Battlax Racing R11 performance tops grooved racing segment, claims Bridgestone

A new generation of Bridgestone grooved racing tyre for supersport and hypersport bikes will come to market at the start of next year. The Battlax Racing R11, successor to the R10 T-2, will be introduced between January and March in two front and six rear sizes. All R11 sizes will be available in medium compound, and a soft option will also be available in certain sizes.

Announcing the upcoming release of the Battlax Racing R11, Bridgestone comments that the new product “delivers the highest performance in the grooved racing tyre segment.” The tyre maker reports that track testing using a Honda CBR600RR showed a marked improvement versus the R10 T-2 predecessor tyre in all areas, especially in the main target area of corner entry. This impacted on lap times – Bridgestone says the R11 achieved “consistently faster laps,” with a 1.3 per cent improvement on the fastest lap.

To develop the R11, Bridgestone took the current Battlax Racing R10 as the benchmark and set its sights on enhancing the contact feel of the track as the tyre performs. The R11 package is based on a new variable mono-spiral belt (V-MSB) construction in the front tyre, which produces higher pressure on the contact patch and more cornering force. This is said to give the rider better grip and faster corner entry, with more contact feel, and therefore more confidence.

Rear tyre construction uses an additional GP belt (as seen in the Bridgestone V02 racing slick) on top of the V-MSB, which is tuned for optimal deformation. The result, comments Bridgestone, is a rear tyre with higher traction power, consistent performance over the tyre life and more grip in all phases.

Moving to the tread design, Bridgestone engineers first analysed the abrasion angle under acceleration and deformation in the braking and cornering phases. This enabled them to develop groove positioning that provides maximum rigidity in cornering and maximum contact when accelerating, while ensuring optimal deformation for improved warm up times.

Bridgestone recommends the new Battlax Racing R11 for all motorcycle racing categories, including SSP 300, SSP 600 and SST 1000 championship series, as well as all manufacturers’ cup events

“Racing is all about confidence,” notes Nico Thuy, head of Europe – Motorcycle, Bridgestone Europe. “With the new Battlax Racing R11, Bridgestone gives competitors that extra grip and contact feel on the track, particularly going into corners where confidence is so important. R11 riders will see their lap times improve from the start.”