Sport Force: A new motorcycle radial tire from Mitas
Off-road tire manufacturer Mitas, a member of the CGS Group, has introduced a new Mitas-branded radial street motorcycle tire—Sport Force–to the worldwide market. Sport Force is manufactured in Savatech, Slovenia.
“The Sport Force radial tire is the result of an intensive four years of complete in-house development work,” Bojan Rupar, head of the motorcycle R&D department, said. It is based on our long-term experience in…motorcycle tire development, which together with the most modern materials and some innovative technical solutions has resulted in a very competitive product,”
Sport Force radial tires are designed for riders of sport, naked, and supermoto motorcycles, as well as for riders of sport touring motorcycles. Riders can enjoy a dynamic experience and be assured of carefree and easy riding in all conditions, Mitas claims.
Several important techniques and technologies were used in the developments that result in three main technologies:
OGT 3D (3-D Optimum Groove Technology):
This technology is featured by optimum tread groove direction, optimum groove depth and less overheating of tread compounds.
SCT (Strong Carcass Technology):
SCT technology maintains the carcass rigidity at a high level even as the tire wears, thereby prolonging the optimum driving performance throughout the tire’s service life.
FEA (Finite Element Analyses / Optimized Footprint):
Using the finite elements analysis (FEA) and a special computer-assisted simulation, optimum tire construction was designed. It is deformable to achieve the highest level of grip, but at the same time rigid enough to achieve driving stability.
The advanced S-SBR elastomers are one of the key materials used, noted for their highly functionalized polymer chains. The combination of these elastomers, the fillers and other special additives significantly improves the hysteresis in relation to elastomers/filler; in interaction with the tread pattern, construction and reinforcement materials, all of these improvements result in maximum road grip in varied driving conditions and optimized service life.
In Mitas Sport Force design, the tread groove depth follows the shape of actual tire tread wear. In the case of the front tire, the groove depth in the middle section is a little lower, then it increases in area where abrasion of a tire is bigger. Toward the edge of the tread pattern, it reduces again and gradually fades to a slick tire.
Rear tire tread depth is the greatest in the middle section where the abrasion, and also water drainage is the biggest. Then, it gradually reduces towards the edge and it fades to a slick tire where the tire is in contact with the ground at the maximum lean angle and the road grip has to be the highest.
The new Sport Force radial tire will be initially available in three front sizes and five rear sizes.
FRONT
Tyre size Availability
110/70 ZR17 (54W) TL 2014
120/60 ZR17 (55W) TL 2014
120/70 ZR17 (58W) TL available
REAR
Tyre size Availability
150/60 R17 (66W) TL available
160/60 ZR17 (69W) TL available
180/55 ZR17 (73W) TL available
190/50 ZR17 (73W) TL 2014
190/55 ZR17 (75W) TL 2014
Mitas manufactures and sells tires under three brand names: the company’s own Mitas and Cultor, and Continental under licence. The Sport Force is Mitas’ newest design.
