Kiwi Rider December 2023 Vol.1 | Page 42

the Metzelers , but they bit and off we went . I have tried tyres that saw the bike drop forward thrust like a kill-switch , not returning until I backed off a whole lot . Braking on the lesser tyres was downright sketchy , while armed with the 01 SE , grip was awesome . The carcass has also been sprinkled with magic dust . It is more compliant than the standard 01 series . You can barely notice when at standstill ( yep , I had both types ) but rolling , I can feel the difference and that is teamed up with a slightly sharper profile to give capital letters to the name . A sports / touring tyre , sure , but with a bit more emphasis on the ‘ sports ’ side of the balance sheet . Sure , the Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE is not alone in this new and fantastic capable group . I will endeavour to try out different options going forward but they really will take some matching . Is there anything else in the motorcycle sport / touring world out there that can surpass the all-round all-weather ‘ variable ’ surface performance ? I liked the original Roadtec 01 although I do now prefer the new
SE but I ’ ll try to find out . The invitation to any tyre suppliers is there ...
10,000KM LATER I remain a fan . With the imminent arrival of the Roadtec 02 , I suspect a Roadtec 02 SE will follow , but in the meanwhile , the standard has been set . Now , time to find out if there are other tyres out there as good , and , dare I hope , better than my new benchmark ? I am keen to find out . Both tyres have reached the end of profile life at about the same time , due in part to having to try to be all tyres all of the time , so some sedate trundling , the odd track squirt and lots of general riding . That suits me as I always love the feeling of a spanking new set of tyres .
Model : Metzeler Roadtec 01SE Sizes : 120 / 70-17 , 150 / 70-17 , 160 / 60-17 , 180 / 55-17 , 190 / 50-17 , 190 / 55-17 Price : $ 375 to $ 505 Info : forbesanddavies . co . nz
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Fantastic wet grip . Handle shiny patches better than any tyre should . Sportier profile and edge grip than their predecessors . Roll smoother than them too
All this goodness comes at a cost
42 KIWI RIDER