2CT is a nomenclature used by Michelin. It stands for: Two Compound Technology.
It refers to the fact that the tyre uses two compounds, usually a softer compound rubber on the edge of the tyre and a harder compound rubber in the centre.
The ideal behind the technology was to improve motorcycle tyre life and improve cornering grip. Michelin could see that lots of riders were getting through to the wear markers in the central section of their tyre while they had lots of tread left on the edges. Even bikes used on twisty roads tend to spend most of their time on the central section of the tyre, so the harder compound is there to improve tyre life and help you get the most from your tyre.
The first dual compound Michelin motorcycle tyre was the Power Race, launched in 2005. It was a tyre designed for track use and has since been superceded. The first road-focused motorcycle tyre to feature Michelin’s dual compound technology was the Pilot Power 2CT, a tyre so popular it’s still made today.
If you run Michelin motorcycle tyres, the chances are you have seen the denomination ‘2CT’ on your sidewall as many of their models use 2CT technology.
Michelin have slightly confused things because they also produce a tyre called the Michelin Pilot Power 2CT but a lot of their tyres used this dual compound technology.
Michelin also makes a dual compound scooter tyre, the Power Pure SC, designed to help maxi-scooters get maximum grip in the corners!
These days dual compound motorcycle tyres aren’t the preserve of Michelin; most of the top tyre manufacturers produce dual compound tyres for their track, fast road, touring and adventure ranges.
Leave a Reply