The Maxxis Supermaxx ST is without doubt the most advanced product to date from the Taiwanese rubber giant. Developed over five years, utilising new construction techniques and mixing processes, the ST is specifically targeted at riders who want to achieve big miles and have plenty of grip along the way, in all conditions.
The Maxxis Supermaxx ST supersedes the M-6029 Supermaxx Touring, boasting 15% improved longevity thanks to its enhanced Nano-Silica compound, and features a whole new tread design, plus the introduction of sipes, for more grip in the wet.
The stability of the tyre has also been bolstered with a firmer tyre wall, while the carcass sees spiral steel belt technology in the front for improved high-speed cornering capabilities. The handling characteristics of the tyres have been enhanced by all-new profiles, seeing a 2% broader diameter on the front and a 3.5% increase on the rear.
The culmination of both changes means there is a larger footprint of rubber on the ground, at all angles, while handling is now much more neutral. It all sounds pretty impressive on paper, but to get a truer appreciation for the new rubber we sent one REAL RIDERS team out to Spain for a road and track test.
“With it fitted to a huge variety of sports, touring and naked bikes, I was spoilt for choice when it came time to decide which bike to try the The Maxxis Supermaxx STs on,” he said. “The first part of our evaluation took place at the Ascari race circuit, near Rhonda, where I picked a Kawasaki ZX-10R.
“Maxxis makes no claims that the Supermaxx STs are out-and-out sports rubber, but the more laps I clocked, the better the grip levels got as the compound began to warm up. It didn’t take too long for me to gain complete confidence in the tyres, achieving big lean angles and getting quite fruity with the throttle. Making the best part of 200bhp, the Kawasaki was capable of braking traction at the rear wheel, but all slides felt progressive and controllable. Suzuki’s GSR750 is perhaps the ideal bike for the new Maxxis, and here the tyres felt a lot more at home; with less ground clearance and softer power delivery, they weren’t as close to their limits."
“The tyres felt very stable and accurate, effortlessly taking in the high speed undulations that make up the roller coaster layout of Ascari. In contrast to the typically flowing make-up of the circuit, there are also a number of hard braking areas; the front tyre’s new stiff sidewall aids the ST in retaining its shape, but it was still noticeable to feel a bit of squishing under extreme levels of braking. Grip, however, was very good and I was impressed by the secure feeling through the lever.
“Sessions completed, there were no signs of chewing, blueing (from the overheating) or excessive wear. According to the Maxxis technicians who flew in from Taiwan, this is all thanks to a new coupling agent called Silane, which contains less oil so doesn’t overheat, while also maintaining a soft feeling for a relatively hard tyre.
“But what about on the roads? On a Kawasaki Z800 I was greeted with beautiful stability from the off, and the tyres really took the bumpy nature of the tarmac well. We were taken through some of the most beautiful routes I've ever seen, winding our way along tight and narrow roads. Grip was commendable, handling felt effortless and I had no moments to recount.
“I was generally very impressed by the The Maxxis Supermaxx STs. They might not pack the brand status of some of their rivals, but costing slightly less than most and performing as well as many other options, I can see the STs going down a treat in the New Year.”
Expect to pay around £200 per set, with the following sizes available: Front 120/60/17; 120/70/17 - Rear 160/60/17; 180/55/17; 190/50/17; 190/55/17.