[Big Machine Zero: Reported by: Takao Aoki, Photo by: Pirelli Japan]
In recent years, the High-Performance V-Twin cruiser boasts high output and maneuverability comparable to sports models. The new "CRUISETEC" launched by METZELER, is a new cruiser tire that makes those models even more sporty.
No more disappointment with tires!
▲ CRUISETEC Tax Included Price: OPEN •Corresponding Models: All V-Twin Cruisers such as Harley
A media test ride for the new "CRUISTEC" by METZELER was held in Sicily, Italy.
The tires were developed for Harley-Davidson and Indians, but METZELER already has ME88 Marathon/Ultra Race Cruiser Tire with a reputation for long life and weatherproofing. Why a new product was needed? It was immediately understood after the motorcycle start running. While for a cruiser, it produces a light handling, and it is excellent in cornering performance.
Mr. Salvatore Pennisi, head of development at the technology briefing before the test ride, said, "What users request has been changed," and "No satisfaction if it is not a high-performance for the cruiser."
Nowadays, Harleys and Indians have high engine power, and the motorcycle body and foot grounding have been enhanced to provide high performance for sports riding. After purchasing the unit, the owners changed their suspension and wheels with high-performance and it's a bit different from the days when decorated the cruisers with decoration parts, because they liked the custom to run aggressive, such as modifying the engine.
In response to the demand from riders who prefer high-performance cruisers, the CRUISETEC was born with the idea of creating more high-grip tires.
The test drive was through a thrilling winding drive from the highway to the foot of Mount Etna, the Europe's largest active volcano, and also the track moved to the circuit to check the wet performance.
The tire was tested while changing motorcycle of Harley Fat Bob, the Iron 1200, and the INDIAN SCOUT, but it has a high pace from beginning to end by the lead rider of METZELER.
In the case with the target users, instead of being shaken by the beating of the V-twin on the straight road, the main goal was to fully enjoy the sport riding while taking advantage of the big torque of a heavy horse power.
Moderate quickness and safety feeling in the wet course condition
Well, it's important to ride with comfort, but first of all, the body of the motorcycle when entering the corner is smooth, and the 19-inches front tire of IRON 1200 falls down more quickly, and the 16-inches front tire of FAT BOB and INDIAN SCOUT are turning sharply from the end.
It is not only quick, but it also has a moderate degree of calmness, and the feeling of a comfortable grip is transmitted to the rider while turning. The shallowness of the bank angle is disappointing which get in touch with the road early.
The lightweight of the body in the first stage of turning is not only drainage of the tread pattern of the front wheel but also the result of pursuing how to put the groove so as to lay sharp. The compound is dual in the rear, the center part is divided into a long life, the shoulder is flexible to grip the road surface, uneven tire wear is also suppressed.
The pavement on the area is rough and the sand is floated, and it was slippery to see, but the ground contact surface moves like bending and catches the road surface firmly to create good traction, which gives extra space. Even if the cruiser is not good at tight corners, it changes the direction, and it can be a pleasure to open the accelerator wide without the power of the V-Twin's powerful torque.
In addition, at high-speed corners, which tend to crumble due to the lack of rigidity of the tires and tend to hesitate to open the accelerator, the rigidity of the shoulders is firm so that you can drive through at high speed. For example, the curve at the exit of the highway and the following curve.
When you go down the ramp at high speed, you can exit the corner while accelerating without mercy even in the scene where the accelerator is always closed and endured.
It has good shock absorption and comfortable to ride. Cruiser tires are designed for hard vertical springs and stiff, but CRUISETEC has long vertical springs for a soft and comfortable ride.
I was able to test the wet road surface by tapping into the water on the closed course. The newly developed compound can maintain high grip even in rainy weather or winter when the road surface temperature drops, and it can reduce fatigue because it can lay the body without anxiety even in wet conditions. High sense of security in the wet road surface.
I felt that even in the dry road, I do not have to worry because I have enough grip, and the comfort and ease of the cruiser were felt thanks to this tire, even if it was to increase the pace.
Still, life remains the same as the ME88 series, and it is also perfect for long trips. It is a long-awaited high-performance tire for riders to ride on the old aged cruiser model.
It is strong against rain!
In the closed course, there is also a test of a wet road surface. By the new tread pattern with excellent drainage, the highly weather-resistant compound is also resistant to wet road surfaces. It should also be noted that the operation of ABS is clearly slowed down with sudden braking.
Achieves a light first stage turning
The cruisers that tend to be heavy in the first stage of turning are smooth and light with the finely chopped tread pattern. I was good at cornering while achieving high wet performance.
The rear tire is a dual compound, which prevents the center from rubbing down extremely even after long distances. It maintains light handling with uniform tire wear.
Characteristic tread pattern directly connected to high performance
＜FRONT＞
The alternately arranged front long grooves (red) contribute to the drainage and breaking performance of the water film. The effectiveness of ABS has also been optimized.
＜REAR＞
In addition to wet grip, the long groove (red) maximizes the ground surface while reducing tire wear and improves grip. The bridge part (blue) which cuts the groove finely contributes to the stability.
SIZE
The lineup of radial and bias ply tires compatible with the latest V Twin Cruiser. The rear is also set ultra-thick of 260 size. It will be released around the end of June 2019.
METZELER
It is a Germany tire brand that was founded in 1892. They have been focusing on motorcycle tires for over a hundred years and 14 million motorcycle tires per year. Metzler is engaged in tire development with the aim of making further progress in the 21st century as a Pirelli Brand. Also, many of Metsler's staff trained in German Autobahn (Autobahn is the federal controlled-access highway system in Germany) are enthusiastic riders. That's why they understand the true meaning of what the riders really want and what they expect.
