FIRST LOOK: Metzeler Roadtec 01

Metzeler's Racetec RR has been named "Tire of the Year" by the British MCN magazine, a notable award in recognition of the tire's superb performance at the Isle of Man TT. Meanwhile, this German tire maker (now owned by Pirelli) is also unveiling its Roadtec 01, the newest member of its Interact family of radial tires.

The Roadtec 01 is a totally new sport-touring radial that replaces the highly respected Roadtec Z8 Interact. It comes in two versions: a standard model for middleweight sport and touring bikes, and as HWM for Heavy Weight Motorcycles. The first uses a two-ply construction at the front tire, and a single ply at the rear. The HWM, for added structural rigidity and stability, uses two-ply construction at both ends. Extra front rigidity is attained via stiffer materials in the sidewalls and plies.

A single tread compound loaded with silica is used in the front Roadtec 01, while the rear has a dual compound solution with silica-rich sides and a center section with mix of silica and black carbon. The desired result is a highly versatile and consistent touring radial that offers strong sporty performance, even for large bikes.

The tread pattern is new, with the front tire featuring a sequence of rounded V cuts designed to offer superior grip and stability in braking on wet tarmac. Metzeler says the new Roadtec 01 comes in a wide range of sizes, and will work on bikes that range from 250-300cc sport-tourers all the way up to the heavy 1000cc highway burners.