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.
I recently replaced my Conti Road Attacks (which I purchased after reading your glowing review…I was always happy with them but the price went way up!) with Dunlop Road Smarts. While I have no strips on the rear, there is a dramatic C-strip on the front. Obviously profiles have a lot to do with this. Whenever I hear talk about C-strips, all I can’t think is “uh, comfort level, folks!)
We are just wrapping up a comparison between the RoadSmarts and the BT-021’s. Be sure to check back and check it out. I’m pretty sure you’ll be interested in the results.
Are we feeling a little high and mighty today guys? Chicken strips are the result of good posture? The roads in the Black Hills are some of the best you’ve ever been on? I am truly sorry you feel that way! I have lived in the black hills for 2 years. 360 days a year they are basically unrideable at anything but a sportster pace thanks to copious amounts of gravel like substance used in the winter for lack of a better term. Spend a little time in between Asheville NC and Deals Gap. You’ll end up spending alot more time riding your bike and alot less time worrying about if that’s gravel that you spot at the next apex. I’d be happy to show you around the place.
Scott, I’m sorry that you disagree with our observations. But everyone experiences the world differently based on skill levels and expectations. Pristine pavement with no gravel is nice, but the more we ride the less we’re bothered by bumps and the occasional tuft of gravel in the corner. I’m glad you love riding in Tennesee and North Carolina. The riding there is wonderful, but we also found the intense technical challenges of the Black Hills quite enjoyable. It’s not all about super fast, sweeping, smooth corners.
And the absence of “chicken strips” are the sign of poor riding posture. The purpose of hanging off a bike, and moving your body to the inside of a motorcycle is to decrease motorcycle lean to increase available traction and decrease risk. If you are using your entire tire you, in all likelihood, are riding with poor posture (which could explain why you dislike gravel so much). I think you would really enjoy a credentialed track school such as the Yamaha Champions School.
Ride safe.
bad idea. wear marks for bragging rights. i can hear the sirens already.
kent cook, thanks for your comment. i was wondering how my front tire got that way!
Terrible idea. Who cares how deep you corner? Are *you* happy with *your* riding? Even if you want to get better, do you think you can judge something such as personal enjoyment on a grading scale? To boot I’m not a fan of Metzelers. The ones on my dad’s bike run out of tire way too fast, stock or not. Personally, I’m *very* happy with my Avon RoadRiders. They stick a line and keep it, never wandering and I’m (at least so far) always confident that they’ll be long capable of more than I am.
I’m still using the Conti Road Attacks you guys raved about several years ago because I love them so much.
As far as anyone foolish enough to fall for this marketing scheme well…”there’s a sucker born every minute.” Anyone who is actually impressed by chicken strips (or lack thereof) isn’t worth riding with anyway and most likely be competing for the Darwin award.
Chicken strips ? who cares I want to know if your wife’s sisters r single the picture of all 3 of them in your kitchen AL
Lack of chicken strips evidence of bad riding posture? Huh???
I think one little thing that has been left out of this thread is that a motorcycle generates a higher level of grip at a lean as the contact patch expands, not contracts as some folks seem to think.
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Idisagree 100% about the “lack of chicken strip being proof of bad posture”. That is the most retarded thing I have ever heard in my life…one run through Palomar and your chicken strips would no longer exsist. period.
there is a difference between hanging off and hanging off too much. I do however, I agree that the wear marks are incouraging squids to be hoeros on the streets even more for bragging rights.
I am about to purchase a set of Conti Road Attacks based on Canyon Chasers rave review, but if Metzeler has any confidence in their product I’m not sure why a concept such as CSAT is necessary. As a matter of fact, it sounds ridiculous.
They’re tires, for crying out loud!