Cambrian Tyres

17 Jan 2008

The chance for every rider to experience Bridgestone’s MotoGP technology derived from MotoGP competition.

Bridgestone has launched Battlax BT-016, an advanced hypersport tyre seen for the first time at the EICMA 2007 in Milano. It is designed to give maximum sporty performance to riders who are passionate about sport bikes – with the chance to enjoy the exciting grip performance of Bridgestone’s MotoGP multi-layer compound technology. Compared to the BT-014 it will progressively replace, the new BT-016 provides 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.

Maximum grip from MotoGP compound technology

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 has a new 3-Layer Compound (3LC): a center 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 center 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 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 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% void ratio versus 11% on BT-014 front and 10% on BT-014 rear.

Strong OE sales

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% 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.

TYRE LINE UP

FRONT	REAR
130/70ZR16M/C (61W)	150/60ZR17M/C (66W)
110/70ZR17M/C (54W)	160/60ZR17M/C (69W)
120/60ZR17M/C (55W)	170/60ZR17M/C (72W)
120/70ZR17M/C (58W)	180/55ZR17M/C (73W)
	190/50ZR17M/C (73W)
	190/55ZR17M/C (75W)
	160/60ZR18M/C (70W)