   hile
the current Honda Gold Wing GL1800 has been a resounding success, the
earlier GL1500 remains extremely popular, thanks to its proven reliability,
performance and comfort. Built in the United States from 1987 to 2000,
some estimate there are about 85,000 GL1500s still on the road.The new Michelin Pilot GT fills the need for a GL1500 tire with the latest technology in rubber composition, carcass construction and profile. It delivers exceptional handling, maneuverability and mileage, without compromising grip on wet or dry roads. The Michelin Pilot GT employs proven cross-ply construction, favored for its ability to deliver long mileage under heavier loads, compared to radials. The front Pilot GT incorporates four crossed plies for durability, along with excellent straight-line and cornering stability. Its optimized tread thickness virtually eliminates high-speed wobble, confirmed in rigorous independent testing of both new and worn Pilot GT tires, with up to 15,000 miles on them. The Pilot GT's taller, more pointed front profile promotes sharp handling and easy low-speed maneuverability. At the rear, the Pilot GT features three crossed plies and two crown plies, for very high lateral and tread rigidity. This promotes straight-line and cornering stability and minimizes wobble when fully loaded. The tread design of the Pilot GT was derived from the Michelin Pilot Road sport touring tire, already renowned for its wet-weather performance. Variable tread depth between the center and shoulders of the Pilot GT promotes even wear of the contact patch over the life of the tire. The tread pattern covers at least 17.5 percent of the tire's surface - significantly more than competing tires - for efficient evacuation of water from the contact patch. The formulation of the tread compound as well as the thicker tread of the rear Pilot GT tire were designed to effectively transmit the GL1500's power and torque to the road, while offering excellent grip and durability. Specific front and rear tread compounds are used. The front tire compound is a mixture comprising natural rubber, reinforced with 100% carbon black plus a proprietary High Quality Molecular Compound (HQMC) platicizer, as well as a new plasticizer known as High Tech Synthetic Compound. HTSC was originally developed for use in MotoGP racing tires and is a key component in the Michelin Pilot Power high-performance tire. This rubber mix is optimized for durability and even wear pattern. The rear tire compound is a synthetic rubber mix, reinforced with carbon black, plus HQMC plasticizer and proprietary Natural Mineral Compound (NMC). It's formulated to promote wet and dry grip, as well as excellent durability. From the outset, the Pilot GT was developed specifically for North American GL1500 riders, who typically tour with their bikes at or near the maximum load rating, often towing trailers as well. With this in mind, the Pilot GT was tested extensively both at the Michelin proving ground in South Carolina, and by an independent testing firm that evaluated the tires in a variety of real-world conditions over tens of thousands of miles. Suggested retail for the new Michelin Pilot GT is $175 for the front, and $225 for the rear. The tires will be officially unveiled at the 2006 Dealer Expo in Indy. Stop by booth #533 and get a close-up look.  |
For more information see:
www.michelin.com
