SuperBike Magazine

Be honest, the Metzeler Racetecwas pretty much the reference hoop on most trackday and club race bikes of 600cc and upwards. True, in recent months it has been eclipsed by the Pirelli Supercorsa, but the new Racetec Interact is probably going to edge it thanks to improved wear and less susceptibility to heat cycles than the competition. The original Racetec was launched in 2004, so it was due an overhaul.

And the headline news in the overhaul is the fact that the 'zero degree steel belt' which forms part of the carcass is now 'tuned'. Which is to say that rather than having a steel wire spiral of uniform tension wrapped around the carcass, the tension differs depending on where it is. Thus, the tension is slightly higher on the edges of the tyre to provide more support, but there's more 'give' on the tyre shoulder, at the point at which you're getting on the gas and need feel. There are new compounds too, which, claims Metzeler, mean the tyre copes better with repeated heat cycles between races or track sessions.

We went to a wet but drying Brands Hatch Indy circuit where a dozen riders put the tyres to the test in a more or less non-stop trackday. Between Too Tall Tel Rymer, Ian Duffus, Guy Martin, superstock racer Bruce Wilson and, ahem, Simon Roots, the tyres were given a decent seeing too.

I dare say Mr Roots of this parish will be supply more detail in the magazine in the next issue, but I reckon there were as good as any of the pukka race tyres I raced on last season in Thundersport GB. Which is to say there's plenty of feel and support from the front end and more rear grip than a ladyboy on the gas like me can use. Although there were no tyre warmers used on the launch, within three laps of the Indy circuit, the tyres felt like they were ready to go, which, on a cool and damp day, is mighty impressive.
Pressures? One hour in the tyre warmers, hot pressures:
Front: 2.3 bar
Rear: 2.1 bar
(For road use, because these are road legal, 2.5 front and 2.3 cold)
More info....