Metzeler Racetec RR K3 (road)

Metzeler says:

“A tyre’s profile is fundamental to the way it performs and the character it delivers. By increasing the height of the RR’s sidewall from a 55-profile to a 60-profile, we’ve managed to increase both the volume of compound in contact with the ground and the grip levels it delivers. The new Metzelers also benefit from a 4mm taller front tyre, which aids the speed at which the tyre pitches into a corner, so the agility of the bike is not compromised. By increasing the tyre heights on the RRs, we’ve proven we can also achieve more grip and stability at higher speeds. Another bi-product of this is that, in accordance with the new compounds which have a much broader heat range, our tyres are lasting longer.” – Jim Worland, Metzeler

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Grip in all conditions
Road racing courses feature multiple and variable conditions and RACETEC™ RR compound specifications have been developed to cope with all of them. The compound recipes of RACETEC™ RR blend a selection of polymers and resins with different grades of carbon black to maximise hysteresis – even on slippery surfaces.

RACETEC™ RR fronts conform to the micro-granularity of tarmac delivering more grip and wear resistance, to last longer on severe asphalt; the blend of polymers features also high flexibility at lower temperatures.

Thanks to RACETEC™ RR distinctive versatility of use on a wide range of asphalts and temperatures, the front tyre compound choice should be primarly made on rider’s preferences between higher stability and precision when entering the corner (K2 version) rather than predictability and “edge grip” feeling (K1 version).

Note: K1 = Soft, K2 = Medium, K3 = Hard. Temperature scale refers to tyre operating temperature. Compound choice can vary depending on bike setup and riding style. Please check with your dealer or racing service.

Precision and stability at high speed
RACETEC™ RR features a composite structure, differentiated between the crown and the sides of the carcass to react properly to different circumstances.

Stability is critical in road racing when riding on long straights at full speed (because of aerodynamic interferences) and when the bike passes over drain covers, repair patches or jumps.

In both cases stability may be temporarily lost in the rebound following the bike quick lift and drop back down to the asphalt, compressing both tyres and shock absorbers.

The crown structure is made with a special rayon fiber. This is characterised by a high rate of linear density and stiffness and is capable of maintaining its shape under a high stress and load strain. The fiber further assists dampen the rebound stroke which absorbs the shock by distributing it through the whole carcass, and dampens the rebound while getting back to the initial shape.
The side structure is designed to be stiff, with a low deformation ratio, so to sustain the entire architecture under stress, and to guarantee trajectory precision both on long fast and full lean.

Duration and performance consistency
Road races sessions can last up to 240 km. (150 miles), which is more than three times an average track race; durability, integrity and performance consistency are keys to win.

All the compounds of RACETEC™ RR range feature high resistance to abrasion thanks to a homogeneous dispersion of the components in the polymeric matrix obtained through our exclusive and patented continuous mixing process.

The tread groove layout minimises the wear and also to disrupt the forces which crease the compound, known as Schallamach’s wear waves. The disruptive angle of RACETEC™ RR grooves are the result of advanced analyses based on road racing activity.

Press Reviews

“As well as the superb Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP fast road/trackday tyres the Yamaha comes on, I’ve also tried Metzeler’s new Racetec RR K3, which are even grippier and instill extra confidence. But they’re surprisingly durable, too. The rear lasted over 3500 miles and the front has done 5100 miles and counting. It still looks good.” Michael Neeves, MCN.

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“After 1000 miles of road and track riding, I’ve been impressed. On the road they warm up well, they offered more stability than the tired OE Supercorsas and for such extreme tyres don’t feel out of place at sub-100mph speeds.

On the track they worked very well – RRs are a lovely, neutral tyre that give a huge amount of feedback and enough feel from the front-end to run in deep on the brakes. They require a nice, consistent bar pressure during the turn-in phase and drop in with predictability.

When you start really pushing hard, the 196bhp of the Panigale can overwhelm the rear, but that isn’t surprising – no other bike has the same power and torque. But the rear broke away with such a progressive nature that it was actually fun and encouraged me to lay big, fat darkies without seeming to lose any time. A single track day finished the rear tyre off, but Silverstone is hard on tyres – with long, fast corners where you’re hard on the gas meaning localised heat build-up. But they tyre still worked well when it looked shagged. It just moved around a little more. On any other track I’d expect to get at least two trackdays from a rear and probably four from the front. For road riding I’d expect 2 – 3,000 miles from a rear.

With these being road compound I didn’t need to use any warmers and the tyres were hot and grippy within two laps of Silverstone’s 1.64-mile National Circuit.” Performance Bikes magazine, editor Matt Wildee

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It’s the second big trip in as many years on K3 compound Metzeler Racetec RR tyres. They’re meant for fast road riding and trackdays, but they last unbelievably well and perform well in the wet. I’ve had them on for 3000 miles, and the rear still looks good and hasn’t squared off.” MCN, Senior Road Tester Michael Neeves

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“Last year saw me declare Pirelli Supercorsa SP my favourite tyre of all time, so when the RR arrived on a set I was delighted. 4500 miles later and that smile hadn’t sunk at all. Both front and rear were feeling the miles though, and at around 15 degrees of lean the motorway-induced lip was causing the RR to shimmy through fast corners.

I was also curious to try something else, so I fitted a pair of Metzeler Racetec RR K3s just before heading to Donington for my track outing.

They’re just as impressive as the SPs. Grip from cold is excellent, they warm fast, and on track (pressures dropped to 29/29) they never gave a single moment of concern.”

Richard follows on to say that “with one trackday and 1700 miles of road use under their belt, I just can’t fault them for performance and feel.” – MCN Senior Editor Richard Newland 

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“I was a little apprehensive going for an out-and-out sports tyre for my Husqvarna 701 Supermoto. I’m not quick enough to truly take the tyres to their limits and I would be using them everyday on the commute, but I needn’t have worried.

The Racetecs gave me loads of confidence almost as soon as I rolled out of the car park. They were warm enough within 10 minutes for me to comfortably lean to the edge of the tyre. On track they’re brilliant – just one lap is all that’s needed to bring them up to temperature and they offer bags of grip – way more than I know what to do with.

After 2000 miles – a lot of those commuting – they’re holding up exceptionally well. They haven’t squared and wear has been minimal and even. They even offer reasonable grip in Autumn temperatures.

The only real downside is their lack of suitability for cold/wet weather, but there’s still a fair amount of grip.

They’re quite pricey, but for the grip and mileage I can’t complain too much.” – Liam Marsden, MCN.

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“I thought it would have really slowed down the bike’s handling, but it didn’t. The balance of the front and rear profiles is perfectly matched and there’s no awkward pause in transition as one tyre tries to catch the other up during transition from lean-to-lean. The flickability of the tyres proved as easy and inspiring at all paces, all while trying a range of different temperatures to optimise grip.” – Bruce Wilson, Fast Bikes Magazine

Tyre Sizes

Front

120/70 ZR 17 M/C (58W) TL – K3

Rear

160/60 ZR 17 M/C (69W) TL – K3

180/55 ZR 17 M/C (73W) TL – K3

190/50 ZR 17 M/C (73W) TL – K3

190/55 ZR 17 M/C (75W) TL – K3

200/55 ZR 17 M/C (78W) TL – K3