In order to keep all our contestants on equal footing, we spooned on a set of Michelin's latest Power One DOT race rubber onto each literbike (note that these are not the Power One "Road/Track" tires that look outwardly identical). Replacing the previous Pilot Power series of tires, the new Power One is a completely new model that utilizes lessons learned from years of MotoGP competition with input from top riders.
Utilizing the same 2CT multi-compound technology pioneered by the Pilot Power series, the Power One tires feature a taller profile that encourages deeper trailbraking, offers easier change of direction, and results in a 15 percent larger contact patch for improved cornering grip. The three compounds available are now 100-percent synthetic, for quicker warmup and better wear characteristics. In order to handle the increased power and speed of today's sportbikes, the Power Ones also feature a sturdier construction, with the rear tire using five plies in the front and four plies in the rear (versus the old Power Race's three plies).
Although nearly all tire manufacturers recommend usage of tire warmers for their DOT race tires, we found the new Michelins (we were provided "Version A" compounds in front and "Version B" compounds for the rear) scuffed in and warmed up fairly quickly on a 70 degree F day without warmers in about two laps (being careful on the first lap for obvious reasons). Readily apparent was the much quicker steering habits of the new Power Ones, allowing you to carve apexes down to the inch. But we were extremely impressed by the increased grip levels of the new Michelins; the Power One is a major step above the old Power Race tire (itself no slouch), with even better side and edge grip along with improved stability and superb feedback. Even more impressive was the durability; despite repeated abuse all day from ground-pounding literbikes, the wear rates and overall grip levels were much better than we've experienced from many other tires.