Michelin launches slick-based rubber for supermotos

Michelin has launched new sticky slick-based tyres for supermoto racers. The SM tyre has been developed with the help of Riders from the Vertemati, Yamaha and KTM teams. It is not road legal.

The front 12/60 – 17 SM is designed to fit a 3.50 inch rim. It is based on a medium slick with a newly designed flexible casing for a quicker warm-up. The front tyre’s profile is more rounded compared to the triangular profile of a racing slick to offer more stability and progressive cornering.

The rear 16/63 – 17 SM is designed to fit 5.0 and 5.50 inch rims and has been developed from a medium/soft slick for 250cc race bikes. Like the front tyre the casing is redesigned to be more flexible. The idea is to cut warm-up times and improve grip and endurance. It also helps the tyre deal with the many surface changes encountered in supermoto racing.

The moulded centre tread pattern provides traction on the dirt and Tarmac sections and semi-slick shoulders offer more grip through corners, claims Michelin.

The tyre also has feint lines on the surface to allow riders to hand cut the tyre and alter the pattern to suit different circuits and riding styles.

Although the tyres are tubeless, when fitted to spoked wheels Michelin says it may be necessary to fit inner-tubes. The recommended tubes are 17C front and 17CGR rear.