Today’s road sport bikes are actually bikes with a much more cross-country nature and power than the common hypersport segment. In recent years, traditional supersport motorcycles – if you will forgive the term – share the mountain passes with crossovers, nakeds, or even roadsters; motorcycles that are as or more enjoyable on the road than racing replicas in terms of dynamic performance and with which they also share the size of the 17-inch front wheel.
Some of them have already chosen as original equipment a sport road tire capable of improving dynamic behavior, but in general we are seeing an increase in segments where it is not unreasonable to choose a sport road tire capable of supporting the riding qualities of motorcycles born to deliver exhilarating performance.
Tires have a big influence on the performance of the bike and a simple tire change can sometimes be surprising in terms of gaining performance – but also safety, of the bike, so why deprive yourself of a tire that is adequate in terms of grip and performance?
The Power5 and Power GP are Michelin’s two proposals for those looking for maximum performance while maintaining a balance between grip, mileage and wet grip.
The Power5 is, so to speak, Michelin’s most road-oriented sport tire, intended for owners of sport bikes – but, as we have seen, also for those who have a dynamic and powerful crossover or hypernaked bike – and its use is 100% on the road, a context where immediate safety and the feeling of contact are extremely important. The aim is to ensure excellent mileage, grip in all conditions – especially in the wet – as well as adequate traction when exiting curves, without forgetting the ability to support very different frames, in terms of masses and dynamic characteristics, when braking, where grip control at the front is fundamental.
Moving up a notch towards the ultra-sporty destination of Michelin tires (at the top of which is the unapproved Power Slick2), we find the Power GP. Here, the ideal range of use is extended to a few track days or driving courses, where the Power GP feels at ease and is able to complete a track day or a course with satisfaction.
Here, too, 2CT bi-compound technology is used at the front and 2CT+ at the rear, in this case with compounds with a dedicated silica/carbon balance to give the maximum both on the road and between rides. In view of its sportier vocation, the solid to tread ratio drops to 6.5% to leave more rubber on the sidewalls – now true “slick” areas – and increase grip at maximum lean angles, and the velvet effect design on the sidewalls provided by Premium Touch Technology is also present.
Source: motorcyclesports.net
