Michelin has released a pair of new two-wheel tires: the Michelin Power Shift and Michelin Road W GT.
The Power Shift, suitable for maxi-scooters, replaces the Pilot Road 4 SC and Pilot Power 3 SC lines. It is available in three sizes that cover most of the market: 120/70R15 56H (front), 160/60R15 67H (rear) and 120/70R17 58H (front and rear).
Modern maxi-scooters need stable tires to provide better rigidity when leaning and increased stability when cornering, even when accelerating sharply. The Power Shift benefits from Reinforced Radial X Evo technology in its casing, and 2CT+ technology in the tread. The Reinforced Radial X Evo technology, inspired by the tires on hypersports motorcycles, improves dry grip, maneuverability and stability at high speeds. The 2CT+ technology on the rear wheel features two silica-reinforced compounds: harder in the center of the tread for good mileage and softer on the shoulders for excellent dry and secure wet grip.
The Power Shift integrates a new rubber compound, drawn from Michelin’s experience in motorcycle racing, offering high levels of grip on wet and dry surfaces. The new patented Water Evergrip is designed to enhance safety in the rain. Benefitting from full-silica technology, these new rubbers also help provide safety in the rain while balancing lifespan and wet grip.
The Michelin Road W GT has been designed for the unique characteristics of the Honda Gold Wing. The iconic bike – and its equally renowned flat-six engine – has a distinctive low center of gravity. This places almost-extreme stresses on the tires, especially when accelerating, braking and cornering in quick succession. To meet these requirements, the new Road W GT features a reinforced structure, a tailored tread and silica-based rubber compounds.
The front tire has specific sipes that enable better water evacuation, while a new patented silica-based rubber compound for the rear tire provides increased grip on wet surfaces. The new three-ply radial casing developed for the front tire has been designed to enhance control and improve handling, especially on dry roads. Michelin’s Aramid Shield technology (textile stiffener on the tire crown) is designed for improved stability and maneuverability. The new Road W GT tire will be available in three dimensions that can be fitted to most of the Honda Gold Wings in circulation: 130/70 R 18 M/C 63H (front), 180/60 R 16 M/C 74H (rear) and 200/55 R 16 M/C 77H (rear).
