It’s that time of year again where tyre manufacturers start to unveil their new tyres for next season, and the first to break cover is Bridgestone with two brand new offerings due out in 2022!
Next year they’ve got an exciting new addition to their motocross range, and an all-new option for adventure riders who want to do a mix of road and off-road riding!
Motocross: Battlecross X31
Coming in as a replacement to their popular X30 intermediate tyre, the new Battlecross X31 takes the traction to a whole new level!
The new X31 will boast a wider operating range in terms of terrain to make for a more versatile set of tyres.
Their unique Castle Block Technology remains a key feature of the tyre, found on all rear blocks as well as the shoulder blocks of the newly designed front. They’re essential for improving performance consistency over changing terrain, and thanks to a new convex section of the block it also provides higher levels of grip in the corners to help riders carry more speed.
An asymmetric block pattern on the rear tyre increases traction, while the lower block ratio gives the wider operating range. Engineers have changes the size of the bunker groove which enhances the bite of the tyre when bottoming through surfaces, and reduced tread rigidity also enhances stability.
The unique Cooling Fin technology derived from run flat car tyres also remains, and it enhances the cooling effect on the tyre surface to reduce degradation during racing for more consistent levels of performance.
We’re looking at a total of six adult sizes expected to land in the first three months of next year.
Adventure: Battlax AT41
Next year Bridgestone will be the latest brand to add an ‘in between’ option to their adventure tyre range with the new Battlax AT41.
The new tyre will fit between the more road-oriented A41 and the aggressive AX41, in a similar style to the TKC 70 front Continental and Karoo Street from Metzeler.
The rugged looking AT41 is still aimed at riders who spend most of their time of the tarmac, but if offers increased off-road performance for those times when they decide to head off the beaten track too.
The tread has been designed to offer optimal water drainage for great performance in the wet, while the block shape is also said to reduce edge wear which can affect some blockier pattern tyres. A 3-layer rear compound combines a wear resistant centre with softer shoulders for increased cornering grip.
The tyre has undergone strict testing to achieve a coveted M&S (mud and snow) rating which provides reassurance to riders of it’s capabilities in a wide range of conditions.
In total there will be four front and five rears sizes expected to land from February next year, covering a wide range of popular adventure motorcycles.
