Metzeler Roadtec Z6 Interact Tire Review

[Guest ratchethack]

Gents! There's a new Metzeler Z6 in town (my all-time, hands-down favorite).

 

-- can't wait to give the latest rev. a workout on the same tarmac they were tested here on a '09 Griso.

 

Last I knew, the Z6 was also the tire of choice for the Griso owned and ridden by the one and only Perpetual Master of Ceremonies of the Annual Bungendore Bunyip Parade and Wombat Derby.

 

Metzeler Roadtec Z6 Interact Tire Review

Adam Waheed

Road Test Editor, MotorcycleUSA

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

 

Whether you’re riding your motorcycle to work, blasting through the canyons or piling on odometer numbers during your weekend getaway, your tires have got to do it all. Not only that, they’ve got to provide thousands of worry-free miles regardless of 40-degree temperature, rain or pavement-melting 120-degrees. Sounds like the type of conditions best suited for the new Metzeler Roadtec Z6 Interact sport-touring tire.

 

 

Metzeler's new Roadtec Z6 Interact tires could take as much lean as we could serve up aboard our 2009 Moto Guzzi Griso.

 

In the never ending quest for increased performance, the folks at Metzeler have released the successor to its versatile Roadtec Z6 tire. We were fortunate enough to have an early go on it during last year’s Metzeler Expert on the Road tour through some of the famed regions of the Alps. And for 2009, the tires have finally made their way stateside for all sport-touring riders to benefit.

 

Visually it can be difficult to differentiate the new tire as it uses the same tread pattern and profile as before. Beneath, however, both the tire’s carcass construction as well as rubber compound are new. Where other tire manufacturers (Dunlop) employ multiple compounds to provide an optimum blend of traction, stability and wear, Metzeler goes a different route by incorporating a unique flex-tuned carcass construction with a uniform compound to react to tire flex.

 

Its zero-degree steel belt technology returns (in which steel belts are laid flat and in the same direction as the rotation of the tire) with a new spin. On the Interact each individual steel carcass string has been engineered at a specific tension, much like a musician’s guitar string. Higher string tension at the tire’s center ensures stability when the tire is loaded during high-speed maneuvers or under braking. String elasticity decreases in a linear method towards the shoulder of the tire, which generates more tire flex, in-turn creating more heat and boosting outright cornering grip.

 

An updated blend of compound ingredients work in unison with the flex-tuned carcass offering reduced tire warm-up times, as well as increasing grip and stability without affecting mileage according to Metzeler. Another benefit is added wet-weather performance and greater consistency of performance as the tire reaches its service limit due to the more efficient mixing method and higher Silica content.

 

 

The Metzeler Roadtec Z6 Interact's use a uniform compound thoughout the tire.

 

For our test, we mounted a set of Z6 Interacts in the original sizes (120/70-17 front and 180/55-17 rear) on our 2009 Moto Guzzi Griso. Tire pressure was set at 32 psi front and rear per Metzeler’s recommendations. The Z6 Interacts replaced the more sport-oriented and OE-fitted Metzeler M3 Sportec tire, thus giving us a unique comparison opportunity.

 

Warm and sunny weather greeted us as we departed from the oasis-like surroundings of Palm Springs, California. We headed east through the neighboring cities of Rancho Mirage and Palm Desert, veering north onto Highway 74.

 

Once on the 74 we climbed from the desert’s sea-level elevation and into the surrounding mountains of the San Bernardino National Forest. For the first few miles the road is perfectly straight but a few miles after you leave the perfectly manicured lawn of the city the road starts to zigzag.

 

Fast corners immediately greet as you start up the mountain. And with the throttle wrapped-out in fourth gear it became immediately apparent of the high amount of outright grip from the tires. Just 15 miles before the tires were brand-new and within that short amount of mileage they were fully up to operating temperature and ready for as much lean angle as I could serve up.

 

Contrary to my assumptions, based on the tires tech specs, at speed, with the motorcycle cranked over on the edge of the tire, the Interact’s feels firm without a hint of tire flex. Yet there is a suprising amount of road feel delivered especially at the front tire during trail braking. So much in fact that it makes you wonder if these tires are more aligned with the sport segment rather than touring.

 

As we moved closer to the top of the mountain, the long sweeping, 100-mph turns began to transition into tighter second and third gear corners which required us to repeatedly maneuver the bike from side-to-side. Here the Interacts complemented the Griso’s nimble handling attributes and continued to impress by not requiring any additional effort than the tires it replaced.

 

 

The service life of the tires is still up in the air, but Metzeler claims it remains the same as before with the Roadtec Z6 tire.

 

Shortly after we had reached the Santa Rosa Summit (approximate elevation 5000 feet), we headed west on Highway 371 through Anza, California. Here we piled on the miles on mostly smooth, straight road. Every so often a patch of rough pavement would surprise us due to the area’s extreme temperature variation between 100-degree summers and, at times, below freezing winters.

 

Based on the tires firm feel in the corner I had presumed that it would be equally as firm when rolling over rough stuff. Not so. The Interacts absorb pavement imperfections agreeably, delivering a smooth ride while assisting the bikes suspension in keeping the tire in contact with the road.

 

One particular straightaway allowed for a top-speed run and even with 130-mph registering on the 500-plus-lb Griso’s dash the bike was solid. In fact, with the previously fitted tire we noticed a hint of twitchiness when going over 100 mph, but with the Z6 Interacts that peculiar trait vanished.

 

Although we didn’t encounter any wet weather along our route, we did run into some during last year’s Expert on the Road adventure. One particular moment hard-wired in my brain is that of myself and two other riders leaving the rest of the group as we sped up a tight, winding, first or second gear rain-soaked road as we closed in on Switzerland’s Sustenpass. The motorcycle I was riding, a Honda VFR800 Interceptor shod with the Z6 Interact. The three of us ran up the road at a ridiculous pace considering the sketchiness of the road, yet none of us had even a slip.

 

When it comes time to plop down the cash for new tires, next to sheer performance the biggest consideration in the tire you choose is its mileage. Unfortunately we’ve only been able to log around 500 miles on the tires, so its mileage endurance is still a question. Nevertheless, Metzeler claims mileage remains the exactly the same as the previous generation Roadtec Z6 tire.

 

Arguably, sport-touring tires are the most difficult tires to develop. Yet once again Metzeler steps up with a tire that absolutely hauls out on the road. So are these tires for you? Can you toss them on your Suzuki GSX-R1000 street bike? If you’re looking for a tire that will last longer than the stockers that came on your bike yet still give you the performance you need on the streets, regardless if it’s wet or dry, hot or cold than the Metzeler Roadtec Z6 Interacts are for you.

 

Link to original article here: http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/6/2793/Motor...ire-Review.aspx.

[Skeeve]

Here's the stretch of road they're talking about:

 

Test route

[Guest ratchethack]

I think I see my Guzzi parked in the driveway a little over to the Southwest.

 

No, that's just silly talk.

 

It's my Guzzi Bruddah's Le Mans.

[antonio carroccio]

Do I smell a locky?

[Greg Field]

That road looks like good fun.

[Dan M]

That road looks like good fun.

 

Sure does. You guys in mountainous areas don't know how good you have it.

[Guest ratchethack]

. . .You guys in mountainous areas don't know how good you have it.

Some of us have a pretty good idea.

 

 

Hale Observatory atop Mt. Palomar, 7,260 ft. (2,213 m)

[GuzziMoto]

Sure does. You guys in mountainous areas don't know how good you have it.

I was thinking "yeah, that's a normal weekend ride", doesn't everybody get to rides roads like that. Then I saw where you're from. Been to chicago, I feel your pain.

[Bruce Reader]

Look forward to trying them. Z6's are the best all round tyre I have had on the Scura.

 

Cheers

 

Bruce

[Velf 2003]

The set of a new front and rear Z6 tyre are allready in the garage. After my holliday next month my tyres (Brigdestone BT020) will definitly be worn so replacement is in order.

Next month will be a six day, 3.100 km trip trough Belgium, France, Austria, Italy, Austria and Germany with many passes (Grossklokner, Gaja, Falzarego and many more).

 

When the new tyres are fitted and the test drive is completed i`ll make an update.

 

Velf2003

[The Monkey]

Just completed a 4000km loop through western Montana, Idaho, Washington and BC. rain and cold temperatures probably helped the lifespan of the bridgestone 021s I had on the bike, rear was shot by Spokane, went into Westside and had them mount a set of Michelin Pilot road 2 on the lemans, broke em in easy headed north and by the North Cascades Hwy was using the hiss of the sidestand as the limiter, great feeling tyre. Itll be interesting to hear the mileage on the new generation Metzeler from those using them, personally I found the previous Roadtec Z6 a little vague when pushed and too short a lifespan for the guzzi (9000 km), however on the lighter SV650 the Z6 was by far the best tyre out there. I got 14000 km out of the rear with the 021 (due to the cold) I pushed it too far though, as it was unsafe by the time I got it switched, so 12000 km is more realistic. I go through 2 sometimes 3 sets of rubber a season on 2 lane twitchy fun roads so I'm more than just a little interested in performance and mileage comparisons. Thanks for bringing it up and I hope someone finds this useful. Kudos to Westside in Spokane, I was in and out no appointment in 2.5 hours, always good to find a shop that prioritizes the guy on the road- getting rare these days. Will let y'all know when I've pooched the Road 2's. Cheers, congrats USA on the Moose Drool beer, had a 6 pack while drying my tent/sleeping bag out at the Wild Goose campground Hwy 12 Lolo Trail. Had to stop, just too apropos, what a road!

[rocker59]

I agree that the Z6 is a great tire!

 

I sure wish they'd added a groove across the center of the rear tire to help with judging tire life...

 

I suppose a tire grooving tool would do the trick...

 

I'm anxious to hear reports from our members here...

[dlaing]

Looks like the Interact steps the Z6 up to be better than the Pirelli Corsa Strada.

Come on Pirelli, give us an equivalent Strada!!!

(and center tread indicator!)

But I guess it won't hurt my Italian bike with Swedish and American suspension to be shod with German tires...

[raz]

For what's it worth I've had absolutely no problem with the "missing" tread warning. I think it's overexagerrated from people that keep repeating it without first hand knowledge.

[tmcafe]

For what's it worth I've had absolutely no problem with the "missing" tread warning. I think it's overexagerrated from people that keep repeating it without first hand knowledge.

i remember greg too once mentioned the lack of tread in the center of z as a deal breaker. so how do you know for sure when the tire is worn?