[JWR]

Interesting read.

Sometimes the motorcycle tire makers will give a maximum lean angle for a particular tire. For instance, in May 2009 Michelin claims a maximum lean angle of 50.6 degrees on dry pavement and 41.9 degrees on wet pavement "as measured at the Michelin test track" for their Pilot Power sportbike tires. One might guess that the Michelin test track's pavement has less sand and better maintenance than standard street pavement, but that's purely a guess. In any case, that gives a coefficient of friction of 1.2 on dry pavement and .90 on wet pavement.

BMW's S1000RR sportbike has a traction-control mechanism which measures lean angle and restricts power when the angle exceeds a predetermined limit. Rain mode allows 38 degrees of lean, corresponding to a coefficient of friction of .78; sport mode allows 45 degrees, ? = 1; race mode allows 48 degrees, ? = 1.1; and slick mode gives 53 degrees, ? = 1.3