Metzeler Rolls Out Sportec M-1
METZELER ROLLS OUT SPORTEC M-1
TECHNOLOGY-ORIENTED buzzwords are pretty much standard fare when it comes to the rollout of a new sport tire. “Metzeler Advanced Winding” system was the catchphrase of the day for last October’s introduction of the German manufacturer’s secondgeneration zero-degree, steelbelted Sportec M-1 radial.
MAW is a new production technique that allows Metzeler to tune flex across the entire width of the tire’s tread for optimal control of the contact patch.
Designed to replace the MEZ3 and MEZ3R, with sizing to fit everything from 250s to Open-classers, the M-1 is positioned between the sport-touring MEZ4 and Rennsport roadrace rubber. The M-1 carries only a small price hike over the MEZ3, while allegedly delivering improved grip in both dry and wet conditions, lighter handling, increased stability and even better mileage.
The M-1 ’s advanced compounding uses Silica-Silan and the thermal-transfer properties of steel belting to distribute heat much more evenly and quickly throughout the tire than would a textile belted application. In lay-
terms, this means exceptional low-temperature grip. The M1 also employs multi-radius profiling for noticeably lighter handling than on a constant-radius design, such as the MEZ3. The front tire uses a sharper center radius for a narrower contact patch when bolt upright, while a flatter shoulder radius affords a more sizable footprint for cornering. The rear has a third radius near the edge of the tread to provide more progressive warning as the tire begins to slide.
I recently logged 400 street miles and then another 100 track miles at the Streets of Willow Springs on a Suzuki GSXR1000 outfitted with a fresh set of M-1 s. Our group departed Ojai, California, on a cool and clear morning, taking Highway 33 into a shaded canyon outside of town. I can’t comment on the new skins’ wet-weather performance, but I can attest to their excellent cold performance, good cornering grip and neutral handling feel. The route to Willow Springs involved a wide range of road conditions, but the big Gixxer never felt twitchy or unstable.
On-track, performance was equally inspiring. After a string of hot laps, however, the front showed significantly more wear than the rear. Examining the tires of riders who were running a somewhat slower pace revealed no such sign of tread shred. My advice, then? Leave the full-on roadracing to the Rennsport, and realize that the purpose of the Sportec M-1 is to give even the most hardcore street pilots firm footing.
Don Canet
