QUICK REVIEW: Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact

The latest evolution of the Metzeler Roadtec sport-touring radials, the Roadtec Z8 Interact, is one of the most advanced and best-performing tires in its class. This has been confirmed by my personal experience with the tire, plus a number of comparative tests run by some of the most prominent motorcycle magazines in Europe.

Metzeler’s Roadtec Z8 Interact is a versatile radial, able to hold itself at sporty lean angles while also delivering excellent performance on wet surfaces, and above-average mileage. Metzeler is now part of the Pirelli Group, and thus has full access to the latest compounds, treads and carcass materials, particularly with regard to great grip and mileage.

With the Z8 Interact, Metzeler technicians met those disparate needs not by adopting multi-compound tread but by differentiating the tension of the belts in the carcass to exploit the specific characteristics of the rubber compounds. The belts have a higher tension around the main circumference of the tire to keep the area less prone to flex. This means less heat build up, and reduced wear when traveling straight on the highway. Reduced tension in the shoulders is designed to induce higher temperatures, for better grip quality when the bike is leaning over.

This is a positive approach, and the Metzeler technicians have managed it with a supreme degree of efficiency. In fact, this concept is applied to all the range of Metzeler radials, from the Roadtec to the Sportec and Racetec, this last a popular choice for open-road races such as the Isle of Man TT.