Avon's New Roadrider Range Has it All
Worlds Fastest Winter Tyre from Nokian
Uniflate Tyre Inflation System

Avon's New Roadrider Range Has it All

Cooper-Avon Tyres is to launch Roadrider, a brand new, all-weather crossply motorcycle tyre designed to deliver value and performance to riders of traditional and commuter machines. The range, which comprises over thirty sizes, will give riders the four things they care about most; durability, grip, precise handling and performance.

Together with the technical research that normally accompanies a major tyre development programme, extensive studies were carried out to determine the best way to provide a clear and logical solution for a range of bikes that is often served by numerous tyre ranges.

Pete McNally, Avon's chief motorcycle designer explained, "Many of the bikes for which we have designed Roadrider are today catered for by remnants of old sport touring ranges that have largely been superseded by modern radials. This makes it difficult for dealers to carry a comprehensive stock profile, which in turn leads to difficulties for the consumer when he needs new rubber. Roadrider offers clarity for the trade and we expect our customers to benefit from the improved levels of availability and choice that this clarity will bring."

But Roadrider isn't just an extensive range of sizes. Avon has looked closely at what really matters to riders of traditional and commuter machines; Factors such as the tyre's ability to resist whitelining led to the design of a unique central groove in the tread. The need for light and precise handling, whilst moving at slow speeds through traffic, called for an advanced casing design to give low rolling resistance and positive feel. And the all-important combination of confidence and durability are delivered by a distinctive, modern tread pattern cut into a no-nonsense, all-weather compound.

Avon has also considered the issue of high-speed performance and Roadrider certainly has the potential to exceed expectations in this area. Avon technicians have built in a multi-arc tread profile that forces the biggest possible contact patch onto the road, whatever the lean angle. Finally, to really prove that a tyre can have everything, all Roadrider tyres are capable of speeds of up to 150mph / 240kph.

Worlds Fastest Winter Tyre from Nokian

Finnish manufacturer Nokian has launched what is claimed to be the world's fastest winter tyre.

Features of the new Nokian WR are excellent wet grip including good self cleaning properties and good aquaplaning. The tyre also features a new silica tread compound to optimise wear resistance and quietness and the company's "haka" siping technology for improved handling.

The Nokian WR features a symmetrical and directional tread design as well as a DSI wear warning system. The tyre, which is suitable for use around the year is available in T, H and V speed ratings in 35 different sizes.

Uniflate Tyre Inflation System

Pneu Air presented their Uniflate Tyre Inflation System at the recent Tyre ASI exhibition. Uniflate is a nitrogen inflation system, which is claimed to offer a safe and more reliable alternative to compressed air.

Over time certain components of compressed air seep through the tyre wall, resulting in a gradual loss of air pressure. Nitrogen has improved pressure retention properties and so tyres stay correctly inflated for longer.

Uniflate is available to garages at £20 per week. The recommended retail price for the use of the system is £1.25 per inflation (tyre).