THE RADIAL LEADER

There's no question Michelin is the leader when it comes to radial-tire technology for motorcycles. Most of the so-called "innovations" claimed by other brands were pioneered by Michelin long ago. Endless-belt construction? Michelin invented it in 1987. Kevlar belts? Michelin was first. 0-degree belt? Again, Michelin set the pace while everyone else followed. With the C3M process of tire construction Michelin again has "A better way forward". In fact, since Michelin introduced the first true radials for motorcycles in 1984, no one manufacturer has done more to refine and improve motorcycle radials than Michelin. The proof? Riders using Michelin radials have won 24 of the last 30 MotoGP world championships, including 2004. The 1994 though 2003 World Superbike championships were also won on Michelin radials before it became a spec tire series.

The Power One series of tires is the latest offering from Michelin for the Sportbike and Track-Day community. The Power One was 3 years in development, more than 35,000 laps on the track, 350 tire variations evaluated over 116 different tests, with temperatures from 3 to 54 degrees C, in dry and wet conditions, on more than 30 tracks throughout the world and with more than 130 different test riders, on standard road bikes and prototypes with 200hp; they used 2958 tires, all to complete the most intensive testing ever imagined for a tire. The Power One series combines 2CT (Two Compound Technology), CDT (Competition Design Technology), SCT (Synthetic Component Technology) and NST (Near Slick Technology) to Michelins latest High Performance Family.

Almost all of the Michelin Power Race range is manufactured using the C3M process, the same used to make MotoGP tires. This process consists of a single phase, instead of the seven traditionally used in tire manufacture. With the C3M process, it is possible to make the tire on a solid insert mould, so that the raw tire has the same form as the cooked one. This means that optimum quantities of tread can be applied with pinpoint accuracy – a feature of critical importance in the manufacture of a multi-compound tire like the Michelin Power Race.The resulting performance improvements mainly concern the balance between grip and wear.More importantly, by using C3M to make Michelin Power Race tires, we’ve achieved seamless synergy between MotoGP tires and their commercial counterparts.

The next generation of sport riding tires. The Michelin Pilot Power is the softest of the hypersport tyres currently available on the market. It is 6% softer than its nearest competitor. Michelin’s unique compound mixes and use of 100% silica ensures that there is no compromise in terms of durability, that is normally associated with soft compound tyres. The C3M process is also used in some of the tires in this series

The Michelin Pilot Race 2 series, although being phased out is still one of the top tires in the world. The Semi-Slick tread pattern maximizes the contact patch, especially at full lean angles.

The Sport/Touring tire on the cutting edge! Innovative radial structure with two plies at 75 degrees (all front sizes and some rear sizes), bound by a longitudinal zero-degree crown ply. This compliant casing promotes comfort, consistent handling under varying loads, and durability. Versatile rubber mix with 100-percent silica reinforcing fillers, providing the ideal compromise between grip and mileage. The silica fillers replace the conventional carbon black fillers normally used to bind the rubber molecules. These silica bonds are more elastic than carbon, reducing internal friction and excessive heat, helping to combat premature tire wear.

From its ground breaking tread pattern to its computer-designed casing, the Michelin Commander was developed from the start for the American big twin. Over 500,000 miles on American roads by American riders went into the development of this tire. The Commanders tread pattern combines good looks with excellent water evacuation, even wear patterns, and resistance to wandering over rain grooves.

1) ROADRACING SLICKS and RAIN TIRES

A) SC series radial tires:

Michelin Radial roadracing slick tires are for race track use ONLY! These tires are the leading edge in motorcycle tire development. Roadracing slicks come in many carcass constructions and compound types. There are combinations for different track surfaces, tire generated temperatures and ambiant temperatures. However most Michelin slicks operate over a wide range of these conditions.

WHY DO SLICKS HAVE MORE TRACTION ?

Well the first thing to consider is, where does traction come from? Traction is a result of the rubber of the tire coming into contact with the surface you are riding on. In other words, the more rubber on the ground the more traction you have.

B) P series radial tires:

Michelin Radial roadracing rain tires are for race track use ONLY! These tires are for use only under wet conditions. Using these tires under dry conditions will cause a tire failure. A rain tire carcass is designed to create higher temperatures than a carcass that is designed for use under generally dry conditions. The rubber compounds are designed to work at lower operating temperatures than a compound designed for dry conditions. Now, you might wonder why you want a carcass that generates more heat than normal and a rubber compound that operates at lower temperature than normal. The reason actually is very simple, the tire is water cooled!

WHY DO RAIN TIRES HAVE SO MANY GROOVES ?

In the previous section we just finished telling you that the more rubber on the ground the more traction you would have. That did not change, the grooves in the tire are for channeling the water out of the way of the rubber so it can come into contact with the surface you are riding on.

THE ABOVE LISTED TIRE TYPES ARE ONLY SOLD TO LICENSED RACERS