Racetec K3

RACETEC K3

Rubber that didn’t tire

Tires are an important factor when comparing the relative performance of supersport motorcycles. Fitting all seven bikes tested at Oschersleben with Metzeler sport radials eliminated any variation in grip that exists between the different stock-fitment brands found on these bikes.

The German tire manufacturer’s Racetec K Interact radial is a DOT-legal supersport track tire that is available in a choice of three compounds. We used the K3, a long-wearing street/trackday tire that shares the same construction and tread pattern as the all-out race tire. Metzeler’s Interact concept enables a single-compound tire to perform much like a multi-compound design while eliminating the so-called "step effect.’’ This is achieved by continously adjusting beltwinding tension across the profile.

At Oschersleben I was impressed with the Racetec K3’s cornering grip, and with the amazingly consistent level of traction that a single set of tires maintained throughout each day. -Don Canet