It’s taken the Metzeler tyre design team a fair while to get round to updating the firm’s widely-lauded Roadtec 01 sport-touring tyre, launched back in 2016, but I guess they followed the mantra of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’.
The new Metzeler Roadtec 02 is described by the manufacturer as a “super-sport touring” tyre, with adaptive tread pattern technology that adapts the tyre’s behaviour between the two disciplines. This new development alters the geometry of the grooves within the tread depending on the riding style – a relatively easy-going style of riding opens long grooves in the tread to provide quicker warm-up and a higher rate of water dispersal, whereas a sportier and more aggressive style with more lateral loading causes the grooves to close up, adding extra stability and creating a larger contact area. Metzeler says the new tread pattern also reduces road noise.
The rear tyres are dual compound and come in a range of 17in sizes from 150/70 up to a 190/55, while the single-compound front tyre comes in 120/70 ZR17 or a pair of 19in options.
Pirelli Tyres; 01283 525252; www.metzeler.com