Overveiw: T Sutherland.

As mentioned in the race forum the best wet tyres we currently know of are the Metzler R1 full road race wets. From what I've seen they're the best (read most sticky) because they are so bloody soft.Any big roadracer or anything that is punching out big ponies would probably tear them to bits in no time but a light weight and (relatively) low power Supermoto machine doesn't. The light weight and differculty in getting temprature into the tyres is is what Metzeler are claiming to have addressed.

 

Press release.

Metzeler RACETEC DRIFT's most important features:

- New type of racing compound, different for front and rear wheels, ideal for perfect control of drift and extreme braking maneuvers.
- Special tyre contour for rapid changes of lean angle, optimum drift control and first-class feedback.
-Tire structure with 0° steel belt and first-class damping characteristics makes it possible to tune the bike to any type of track -layout.

Power drifts have never been easier!
Metzeler introduces the RACETEC DRIFT – the new reference standard in supermoto tyres
Following the launch of the RACETEC roadracing tyre in early 2004, Munich tyre manufacturer Metzeler is now introducing its newest member of the RACETEC family at Intermot 2004 – the RACETEC DRIFT. World championship supermoto riders contributed to the development of this new racing tyre that is tailored to the special demands of supermoto racing competition. On straights or tight turns, the RACETEC DRIFT enables every supermoto rider to achieve maximum performance.
The RACETEC DRIFT is the perfect slick tyre for all supermoto racers who want winning performance on the track. To achieve an ideal balance between the three decisive supermoto racing parameters –grip, handling, and drift control – the RACETEC DRIFT was developed in close cooperation with world championship "S1" class riders. This new tyre was designed based on their experience and preferences with the potential to soon become the reference standard for supermoto racing tyres.
Designed to make it easier for riders to be faster, the RACETEC DRIFT has all of the same technical background as its successful sibling, the road racing proven RACETEC: a rubber compound with extremely short warm-up times and a casing that offers excellent self-damping and feedback. The front and rear tyre contours are fine-tuned for racing performance. Based on these first-class characteristics, Metzeler engineers have now developed the RACETEC DRIFT, a tyre specially adapted to meet the requirements of supermoto racing with its long stretches of extreme drift and integrated off-road sections.
The Metzeler RACETEC DRIFT features an innovative contour that clearly differs from the RACETEC. This new contour gives riders extremely precise, razor sharp handling and a perfect feedback of contact feeling at any lean angle. This offers real advantages when it comes to quick reactions in tight turns or going into a drift.
Achieving the fastest lap times requires a racing rubber compound that gives the rider plenty of grip and a clearly perceptible grip limit. Meeting state-of-the-art technical standards, the RACETEC DRIFT is made from a refined variation of the proven compounds used for the RACETEC tyre. Even in extreme situations, the RACETEC DRIFT ensures maximum forward thrust with outstanding drift control. This level of performance is achieved by using two different compounds for the front and rear of the RACETEC DRIFT.
The new tyre gives the rider excellent control in drifts. This is based on the third-generation of the patented Metzeler 0° steel belt technology used in RACETEC tyres. The RACETEC DRIFT casing characteristics are determined by variations in the steel belt spacing and the specific tension of the steel bandinas in the production process. This results in precisely defined, uniform contact feeling at all lean angles– on or off the road. Riders benefit from extremely precise feedback on the track and makes it much easier to tune the suspension for the specific race – an invaluable advantage considering the widely varied characteristics found on supermoto race courses.
The new RACETEC DRIFT will be available from January 2005 in sizes 120/75 R 420 NHS TL, 120/70 R 17 NHS TL (under preparation) and 160/60 R 17 NHS TL.

Metzeler motorcycle tyres on the Internet: www.metzelermoto.com
Metzeler PR / 14 September 2004