Michelin Road Classic Motorcycle Tyre
Michelin has launched its new MICHELIN Road Classic range of retro-look tyres designed specifically for classic and modern classic motorcycles running on 17, 18 and 19-inch wheels. Replacing the successful MICHELIN Pilot Activ, the new MICHELIN Road Classic
The directional tread pattern of the MICHELIN Road Classic range, with a groove to tread-rubber ratio of 26%, strikes the perfect balance between performance and aesthetics by employing slick centre and shoulder areas for optimum contact with the road and excellent dry grip. In wet conditions, the 100 per cent silica rubber compound and chamfered groove edges, which break through surface water, offer high levels of grip in these difficult conditions, with no compromise in terms of longevity. The casing of a motorcycle tyre must provide a reliable and durable solution to the complex equation of carrying the load of the bike and rider/pillion, being comfortable, maintaining high speeds without deforming, and limiting the heat generated between its different components to reduce wear rates. The casing design of the MICHELIN Road Classic manages all of these requirements by using two Bi-NST plies directly beneath the tread rubber to reduce centrifugal growth at speed, which in turn maintains a constant and optimum shaped contact patch with the road. Under these two top plies, two Bi-NC casing plies are rigid enough to support the load and provide stability in all situations, yet are supple enough to allow the rider and pillion to enjoy a comfortable ride. Finishing off the casing of the tyre is an airtight butyl rubber liner, meaning the tyres can be used tubeless when fitted to suitable tubeless wheels or with inner-tubes if required on a tube-type rim.
The result of these design elements and technologies is that compared to its predecessor the Road Classic offers better performance in all areas, with particularly large improvements in straight-line and cornering stability, and grip in both wet and dry conditions. In addition, comfort and general handling characteristics are also improved.
