KIWI RIDER 02 2020 VOL1 | Page 16

COMMANDER III: THE TOURING… I n the wide range scope of motorcycle tyres, manufacturers have to cater to those niches within our niche sport as well as pumping out those do it all hoops. New for 2020 from Michelin is the Commander III Touring tyre, which Michelin says caters to custom motorcycle enthusiasts who crave for wide-open spaces and freedom with a tyre backed with a long tyre life, all- weather safety, and reliability. In 2000, Michelin unveiled the Commander, its first tyre for cruiser motorcycles. Now, two decades on, Michelin has developed the all-new Commander III Cruiser and Commander III Touring. The Commander range is divided into two to match the needs of all types of rider even more closely than before. Innovation is synonymous within Michelin’s DNA and can be found within both the Commander III Cruiser and Commander III Touring tyre, with these two new tyres featuring the following I innovations – long tyre life, in keeping with the acclaimed longevity of its Commander II, enhanced grip (especially on wet roads) thanks to an all-silica compound and a tread-void ratio that is three-percent superior to that of the MICHELIN Commander II, and selected sizes feature Premium Touch Technology on the sidewalls. MICHELIN POWER 5 LAUNCHES n a show of strength that continues to highlight both the development and technological advances in their motorcycle tyres, Michelin is set to launch another high-performance Power tyre into the market for 2020 – the new Power 5. The new Michelin Power range places the accent on ‘delivering unique sensations, performance and riding enjoyment to riders who derive immense satisfaction from taking the perfect line through corners. Who know they can improve their lap times when riding to the maximum of their and their bike’s potential, or who seek unbridled pleasure completely at one with their machine.’ The Michelin Power 5 targets sports motorcycle owners who use their bike intensively on public roads. The priorities of these riders range from long tyre life and good grip performance – whatever the conditions but more especially in wet weather – to efficient traction and reassuring 16 KIWI RIDER handling under braking. The wet-weather grip provided by the Michelin Power 5 is exceptional, the company tells KR. Key features include 2CT technology (front tyre) and 2CT+ technology (rear tyre), an innovative compound, incorporating silica and carbon black, a sea-to-land ratio of 11 percent front and rear and a new design and sidewalls that feature Michelin’s Premium Touch Technology Available in a range of 17-inch sizes, talk to your nearest Michelin stockist to see if they have a set of the new rubber for your bike.