Goodyear in Luxembourg has announced that the world’s first long-distance electric motorcycle, with a range of 380 kilometres, the ‘STORM Pulse’ team has chosen Dunlop’s latest Sport Touring tyre – the RoadSmart III - for the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) student team who will be riding this motorcycle around the world in 80 days in 2016, to demonstrate the potential of sustainable transport.
STORM Eindhoven needed a tyre that could cope with the world’s most demanding roads. They chose the RoadSmart III after tests confirmed it having an incredible 82%* more mileage potential (Front) than an average of key competitors. This enduring performance is critical for a project that will see the STORM riders tackling the toughest roads throughout Europe, Asia and North America - a total of 26,000 kilometres.
The STORM Pulse is described as the ‘Tesla of motorcycles’ with a 380km range and was tested at Dunlop’s Mireval Proving Ground in France. Its innovative modular battery pack means riders can swap batteries in a matter of minutes. For short journeys, only part of the battery pack can be used to make the motorcycle lighter and even easier to steer.
Another reason why the team chose the Dunlop RoadSmart III was that in the bike’s 190/55ZR17 rear tyre size, Dunlop have designed both a GT and an SP (Sport) version allowing riders to choose the right tyre for their motorcycle’s particular characteristics. STORM chose the GT version as it matched the immense torque and traction demands of their 240Nm torque powertrain.
Andy Marfleet, Marketing Manager, Dunlop Europe Moto, is proud that STORM Eindhoven have chosen RoadSmart III, and stated “Testing has proven that the RoadSmart III has best in class grip and handling in dry whilst delivering a huge step forward in mileage performance. Tackling a 26,000km world tour on such a high torque machine demands optimum stability, traction and durability. The tyre is designed for such a challenge”.
*Calculated against the German legal limit of 1.6mm minimum tread depth. Compared to average performance of 3 leading competitor products in Sport Touring Radial segment (Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT, Bridgestone T30 Evo, Pirelli Angel GT). Tested by Motorrad Test Center in November 2015 by order of Goodyear Dunlop. Tyre size Front 120/70ZR17 and rear 180/55ZR17 Test Bike: Yamaha FJR 1300A; road testing took place on mixed surface roads around Almeria, Spain
