Bridgestone Releases MotoGP Technology in New Tyre

The latest addition to Bridgestone’s Battlax range of tyres was shown off for the first time at the EICMA 2007 show in Milan. The Battlax BT-016, an advanced hypersport tyre, is designed to provide riders with maximum sport performance via the grip performance offered by Bridgestone’s MotoGP multi-layer compound technology. Compared to the BT-014 it will progressively replace, the new BT-016 provides handling improvement in all riding modes – with noticeably better contact feel, feedback, stability and grip – as well as longer wear life and lower noise levels.

Bridgestone has combined its top MotoGP construction technology with its latest multi-compound technology from SACT (Straight And Cornering Technology) to produce a sport tyre that gives high-level grip performance in braking, cornering and acceleration. The BT-016 front tyre features a new 3-Layer Compound (3LC): a centre compound for linear handling and longer wear life, flanked by a shoulder compound to secure high grip and a strong contact feeling. The rear BT-016 tyre features Bridgestone’s new 5-Layer Compound (5LC) technology, its first ever use on a street tyre. The centre compound gives good stability and higher mileage; the shoulder compound transfers the engine power to the road with strong traction; while the edge compound provides strong side grip and a sense of sure-footed contact at deep lean angles. Bridgestone comments that the line holding feels almost like riding on a rail.

Front and rear construction is based on Bridgestone’s proven HTSPC platform (High Tensile Super Penetrated Cord) with steel MSB (Mono Spiral Belt). This one-piece construction enhances slide controllability and line holding through corners, while providing good shock absorption. The increased compression stiffness it produces helps to maintain a uniform contact patch and stability at high speeds.

The front pattern features S-shaped cross diagonal grooves in the centre tread area, for light handling, rich feedback and good wet performance. The rear pattern has L-shaped grooves without cross grooves in the centre, giving stronger traction and lower pattern noise – especially noticeable in the 80 km/h to 110 km/h cruising speed range. Both tyre treads give plenty of grip, with a lower 6 per cent void ratio versus 11 per cent on the BT-014 front tyre and 10 per cent on the BT-014 rear tyre.

A number of motorcycle manufacturers have already voiced their approval for the new tyre through OE contracts. The Battlax BT-016 has been approved as original equipment for leading 2008 models, including the Yamaha YZF R6 and 100 per cent fitment for the Suzuki GSX-R600 and 750. Motorcyclists in Europe will find Battlax BT-016 available in the replacement market in 4 front-wheel sizes and 7 rear-wheel sizes from early 2008.

Tyre Line Up

Front:

130/70ZR16M/C (61W)
110/70ZR17M/C (54W)
120/60ZR17M/C (55W)
120/70ZR17M/C (58W)

Rear:

150/60ZR17M/C (66W)
160/60ZR17M/C (69W)
170/60ZR17M/C (72W)
180/55ZR17M/C (73W)
190/50ZR17M/C (73W)
190/55ZR17M/C (75W)
160/60ZR18M/C (70W)