Tyre Test: Metzeler Sportec M7 RR

The Metzeler M7 RRs offer exceptional performance and wear for all conditions. Test: Kris Hodgson

Metzeler’s new Sportec M7 RR is the latest tyre to join the family and claims pride of place as the sportiest tyre of the range, with the RR referring to Road Racing.

The reason for this is that the M7 RR has been developed in conjunction with Metzeler’s experience in the Isle of Man TT, Northwest 200, Southern 100 and many more. These events’ road based nature puts the emphasis on real world conditions where wet, slippery surfaces and damaged roads are an expectation not an afterthought and reflect most everyday rider’s regular experiences – obviously at lower speeds of course.

After scrubbing the tyres in, wet weather arrived, quickly highlighting the M7 RRs awesome wet weather performance, where grip is unquestionable, even heading through my favourite set of corners, which are littered with road snakes.

The tyres’ rounder profile compared to my last set from another brand did take a little getting used to but became a welcome change with a neutral, less aggressive, turn in but better control, ideal for both commuting and sportier riding.

The funky groove system is an eye-catching feature and is designed to effectively evacuate water, being deeper towards the centre of the tyre and shallower but wider towards the shoulders. This combines with the compounds used to ensure stability and even wear, as well as ensuring the grooves remain open during road contact.

The land-to-sea ratio has also been revised from that on the Sportec M5s to provide an increase to 14.7 per cent on the front, while the rear has been reduced to 11.1 per cent, with drainage from the front tyre recognised as being an important feature.

The front M7 RR tyre also features a 100 per cent silica compound, where the rear is a dual-compound, with a 70 per cent silica central compound for better wear characteristics, compared to the 100 per cent silica shoulders for optimal grip while leant over.

The tyre structure has a radial carcass making use of rayon for better rigidity and shape holding, with 0 steel belt using Interact technology to provide progressive grip at all lean angles.

What does this all mean? Well basically that the Sportec M7 RR is a wickedly good tyre. My first impression apart from the rounder profile was how exceptional wet grip was right off the bat, despite cooler weather. Whether traversing greasy city roads in traffic, heading up the freeway or squirting along the local twisties in the wet, grip was confidence inspiring.

Things only got better in the dry with impressive tracking and easy line holding. The feeling of traction is extremely solid and reassuring and I found myself using considerably less lean angle than usual along my usual tracks when having some fun through the twisties – at a faster pace than usual too. Braking performance also remains top notch with plenty of grip for coming to a rapid halt, with the M7 RRs providing a plusher ride as well.

10,000km Update: Metzeler’s claims of 20 per cent better mileage over the M5s is a hard comparison, due to not running the M5s previously, but wear is exceptionally low over the period, which includes several track days.

Tyre performance also remains extremely good with no deterioration in grip or uneven wear and the M7 RRs continually impress me, especially in the wet.

An easy 10,000km more is definitely on the books, with the combination of great grip across a number of uses, from in the wet to the track, mean this tyre is a great value and confidence inspiring option.

Special Thanks:
GMoto Imports

SIZES – Prices in AUD
Front:
120/70 ZR 17 (58W) TL – $219.95 RRP
110/70 ZR 17 (54W) TL – $199.95 RRP
120/60 ZR 17 (55W) TL – $209.95 RRP
Rear:
180/55 ZR 17 (73W) TL – $299.95 RRP
190/50 ZR 17 (73W) TL – $304.95 RRP
190/55 ZR 17 (75W) TL – $309.95 RRP
200/55 ZR 17 (78W) TL – $319.95 RRP
160/60 ZR 17 (69W) TL – $279.95 RRP
150/60 ZR 17 (66W) TL – $269.95 RRP