2010
01.29
01.29
In attempt to bring new audiences to their tires, Metzeler has added a “cool” new feature to their Sportec M5 Interact tires. A set of images molded into the tread pattern to gauge lean angle. This system of measurement is being called CSAT (Chicken Strip Assessment Technology). So why do we think this is such a bad idea? Because if you are riding correctly and have good posture, you will most likely have “chicken strips” (we even call them your “margin for error”). We’ve probably all seen riders who could barely negotiate a corner yet would brag about dragging footpegs. Lean angle is not an indication of skill. (click image for larger size). Leave a comment and let us know what you think.
Looks like clever marketing to me….and yes it IS a bad idea. Metzeler has a rather stuffy image among the young and squidly; what better way to assure bragging rights (and tire sales) than a measuring line right there on the tire! Who can argue with that, right? WRONG! Take two not-so-very different bikes; say the Suzuki GSXR1000 and the Suzuki GSF1250. Put this tire on both, set the sags correctly and let the same rider loose on both bikes on the same course. There WILL be different wear patterns. If just from the different bike weights and chassis dynamics. Comparing the two is pointless. But sense when do facts and engineering mean anything to squids? Metzeler is counting on it. Sadly look for other manufacturers (Pirelli ?) to add something similar soon. A big step backwards in sport bike safety…..all in the name of market share. Shame on you Metzeler.
Maybe a bad idea, cute marketing anyway.
I do think something interesting about this tire is how the [motor]cyclist image shows increased head-turn with the indicated lean angle. How many times have you had to remind a student rider to turn their head and look when they are turning the bike?
In my case, I’d be grinding the little elephant right off the very edge. That is assuming the tire hadn’t let go by then! I’ve not been a real big fan of Metzler tires for precisely that reason, so hopefully this tire has better edge grip than its predecessors! Otherwise, we’ll be pulling a lot of Metzler shod squids out of the canyons!
Bad idea!
When you see a triangular-shaped front tire on a motorcycle, that is when you know the rider regularly visits twisty roads and gets the most from his time there.