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 oad racing fans have been hearing about dual-compound tires for years, ever since Michelin introduced the first dual-compound slicks in 500cc Grand Prix in 1994. But until now, this technology has been reserved strictly for racers, who enjoyed the added grip that multiple rubber compounds can provide. Now Michelin Pilot Power 2CT tires have changed all that.An extension of the already-successful Pilot Power line of ultrahigh-performance tires, Pilot Power 2CT tires add a second rubber compound on the outer edges of the tread that’s 20% softer than the center tread. As racers already know, this softer rubber promotes higher cornering grip at full lean–an important benefit for sportbike owners who use their bikes for track days. So just what is two-compound technology (or ‘2CT’ in Michelin terminology), and what does it mean for the average rider? The tread area of Pilot Power 2CT tires is divided into three separate areas, incorporating two different rubber compounds. This provides numerous advantages in terms of dry grip, lean angle, cornering responsiveness, handling and progressive acceleration and braking on wet surfaces. The center of the tread is designed to withstand high speeds, sudden acceleration and braking. The outer edges of the tread come into use at maximum lean angles. Their softer rubber compound heats up quickly and provides optimal grip at lower speeds, delivering outstanding traction when cornering. Michelin Pilot Power 2CT are the first and only street tires to offer dual-compound technology on both front and rear tires. Thanks to Michelin 2CT technology, the performance gap between race bikes and street bikes is growing smaller. On Michelin’s test track in Clermont-Ferrand, France, MotoGP bikes have achieved a maximum lean angle of 55 degrees, while a sportbike equipped with Pilot Power 2CT tires could be leaned into corners at an angle of 51.2 degrees without losing adhesion–a difference of just 3.8 degrees. To further drive home the point, earlier this year Michelin fitted a pair of Pilot Power 2CT tires to Colin Edwards’ 250-horsepower Yamaha MotoGP bike and turned him loose on the Sepang race circuit in Malaysia. Edwards’ best lap time on these remarkable street tires was within 6% of his fastest time on Michelin racing slicks. Dual-compound tires are just the latest in a long line of Michelin innovations that have descended from the race track to the street, including radial construction, silica-based rubber mixes and the use of C3M manufacturing–the same process used to build the Michelin racing slicks that dominate in MotoGP. The Pilot Power 2CT won’t replace single-compound Pilot Power tires in the Michelin lineup; rather they’ll complement the Pilot Power, providing enhanced performance for the most demanding riders. Pilot Power 2CT tires will be available in the most popular sportbike sizes. Suggested retail for the 120/70-17 front Pilot Power 2CT is $177, while the 180/55-17 rear retails for $227 and the 190/50-17 rear for $266. Coming in early 2007 is a new 190/55-17 rear Pilot Power 2CT, with a more aggressive profile that promotes quicker steering than with a conventional 190/50-17 rear, along with a larger contact patch at full lean. Contact your Parts Unlimited rep for more information on all that Michelin has to offer.   |
