International Dealer News IDN 120 Aug/Sept 2014 | Page 7

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Michelin launches
Pilot Road 4
MICHELIN is following up on its record sales
in 2013 with more than seven percent
growth and all-time high market share in
Europe, North America and Asia, with the
launch of its new Pilot Road 4 tyre.
This follows on from seven new products
that have been very favourably received in
its various markets in 2013, such as the Pilot
Power 3 and the City Winter Grip - with five
times as many City Winter Grips sold more
than initially forecast.
The new Pilot Road 4 is said to outperform
its nearest rivals when braking on wet,
slippery roads by 17 percent, while at the
same time offering a 20 percent increase in
longevity compared to the Pilot Road 3,
which it is replacing.
Key features include the use of Michelin 2
CT, XST, XST+ and 2 AT for the
Pilot Road 4 GT.
Both front and rear feature Michelin 2 CT
(Two Compound Technology), which employs
a softer compound for the shoulders and a
more resistant compound for the centre of
the tread in order to prolong tyre life and
optimise grip.
With Michelin XST (X-Sipe Technology), the
part of the tread band in contact with the
road features sipes and water reservoirs
said to slice through surface water and
increase the tyre’s water clearance capacity
to obtain a level of grip on a par with that
associated with near-dry roads.

With XST+, the technology features
transverse sipes which improve braking
performance, while the edges of the sipes
are chamfered to help to prevent abnormal
wear in extreme conditions.
The new architecture of Michelin’s patented
2AT (Dual Angle Technology) is the result of
a five-year research and development
programme, and is said to heighten riding
enjoyment on heavier bikes by providing the
Pilot Road 4 GT with the necessary rigidity
to optimise stability when cornering and on
straights. To enhance stability, 2AT provides
a claimed 15 percent gain in terms of
rigidity compared with a conventional tyre.

www.michelin.com

Special edition
Bonneville launched
TRIUMPH has launched a one-off run of 50 special
edition Bonneville T100s. The bespoke machines
mark the 50th anniversary of the 1964 International
Six Day Trials (ISDT), which saw the Triumph Factory
Team compete and ride to gold medal victory.
The commemorative motorbikes have been
developed to incorporate a number of features and
styles to replicate the original 1964 T100s. Alongside
customised bodywork depicting an image of the ISDT
gold medal, the motorcycles feature an original
image of the ‘64 Triumph Factory Team winners. In
keeping with the nostalgic theme, the bikes use the
original Triumph logo – which hasn’t been replicated
in production for over 30 years, as well as original

signatures from each of the four riders.
The 865cc modern T100s have also been fitted
with classic adaptations, including the addition of
cross-brace handlebars, engine sump guard, a
stylistic number plate, centre stand and a bespoke
seat with integrated tool bag. Official certification,
signed by Triumph’s owner John Bloor, will be
presented to the purchasers to guarantee
authenticity and collectability.
TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES LTD
Hinckley, Leicestershire, UK
Tel: [phone]
www.triumph.co.uk

INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - AUG/SEP 2014

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