Table of contents

• 6 sports tires tested (120/70 ZR 17 and 190/55 ZR 17) High-tech import from racing
• The type of motorcycle, driving style and asphalt quality are decisive
• Conti Sport Attack 2 will be there for the third time this year
• Pirelli products from distant China
• Michelin relies on a two-component mixture
• Dunlop without aha-effects
• Head-to-head race between Bridgestone and Metzeler
• Bridgestone S 20 Evo
• Continental Sport Attack 2
• Dunlop Sportsmart 2
• Metzeler Sportec M7 RR
• Michelin Pilot Power 3
• Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa
• This is how MOTORRAD tests
• Tour tip Sardinia
• Country road and motorway
• Equipment in the extreme test
• Sports tires on the racetrack
• Sports tires in the wet
• Sports tires after 4000 kilometers
• Wear scoring
• Favorite of the tire test crew
• Final scoring

Jahn

49 pictures

Jahn

1/49
Johannes Muller (30), MOTORCYCLE intern: As the youngest, he moves the oldest iron: CB 750 Four.

Jahn

2/49
Lock-it tank bag from Hepco & Becker: Thanks to the smart quick-release fastener with magnetic guide pieces (39.90 euros), the daypack tank bag (79 euros) can be put into place in a flash when changing drivers and impressed with its bomb-proof hold …

Jahn

3/49

4/49

5/49

Jahn

6/49
Hotel tip: This year the tire test crew set up their base camp in the “Hotel Cardedu” in the town of the same name on the east coast. After milling the kilometer, the landlady Antonella (center) had delicious, typically Sardinian food on the table, and everyone found a good night’s sleep in the comfortably furnished rooms. Half board from 62 euros, information www.hotelcardedu.com.

Jahn

7/49
On the island with the elephant.

Jahn

8/49
Stefano starts the day on the surfboard and then assembles in a chord. thank you very much!

Jahn

9/49
The cheap tires are only in part 3? Yeah, but this is a real Pirelli.

Jahn

10/49
Yes, where do they slide? The GPS analysis mercilessly reveals weaknesses.

Jahn

11/49
Intermediate result after the curve orgy in Sardinia. It should be enough to get home.

Jahn

12/49
… In practice, however, the daypack was annoying with the division of the inner compartments and the difficult-to-grasp zipper pulls; MOTORRAD verdict: good.

Jahn

13/49
Midland action camera XTC 400 Xtreme: The compact full HD camera (299 euros) with its slim and very flat housing is not only easy to hold, but can also be fixed in many positions on the motorcycle thanks to the lens that can be rotated through 270 degrees …

Jahn

14/49
Karsten Schwers (42), MOTORRAD top tester: Moves everything privately without a motor just as dynamically.

Jahn

15/49
Jorg Jutzeler (48), guest tester: prefers to sell huts and palaces than his ZX-10R.

Jahn

16/49
Jorg Lohse (44), Head of Service Test: privately screwing around a PW 80 for the youngsters.

Jahn

17/49
Sebastian Schmidt (33), MOTORRAD employee: Speed ​​through the country in the Sprinter and on the Sprint ST.

Jahn

18/49

19/49
Conclusion: Multicompound can be a solution to win this chapter, but it does not always lead to success.

Jahn

20/49

21/49
In the red-marked reference area of ​​the permanently watered test track, the Michelin Pilot Power 3 literally outranks the competition. Contis Sport Attack 2 now has to fight in order not to lose touch.

22/49
Stability is what counts in the race: The dominance of the Pirelli DRC is particularly evident in the reference area marked in red. Michelin’s Power 3 clearly loses speed at this critical point.

Jahn

23/49
… Another plus point: the foolproof operation via the large slide switch; MOTORRAD verdict: very good.

Jahn

24/49
Cold rubber, wet feet, sunburn on the plate. It’s a test of extremes.

Jahn

25/49
Men, on the pumps: Off to the wet test at the Bridgestone proving ground near Rome.

mps photo studio

26/49
Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa: And asked again: How much racetrack …? Anyone who drives high-powered cars like our test HP4 with sporty ambition in the sun on circuits and home routes: Pirelli DRC!

mps photo studio

27/49
Michelin Pilot Power 3: How much racetrack does a sports tire have to withstand? If you don’t transport your superbike from circuit to circuit on a trailer: The Power 3 is the tire for every day!

mps photo studio

28/49
Metzeler Sportec M7 RR: Metzeler pushes back into the ring with the M7 RR. The successor to the hapless M5 is particularly convincing in everyday life, where it even burns the power of high-powered cars safely onto the asphalt.

mps photo studio

29/49
Dunlop Sportsmart 2: The Sportsmart 2 lacks harmony. The great wet performance and the low wear values ​​are offset by restlessness on the racetrack and a lack of feedback in everyday life.

mps photo studio

30/49
Continental Sport Attack 2: A tire that calls for special fans. Not for cool computers and all-weather drivers, but sporty country road surfers will have a lot of fun with the Conti.

mps photo studio

31/49
Bridgestone S20 EVO: The evolutionary stage of the S 20 has ignited: good properties in everyday life and in the rain, more stability in racing, even on high-performance superbikes. Its drawback remains wear and tear.

Jahn

32/49
Smoke signals: At the beginning cold engines smoke, at the end socks and soles.

Jahn

33/49
On a lonely island …: off to Sardinia to test tires in mild temperatures and on fantastically empty streets.

Jahn

34/49

Jahn

35/49
Sunny finale in Sardinia. So far, three winding days have only really affected the rubbers. That’s how it should be.

Jahn

36/49
Become a non-smoker in six days! Test driver Schmidt is the team gas station attendant.

Jahn

37/49
Immediately on the right on the Costa Smeralda: pit stop at Francesco’s with a great sea view. Froberg is already planning the friendly takeover.

Jahn

38/49
Last exit Lake Garda, inventory after 3400 kilometers: where to go now? The team votes with four to two votes: home!

Lohse

39/49
Norma loves her gas station, but she could get really weak with the HP4.

Lohse

40/49
Even if our BMWs are buzzing without boxers: a cow always pushes itself into the picture.

Lohse

41/49
That’s a rub: Rossi fan Simone with naked Pirellis after 2000 kilometers.

Lohse

42/49
East of Rome, Froberg despairs of not having become a panini stall owner.

Jahn

43/49
In Sardinia the word ox tour takes on a completely new meaning.

Lohse

44/49
…and thanks to the particularly mild Carabinieri, full throttle and a 17-inch pizza diavolo are included.

Jahn

45/49
Master plan: Take the sunset with you on the west coast, over to Olbia in the east. With a lot of luck, that’ll be enough for the night ferry …

Lohse

46/49
MOTORRAD regular readers: Marco (left) from Tortoli, the best tire dealer on the island.

Jahn

47/49
Sardinia, island of the 4 x 4 pandas and Piaggio Apes in all shapes and sizes.

Jahn

48/49
Because one rope: a two-euro rope should secure the 20,000-euro bike in heavy seas.

Jahn

49/49
Rainer Froberg, eternally young fleet manager: Just enjoy the evening on his Harley Road King.

accesories

tire

Sports tires 120/70 ZR 17 and 190/55 ZR 17

6 sports tires tested (120/70 ZR 17 and 190/55 ZR 17)
High-tech import from racing

Are sports tires really suitable for everyday use, in the rain and for many thousands of kilometers? Six men give rubber in the sports tire test.

Jorg Lohse, Karsten Schwers

04/24/2014

Many weeks before the engines of six BMW superbikes with different tires finally start to roar on a Sunday at the end of March, work on the MOTORRAD tire test is in full swing. In the early stages, it’s about choosing the right tires. At the end of 2013, one thing was certain: The sports tire category promises to be particularly interesting in the coming season. Especially if you take them under your wheels in the king-size format 120/70 and 190/55 ZR 17 – a size that fits on high-horsepower superbikes such as the BMW S 1000 RR or Honda Fireblade. The last major test, including a solid wear measurement, was five years ago. In 2009 the test team started with a pack of Fireblades. The candidates at that time have logically all been replaced by successor models, which, according to the manufacturer, have of course been optimized in all respects, whether race track performance, wet driving properties or long-distance suitability.

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Buying tip for sports tires 120/70 ZR 17 and 190/55 ZR 17 (MOTORRAD 10/2014)
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In 2012, the group of sports rubbers was once again integrated into a test including wear measurement. However, “only” in the 180/55 format, the carrier vehicles at that time were six Triumph Street Triple Rs, which with their maximum torque of 68 Newton meters tugged comparatively cautiously on the rubbers. For 2014, however, the sports tires should not be granted any grace. Especially since a whole range of potent naked bikes like a BMW S 1000 R or KTM 1290 R Super Duke would literally grind the profiles. So much for the pious wish, which was only thwarted by the fact that the respective manufacturers could not provide us with these two brand new models in the required number. And you don’t even have to compete under six bikes if you want to seriously compare the tires of six major premium brands in terms of abrasion. Because it is precisely this chapter that requires what national coach Low always demands: “Great discipline!”

tire

6 pairs of touring tires in the test

Touring tires on Suzuki GSX-S 750

read more

The type of motorcycle, driving style and asphalt quality are decisive

Only by riding evenly in the group and swapping the motorcycles according to a fixed pattern can the mileage of all tires from this test be compared with one another with millimeter precision. In order to meet the objection of MOTORRAD readers already now, who come up with a different mileage with one or the other tire from this test: Only through our test procedure can he correlate the wear of all tire pairs with his own experience using a simple rule of three.

In addition to the type of motorcycle, abrasion naturally depends on other individual factors. This ranges from the personal driving style (how do you brake into bends and accelerate out again) to the roads on which you are primarily on the move: long distances with a high proportion of straight ahead or predominantly country roads with a high density of bends? The first driving pattern creates the famous plate in the middle of the tire, the second primarily rubs the shoulder pieces smooth. The quality of the asphalt is also decisive: when testing enduro tires of the old GS class last year, around half of the 4,000-kilometer tour in the French Cevennes was covered – on extremely rough, very grippy asphalt, which meant that some tires were already after a mileage of almost 3000 kilometers were at their end in terms of wear and tear. When BMW actually promised us five S 1000 RR and one HP4 as base vehicles for the current tire test, this record should be topped again in combination with the planned extensive country road stages in Sardinia – at least that was the plan of the troops.

tire

Touring tires of size 120/70 ZR 17 and 180/55 ZR 17 in the test

Sun, rain, durability

read more

tire

The 2013 PS sports tire test

6 sports tires in the horsepower test

read more

tire

HP comparison test touring tires

Touring rubbers delight PS testers

read more

Conti Sport Attack 2 will be there for the third time this year

The only thing missing was the main actors in this test: the tires themselves. And contrary to expectations, that should be really exciting. Obviously, there was no problem with acquiring profiles that were already known. For example with the Conti Sport Attack 2, which is taking part in the test for the third time this year. At its premiere in 2012, it was able to push itself to a great second place with first-class wear values ​​(on a Triumph Street Triple R) and an excellent performance on the country road. Well-known deficit of the Conti: its noticeably moderate wet driving characteristics. When it comes to tread design, the Hanover-based tire baker is one of the few manufacturers that does not rely on multicompounds, the multi-zone design of the rubber compounds with a harder middle layer and softer parts in the tire shoulders. Conti wants to achieve the convincing level of adhesion in connection with solid mileage through a special process, the temperature-regulated cooling in the baking pan (“Multigrip”).

Pirelli products from distant China

For years the Diablo Rosso II from Pirelli accompanied in the tire test – probably the most roadworthy Italo tire in this strikingly racing model range. And as expected, he was able to make it to the top of the podium again and again in the racing championship. Its deficits: the driving characteristics on wet slopes and the partly moderate wear behavior, with which an unsightly edge in the tread could form at the back.

When asked for this test, the Italians went on the offensive. Not the Rosso II was nominated, but the somewhat more racing-tuned sister model Diablo Rosso Corsa, briefly known as DRC among experts in the scene, suddenly appeared on the delivery confirmation. A well-known tire by now, but apparently they wanted to go one better in the race track standings this year. While the front wheel has to do without multicompound, two different hard compounds are distributed over a total of three treads at the rear. And one more signal they want to send us from Italy. Because recently, some Pirelli products (and also those from the sister company Metzeler) have been coming from far-away China (see also the report in issue 17/2013). This is also partly true for our test tires. While the rear rubber still carries the well-known “made in Germany” (from the Pirelli production in Breulberg / Odenwald), the DRC front now comes from the new factory in China. The message seems clear: Look here, dear Pirelli fans, if our China tires pass the test here, there is probably no cause for concern.

Michelin relies on a two-component mixture

The third candidate in the line-up of well-known and proven rubbers is the new release for 2013. After Michelin made a mixed impression in our tests with the Power Pure sports tire, the latest version of the popular Pilot Power series was used last year, the Power 3, back to its old size. That secured him (tied with the Bridgestone S 20) immediately won the test in the 2013 sports tire test – in which, however, the wear was not measured.

Also the Michelin relies on a two-component mixture called “2CT” for short. Furthermore, the French manage to bless the Power 3 with an extremely high silica content with almost unbelievable wet driving properties. With this special type of silica compound it is possible to make the tires particularly supple even at very low asphalt and rubber temperatures – so that they can build up a noticeably high level of grip when it rains. The other side of the coin: in tough race track use or at particularly high asphalt temperatures, the rubbers can smear away faster or, in some cases, violent flexing movements reduce the stability on board. Now let’s get to the challengers.

Dunlop without aha-effects

Already in the middle of last year Dunlop the Sportsmart 2 as the successor to the original Sportsmart. In the tests of previous years, this was more likely to play the role of the tragic hero. The Sportsmart was able to assert itself in the racetrack standings, even if it repeatedly took a noticeable amount of time to get up to operating temperature and finally shone with superb adhesive reserves and trust-enhancing stability. Unfortunately it was only enough for second place in the racing chapter, the one was firmly stashed by Pirelli. The original Smart did not really want to convince in the everyday evaluation on the country road. In the rain, it swam well with, but without triggering such aha effects as the Power 3, for example. Number two now wants to counter this with “100 percent silica” (Dunlop) and an ingenious tread compound in two degrees of hardness, which is wound up virtually seamlessly through an innovative manufacturing process. When the product was presented in the summer of 2013, it initially worked well, but what remains of that in a direct comparison?

Head-to-head race between Bridgestone and Metzeler

Especially since two other sizes want to stir up the rubber scene. Bridgestone is pushing the S 20 Evo two years after the start of the new generation of sports tires. The expectations are high, after all, two test victories (2012, 2013) have been attributed to the S-Class from Japan. With three running zones on the front wheel and five on the rear (3LC / 5LC), the high wear and tear and the slight instability of the predecessor S 20 on the circuit, which were criticized in our tests, should be a thing of the past.

High expectations also from the traditional brand Metzeler, whose M5 has all too often returned from tests with the red lantern in recent years. The completely new design was implemented with a high silica content and a three-layer rubber compound in two degrees of hardness on the rear wheel.

The first head-to-head race was fought by Bridgestone and Metzeler even before the actual start. Because both pelts were delivered almost freshly baked two days before departure. Nothing had even been delivered to retailers at the time. Which is why we had to forego the obligatory exchange of test samples at our trusted dealer this year. As if you didn’t want to let each other look at each other’s cards …

Bridgestone S 20 Evo

mps photo studio

Bridgestone S 20 Evo.

Weight: front 4.3 kg, rear 7.4 kg
Country of Manufacture: Japan
Info / approvals: Bridgestone Germany, Tel. 0 61 72/40 81 73, www.bridgestone-mc.de

valuation:

Racetrack: (86 points, 4th place).
A bit unwieldy when cold, also slight deficits in terms of feedback. Warm, it impresses with its stability – both when accelerating out and in the corners and on the straights, even after several laps. Overall, the feedback remains a bit too dry. Easy set-up moment at deep inclines.
Country road: (new: 91 points, 4th place; after 4000 km: 85 points, 4th place)
The Japanese now like the balanced handiness, good steering precision and low set-up torque. However, handiness and steering precision suffer above all from the increasing, noticeably heavy wear. In an inclined position, you must now noticeably counter-steer.
Wet test: (90 points, 2nd place)
Wide limit range, very good grip when accelerating, top values ​​when braking: the S 20 Evo is a great rain tire. Only the Power 3 sticks a little better in curves.
wear and tear: (73 points, 4th place)
Despite optimized rubber compounds, the abrasion remains very high, especially at the rear.

Conclusion: The evolutionary stage of the S 20 has ignited: good properties in everyday life and in the rain, more stability in racing, even on high-performance superbikes. Its drawback remains wear and tear.

MOTORRAD verdict: 3rd place; 425 points

Continental Sport Attack 2

mps photo studio

Continental Sport Attack 2.

Weight: 4.3 kg at the front, 6.7 kg at the rear
Country of Manufacture: Germany
Info / approvals: Continental Reifen, Tel. 05 11/9 38 01, www.conti-moto.de

valuation:

Racetrack: (91 points, 3rd place)
Super handy, very neutral and precise steering. In addition, the Sport Attack 2 gives quick feedback on how the grip is going, which then makes a narrow line selection and also makes slight corrections possible. The righting moment remains low, minimal flexing movements can only be felt when accelerating out of bends.
Country road: (new: 92 points, 3rd place; after 4000 km: 88 points, 3rd place)
Even in its third year, the Sport Attack 2 continues to impress with its precise handling on the country road. Despite the highest level of wear and tear in the test, the Conti is still very manageable when it is run down, except for a slightly increased set-up torque.
Wet test: (77 points, 6th place)
Narrow border area, early slides. This is also documented by the measured values: lowest cornering speed, lowest lean angle and the longest braking distance in the test.
Wear and tear: (69 points, 6th place)
Two years ago it was still great, but the powerful S 1000 RR literally grinds the rubber of the Conti.

Conclusion: A tire that calls for special lovers. Not for cool computers and all-weather drivers, but sporty country road surfers will have a lot of fun with the Conti.

MOTORRAD verdict: 5th place; 417 points

Dunlop Sportsmart 2

mps photo studio

Dunlop Sportsmart 2.

Weight: front 4.4 kg, rear 7.1 kg
Country of Manufacture: France
Info / approvals: Goodyear Dunlop Tires, Tel. 0 61 81/68 01, www.dunlopmotorcycle.de

valuation:

Racetrack: (86 points, 4th place)
When cold, the Sportsmart 2 literally zooms around the first corners, so special care must be taken when rolling in. Only after just under two rounds does trust develop, and ultimately the detention reserves are enormous. Nevertheless, significant flexing movements when accelerating out of curves cloud the overall picture.
Country road: (new: 86 points, 6th place; after 4000 km: 82 points, 6th place)
The Sportsmart 2 can now be tilted better than its predecessor. Nevertheless, it is noticeable with sluggish steering behavior and poor feedback, especially on cooler days. This becomes more and more evident as the mileage increases.
Wet test: (87 points, 3rd place)
Due to its unwieldy nature, the Dunlop cannot drive the very tight line, but grip when accelerating, cornering speed and braking values ​​are at a very high level.
Wear and tear: (83 points, 3rd place)
Even rubber removal on the front and rear wheels, overall good stability.

Conclusion: The Sportsmart 2 lacks harmony. The great wet performance and the low wear values ​​are offset by restlessness on the racetrack and a lack of feedback in everyday life.

MOTORRAD verdict: 4th place; 424 points

Metzeler Sportec M7 RR

mps photo studio

Metzeler Sportec M7 RR.

Weight: 4.2 kg at the front, 7.1 kg at the rear
Country of Manufacture: Germany
specification: M (front tires only)
Info / approvals: Pirelli Germany, Tel. 0 89/14 90 83 02, www.metzelermoto.de

valuation:

Racetrack: (94 points, 2nd place)
The M7 RR is very handy even when it is rolled up, and just as quickly a confidence-inspiring good feeling for the adhesive reserves is there. I especially like the feedback from the front wheel. Its construction allows driving tight lines, and the convincing stability is maintained even after a few hard laps.
Country road: (new: 93 points, 1st place; after 4000 km: 90 points, 2nd place)
Unhandy, restrained feedback and poor steering precision: the freshly baked M7 RR has completely abandoned properties that were chalked up on the predecessor M5. Even over the course of the kilometers, the superb properties on the country road remain at a high level.
Wet test: (86 points, 4th place)
Despite the high silica content, slides earlier than the top trio, but remains easy to control.
Wear and tear: (84 points, 2nd place)
The balanced mixture, without front, with bicompound at the back, guarantees high mileage.

Conclusion: Metzeler pushes his way back into the ring with the M7 RR. The successor to the hapless M5 is particularly convincing in everyday life, where it burns even the power of high-powered cars safely onto the asphalt.

MOTORRAD verdict: 1st place (test winner); 447 points

Michelin Pilot Power 3

mps photo studio

Michelin Pilot Power 3.

Weight: 4.3 kg at the front, 6.6 kg at the rear
Country of Manufacture: Spain
Info / approvals: Michelin Reifenwerke, Tel. 07 21/53 00, motorrad.michelin.de

valuation:

Racetrack: (80 points, 6th place)
On the racetrack, the Power 3 shines very quickly with its very good handiness, high grip and its fine feedback. But that is over very quickly. After just a few laps, the good feeling disappears, and regular flexing movements when accelerating strongly out of curves as well as stirring movements around the longitudinal axis cloud the picture.
Country road: (new: 93 points, 1st place; after 4000 km: 91 points, 1st place)
What doesn’t work on the circuit, the Power 3 makes up for in everyday life. Whether it’s handiness, steering precision or feedback in terms of grip, the Michelin cuts a fine figure in cool temperatures in the morning or in the blazing midday sun on country roads of all categories – the whole thing for several thousand kilometers.
Wet test: (92 points, 1st place)
A tire for long, low rises. When it rains, the Power 3 retains its well-known brilliance.
Wear and tear: (91 points, 1st place)
Overall, even and, on top of that, little rubber abrasion. It couldn’t be better.

Conclusion: How much race track does a sports tire have to withstand? If you don’t transport your superbike from circuit to circuit on a trailer: The Power 3 is the tire for every day!

MOTORRAD verdict: 1st place (test winner); 447 points

Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa

mps photo studio

Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa.

Weight: 4.3 kg at the front, 6.3 kg at the rear
Country of Manufacture: China / Germany
Info / approvals: Pirelli Germany, Tel. 0 61 63/7 10, www.pirellimoto.de

valuation:

Racetrack: (97 points, 1st place)
On the first half a lap, a little eggs are the order of the day, but then the DRC is up to temperature and therefore on the ball. It quickly shines with perfect cornering stability, great grip and high steering precision. And that in the long run: Even after several laps you can set constant (plus the best!) Times with the Pirelli.
Country road: (new: 88 points, 5th place; after 4000 km: 83 points, 5th place)
Cold days are not his thing, and even when the weather is nice, the Pirelli needs a few turns until it is no longer stubborn, unwieldy and imprecise. If the tire temperature rises, the performance increases. But: The high level of wear and tear is at the expense of maneuverability and steering precision and increasingly requires counter-steering in an inclined position.
Wet test: (78 points, 5th place)
Far from a Power 3, but the wide limit range always conveys security.
Wear and tear: (71 points, 5th place)
Eats away the rubber at the front and rear, but evenly and balanced.

Conclusion: And asked again: How much racetrack …? Anyone who drives high-powered cars like our test HP4 with sporty ambition in the sun on circuits and home routes: Pirelli DRC!

MOTORRAD verdict: 5th place (best buy); 417 points

This is how MOTORRAD tests

First round, then sore

With six superbikes from BMW (S 1000 RR and HP4), they went on a 4,000-kilometer test lap via Switzerland and Austria to Italy, where extensive tours in Sardinia in particular simulated the demands of a typical motorcycle season in fast motion. The properties in the rain were sounded out on the Bridgestone Proving Ground near Rome and the racetrack performance on the Circuit d’Alcarràs in Spain.

Handiness: The steering force required to tilt the machine or to keep it in line in alternating curves.

Steering precision *: Test in passages of different speeds with complicated curve radii. Does the motorcycle follow the course specified by the steering forces or are clear line corrections necessary??

Cornering stability / pillion: Stability in (alternating) curves and on bumps. Is tested at a great lean angle when accelerating, in which tires can really rock up.

Liability in an inclined position *: Lateral guidance in maximum inclination on wet or dry asphalt.

Adhesion when accelerating *: Lateral guidance and power transmission in corners of different speeds in wet and dry conditions.

Straight-line stability: High speed on the motorway. Does the motorcycle stay stable on course or does the commuting interfere with the journey??

Borderline behavior *: Controllability of the tire at the limit of grip – both on wet and dry roads.

Erection moment: When braking in an inclined position, the motorcycle straightens up differently depending on the deceleration and tire contour. This reaction has to be balanced with a counterforce (pressure).

Filling pressure in the test **: 2.5 bar at the front, 2.9 bar at the rear.

* The chapters marked with an asterisk can be transferred to motorcycles with a geometry similar to that of the BMW S 1000 RR and HP4.
** Inflation pressure on the racetrack as recommended by the manufacturer.

Tour tip Sardinia

Jahn

On the island with the elephant.

That the brand new M7 RR from Metzeler, the brand with the elephant logo, celebrated its test premiere in Sardinia of all places, the island with the elephant? Absolute coincidence. But it is no coincidence that we chose Sardinia as the area for the 2014 tire test. Because the second largest island in the Mediterranean is a hotspot for curve-crazy motorcyclists. Especially in spring when the streets are still empty and the temperatures are bearable. A great terrain to explore the grip potential of the current sports tires. The months of April and May are ideal travel times. Those who start in March, like us, have to expect that many hotels or the typical private accommodation on farms (“agriturismos”) will still be closed. The ferry traffic from the major Mediterranean ports (Genoa, Livorno) is still restricted. In the north, in the middle and in the south-east of the island, motorcyclists will find a varied topography with a particularly high density of curves. The road conditions quickly change between grippy and slippery. Recommended: the elephant rock near Castelsardo (photo), the Passo di Caravai near Fonni (center of the island) and the coastal road on the Costa del Sud south of Teulada (large photo p. 62/63).

MOTORCYCLE heroes: Club members can download the 500-kilometer daily stages after logging in at www.motorrad-helden.de as a detailed map for their own tour planning.

Country road and motorway

The freestyle for the sports tires is clearly the merciless bending on the racetrack, but how do you complete the compulsory program, i.e. everyday use in the course of a typical season? For example, the high-speed bolt on wide motorways, brisk wagging of bends on narrow country roads, all of this sometimes with cooler outside temperatures? The manufacturer’s philosophy usually determines whether its sporty premium object should convince in race mode or on the home track. In the last few years the trend has clearly been towards suitability for everyday use.

Country road / motorway in new condition	maximum number of points	Bridgestone S20 Evo	Continental Sport Attack 2	Dunlop Sportsmart 2	Metzeler Sportec M7 RR	Michelin Pilot Power 3	Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa
Cold run	10	9	9	8th	10	10	8th
Handiness	20th	18th	19th	16	18th	19th	17th
Steering precision	20th	18th	18th	17th	19th	19th	18th
Cornering stability	10	9	9	9	9	9	9
Adhesion cornering / acceleration.	20th	19th	19th	19th	19th	18th	19th
Borderline behavior	10	9	9	9	9	9	9
Erection moment	10	9	9	8th	9	9	8th
total	100	91	92	86	93	93	88
placement		4th.	3.	6th.	1.	1.	5.

Conclusion:Last year, Conti was able to convince in this chapter with its extremely handy Sport Attack 2. But now he has got tough competition with the new Metzeler M7 RR, which also scores with high agility. Cornering junkies will have a lot of fun with the two tires. Michelin’s well-known Power 3 continues to impress with its balance and clear feedback. The new Dunlop Sportsmart 2 remains too bony and hard in everyday use.

Equipment in the extreme test

When someone goes on a trip … The MOTORRAD tire test has always proven itself to take a critical look at equipment for motorcyclists. After all, within a few days, the number of kilometers driven in Germany on average per year is unwound. A special feature of the test is the regular driver change, during which the motorcycles are swapped every 100 kilometers according to a fixed scheme. Ideal for this: tank bag systems that can be easily implemented using a quick release fastener. This year the brand new Lock-it system from Hepco & Becker, with which all six test bikes were equipped, has proven its worth. Purchase information: www.hepcobecker.de. Our onliners were just as impressed by the video material for the MOTORRAD YouTube channel, which was delivered to us by a new Midland action camera. Reference: www.actioncamxtc.com

Sports tires on the racetrack

Stability is what counts in the race: The dominance of the Pirelli DRC is particularly evident in the reference area marked in red. Michelin’s Power 3 clearly loses speed at this critical point.

For some readers, this chapter is the ultimate in the MOTORRAD tire test, others will ignore it completely … Either way, every point of view has its justification. The fact is that anyone who does not regularly take part in racing training, but moves their superbike in regular traffic even at a very sporty pace, does not even come close to the borderline situations described here. Even more, if you look at the whole thing from the perspective of a typical motorcycle season in Germany – with frosty spring days, rainy May weekends, after-work laps on cool September evenings and, and, and …

At the same time, this test chapter provides important information about which tires fail or shine particularly well in extreme situations: at high asphalt and correspondingly high rubber temperatures, in maximum lean angles, under permanent load through rapid changes, hard acceleration out of corners, no less hard braking maneuvers. Here, too, of course, the manufacturer’s philosophy of how he wants to position his sports tires is crucial.

This chapter has traditionally been dominated by Pirelli. After the Diablo Rosso II had repeatedly competed in MOTORRAD’s sports tire test over the past few years, the Diablo Rosso Corsa, which was even more closely tuned, was put into the race this year. The opposite pole to this is Michelin’s Pilot Power 3, who is known to buckle the fastest in race mode. In between, however, there is an exciting field: for example the new Bridgestone S 20 Evo, from which more stability is now expected. Or the Dunlop Sportsmart 2, which can be saddled up on a predecessor that was successful in the racetrack classification. Also exciting is the question of whether Metzeler has tailored the M7 RR more to circuit performance based on the “house line” of the parent company Pirelli. Off to Spain, where the Alcarràs racetrack is located near the city of Lleida. Special feature of the course: the “courage curve” marked in red in the route profile, which is approached at high speed over a hilltop and sloping outwards with an undulating surface. At this point, the differences between the individual tires under extreme loads can be clearly seen.

Driving behavior Racetrack in new condition	maximum number of points	Bridgestone S20 Evo	Continental Sport Attack 2	Dunlop Sportsmart 2	Metzeler Sportec M7 RR	Michelin Pilot Power 3	Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa
Air pressure race track v / h (Bar)*		2.2 / 1.9	2.2 / 1.8	2.1 / 1.9	2.5 / 2.7	2.1 / 1.9	2.3 / 2.3
Handiness	10	9	10	8th	9	10	9
Steering precision	10	8th	9	8th	9	8th	9
Cornering stability	10	17th	18th	17th	19th	15th	20th
Liability in an inclined position	10	17th	18th	18th	19th	16	20th
Adhesion when accelerating	10	17th	18th	17th	19th	15th	20th
Borderline behavior	10	18th	18th	18th	19th	16	19th
Lap time		1: 48.7	1: 47.9	1: 47.6	1: 47.3	1: 48.7	1: 46.6
total	100	86	91	86	94	80	97
placement		4th.	3.	4th.	2.	6th.	1.

* Manufacturer recommendation for use on the racetrack

Conclusion: Was clear. For real? At first glance, only one thing is clear: DRC on pole, P3 with red lantern. In between, however, a lot has happened. Bridgestone’s evolutionary tactic has borne fruit. If its predecessor was just as bad as the Michelin, the S 20 Evo is now more stable and more durable on the slopes. Dunlop disappoints with the second Sportsmart edition with long warm-up phases and heavy walking. Conti benefits from this with the well-known stable Sport Attack 2. The top entry, however, succeeds Metzeler’s M7 RR – if you consider how far behind the predecessor M5 was last!

Sports tires in the wet

In the red-marked reference area of ​​the permanently watered test track, the Michelin Pilot Power 3 literally outranks the competition. Contis Sport Attack 2 now has to fight in order not to lose touch.

Of course, the assistance systems of modern motorcycles make driving on wet roads easier and therefore safer. At the same time, however, the tire manufacturers have also developed vigorously and inoculated their sports tires with such a good portion of rainproofness that they would actually be a shame only for good weather driving. However, a lot of sensitivity is required when tuning. A sports tire with extremely high wet driving qualities can quickly show deficits in other, but important chapters in this genre. Because there is a risk that a tire that is supple at low temperatures, on the other hand, can grease dangerously under ideal conditions (for example on the racetrack or on country roads in midsummer).

Driving behavior if wet	maximum number of points	Bridgestone S 20 Evo	Continental Sport Attack 2	Dunlop Sportsmart 2	Metzeler Sportec M7 RR	Michelin Pilot Power 3	Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa
Handiness	10	9	9	8th	9	9	8th
Steering precision	20th	18th	17th	16	17th	18th	15th
Grip curves	20th	18th	15th	18th	17th	19th	16
Liability acceleration	20th	18th	15th	18th	17th	19th	16
Border area	20th	18th	14th	18th	18th	18th	15th
Braking delay	10	9	7th	9	8th	9	8th
Braking distance (m) from 100 km / h		42.9
Speed ​​in the Omega		70.5	65.5	70.0	70.5	73.0	67.0
Lap times		1: 14.3	1: 20.4	1: 15.0	1: 15.9	1: 13.8	1: 19.2
total	100	90	77	87	86	92	78
placement		2.	6th.	3.	4th.	1.	5.

Conclusion: With a fantastic result in the wet, Michelin returned with the Pilot Power 3 last year. And this year, too, the P3 remains at the top thanks to its extremely high and also very well assessable detention reserves. In 2013 he had to share the podium with the Bridgestone S 20, the S 20 Evo, which was newly introduced this year, “loses” a little bit in terms of grip, scores with top values ​​on the brakes and finally follows with a wafer-thin gap in a convincing second place . Not far from this top duo, there are two equally convincing rain tires that were new at dealerships in 2014: Dunlop’s revised Sportsmart 2 and Metzeler’s long-awaited replacement for the M5, the agile Sportec M7 RR. As in the previous year, Conti remains the water-shy candidate in the test sextet.

Sports tires after 4000 kilometers

Even if the tires could still cope with a few thousand kilometers after this wear and tear, depending on the model: in practice, the quality deteriorates remarkably quickly compared to new condition. Above all, the stages over the mountain and valley railways in Sardinia, which are quite grueling in the truest sense of the word, nibble on the grip-strong, but comparatively soft rubber compounds on the tire shoulders. And not to forget the sheer power of the six carrier vehicles. The general tendency, which tires deteriorate particularly strongly in quality, can be seen after almost 2000 kilometers of mileage.

Country road / motorway after 400 kilometers	Maximum score	Bridgestone S 20 Evo	Continental Sport Attack 2	Dunlop Sportsmart 2	Metzeler Sportec M7 RR	Michelin Pilot Power 3	Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa
Cold run	10	9	9	8th	10	10	8th
Handiness	20th	15th	17th	14th	17th	18th	15th
Steering precision	20th	16	17th	16	18th	18th	16
Cornering stability	10	9	9	9	9	9	9
Adhesion curves / acceleration	20th	19th	19th	19th	19th	18th	19th
Borderline behavior	10	9	9	9	9	9	9
Erection moment	10	8th	8th	7th	8th	9	7th
total	100	85	88	82	90	91	83
placement		4th.	3.	6th.	2.	1.	5.

Conclusion: A look at the table “when new” (p. 66) shows that the rankings have only changed minimally. Michelins Power 3 remains the maker on the slopes – even in the increasingly wacky condition. With the exception of a slight loss of handiness and steering precision, the P3 continues to be astonishingly agile and light-footed. With Metzeler’s M7 RR, with increasing profile loss, the erection moment can be felt a little more clearly, which in total costs him first place in the “new evaluation”. Bridgestone’s redesigned S 20 Evo can hold fourth place, but with six minus points, the mileage is most noticeable.

Wear scoring

Conclusion: Multicompound can be a solution to win this chapter, but it does not always lead to success.

Multicompound is the magic word with which tire manufacturers promise more mileage for their rubbers. The basic principle: hard compounds in the middle of the tread for low abrasion, soft shoulders for a strong grip. Of course, in addition to the actual motorcycle type, the individual driving style and the main area of ​​application also have a huge impact on the mileage of the tires. Which is why the procedure in the MOTORRAD tire test is indispensable for a reliable comparison of all tire pairings with one another: homogeneous driving in the group plus regular driver changes.

Wear scoring	maximum number of points	Bridgestone S 20 Evo	Continental Sport Attack 2	Dunlop Sportsmart 2	Metzeler Sportec M7 RR	Michelin Pilot Power 3	Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa
Front wheel	50	39	34	41	44	46	35
Rear wheel	50	34	35	42	40	45	36
total	100	73	69	83	84	91	71
placement		4th.	6th.	3.	2.	1.	5.

Conclusion: Multicompound can be a solution to win this chapter, but it does not always lead to success. Take Michelin, for example: the Power 3’s two-component mix is ​​also convincing when it comes to quantity measurement; the remaining profile is more than sufficient after 4000 kilometers. Bridgestones S 20 Evo competes with up to three different hard compounds – and loses significantly in direct comparison.

Favorite of the tire test crew

Aside from all points and tables, without looking at the actual wear values, on to the Popometer ranking. The six BMW superbikes were swapped at a fixed rhythm every 100 kilometers. Which is of course why at the end of this tour from Stuttgart via Sardinia to the Roman hinterland and Lake Garda the question must be: What are the tops and flops of the pilots?

Jahn

Sebastian Schmidt (33), MOTORRAD employee.

Sebastian Schmidt (33), MOTORRAD employee: Race through the country in the Sprinter and on the Sprint ST

1. Conti Sport Attack 2

2. Metzeler Sportec M7 RR

6. Dunlop Sportsmart 2

Jahn

Jorg Lohse (44), head of service testing.

Jorg Lohse (44), Head of Service Test: Privately tinkers with a PW 80 for the youngsters

1. Michelin Pilot Power 3

2. Metzeler Sportec M7 RR

6. Dunlop Sportsmart 2

Jahn

Jorg Jutzeler (48), guest tester.

Jorg Jutzeler (48), guest tester: Sells huts and palaces rather than his ZX-10R

1. Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa

2. Metzeler Sportec M7 RR

6. Dunlop Sportsmart 2

Jahn

Karsten Schwers (42), MOTORCYCLE top tester.

Karsten Schwers (42), MOTORRAD top tester: Moves everything privately without a motor just as dynamically

1. Michelin Pilot Power 3

2. Metzeler Sportec M7 RR

6. Dunlop Sportsmart 2

Jahn

Johannes Muller (30), MOTORCYCLE intern.

Johannes Muller (30), MOTORCYCLE intern: As the youngest, he moves the oldest iron: CB 750 Four

1. Metzeler Sportec M7 RR

2. Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa

6. Conti Sport Attack 2

Jahn

Rainer Froberg, the eternally young fleet manager.

Rainer Froberg, eternally young fleet manager: Just enjoy the evening on his Harley Road King

1. Michelin Pilot Power 3

2. Metzeler Sportec M7 RR

6. Dunlop Sportsmart 2

Final scoring

Jahn

Sunny finale in Sardinia. So far, three winding days have only really affected the rubbers. That’s how it should be.

Final scoring	Racetrack	Country road	Country road after 4000 km	Wet test	wear and tear	total	placement
Metzeler Sportec M7 RR	94	93	90	86	84	447	1.
Michelin Pilot Power 3	80	93	91	92	91	447	1.
Bridgestone S 20 Evo	86	91	85	90	73	425	3.
Dunlop Sportsmart 2	86	86	82	87	83	424	4th.
Continental Sport Attack 2	91	92	88	77	69	417	5.
Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa	97	88	83	78	71	417	5.

Conclusion: At the end of this master’s test, where not only racing, but also everyday qualities play an important role, two universal weapons are tied for first place. If you value wet performance and low wear and tear, you will find Michelins Power 3, Metzeler’s M7 RR offers a little more sportiness.

MOTORRAD tire test, part 2 in MOTORRAD 11/2014

A lot has happened in touring tires in 2014 as well: Conti wants to remain king on the home track with the Road Attack 2 Evo, Michelin is fighting for dominance on wet asphalt with the Pilot Road 4. In the second part of our MOTORRAD tire test: seven touring rubbers from Avon to Pirelli in the dimensions 120/70 and 180/55 ZR 17.

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