The Metzeler Racetec SM Slick is a competition tire specifically engineered for Supermoto racing and track day use. It caters to professional racers and enthusiasts seeking maximum performance on asphalt, both on and off-road. This tire is designed to facilitate aggressive riding styles, including drifting and sliding, which are characteristic of Supermoto.
The Racetec SM Slick distinguishes itself through its advanced racing compounds and specialized profile, optimized for effective straight and sideways riding. Metzeler employs differentiated compounds for the front and rear tires. Front tires utilize a 100% silica compound with reduced porosity, promoting rapid warm-up and self-cleaning capabilities, particularly beneficial when transitioning from on-road to off-road sections of a track. The rear tire compound is engineered for enhanced thermal stability, mitigating overheating during drifts into the shoulder area. The tire can be used with or without tire warmers.
This tire incorporates a 0° radial steel belt on both front and rear tires, coupled with a lightweight carcass. This construction promotes ease of handling, precise trajectory, and uniform force distribution across the contact patch. The front tire features a large central diameter, creating a wide contact patch for efficient braking and the ability to maintain braking into corners. The rear tire employs Multiple Radius Contour technology, providing distinct handling characteristics at varying lean angles. The crown and shoulders have a sharper radius for quicker handling and greater cornering stability. The Racetec SM has a UTQG treadwear rating of 40, indicating a very soft compound optimized for grip rather than longevity.