The latest news for the UK motorcycle tyre industry, by email weekly
- Newsletter 212: 02.07.10
MotoGP With the MotoGP event calendar at its fullest, last Saturday saw the TIM TT Assen, to be followed, this weekend, by the Gran Premi Aperol De Catalunya.
At Assen, and the 80th anniversary of the Dutch TT, Jorge Lorenzo, with Fiat Yamaha, served up his fourth victory this season, leaving Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda, in second place, and Ducati Team's Casey Stoner third, the latter's first podium in the 2010 Championship series.......more
Metzeler's new Z8, on test Metzeler recently launched new Roadtect Interact Z8, their latest offering to the Sport/Touring market, and MCN put the newly arrived Metzeler baby to the test, fitted to a Yamaha FZ8 aswell as Honda's CB1000R and VFR1200, also BMW's R1200RT; a broad spectrum of "naked" and S/T machinery.
With Roadtec Interact Z8, the tyre manufacturer recognizes that more riders of all types of bike are turning to Sport/Touring tyres, knowing that the latest S/T products can do everything from, yes, long touring trips, to, easily, the occasional track day
With an aggressively styled tread pattern, and Metzeler Interact technology, the Z8 is designed to give "high levels of grip, with impressive longevity, while providing a cushioned ride and increased wet weather performance".
During their test, MCN's Jon Urry was asked to ride a Bandit 1250 fitted with a new Z8 front tyre, and a rear which had done 7500 miles, with just 2mm of tread left. Expecting the Bandit to "handle like a pig", under the circumstances, Urry experienced only a 10% fall-off in handling, and rode confidently as the rear tyre reached the end of its life...more
Dunlop's GPR Alpha-10 is no more The UK has been unusual in demanding Dunlop's GPR Alpha-10 in large quantities, the tyre being a unique and specific option for 125-400cc sport bikes, and "OE" on Aprilia's RS125, and Cagivas Mito/Raptor in the same cc.
GPR Alpha-10 has now been superseded in Japan, but there are no plans to bring the replacement into the UK, because of falling sales in this "niche" tyre sector
There will be limited availability of the Alpha-10 for some time yet, but, ultimately, riders will need to look to Dunlop Qualifier, where suitable, or other alternatives.
International Dirt Bike Show 2010
It will be here before you know it, and the 2010 International Dirt Bike Show looks to be a big one, with exhibition space sales already running well ahead of last year, according to Motorcycle Trader's e-news service.
When attendance at shows generally was down in 2009, the IDBS saw visitor figures rise, suggesting a market sector which has withstood the worst effects of the recession.
The new International aspect of the show, aims to attract foreign visitors and exhibitors to Europe's only major specialist off-road show.......more
Valentino Rossi - the latest Valentino Rossi continues to recover from the broken leg he suffered at Mugello, and sent a message to his fans, telling them that, if his recovery continues apace, he fully intends to return to action, at the Czech Grand Prix, in Brno, on 15th August, when nine races will remain in the Championship this year. ......more
Dunlop at the Goodwood Festival of Speed The Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place over the coming weekend, and Dunlop are making sure that there will be plenty of interest to motorcycle enthusiasts.
Ian Hutchinson's Isle of Man TT Superbike and Senior TT winning machine, the FTR M209 Moto2 prototype machine, Keith Amor's victorious BMW S1000R, and Phil Read's British Thundersport Vyrus are amongst the line up of Dunlop shod champion's bikes, to view at the tyre manufacturer's "Dunlop Live" Stable Yard and Stand......more
June's prize winner, with Bridgestone Well done to Rob, at Abbey Motorcycles in Leicester, who was the first to correctly identify Bridgestone's BT-023 as the S/T tyre which, "You'll have to travel a very, very long way to beat", in last week's monthly competition with our number one brand, Bridgestone, the UK Market Leader !
A gift of an Italian delicacy is on its way to Rob and his colleagues to enjoy.
July's competition will appear in this e-newsletter, on Friday 30th July
