Tyre Test: Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE

As I watched the Bridgestone BT-016 PRO’s come off my daily ride, I must say I was a little nervous. I liked the BT’s a lot, they served me well across road, track days and daily riding but now life seems to be more commuting and less about track days.

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The Metezler Roadtec 01 SE’s are one of the four brand new models of tyres released by Metzeler in 2020.

Metzeler released these recently and when I read about them I realised these would suit my needs. Great wet weather grip, comfort and the sporty lean angles when needed it. I soon rode off (once Jeff fitted them) with a fresh set of Metzeler ROADTEC 01 SE’s, one of the four brand new models of tyres released by Metzeler in 2020.

In terms of the scrub in and immediate handling characteristics, the bike felt agile and nimble. The CBR was a little easier to navigate through the gridlocked traffic and the bike leant over that little bit easier around the longer corners compared to the previously fairly worn tyres.

The scrub in process was hardly noticeable when commuting around town. It’s pretty easy these days.

The scrub-in period was hardly noticeable. I took it easy for a few kilometres, leaning it over gently and slowly as recommended, After what seemed like no time at all, I was cranking it, just in an attempt to see what these new tyres had to offer. I went in with some high expectations having ridden the previous hoops for a solid length of time and honestly, I didn’t hold back but the Metzelers certainly didn’t give in.

The Old Road is always my first port of call for a new set of tyres. The twisties and long corners on the way down, with the freeway and commuter traffic on the way back, by the time I reached Berowra the Metzelers were impressing me. Looking at the profile of the tyre, there’s a nice slick band right on the edges, which is where all this grip comes from on big lean angles.

Edge grip was kept in mind with the new tyre setup, while wet performance and operating range is broad.

The edge grip and cornering ability were far better than I expected from a set of tyres in this class. I rode the new tyres back on the freeway, running them at about 110km/h and they were incredibly smooth, far smoother than a few others I’ve ridden recently. At speed, the bike felt locked-in, these tyres are capable of much more, but for what I am offering they’ve got me covered.

I attempted to get ABS shuddering as I normally do, just to see what they’ve got. It was extremely difficult, the fronts felt so good, the rears would lock-up as most would, but it took quite a bit of pressure to get them there, unlike other models of tyres that lock up with ease.

This was all within the first 24 hours of having the tyres and I was impressed. Having ridden these for nearly three months with a two hour daily commute, I’ve got a little more to say in terms of how they’ve faired up on the touring/commuting and wet weather side of things.

It’s not all hard riding in mind, the ROADTEC’s were also made to be on an easy daily commuter.

I’ve had these tyres on for 3ºC days, and most recently a couple of high 30ºC days, but I can’t really feel a difference in terms of grip in daily use, such is the broad operating range of the compound. In terms of commuting I’ve had these at the recommended tyre pressure and have yet to change. I’ve seen plenty of rain so far with the Metzelers and they’re great in the wet. The mechanical and chemical grip is astronomical. Braking capacity and lean angle in the wet weather also feels great, they have done wonders for my wet weather confidence.

The tyres held up well to the brake test with some assistance from the ABS.

Jeff couldn’t wait to brush the cobwebs off, he hadn’t used a tyre machine since the 1990s! 

Wear for these tyres seems great so far. At 3000km I am yet to notice any significant flat spots and the rest of the tread is holding up great even with the intense distance I’m travelling daily. Metzeler has done what they said they were going to do and provided what they said they were going to provide.

Nick has been itching to

A solid competitor in the sports touring class, with fantastic wet weather grip and a serious amount of sports ability. I’ve yet to manage to get these tyres to a proper track day, but a quick google search and you can see these wicked tyres availed across Europe. Much like my thoughts, our Euro friends have raved about their street and track performance.