The tyre war is heating up nicely. This is one‘ conflict’ that ought to be celebrated by motorcyclists as we reap the benefits while the manufacturers lock their tech wizards in the lab and only feed them when they come up with tangible results. Metzeler have just let them out and prepared a feast. That comes on the heels of the new Metzeler Sportec 01 and its sexy sibling, the Sportec 01 RS. These sporty new boots sit in the sports and supersports zone with the RS being perfect for riding to the track in legal attire and having maximum performance from a street legal tyre. The‘ standard’ Sportec, while well up to some serious fun on track, it aimed at the sports rider, so combines serious ability on less than perfect surfaces and continues the Metzeler M9RR’ s legacy of being extremely competent in the wet for a true sports tyre. That real world usefulness is sure to please many Kiwi riders. On the surface, the pattern of the tread is familiar but altered, reassuring officianados and incorporating a new patent, DYNATREAD. This new catchcry refers to the treads ability to close the grooves under high stress applications( read dry and fast) and increase the contact land-to-sea ratio to mimic slicks and still perform their wet function when less stress is placed on the tyre. The RS also has black silica race tyre technology that lets you have a tyre that heats fast, regulates the heat and gives exceptional grip. Sure, you can use tyre warmers but for many track day riders, the new RS means you can ride to the track and back as well as let your hair down( should you have any) as you cut some quick laps. New carcass, new compounds, new tread. But wait, there’ s more … There are new sports / touring hoops coming soon … Meanwhile, it will be back to the locked lab for the wizards.