Bridgestone launches Battlax Sport Touring T32 motorcycle tyres

New touring tyre includes separate T32GT fitment for middleweight and heavy touring motorcycles

Bridgestone has launched its new Battlax Sport Touring T32 tyre. The tyre represents improved wet performance over the T31, containing Bridgestone’s Pulse Groove Pattern Technology. The T32 has a 13 per cent bigger contact patch than its predecessor, which supports handling improvements. The tyre has also reduced wet braking distance by seven per cent.

Enhancing the tyre’s size line-up, Bridgestone is launching a version of the tyre dedicated to middleweight and heavy motorcycles. The Battlax Sport Touring T32GT increases wear life by 10 per cent over its predecessor. Bridgestone calls the T32 range a “new benchmark” for the touring segment. Nico Thuy, head of motorcycle at Bridgestone EMIA, adds: “We wanted to give riders more control and confidence in the wet and this tyre delivers exactly that.” The full sport touring line-up of sizes will be available on the market in early 2021.

Wet weather performance

Bridgestone Battlax Sport Touring T32 (Photo: Bridgestone)

The Battlax Sport Touring T32’s most notable improvement is its overall wet performance versus. Bridgestone has incorporated several design and compound technology features to achieve this. Pulse Groove Pattern Technology combines pulse-shaped grooves with small centre deflectors. These features equalise waterflow in comparison with a straight groove, optimising its speed. This in turn helps improve water channelling and drainage across the tyre, which enhances grip and adhesion and reduces the tyre’s slip ratio in wet and difficult conditions.

The impact of this technology is complemented pattern design enhancements. Bridgestone has increased groove ratios, optimised groove angles, groove positioning and pattern stiffness. It has also increased the rear contact patch by 13 per cent, delivering an increased overall contact area and connection to the road. Alongside improved neutral and linear handling behaviour, this enhances overall performance in the wet. The manufacturer says the T32’s shorter wet braking distance has been achieved with no wear life sacrifice.

The T32’s construction and compound combination also support improved handling capabilities in the dry and wet. These properties also achieve high speed, straight and cornering stability.

Dedicated GT line-up

Bridgestone’s version of the tyre for heavier bikes, the Battlax Sport Touring T32GT, has specific technical features and a pattern design to meet requirements in this specific motorcycle category.

The GT version also incorporates Bridgestone’s state of the art Pulse Groove Pattern Technology, alongside an optimised groove positioning and construction for the optimal pattern stiffness required for middleweight and heavy motorcycles. These benefits, amongst other performance features, enable an improved wet performance and grip from the Battlax Sport Touring T31, plus a 10 per cent increase in wear life from the predecessor.

Nico Thuy says: “Battlax’s next-generation sport touring tyres, the T32 and T32GT, are the result of technical expertise and technological applications that are at the forefront of tyre development. By significantly enhancing the tyre’s connection with the road from the T31, we have created a tyre that delivers incredible performance even in poor conditions. We wanted to give riders more control and confidence in the wet and this tyre delivers exactly that. It’s great also that we’re able to bring its benefits to more motorcyclists by expanding to GT.”