Metzeler has just given its legendary supersport family a massive double-shot of adrenaline. Drawing directly from their experience at the Isle of Man TT, the German brand has introduced two new tyres: the Sportec 01 and the Sportec 01 RS. While they share the same racing DNA, they’re designed for two very different types of riders. Whether you’re a year-round commuter or a weekend track-day warrior, there is something here for you.
One DNA, Two Distinct Character
The new range is all about choice. Metzeler has split the Sportec identity into two complementary philosophies:
- Sportec 01: The ultimate all-rounder. It’s designed for riders who want high performance on dry roads but need class-leading safety and precision when the weather turns wet.
- Sportec 01 RS: The “Racing Sport” version. This is the grippier, more aggressive evolution for riders who demand maximum dry grip and “hard handling,” with enough performance to tackle a track day without needing a tyre change.
The Game-Changer: DYNATREAD Technology
The secret sauce in both tyres is the patented DYNATREAD technology. This is an adaptive tread design that actually changes its behaviour based on how you ride.
- How it works: Under heavy loads—like hard braking or fast cornering—the tread grooves dynamically close up. This increases the contact patch, giving you more rubber on the road exactly when you need that extra grip.
- The Result: Better stability, less overheating, and a tyre that feels “planted” whether you’re dodging puddles or chasing an apex.
Breaking Down the Specs
1. The Sportec 01: Versatility is King
This tyre is aimed at Supersport, Naked, and Sport-Crossover riders who love mountain passes but still ride to work on Monday.
- Tread: Inspired by the Greek letter π (pi), the design is evolved for superior water drainage and rapid warm-up times.
- Compounds: It uses a dual-compound, high-silica setup on both the front and rear for incredible grip across a huge temperature range.
- Structure: Features a dual-layer Rayon carcass at the front and a single-layer at the rear, both paired with a 0° steel belt for predictable handling.
2. The Sportec 01 RS: Track-Inspired Performance
Built for Hypernaked and high-performance Supersport bikes, the RS is for those who want that “racing feel” on the street.
- Tread: A “slicker” and more compact version of the Sportec 01. Thanks to DYNATREAD™, the void-to-fill ratio is reduced under load to mimic a pure racing slick.
- Compounds: While the centre is full silica for road durability, the shoulders use Racing Carbon Black compounds straight from the Isle of Man TT.
- Structure: Uses advanced materials like PET (except for the 200/60 size, which sticks with Rayon) to ensure stability at eye-watering speeds and surgical steering precision.
Metzeler and the Road Racing Legacy
You can’t talk about Metzeler without mentioning the North West 200, Ulster GP, or the Macau GP. As the Official Tyre of the Isle of Man TT, Metzeler uses these brutal road races as a laboratory. The stability and reliability needed to survive a 200mph blast down a bumpy country lane are exactly what they’ve baked into the Sportec 01 and 01 RS.
A New Era for Sportec
With these two new arrivals, Metzeler is redefining what a supersport tyre can do. You’ve got the Sportec 01 for total control and versatility, and the Sportec 01 RS for pure, unadulterated performance. No matter which one you choose, you’re getting a piece of road-racing history fitted to your rims.
