Michelin has announced the new Power One race tire for motorcycles.
Let’s get acquainted with the new Power One as it utilizes a host of new technologies, we’ll start with here with “2CT� tech, the Power One employs what Michelin calls MRSE (Michelin Racing Synthetic Elastomers) compounds combined with HTSC (High Tech Synthetic Compound) resins. The idea is that Michelin’s particular mixture of compounds is aimed at providing fast warm-up times while offering great grip characteristics.

Another technology is the new NST (Near Slick Technology). The minimal tread patters covers only 5% of the tire’s surface, which really means that the tire is 95% slick, which maximizes the rubber patch ensuring outstanding contact with the road. Michelin claims the resulting traction helps facilitate lean angles approaching 60 degrees, which is incredible since these lean angles were not obtainable for the general riding public a few years ago.

However, these tires were designed as track day tires and for road racing. They are not optimal for everyday street use because they need to generate sufficient heat to accomplish maximum grip. In addition, they are not going to be ideal for wet riding conditions as the 95% slick pattern will only make wet weather riding a true white knuckle experience. Also, the will not last in terms of mileage; these tires are meant for winning races or making fast laps around a closed racing circuit (track day).

So, to sum it all up, the new Power One incorporates a new dual-compound technology in one tire. The hardest compound of rubber hardness/grip is found in the center. The softer compound is on each side of the tire where you need it the most for traction at extreme lean angles. These new Power One tires change the game when it comes to performance. Check the out at www.komodogear.com for a wide selection and great prices – with free shipping!

Trackdays can be a lot of fun, especially when the day is completely dedicated to motorcycles. We were at Eagles Canyon Raceway http://www.eaglescanyon.com/2008/home.php and let me tell you, they know how to make you feel at home! The day was dedicated to bikes only (heaven!) and they catered in a great lunch from a local barbecue place. The weather was warm and the event was well attended, but it wasn’t crowded.

On this track day, we brought in a vintage stallion, a 2001 Honda CBR 929rr. Ahhh, fuel injection, 17 inch tires on both ends, titanium exhaust and a wheelbase of 54.5 inches. The 929 is a great street bike and it did win Formula Extreme that year, but that was a factory works bike. The 929 was not a club favorite, but I think a lot of that has to do with setup and the difficulty and price of obtaining aftermarket race parts. What made this bike so special for the track day is that we had fresh set of Michelin Power One race tires on both ends (120/17-17 “A� on the front & 190/55-17 “A� on the rear). Let me be the first to tell you that tires have come a long way in technology as these Michelin Power One’s use the new 2CT compound (dual compound technology). Ok – great marketing, but how do they really perform on a true street bike on a track day? We’re about to find out!

These new Power One tires warmed up rather quickly as I did not use tire warmers; hey, it’s a street bike, not a race bike. After two laps at moderate speed at Eagles Canyon the tires were absolutely predictable. The feedback was also coming in as the tires warmed up. The 929 does not have a slipper clutch and the bike would back it in to corners quite easily; I was very surprised as the “white knuckle� factor wasn’t a factor at all. I’m grinning. Into the third lap the 929 was diving into corners with little effort and confidence was growing. I could not believe how these Power One tires were transforming the ride of this 10 year old sportbike.

Confidence, stability and predictability are the three words that come to mind. The bike is on stock suspension, which is usually a nightmare on a track when you get going, but the tires really closed the gap on the short comings of the bike. The day reminded me of why the 929 was such a great bike and enjoyed by the riding public in its prime; it can do everything well and with confidence. However, the Michelin’s really made a difference. If you ride a street bike and enjoy track days, then the new Power One from Michelin is not only a logical choice, it is a sweet tire that will reward you!
Riding is believing and we are a complete convert! The new Power One Race Tire from Michelin is an outstanding tire and will not disappoint. They are very durable, provide an enormous amount of grip and are also available through Komodo Gear for an unbelievable price! You’ve got to check them out and shipping is free.