MICHELIN is not an automatic choice for tyres when it comes to the ‘cub’ or scooter riders in Malaysia.
But Michelin is setting out to change this perception and is actively pursuing this high growth market in Asia. Even though the Pilot Street has been around for a while, many commuter riders question the French tyre giants’ suitability for Asian road surfaces.
The latest Pilot Street 2 addresses these questions. The Pilot Street 2 is made in Asia and designed by Michelin’s Research and Development Centre for Asian weather and roads.
A big part of Asian weather is rain and the new design is tailored for rain riding like never before. An independent test by TuV at Fontange, France reveals the Pilot Street 2 is up to 4.4 seconds faster than the nearest competitor on a 1.2 km wet circuit. Thus the tyres’ tagline: "Safe when dry, safe when wet!"
This feat is achievable due to the front tyre’s circumferential groove (which cuts the water film) and large progressive lateral grooves on the shoulders and the rear tyre’s central grooves. These features optimize water-clearance abilities while still providing outstanding grip on dry roads.
Michelin have not compromised tyre mileage in this quest for rain superiority and high grip, for it is in their DNA. Expect the Pilot Street 2 to last a long time. The tread pattern is also designed to look good as well as perform well.
Michelin is supplying the Pilot Street 2 in a variety of sizes to cater for most bikes and scooters. Anything from 10, 14, 16 and 17 inch wheels in various sizes are available with more sizes in the pipeline.
Pricing has not been finalised at press time but the Pilot Street 2 will cost around what the outgoing Pilot Street costs. This bodes well for Michelin’s venture to attract more market share in Asia, particularly from the commuter market.
NST Cars Bikes and Trucks were not able to test the tyres’ claims at the launch but a pair of Pilot Street 2s will be available for thorough testing soon on our personal transport.
The Street 2 will be available by the end of September at all TyrePlus retailers and likely your nearest parts dealer too.