Metzeler: Global

Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact™ is the best sport touring tyre according to the German Magazine Motorrad

Sun, 13May20124:00:00 +0200

The Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact™ won the comparative test conducted by the authoritative German magazine Motorrad, beating out the competition of five other models and earning the title of best tyre in the sport touring segment

The Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact™ was crowned best sport touring tyre on the market by the prestigious German magazine Motorrad, which compared it with Pirelli Angel ST, Dunlop Roadsmart 2, Continental Road Attack 2, Michelin Road 3 and Bridgestone BT023.

In order to meet the demands of modern bikers, sport touring tyres must be able to guarantee grip on both wet and dry roads, transmit a sensation of safety to the rider and provide mileage typical of a product destined for motorcycle touring. These were also precisely the values taken into consideration by Motorrad to evaluate the sport touring tyres on the market today.

The 11/2012 edition of the German magazine explains that the six tyre models were tested at two different times: first when the products were completely new and then after 4000 km in order to verify wear and mileage. Furthermore, a road test was also conducted at high speed and, above all, a test on wet roads obtained thanks to artificial irrigation on the track. The Roadtec Z8 Interact™ tyre achieved the best overall result, significantly ahead of the rival in both lap time and braking distance. In fact, the jewel of the Munich-based manufacturer boasts an advantage of almost 7 metres in terms of braking distance from 100 km/h compared to the tyre that came in last. This is why this tyre is truly fundamental in significantly increasing motorcycle safety in every day riding.

The Motorrad editors also pointed out how the Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact™ has made a true leap forward in quality compared to the rivals, to the point of earning the title of best tyre in the segment, first and foremost thanks to the superior characteristics of wet handling and exceptional performance on the road.

Exceptional weekend for Metzeler

Sun, 13May20122:00:00 +0200

The Metzeler Six Days Extreme wins the Grand Prix of Portugal in the three classes

This weekend, Metzeler wins the classes with Rodrig THAIN and Antoine MEO in Enduro 1, Johnny AUBERT in Enduro 2 and Christophe NAMBOTIN in Enduro 3.

For Christophe NAMBOTIN and his Metzeler Six Days Extreme tires, the Grand Prix are all the same. With a fourth double this weekend he has another time shut down the rivalries. One by one, Aigar LEOK and Oriol MENA couldn't hang the KTM rider. Now with a 50 points lead on the standing, Christophe NAMBOTIN is the man to beat in the class.

In the meantime, his teammate David KNIGHT, also Metzeler rider, has known a very difficult Portuguese stage. He couldn't grab the podium (7th/13th) and never found solution. A weekend to forget for official KTM who will come to Italy with others ambitions.

This Portuguese weekend was also excellent in Enduro 1 for the Metzeler Six Days Extreme tires. Even if Antoine MEO had some mechanical troubles on Saturday, Rodrig THAIN, his compatriot, and his Metzeler Six Days Extreme tires climbed on the highest step of the podium and offer to HM Honda its first victory in Grand Prix while Eero REMES scored the 17 points of the 2nd place. On his side, MEO went back to win on Sunday while Rodrig THAIN took the third place.

We have also to note the unfortunate injure of Simone ALBERGONI who must have a 6 weeks unavailability after a broken elbow.

In Enduro 2, it's also all good for Metzeler with a wonderful win on the first day thanks to Johnny AUBERT who's back after his problems in South America. AUBERT, unstoppable on Saturday grabbed a second place on Sunday while his teammate Cristobal GUERRERO (5th/3rd) is on the podium.

Finally in Junior, the Argentinian Kevin BENAVIDES (5th/7th) had some difficulties on the Portuguese track while Rudi MORONI (2nd/4th) has signed his first World podium and Kalle SVENSSON (11th/14th) had, once again, some difficulties.

Once again, this weekend was full of successes for Metzeler with 5 wins (THAIN, AUBERT, NAMBOTIN (*2), MEO), two second places (REMES, AUBERT) and two third rank (GUERRERO, THAIN).

The EWC has now 6 weeks of holidays before taking the road again to Castiglion Fiorentino (Tuscany) for the Grand Prix of Italy the 30 th of June and 1st of July.

Saturday:

E1 Class: Rodrig THAIN (HM Honda, Metzeler), Eero REMES (KTM, Metzeler), Matti SEISTOLA (HVA);
E2 Class: Johnny AUBERT (KTM, Metzeler), Pierre-Alexandre RENET (Husaberg), Jeremy TARROUX (KTM);
E3 Class: Christophe NAMBOTIN (KTM, Metzeler), Aigar LEOK (TM), Sebastien GUILLAUME (Gas Gas)
EJ Class: Mathias BELLINO (Husaberg), Rudi MORONI (KTM – Metzeler), Mario ROMAN (KTM)
EY Class: Giacomo REDONDI (KTM), Luis OLIVEIRA (Yamaha), Guido CONFORTI (Yamaha)
EW Class: Ludivine PUY (Gas Gas), Laïa SANZ (Gas Gas), Blandine DUFRENE (Husaberg);

Sunday:

E1 Class: Antoine MEO (KTM, Metzeler), Matti SEISTOLA (HVA), Rodrig THAIN (HM Honda, Metzeler);
E2 Class: Pierre-Alexandre RENET (Husaberg), Johnny AUBERT (KTM – Metzeler), Cristobal GUERRERO (KTM, Metzeler);
E3 Class: Christophe NAMBOTIN (KTM, Metzeler), Oriol MENA (Husaberg), Aigar LEOK (TM);
EJ Class: Mathias BELLINO (Husaberg), Victor GUERRERO (KTM), Dany MCCANNEY (Gas Gas);
EY Class: Giacomo REDONDI (KTM), Luis OLIVEIRA (Yamaha), Matteo BRESOLIN (Husaberg);
EW Class: Laïa SANZ (Gas Gas), Ludivine PUY (Gas Gas), Audrey ROSSAT (KTM);
Overall Standings:

E1 Class: Antoine MEO (140pts), Rodrig THAIN (109pts), Eero REMES (93pts);
E2 Class: Pierre-Alexandre RENET (133pts), Cristobal GUERRERO (118pts), Juha SALMINEN (100pts);
E3 Class: Christophe NAMBOTIN (160pts), Joakim LJUNGGREN (110pts), Aigar LEOK (109pts);
EJ Class: Mathias BELLINO (154pts), Jonathan MANZI (111pts), Danny MCCANNEY (109pts);
EY Class: Giacomo REDONDI (157pts), Benjamin HERRERA (71pts), Matteo BRESOLIN (60pts);
EW Class: Laïa SANZ (77pts), Ludivine PUY (71pts), Audrey ROSSAT (41pts);

For further information please visit our website: www.metzelermoto.com

Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact™* certified as best sport touring tyre on wet by the German Motorrad Testcenter Agency

Tue, 10Apr20129:00:00 +0200

The new compounds and the changes made to the structure of the already excellent sport-touring tyres from the German brand allowed this product to become an unrivalled leader in the segment for use on wet roads

Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact™* is the safest tyre on wet. The German Motorrad TestCenter agency certifies this with a test comparing the Metzeler product to its direct competitors. Performance and braking of motorcycle tyres on wet surfaces have become increasingly important features in tyre selection, particularly in those countries where sudden weather changes can occur at any time and bikers need a high level of safety. Precisely to meet these needs, Metzeler decided to develop new compounds for the Roadtec Z8 Interact™* tyres with the specific goal of providing riders not only the most recent technological solutions available in the area of wet performance, but also the possibility of having a tyre with a wide range of use that represents the new standard in terms of performance in any weather conditions, from wet and cold to hot and dry.

Therefore, thanks to the upgrade of an already top notch product, Metzeler is proud to present the new standard for the segment in terms of safety and performance on wet roads: this leadership is recognised by a test conducted by the prestigious Motorrad TestCenter, one of the most important and authoritative test centres in Europe, which compared the Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact™* to the Bridgestone Battlax BT 023, the Continental Road Attack2, the Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart II and the Michelin Pilot Road3.

The criteria considered in the wet test by Motorrad TestCenter have been: steering precision and characteristics, line holding during acceleration, ease of handling, grip at lean angle for front and rear tyres, grip during acceleration, limit range characteristics, feedback at lean angle, braking stability during full braking with ABS.

In order to check any deviation in the test results which may stem from vehicle weight and/or suspension geometry, the vehicles chosen for the test were a Honda CBR600F ABS and a Suzuki Bandit 1250 ABS. The test was carried out during the months of January and February 2012 in dry climatic conditions and with slightly cloudy weather and air temperature of 9°±1° and asphalt of 12°±2°. In particular, the test on wet surfaces was conducted on the Vizzola Ticino test track which has a permanent irrigation system and a good friction coefficient which caters to extreme leaning positions and high speeds in curves. The Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact™* was not only proven to be the safest tyre on wet, but also the fastest on lap times. Considering all the values taken into consideration, the Motorrad TestCenter declared, the Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact™* tyre is superior to the competition in its segment.

This is the ranking that Motorrad TestCenter drew up at the end of the comparison test:

1 st Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact™*
2nd Michelin Pilot Road 3
3rd Bridgestone Battlax BT 023
4th Continental Road Attack2
5th Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart II

This result was achieved thanks to new compounds and a few changes to the structure of the tyre while the tread pattern and the profile remained identical since they have already abundantly demonstrated their excellent functionality.
The main goal of the Metzeler Research and Development department was to obtain excellence in terms of performance on wet, with specific attention to critical riding situations such as braking and grip on wet, panic braking and grip. The result of their work is truly revolutionary, achieved by combining the latest generation of silicon compounds with a high performance synthetic polymer and various types of resin and plasticiser agents.
By doing this, Metzeler obtained a completely new compound, able to provide an excellent chemical grip on wet with the widest possible range of operating temperatures, going from 4° to over 35°. In this air temperature range the tyre is immediately ready to provide top performance. Another advantage that this new generation compound provides is the possibility of being able to better harmonise the internal structure materials, thereby improving interaction between the structure and tread.

The rear tyre compound is a dual compound is a dual compound solution with a 40-20-40 layout over the profile. The compound for the central section is about 45 millimetres wide (with slight differences between the sizes) and has a 70% Silica content, specifically developed to optimise mileage and stability even at high speeds. The shoulder compound, on the other hand, runs to about 88 millimetres of the profile on each side and has 100% Silica which significantly increases grip on wet surfaces and reduces slipping in any conditions.

The front tyre on the other hand is a single compound and is now made up of a 100% Silica compound, derived from the one used on the rear tyre shoulders, whereas in the past it was 50% Silica and 50% Carbon Black. Quick warm up and grip on dry are guaranteed by the new polymers and filler configuration developed through a new mixing process.

As for the structure of the Roadtec Z8 Interact™* new specifications, it obviously already boasts the renowned Interact™ technology, but with a new variable tension layout. In fact, as explained above, the purpose of this development was to expand the range of conditions for use, which go from cold and damp to dry and hot, with an extremely high performance level. All of this was realised following two main objectives

1. Considerable increase of grip on wet surfaces:

• In order to favour handling Metzeler introduced an all silicon compound to guarantee extreme chemical grip. Due to the softness of this compound, in order to maintain high levels of stability, regularity of use and riding ease, Metzeler researchers increased the steel belt tension to 0° compared to its predecessor, but with a similar pattern, that is, higher in the centre and lower toward the edge of the shoulder.
• In order to improve braking performance, since the central part of the compound is harder, steel belt tension was reduced to 0° both to increase the contact area and to warm up the compound more quickly, thereby increasing its grip properties.

2. Maintaining the maximum performance level of the previous Roadtec Z8 Interact™ version and the progressive performance in leaning over into turns: in correspondence to the points where the compounds change, the steel belt tension was adapted to 0° to compensate for the different hardness.

Interact™ technology is the element patented by Metzeler which allows to compounds which are so very different from one another to be combined, with all the advantages that stem from this, with the traditional progressive performance which originally characterised the Roadtec Z8 Interact™.

Since 1992 Metzeler has developed the technology with steel belt at 0° for motorcycle tyres and we have always strongly believed in its potential. We believed in this concept so much, that Metzeler decided to stay focused and continue developing over the last two decades. In 2008 Metzeler introduced Interact™, a revolutionary technology that represents the final step of this development and which is currently the most advanced level of belt technology, using the variable tension cable effect on the compound.

Meeting the needs of an increasingly wide range of use and for the purpose of achieving these unprecedented levels in terms of performance on wet, Metzeler engineers had to work on the compounds to reach a high chemical grip on both the front tyre and the shoulder of the rear tyre, while still maintaining a central area more focused on mileage and stability. With this configuration, the Interact™ structure provides incredible thrust, making the combination of two extremely different compounds blended progressively on the same tyre possible.

The new specifications of the tyre are 100% compatible with its predecessor, which means that they can be mixed and matched and mounted on the same bikes that already use the previous version of the Roadtec Z8 Interact™.

The new compound versions of the Roadtec Z8 Interact™* are available at your Metzeler dealers from April all over Europe and at the end of 2012 in the rest of the world. On the front the single ply (M) 120/70 ZR17 is available, while for the rear the 180/55 ZR17 in dual ply (O) will be available as well as the 190/50 ZR17 and 190/55 ZR17 in both single ply (M) and in dual ply (O)*.

Awesome weekend for Metzeler riders in World Enduro Championship

Sun, 01Apr20122:00:00 +0200

Metzeler Six Days Extreme wins the Grand Prix of Argentina in E1 class with Antoine Meo and in E3 class with Christophe Nambotin.

At this second Grand Prix of the 2012 Enduro World Championship which was held in San Juan, Argentina, Metzeler wins again in Enduro 1 with an impressive Antoine Meo and in Enduro 3 with fast Christophe Nambotin.

The official KTM rider Christophe Nambotin, with his Six Days Extreme, left no chance to his opponents and grabbed the victory in each race day. The French has realized a South American Grand Slam with 4 wins in 4 race day. Nambotin has already a 17 points lead on his first opponents and teammates David Knight also equipped with Metzeler Six Days Extreme tyres. Knight climb both days on the second step of the podium. Metzeler newcomer Manuel Monni reached a 10 ^th and an 11 ^th positions this weekend.

It was a perfect weekend for Metzeler in E3 class with its two best riders on the best places.

The weekend was also great for Metzeler in E1. In fact, Antoine Meo on his KTM equipped with Metzeler Six Days Extreme has been able to secure the victory during the both days. "The race was really difficult but I'm really happy to win again!" said. Like Nambotin in E3, Meo grabbed 4 wins in 4 race days and he has already an advance of 25 points on Simone Albergoni, Metzeler rider. The Italian has impressed everybody with a 3 ^rd and a 2 ^nd place here in San Juan while Rodrig Thain riding with Metzeler Six Days Extreme took a 6 ^th and a 5 ^th places. On his part, Eero Remes has made a nice 3 ^rd place this Sunday.

In E2, Metzeler can be also satisfied with the two podiums of Cristobal Guerrero (2 ^nd in the both days) and the nice 3 ^rd place of Johnny Aubert during the Day 1.

The Argentinian weekend has delivered four wins for Metzeler (two with Meo and two with Nambotin), five second places (Knight two times, Albergoni, Guerrero two times) and three third places (Aubert, Albergoni, Remes).

In Junior class, Kevin Benavides has been impressive on his soil and reach the 3 ^rd step of the podium two times while Karl Svensson made an 8 ^th and a 7 ^th ranks and Rudi Moroni finishes both times in the Top 10.

During this second GP of the 2012 EWC, the Metzeler Six Days Extreme has confirmed the good impression they let us in Chile. For sure, this South American tour was a great tour for Metzeler with 8 wins, 8 second places and 4 third places.
Now Rendezvous in Munitibar for the Grand Prix of Euskadi where the Metzeler Six Days Extreme will have to face the grass after the dust of South American countries.
Saturday:

E1 Class: Antoine MEO (KTM, Metzeler), Marc BOURGEOIS (Yamaha), Simone ALBERGONI (HM Honda, Metzeler);
E2 Class: Ivan CERVANTES (Gas Gas), Cristobal GUERRERO (KTM – Metzeler), Johnny AUBERT (KTM, Metzeler);
E3 Class: Christophe NAMBOTIN (KTM, Metzeler), David KNIGHT (KTM, Metzeler), Joakim LJUNGGREN (Husaberg).
EJ Class: Jonathan MANZI (KTM), Mathias BELLINO (Husaberg) Kevin BENAVIDES (KTM, Metzeler)
EY Class: Giacomo REDONDI (KTM), Benjamin HERRERA (TM), Stefano CAIMI (Yamaha).

Sunday:

E1 Class: Antoine MEO (KTM, Metzeler), Simone ALBERGONI (HM Honda, Metzeler), Eero REMES (KTM, Metzeler);
E2 Class: Juha SALMINEN (Husaqvarna), Cristobal GUERRERO (KTM, Metzeler); Ivan CERVANTES (Gas Gas)
E3 Class: Christophe NAMBOTIN (KTM, Metzeler), David KNIGHT (KTM, Metzeler), Joakim LJUNGGREN (Husaberg).
EJ Class: Jonathan MANZI (KTM), Mathias BELLINO (Husaberg), Kevin BENAVIDES (KTM, Metzeler)
EY Class: Giacomo REDONDI (KTM), Benjamin HERRERA (TM), Stefano CAIMI (Yamaha)

Metzeler wins in E1 and E3 classes of the Enduro World Championship

Mon, 26Mar20122:00:00 +0200

Metzeler wins in E1 and E3 classes of the Enduro World Championship Metzeler Six Days Extreme wins the opening Grand Prix of EWC in E1 class with Antoine Meo and in E3 class with Christophe Nambotin.

In the first race of the 2012 Enduro World Championship which was held in Talca, Chile, Metzeler obtained already two classes' wins thanks to Antoine Meo who was unbeatable in E1 and to Christophe Nambotin with double days win in E3.

The New-official rider of KTM team, Antoine Meo, was sick all along the week but, with his Six Days Extreme, he was able to secure a win in each race day. Just before the second round in Argentina, the French has already 40 points and 8 on his direct opponent and official HM Honda Rodrig Thain also on Six Days Extreme. Still in Enduro 1, Rodrig Thain with his Six Days Extreme tires has been able to grab a 2nd and 3rd place this weekend while Simone Albergoni climbed on the 2nd place of the podium on the second day. It was a perfect weekend for Metzeler Six Days Extreme in Enduro 1.

But the weekend has given great satisfaction to Metzeler also in Enduro 3. In fact, Christophe Nambotin on his KTM equipped with Metzeler Six Days Extreme wins the both days easily and left no chance to his opponents. Like Meo in E1, Nambotin has already 40 points and 8 points on his direct opponent Aigar Leok. Metzeler was also on the 2nd step of the podium during the Day 2 with David Knight.

The Chilean weekend has delivered four wins for Metzeler (two with Meo and two with Nambotin), three second places (Knight, Albergoni, Thain) and a third place (Thain).
For his EWC debut, Metzeler rider Manuel Monni, ex-Crossman, made a good first impression with two 8 places while HM Honda rider Karl Svensson made his best and grab a 5th place in Day 1 and Kevin Benavides has made a brilliant start on his continent with a 4th place in Day 1 and a 5th place in Day 2.

During the opening GP of the 2012 EWC, the Metzeler Six Days Extreme has made an impressive debut with already four riders in the 3 first places of E1 and E3 categories. For sure, the Grand Prix of Chile was a great one for Metzeler riders and they hope to do it again next weekend in San Juan, Argentina.

Saturday :
E1 Class: Antoine MEO (KTM, Metzeler), Rodrig THAIN (HM Honda, Metzeler), Marc BOURGEOIS (Yamaha);
E2 Class: Juha SALMINEN (Husqvarna), Ivan CERVANTES (Gas Gas), Oscar BALLETTI (Beta);
E3 Class: Christophe NAMBOTIN (KTM, Metzeler), Aigar LEOK (TM), Oriol MENA (Husaberg).
EJ Class: Mathias BELLINO (Husaberg), Dany MCCANNEY (Gas Gas), Alexandre QUEYREYRE (Yamaha).
EY Class: Benjamin HERRERA (TM), Giacomo REDONDI (KTM), Stefano CAIMI (Yamaha).

Sunday :
E1 Class: Antoine MEO (KTM, Metzeler), Simone ALBERGONI (HM Honda, Metzeler), Rodrig THAIN (HM Honda, Metzeler);
E2 Class: Pierre-Alexandre RENET (Husaberg), Ivan CERVANTES (Gas Gas), Alex SALVINI (Husqvarna);
E3 Class: Christophe NAMBOTIN (KTM, Metzeler), David KNIGHT (KTM, Metzeler), Aigar LEOK (TM).
EJ Class: Mathias BELLINO (Husaberg), Victor GUERRERO (KTM), Dany MCCANNEY (Gas Gas).
EY Class: Giacomo REDONDI (KTM), Benjamin HERRERA (TM), Santiago ISAZA (KTM).
For further information please visit our website: www.metzelermoto.com.

The Metzeler Feelfree Wintec range expands, now no scooter rider need fear the winter

Mon, 19Dec20116:00:00 +0200

The Metzeler Feelfree Wintec range expands, now no scooter rider need fear the winter With the introduction of the new 100/80-16, 110/70-16 and 110/70-13 sizes for the front and 120/80–16, 130/70 R16 and 140/60-14 for the rear, the Feelfree Wintec family has grown. Feelfree Wintec: the tyre which ensures safety even during the coldest seasons

Safety in every month of the year is now even more within reach for all scooter riders thanks to the introduction of new sizes for Feelfree Wintec , the first tyre conceived to allow scooter riders to use their two wheelers in every season, especially in the coldest months. In addition to the sizes already sold, now riders can also find sizes of 100/80-16 for the front and 120/80-16 for the rear on 150 cc scooters like the Honda SH150i, 110-70-16 for the front and 130/70-R16 for the rear on 300cc scooters like the Honda SH300i as well as front size 110/70-13 and rear 140/60-14 suited for scooters like the Piaggio MP3 . With the expansion of the Feelfree Wintec range Metzeler confirms road safety as a priority element of its research and development activities, which are conducted alongside numerous sensitization initiatives in all major European countries.

Created in 2007 as a radial for maxi-scooters (Burgman 650 and Tmax 500), Feelfree Wintec quickly became the tyre of choice for the entire segment and made scooter use non-seasonal. Feelfree Wintec was designed to provide the best possible performance in low temperatures and on wet road surfaces, but it guarantees the same reliable performance in hot weather and on dry surfaces as well. Its primary benefits are stability and handling, factors which give the rider a feeling of security and confidence.

The Feelfree Wintec tread design is the most visible application of Metzeler technology. The tread, characterised by siping, was designed to optimise the empty/full ratio of both front and rear tyres in order to maximise performance, especially in wet conditions, enhancing water drainage. The sipes play a fundamental role because, breaking up the water plane, they provide better traction on wet surfaces (centre of the tread) and an excellent feeling of contact in bends (shoulders). The shape of the sipes was designed to ensure fast warm-up without making the tread excessively mobile.

Feelfree Wintec is made up of both a conventional structures (for sizes from 10" to 15") as well as radial structures (sizes from 14" to 16"). The conventional structures are made up of a carcass on which two or more layers of rubber textile material are overlaid, with different angles of inclination based on the technical construction requirements and the different desired speed indexes.

The radial versions associate the famous Metzeler 0° steel belt with a lightened carcass in order to increase ease of riding and handling at high speeds. This technology constitutes a Metzeler patent which the engineers have developed even further, introducing variations on the density of the steel cords in the various areas of the profile.

Feelfree Wintec has a "three zone A-B-A pattern" which is able to provide a larger tread area. "A-B-A" represents the arrangement of the steel belt, tighter on the shoulder and less at the centre, with a new optimised profile which ensures progressive performance, predictability and maximum riding precision.

The compound plays an important role and thanks to a specific study on the composition mix, Feelfree is able to provide exceptional grip in all weather conditions. A patented process with an appropriate mix of compounds allows the properties of three different polymers to be added, each of which glazes over at different temperatures. This new patented technology ensures grip on wet surfaces even in extremely cold temperatures (-10°C) and at the same time provides excellent physical strength. An appropriate hardness of the compound in wet conditions and high temperatures stems from a perfectly balanced mixture of components (Silica + Carbon Black) created specifically for this tyre. Metzeler has also applied "Cap & Base" technology: strategic reinforcing fibres under the soft compound with a perfect balance of flexibility and rigidity between tread and structure which ensure transfer of road stress from the tread to the carcass, improving stability.

For more information about the new Metzeler FeelFree sizes, visit our website at www.metzelermoto.it .

Metzeler Tyre Press Office
Tel + 39 02 6442 4270

Metzeler honours The Land of the Rising Sun and its role in motorcycle history with the 2012 Calendar

Tue, 06Dec20112:00:00 +0200

The Metzeler Classics calendar, now in its 19th edition, celebrates two-wheeled competitions from the sixties with a series of black & white shots, paying homage to Japan and its motorcycling tradition, marked this year by such terrible adversity

Legends are born with the passing of the years and the Metzeler Classics calendar has by now earned the right to be one of the most sought after mementos in the two-wheeler world. An exclusive work made even more valuable by its production in a limited series, it provides only a fortunate few with the privilege of hanging a copy of this calendar on their walls. The ingredients of this year's Metzeler calendar are unforgettable moments in motorcycling from the sixties and slices of history which have dictated the success of Japanese motorcycle manufacturers throughout the decades.

In fact, since 2010, alongside the Metzeler Classics calendar, with its fascinating black & white images of the golden years of motorcycling, Metzeler has selected snapshots which are connected by a theme particularly dear to the brand. This is why, after having dedicated the 2010 calendar to the Moto Club Classic Cuba (MOCLA) and the 2011 edition to the historic Café Racer movement, Metzeler decided to entitle the 2012 edition '' Homage to Japan '', dedicating it to Japan and Japanese manufacturers. The history of Japanese motorcycle manufacturers began in the fifties when, after the Second World War, Japan noticed the growing popularity of motorcycles in Europe and the United States, and began to manufacture its own bikes for the domestic and international market. Since then Japanese motorcycles have proposed increasingly innovative and technologically advanced solutions, contributing significantly to the development and progress of the two-wheeled world.

''An important part of international motorcycling history'' said Francesco Pietrangeli , Marketing Director of the German brand, ''has been written by Japanese bikes. This is why it seemed only right to honour them and the entire Japanese population at this particular moment, after the great disaster which struck them so fiercely this year. A disaster to which they have reacted in an exemplary way''.

Originally launched in 1994 as a special edition of the cult calendar Classic Moments, the Metzeler Classics calendar quickly became popular, winning over a faithful following of enthusiasts thanks to its precious snapshots from the street and off-road motor sport world, in which Metzeler has raced and been successful over the years.

The 50 x 53 centimetres calendar is made by Text & Technik Verlag in Weissach, just outside of Stuttgart, the same company that designed the very first Classics calendar in 1994. It is professionally printed on extremely high-quality paper using a five colour printing process and an additional opaque finish, while both covers are printed on glossy coated paper. The 2012 calendar features 22 subjects, is printed front and back and provides a bilingual description of each photograph in English and German. The 2012 edition is limited to just 6,000 copies for the entire world.

Metzeler World Champion in E3, EJ and EW Classes of the Enduro World Championship

Fri, 07Oct20112:00:00 +0200

Metzeler Six Days Extreme wins the Enduro World Championship in E3 class with Mika

Ahola, in Juniors category with Jérémy Joly and in Women's class with Ludivine Puy

In the last race of the Enduro World Championship which was held in Mende, France, Metzeler obtained another World Championship thanks to Mika Ahola (Honda-HM) who triumphed in E3 class, Jérémy Joly (HM-Honda) in the Junior s category and Ludivine Puy (Gas Gas) in the Women's.

The Finn rider of HM-Honda team with the Six Days Extreme was crowned in France after a fantastic season full of nine wins and six podiums in total. Mika Ahola has closed the Championship with 369 points, 57 more than his direct opponent and Frenchman Christophe Nambotin (Gas Gas), always on Six Days Extreme. This past weekend, Mika Ahola won both races ahead of Alex Salvini (Husqvarna) and Marko Tarkkala (Husaberg) on Saturday and Sunday.
The HM-Honda rider with this victory goes down in history of Enduro World Championship as he is the first rider to have won a title in each class.

But the weekend has given great satisfaction to Metzeler also in the other two categories of EWC.
In fact, in the EW class reserved for women, French rider Ludivine Puy on her Gas Gas bike equipped with Metzeler Six Days Extreme and in her second year in the world circuit has won six
out of six racers, closing the world championship ahead of Laia Sanz (HM-Honda) and Blandine
Dufrene (Gas Gas) and obtaining her second consecutive World Title. Metzeler Six Days Extreme
tyres have triumphed even in the Junior class where Jérémy Joly, a young Frenchman, won the team title with HM-Honda.

The French weekend has delivered a total of three wins for Metzeler (two with Mika Ahola and one with Rodrig Thain), two second places (Eero Remes and Cristobal Guerrero) and three third places (Cristobal Guerrero, Eero Remes and Ivan Cervantes).

In addition to the successes of the three World Champions, we recall that in 2011, the Metzeler Six Days Extreme found success also in the two remaining classes of the Enduro World Championship: in the E1 class where Finn Eero Remes KTM took second place in the overall standings and in the E2 category where Spanaird Cristobal Guerrero (KTM) won the title of vicechampion of the world.

Below the results of the races for each category:

Saturday:
E1 Class: Juha Salminen (Husqvarna), Eero Remes (KTM, Metzeler), Fabien Planet (Sherco);
E2 Class: Pierre Alexandre Renet (Husaberg), Antoine Meo (Husqvarna), Cristobal Guerrero (KTM, Metzeler);
E3 Class: Mika Ahola (HM-Honda, Metzeler), Alex Salvini (Husqvarna), Marko Tarkkala (Husaberg).
EJ Class: Romain Dumontier (Yamaha), Jérémy Joly (HM Honda, Metzeler), Mathias Bellino (Husaberg).
EW Class: Ludivine Puy (Gas Gas, Metzeler), Laia Sanz (HM-Honda), Jessica Jonsson (Gas Gas).

Sunday:
E1 Class: Rodrig Thain (HM-Honda, Metzeler), Juha Salminen (Husqvarna), Eero Remes (KTM, Metzeler);
E2 Class: Antoine Meo (Husqvarna), Cristobal Guerrero (KTM, Metzeler), Ivan Cervantes (GAS GAS, Metzeler);
E3 Class: Mika Ahola (HM-Honda, Metzeler), Alex Salvini (Husqvarna), Marko Tarkkala (Husaberg).
EJ Class: Romain Dumontier (Yamaha), Benoit Fortunato (Yamaha), Mathias Bellino (Husaberg).
EW Class: Ludivine Puy (Gas Gas, Metzeler), Laia Sanz (HM-Honda), Heike Petrick (KTM).

For further information please visit our website: www.metzelermoto.com .

METZELER ROADTEC Z8 INTERACT™ TOPS CHARTS IN RECENT LONG TERM TYRE TEST BY GERMAN MOTORCYCLE TRAVEL MAGAZINE

Sun, 10Jul20110:00:00 +0200

METZELER ROADTEC Z8 INTERACT™ TOPS CHARTS IN RECENT LONG TERM TYRE TEST BY GERMAN MOTORCYCLE TRAVEL MAGAZINE Motorcyclists can be newly reassured of the excellent performances of Metzeler's premium Interact™ radial motorcycle tyres after German motorcycle travel magazine Motorrad & Reisen conducted its long-term tyre test and found the Roadtec Z8 Interact™ to be the leader in the sport touring segment Conducted regularly by editorial staff often riding long distances, this year's sport touring tyre test found the Roadtec Z8 Interact™ is designed "to make riding easier" and thus earns a top spot.

MUNICH (Germany), July 12th, 2011 – In their current July/August 2011 double issue, the editorial board of a German motorcycle travel magazine MOTORRAD & REISEN recently updated their best tyre list. The result was extremely positive for Metzeler: the Roadtec Z8 Interact™ stood at the top having earned 3 out of 4 possible top marks. With the mileage (very good), handling (very good), behaviour in curves (good) and the wet performance (very good), the Roadtec Z8 has made a solid showing, together with two competing products.

There was no surprise when the Roadtec Z8 Interact™ brought forth the following comments: "With the Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact™, the rider has everything under control. The tyre follows its instincts with an incredible blend of precise and effortless handling. The Roadtec Z8 Interact™ is designed to make driving easier, regardless of the bike - for long and safe riding experiences." · The tyre's new contour in combination with a patented tread design improves handling and reduces steering effort significantly, for maximum confidence in all driving situations. An innovative new design: matching the physical profile shape with a tread design inspired by the Greek letter "Pi", functional in that it increases the flexibility of the profile, thus ensuring optimum tyre contact surface area in all conditions.

· The Multi Zone Tension technology (Interact™ technology) of the 0° steel cord gives the "Z8" long-distance performance and stability along with perfect cornering grip. · A new composition of the silica component and its dispersion at a nano-scale increases the performance and safety levels in all weather conditions.

"Independent comparative tests from touring magazines like Motorrad and Reisen are critical for establishing also the real-world application of our products. The magazine staff and its readers are riding many kilometres" says Francesco Pietrangeli, Director of Marketing for Metzeler Motorcycle Tyres, "enough to offer a valid feedback to tyre dealers and consumers on the performances of our newest tyre, the Roadtec Z8 Interact™."

For more information on the Roadtec Z8 Interact™ as well as Metzeler's entire motorcycle tyre range, please visit our website at: www.metzelermoto.com

Podium sweep for Metzeler in notorious Erzberg Enduro!

Sun, 26Jun20112:00:00 +0200

Metzeler riders took an incredible podium clean sweep at the brutal Erzberg extreme
enduro, held in Austria this past weekend. Polish specialist Tadeusz Blazusiak took the
win on his factory KTM from Brits Dougie Lampkin (Gas Gas) and Jonny Walker (KTM).

Regarded by many as one of the toughest off-road events in the World this years event was
added to by continuous rain as riders battled over huge boulders and near vertical climbs.
Riders pass through 'help zones' where the crowds pull them up and then struggle onwards
up the steep valley sides assistance is forbidden.

Both Blazusiak and Lampkin used their immense bike skills after being top trials riders for
many years (Dougie has been 12 times World Trials Champ). Jonny Walker surprised and
impressed many as he put himself up on the podium with a brave performance. All three
riders kept traction to a maximum with Metzeler's 6 Days Extreme tyres.

Blazusiak was ecstatic after his fifth win saying, "It's been a tough race but to get a fifth win is
just amazing. From the start I felt good, but the weather was horrible. I took an early lead
before getting past on one of the first climbs, but once we got to the first tough sections in the
forest I got back into the lead and pushed hard to open up a gap at the front. I didn't have any
problems on any of the next hard sections and had about a two or three minute lead as I got
to the toughest rock section known as Carl's Diner. It's amazing having five wins here, I have
to say such a big thanks to everyone who helped me as well as to all my sponsors. Now I'll be
spending my time getting ready for Endurocross in the States which starts with the first race
at X Games.'

Results – Erzberg Rodeo 2011

1. Taddy Blazusiak (POL/KTM)
2. Dougie Lampkin (GBR/Gas Gas)
3. Jonny Walker (GBR/KTM)