The real-world sports tyre

Metzeler sportec M7RR Used for: Five years Price: £220 (120/70 ZR17, 190/55 ZR17)

» I’ve yet to try Metzeler’s new M9 RR but its still-available seven-year-old predecessor, the M7 RR, is the go-to road tyre for my Honda SP2 and BMW S1000RR. Even my Honda CB1300 had a pair, which makes as much sense as Mr Creosote buying Nike Airs. The M9 hasn’t caused real discounts for its older relative yet, but the M7 is so all-round reliable I struggle to see how I’ll notice the M9’s fancy, traction-control-friendly, ways. Maybe that’s why the M7 isn’t seeing clearance offers yet – those who know, know it’s bloody good. Confidence in most conditions is why I love them, and a cold, wet autumn trackday proved that outright. Grim conditions, puddles, lots of riders eating grass yet it verged on fun. The M7 RR still has it.