with a tire they can trust to take them all the way.
Mitas announces the latest addition to its already extensive adventure tire portfolio: the Mitas ENDURO TRAIL-XT+. It is the next generation in a long line of Mitas off-road adventure tires conceived for riders who want to push the limits in off-road adventuring, with a tire they can trust to take them all the way.
Dunlop has revealed the newest addition to its enduro tire range: Dunlop Geomax EN91 EX. Based on the race-winning Geomax EN91, the new EN91 EX rear tire is designed for both highly skilled enduro riders racing in the most extreme events and weekend enthusiasts seeking improved performance for their enduro rides.
This super soft tire promises an unprecedented level of performance, offering enhanced grip, particularly on the most challenging and slippery terrains, as well as superior traction across a wide spectrum of landscapes. It has been designed for use in races where FIM-compliant and/or road-legal tires are not required by regulations.
Geomax EN91 EX features an uncompromising trials competition compound, delivering superior grip on exceptionally challenging and slippery terrains. Its block pattern incorporates taller blocks to assist riders in gaining grip beneath loose terrain, while the construction enhances absorption with modified carcass properties, yielding improved feedback and control for riders. In contrast to the standard EN91, the casing boasts greater rigidity, facilitating enhanced surface penetration for increased traction.
Luca Davide Andreoni, Motorcycle Marketing Manager, Dunlop Europe stated: “With the launch of the Geomax EN91 EX, Dunlop is taking enduro tire technology to new heights. This tire is designed specifically for highly skilled enduro riders, offering unmatched grip and traction on the most challenging terrains so they can get ultimate performance in the toughest competitions.”
The Dunlop Geomax EN91 EX is produced as a rear fitment, available in 140/80-18 and can be combined with any Geomax 80/100-21 or 90/90-21 front, according to rider preference and terrain condition. Geomax EN91 EX is best used with the Dunlop Enduro mousse for optimum performance. It is available from September 2023 in Europe.
Mitas is looking to further strengthen its position as a leader in Enduro racing by introducing its entirely new Mitas Terra Force EX.
The new tyre line 2023, tested by Enduro racers for performance in all types of terrains, is designed to deliver more power, control and endurance even under the most extreme conditions.
Variety and Quality
The TERRA FORCE-EX series offers you four different profiles in numerous versions and dimensions. Developed by enduro racers, this line stands for increased performance, control and durability, even in the most extreme conditions.
Strengthening of the market position
Gustavo Pinto Teixeira, Vice President of Two Wheels and Specialty Tires at Yokohama TWS, is excited about the launch of the Mitas TERRA FORCE-EX. He stresses that this development strengthens Mitas' position as a major player in the enduro and dual-sport sectors. Customers can look forward to supplying TERRA FORCE-EX tires this fall and beyond.
Street legal tire lineThe Mitas TERRA FORCE-EX tire family offers a wide range of profiles tailored to different types of terrain. From soft to hard conditions, from wet to dry conditions, this family of tires has something to offer every enduro rider. Discover the variety and quality that Mitas brings to the market with the TERRA FORCE-EX tire family!
The mandatory minimum tread depth for motorcycle tires in Germany and other countries such as France, Spain and Switzerland is 1.6 millimeters.
For mopeds and light motorcycles, at least one millimeter of tread depth is required.
Elsewhere, in Italy, Norway and Finland, for example, people make do with 1.0 millimeter, according to Conti, and in Great Britain and the United States even 0.8 millimeters. If a tire manufacturer advises the timely purchase of new tires, this does not seem entirely altruistic. But Continental, for example, can give good reasons. With decreasing tread depth, a tire builds up less temperature, they say. Deep tread works more, generates more heat through more friction, and thus more grip.
With full tread, the manufacturer also says there is less risk of suffering a puncture. Above all, however, the ability to absorb water increases in the rain.
Aquaplaning in motorcycle tires
For the new Road Attack 3 sport-touring tire, the rubber experts at Conti's Korbach-based two-wheeler division cite a water absorption rate of half a liter per second at a speed of 100 km/h - provided the full tread depth of 7 mm is available. With just 2 mm, the value drops to 200 milliliters per second and with 0.8 mm of tread to 125 milliliters, they say.
This motorcycle tire news is not available in your language / country.
Please choose from one of the available versions.
Klick on the flag below!
Dunlop Motorcycle Tires is excited to introduce the latest addition to the Geomax family - the Dunlop Geomax MX34, an engineering feat designed to deliver unrivaled performance and control. The MX34 is a versatile powerhouse that can handle more terrain with greater ease. With an advanced mud evacuation system, new carcass material, and state-of-the-art Progressive Cornering Block Technology (PCBT), the MX34 provides enhanced grip and unbeatable traction. Whether you are competing professionally or hitting the trails on the weekends, you can trust the MX34 to provide the stability and control you need to perform at your best. With this new tire, you will have the confidence to take on any challenge and come out on top.
The Geomax MX34 truly excels in soft/intermediate terrain conditions, with an emphasis on softer conditions. Dunlop’s goal was to provide a tire that delivers real performance advantages to give racers a true competitive edge by improving overall performance in a broader range of conditions all while keeping its durability. To do this, Dunlop relied on top AMA Pro racers, Team Dunlop Elite amateur racers for small bike sizes, and the testing team at the Dunlop Proving Grounds in Huntsville, Alabama to develop the tire on a wide range of tracks and conditions.
The Metzeler tire brand has been selected by the Department for Enterprise of the Isle of Man as Official Tire with a sponsorship contract for the TT Races for the five-year period 2023-2027.
Paul Phillips, Head of Motorsport - Isle of Man Department for Enterprise
“Metzeler are a welcome addition to the line-up of official sponsoring brands for this year’s Isle of Man TT Races. Our commercial objective is to work collaboratively with our Official partners to add value to the TT experience for everyone involved in the event. Metzeler is already integrally associated with the TT and is the tire of choice for many teams competing in the event, with a proven performance track record. We are sure that this will be a successful partnership that will grow in strength over the years to come.”
Francesco Pietrangeli, Motorcycle Marketing Director Metzeler brand
“The Isle of Man TT is one of the oldest and best known motorcycle races in the world and has a unique and timeless appeal. Metzeler tires have been involved in Road Racing for some time and over the years have contributed to the successes of many riders by supporting them and making our RACETEC RR tires available to them. We are very delighted with the agreement which represents the natural evolution of our commitment to Road Racing and it is also the best way to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the birth of our brand".
The Metzeler RACETEC RR tires already used by the riders have been developed thanks to Metzeler's experience in Road Racing competitions which, as is known, do not take place on circuits but on roads that are open to the public throughout the year and where all the situations that any motorcyclist may have to face on a daily basis can be found. And it is precisely for this reason that road racing has always been the testing and development ground for Metzeler tires. Thanks to its participation in Road Racing activities and to the acquired know-how, the Metzeler tire range has been enriched by giving life to successful tires, including the sporty SPORTEC M9 RR.
The Tourist Trophy has been run since 1907 on the road circuit of the Snaefell Mountain Course, a 60.720 km track on the Isle of Man. Over the years it has become an iconic competition characterized by charm, tradition, glory, passion and adrenaline, values also shared by those choosing Metzeler tires, a brand that boasts a history of over a century and a half full of motorsport successes and technology.
Avon Tyres, a traditional motorcycle tire brand, will be given a new direction under the Goodyear brand group. After the integration in 2022, Goodyear is looking positively to the future and, with Avon and Dunlop, is now presenting a comprehensive range of motorcycle tires for European motorcyclists. Avon's portfolio will focus on the most popular products and will sensibly complement the Dunlop motorcycle tire product range.
Well-known tire profiles in the Avon motorcycle tire range include the Avon Cobra Chrome (custom tire), Avon Roadrider MKII (bias touring tire), AVON 3D SUPERSPORT (hypersport tire), Avon Spirit ST (sport touring tire), Avon Streetrunner (bias tire), Avon Trailrider and Avon Trekrider (travel enduro tire), AVON SAFETY MILEAGE and AVON SPEEDMASTER (classic tire) and the Viper Stryke (scooter tire).
Goodyear's long-term strategy is to use the motorcycle competence center in Montlucon (France) to drive the development of both brands. Many of the Dunlop brand's premium motorcycle tires as well as the racing tires for the Moto2 World Championship™ and the Endurance World Championship (EWC) are developed and produced in Montlucon.
In MOTORRAD (issue 07/2023), sport and sport-touring motorbike tyres were tested on the KTM 390 DUKE in the dimensions 110/70 R17 and 150/60 R17.
Three manufacturers received the test rating "very good" BRIDGESTONE S22, METZELER M9 RR, MICHELIN ROAD 6
One manufacturer received a "good" DUNLOP GPR 300
Two have to be content with a "satisfactory". CONTINENTAL CONTIMOTION CHENG SHIN CST CM-615 CM-616
How MOTORRAD tests
A quick tyre test on a country road? Not conceivable! Such tests are only seriously feasible on specially designed test tracks of the tyre industry. In this case, we were able to use the premises of the Japanese manufacturer Bridgestone in Nettuno (near Rome). For the asphalt test, we used the 2.2 km long "Carrera track" with many bends, for the wet test we used the permanently watered, 1.6 km long handling track. These criteria are the focus of the MOTORRAD evaluation:
*Sections marked with an asterisk are transferable to motorbikes that have a similar geometry to the KTM 390 Duke. **Indicated is the price range for a set of tyres (front/rear) in the tested version in common tyre online shops, as of 1 March 2023.
BRIDGESTONE S22 - "Conclusion: The Bridgestone S 22 is a sports tyre that shines in this test above all with its excellent everyday qualities. Perfect handling is joined by 1a rain qualities with the best braking values in the test."
METZELER M9 RR - Verdict: "Sportiness in sun and rain - the Metzeler is a recommendation for cornering junkies, whatever the weather. For a sports tyre, a very unusual and, in this test, very impressive combination."
MICHELIN ROAD 6 - Verdict: "The bottom line is that the Michelin offers a very balanced package for everyday riding. Beginners who ride their 125 or 48 hp bike year-round will quickly come to appreciate the Road 6's good-natured characteristics."
DUNLOP GPR 300 - Conclusion: "With the Dunlop, an entry-level bike like the 390 KTM in this test clearly gains in sportiness. Even in the rain, the GPR-300 delivers enough grip to push around corners with decent confidence."
CONTINENTAL CONTIMOTION - Conclusion: "In good weather, the ContiMotion is really fun on country roads, even if they are small and winding, and leaves a good impression. In the rain, its restrained grip quickly makes it lack confidence."
CHENG SHIN CST CM-615 CM-616 - "Conclusion: Fair-weather riders on 125s won't feel any shortcomings, but in the rain you quickly reach the CST's limit. On bikes in the 48 hp class, however, the tyre is not a recommendation on dry or wet asphalt."
The entire tyre test can be reordered as a print edition or PDF here.
Also in the next issue there will be a test and technical analysis tyre wear. Which factors are decisive for outstanding mileage?
This motorcycle tire news is not available in your language / country.
Please choose from one of the available versions.
Klick on the flag below!
This motorcycle tire news is not available in your language / country.
Please choose from one of the available versions.
Klick on the flag below!
Expected to hit the market in April 2023, the additional sizes, 120/70ZR17, 180/55ZR17 and 190/55ZR17, expand the range to a total of six sizes.
A new tubeless version will be available in 2023 from the MITAS SW-07 SPEEDWAY wich was presented last year.
Marked with two orange stripes for better differentiation.
03/13/2022 Mitas introduces a new version of the MITAS SW-07 SPEEDWAY tire, one of the tires most commonly used by speedway racers all over the world. The most advanced speedway tire Mitas has ever made, it is specifically designed for the highest level of competitive speedway racing.
A newly developed compound and construction for the SW-07 SPEEDWAY tire provides improved grip and footprint, delivering an extraordinary performance throughout the race. The new version is easily recognizable by an orange stripe marking on the tread pattern.
All the tire features of this new Mitas tire are strictly designed and implemented in accordance with International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) regulations and it can therefore be used in all races and championships under FIM.
