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.
110/70 ZR17 BT-016F (54W) TL
120/60 ZR17 BT-016F (55W) TL
120/70 ZR17 BT-016F (58W) TL
130/70 ZR16 BT-016F (61W) TL
160/60 ZR17 BT-016R (69W) TL
150/60 ZR17 BT-016R (66W) TL
170/60 ZR17 BT-016R (72W) TL
180/55 ZR17 BT-016R (73W) TL
190/50 ZR17 BT-016R (73W) TL
190/55 ZR17 BT-016R (75W) TL
160/60 ZR18 BT-016R (70W) TL
replaced by the BRIDGESTONE BT-016 PRO
