New Pirelli Scorpion Trail III motorcycle tyre copies the Diablo’s homework

The Pirelli Scorpion Trail tyre now enters its third generation, but combining sports touring and light off-roading remains the goal.

All areas of the Scorpion Trail have been updated for the new third-generation tyre, from compound to tread pattern, and from structure to profile.

The tread pattern has been designed on the new tyre to improve stability and precision over its predecessor, the Scorpion Trail II. To do this, Pirelli transferred some of the design from its Diablo sport tyre range into its crossover tyre, using a pattern in the central band of the tyre which is derived from the ‘flash’ pattern that is present in the Diablo range. This helps to ensure even wear of the tyre and efficient water drainage. Additionally, Pirelli says the pattern used in the Scorpion Trail III improves lateral stability on softer terrain.

The grooves themselves in both the centre of the tyre and of the shoulder have been made more “robust,” Pirelli says, which also improves traction, “even on dirt roads.”

Pirelli has brought new compounds to the Scorpion Trail III, with a dual-compound rear tyre which utilises softer rubber on the shoulders and a harder compound in the centre, offering a balance between cornering grip, and stability and wear. The Trail III’s front tyre uses a compound which is similar to that used in the centre of the rear.

Construction on the front tyre is also derived from Pirelli’s experience in the supersports segment and includes a zero-degree steel belt for increased stability, including at high speeds. At the rear, the construction is designed with the balance of versatility and sporty handling in mind.

The profile of the new tyre is derived from the sports touring segment, with a multi-radius design aimed at bringing high-speed stability and long-range durability while not sacrificing progressive and sporty feedback to the rider.

The Pirelli Scorpion Trail III is available in a variety of sizes front and rear. All are expected to be available in the first half of 2024, with the exception of the 19-inch 120/70 fronts, and 17-inch 170/60 rears. All available sizes of the tyre can be seen in the table below.

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