Bikes Parts & Accessories

Metzeler Roadtec Z6 Interact Tire Review

Everyone – including us bikers – is looking to save a buck these days, or at least find more or better values. New guy, Obama, sure seems to be working furiously to calm the raging tempest that is our current economy, but by his repeated admissions, it ain’t gonna happen overnight.
Tire giant Metzeler may be able to help sport and sport-touring riders keep their pocket books in their pockets a little longer with the introduction of the company’s new sport-touring tire, the Roadtec Z6 Interact. Like a number of tire makers, Metzeler has taken notice of the increase in performance of today’s sport and sport-touring machines. BMW, as an example, is claiming 175 hp and 103 ft-lbs from its new K1300S, with the K1300GT not far off that mark at a claimed 160 hp and 99 ft-lbs. Adding complexity to making a tire for such powerhouses is the fact that these types of motorcycles typically handle as well as they go fast. The Interact is Metzeler’s answer.


The Roadtec Z6 Interact: Metzeler’s answer to a world full of powerful, sharp-handling sport and sport-touring motorcycles.
Interact is the next evolution of the successful Z6. In this latest iteration, Metzeler has bucked the current multi-compound trend in favor of using a single compound that “interacts” with a unique new tire carcass.
Metzeler’s patented 0-degree steel belt radial structure received a neat twist, literally, in the design of this latest tire. Briefly, the outer layer of steel “threads” in a tire’s structure – the portion of the tire beneath the rubber that contacts the road surface – is said to be a 0-degree belt construction when the steel threads run, or more correctly are wound, in the same direction as the tire's rotation. A primary benefit of such construction is said to be a high level of stability at high speeds. Metzeler’s patent in this process is that the winding is a single steel thread wrapped continuously to form the belt.
What makes the Interact’s steel belt different is the steel thread itself. The thread is more like a twisted cable, similar to a guitar string, rather than being a solid wire. With this construction the ability to control thread tension in specific areas of the tire is possible, therefore controlling temperatures of the tire compound in those areas.

They are approximately 120 steel threads that make up the steel belt. The number and spacing of threads allows for a progressive reduction of the winding from center to edge, with more thread in the high tension center and less thread in the lower tension/higher grip edge. Metzeler staff explained that this progressive winding method helps contribute to consistent feel and performance when transitioning into a lean or turn.

A do-it-all tire?

The perfect multi-tasking street tire would be one that retains high mileage without sacrificing grip or ride comfort. By placing more steel windings closer together in the tread center more tension is created meaning less flex in this area. Less flex means less friction, less friction means less heat, ideally meaning less wear. Conversely, in the shoulder area, more space between the steel windings means more give or flex, and as we just noted above, more friction means more heat. More heat means softer rubber which usually means better grip, in this case right where it’s needed.
Complementing this new carcass is a new, high silica content compound containing a 35-percent higher silica ratio than the previous Roadtec Z6. Claimed improvements here are better wet and dry grip, as well as consistent wear through the tire’s life.The claimed end result of the technology in the new Interact is a single-compound tire that functions similar to a multi-compound tire while at the same time avoiding what Metzeler calls the “step effect.” The tire company defines the step effect as the different rates of wear between the different (softer on the shoulder, harder in the center) compounds on multi-compound tires, claiming the Interact’s single-compound will wear and perform more consistently from center to edge....!

CruzTools Toolkit

Everything's fine, you are enjoying yourself, riding along that great highway or backroad. The purring of the motor is sweet music to your ears, or is it? Was that a little clunk that you just heard, a ticking noise perhaps? Fear and insecurity rush into your head. Where was that last town that you passed? Did they even have a mechanic, much less a motorcycle dealer? Everyone has felt the pangs caused by mechanical gremlins and mishaps at one time or another, yet most of us still ride with the puny toolkit packed under the seat by the manufacturer. Or worse yet, none at all. CruzTools, of Scotts Valley, California, has a solution to aid your woes. And it's all packaged in a neat, convenient storage bag.
We called CruzTools to obtain one of their toolkits specially formulated for Harley-Davidson Big Twin and Sportster models, none of which come with a toolkit as standard equipment. Breaking down and pushing bikes back to the Motorcycle Online headquarters is not something we enjoy, and our tour to Sturgis would provide us with an excellent chance to see how well the toolkit would perform not only in roadside emergencies, but for on-the-road maintenance also.
Aside from toolkit standards, like combination wrenches in all relevant sizes, the CruzTools kit included vice grips, allen head wrenches, spark plug gapping tool and even Torx wrenches to allow you access to almost every area of your Harley. There is also a shop rag, gas hose and space for spare spark plugs in the roll out pouch. All the tools are from American manufacturers like Snap-On screwdrivers, combination wrenches, allen keys and Torx bits, and K-D spark plug tools. The locking pliers are even genuine Vise Grips. The combination wrenches come in 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 9/16", 5/8", and 3/4". Hex keys range from 5/32" to 3/8". The heavy vinyl pouch is equipped with brass rings so you can hang the tool set on the wall of your garage when not on the road.
CruzTools perform well in regular situations, like adjusting handlebars and tightening bolts that rattle loose. Where the thoroughness of the kit comes in to play is during the unusual situations, like when the shift shaft on our Bad Boy started to seize up. With the CruzTools in hand, we were able to disassemble it and lubricate it while on the road.

Although we found the CruzTools kit to be well thought out and thorough, we would recommend putting a few pairs of latex or cotton gloves in the kit, a small can of spray oil and a sample-sized tube of grease; after all, if you are going to break down on any motorcycle, even a Harley, you are probably going to get greasy fixing it. CruzTools lived up to their claims, but unfortunately the premium tools included in the kit also dictate a premium price. If you don't mind dropping $159.95 on a toolkit, you will be rewarded with a four-and-a-half star (out of five) item. For the rest of us, the CruzTools receives 3-1/2 stars when budgetary concerns come in to play. You can order CruzTools from your local dealer, or contact CruzTools directly at: CruzToolsP.O. Box 67353Scotts Valley, CA 95067ph (408) 439-8340fax (408) 439-8345 -->