The Metzeler Sportec M7 RR motorcycle tire is one of the novelties of the renowned German company, which, like its predecessor Sportec M5 Interact, is designed for super- and hyperbikes. The same technologies used in sports models used in the famous Isle Of Man TT races were used in its development. At the same time, the manufacturer preferred not to abandon the solutions that have proven themselves well on the tire of the previous generation. This refers to the radial carcass with winding parallel to the direction of movement.
70-100% Silica
Due to differences in operating conditions, the design of the front and rear tires of this model differs significantly. In particular, the tread of the front tire is entirely made of silica. The process of manufacturing the rubber compound is patented, and its composition is a secret "behind seven seals". The manufacturer notes that the compound provides stable coupling properties in a very wide temperature range.
In turn, the tread of the rear tire Metzeler Sportec M7 RR has a multi-layer structure. Its inner "basic" layer is made of a compound that consists of 70% silica. The remaining 30% is natural rubber and special polymeric compounds that provide tear resistance. In the central part of the tread pattern, this layer comes out to the outside over a width of 46 mm. This solution provides higher wear resistance and also significantly accelerates the process of warming up the tire to working temperature. The rest of the tread, like the front tire, is fully made of silica.
Optimized drainage system
When developing this model, the experience gained from operating the Sportec M5 Interact was taken into account. The drainage grooves of the rear tire were reduced in size, which allowed increasing the contact patch by 1.5%. The front tire, on the other hand, became larger, which led to a decrease in the contact patch by 2.1%. This solution is due to the fact that when moving, the front wheel has to handle the removal of more water than the rear wheel.
At the same time, it is impossible not to note the changed location and shape of the drainage grooves. Now, a significant part of them is located longitudinally very close to the center of the tread, and those in the shoulder zones have a variable depth and width, which has increased their throughput.
Improved handling
Another innovation was the changed profile shape. It was optimized so that the biker can more easily change the angle of the motorcycle's tilt. At the same time, the contact patch at strong tilt angles was significantly increased, which improves traction and directional stability when cornering.
Main features of the Metzeler Sportec M7 RR motorcycle tire
- stable coupling properties in a very wide temperature range due to the patented composition of the compound and the technology of its production;
- fast warm-up to working temperature, increased tear resistance, and wear resistance due to the multi-layered rear wheel tread;
- optimized shape and location of drainage grooves improve traction on wet roads;
- excellent handling at any tilt angles of the motorcycle due to the optimized profile shape.