Bridgestone Launches Battlax BT-016

Bridgestone recently launched its Battlax BT-016 on Cambrian Tyres’ Motorcyle Trade Expo stand. An advanced hypersport tyre seen for the first time at the EICMA 2007 in Milan, it is designed to give “maximum performance to riders who are passionate about sport bikes” and features Bridgestone’s MotoGP multi-layer compound technology. Compared to the BT-014 it will progressively replace, the new BT-016 is said to provide total 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.

One of the focuses of development in the new tyre has been in its compound. Bridgestone has combined its top MotoGP construction technology with its latest multi-compound technology from SACT (Straight And Cornering Technology) and says this produce a sport tyre that gives high-level grip performance in braking, cornering and acceleration.

The BT-016 front tyre has 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, used for the first time on a street tyre. The centre compound is designed to give 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 massive contact feeling at deep lean angles. The line holding feels almost like riding on a rail.

Improved linear and sporty handling

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 is designed to enhance slide controllability and line-holding through corners. The increased compression stiffness it produces reportedly helps 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 BT-014 front and 10 per cent on BT-014 rear.

Motorcycle manufacturers are clearly impressed by Bridgestone’s new hypersport tyre. With tailor-made construction technologies using the same tread pattern design, the Battlax BT-016 has been approved as original equipment for leading 2008 models, including Yamaha YZF R6 and 100 per cent fitment for 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.