Bridgestone's new generation Battlax BT-010 radial tire designed for street performance.
From Bridgestone's press material.
Advanced CAD shapes design of Bridgestone's new sporty Battlax BT-010 motorcycle radial
The sport-oriented Battlax BT-010, a new-generation motorcycle radial tyre from Bridgestone/Firestone Europe, was unveiled at the 57th International Bicycle and Motorshow Exhibition in Milan, December 1999. Designed specifically for street use on machines in the 600 cc-1200 cc category, the BT-010 range provides a balance of excellent grip, easy handling at all speeds, high speed stability, superb wet performance, ride comfort and anti-shimmy characteristics.
The latest Battlax will be available in 11 sizes, from 120/70ZR17 to 200/50ZR17, and will replace the current BT-56 and BT-57 series. In developing the new tyre, Bridgestone has made extensive use of its 3D-CTDM (3 Dimensional Comprehensive Tyre Design Method) computer simulation facility. This employs what is probably the industry's most advanced software of its kind, allowing performance to be evaluated and fine-tuned in dynamic as well as static mode.
In-depth three-dimensional analysis has produced an optimised profile that combines lateral stiffness with uniform contact pressure at all lean angles. Enhanced grip is thus combined with improved, more neutral handling. A new silica compound adds to the wet and dry grip, without sacrificing high-speed durability. Reduced noise and better low temperature road-holding are among other benefits of the computer-aided design.
The BT-010 also features Bridgestones famous Dual Aligned Compound (DAC) technology, which allows variable alignment of the molecules in a single sheet of rubber. This has enabled the central tread area to be optimised for wear resistance under acceleration and braking, while the shoulder gives strong cornering ability. And because only one tread rubber is used, performance remains constant throughout the life of the tyre. Bridgestone's hydroplaning simulation software has contributed to a front tread pattern design in which all the grooves are placed to dispel water most effectively. In addition, the front blocks maintain continuous, unbroken contact with the road surface.
An aggressive rear pattern provides cornering grip, while its main diagonal groove gives rigidity and efficient heat emission for high speed durability. The Kevlar mono-spiral belt construction improves shock absorption and stability at speed. Volume production of the BT-010 will commence in December 1999. It has already been chosen for OEM fitment to year 2000 models by a number of manufacturers. In addition it will be available on the replacement market in March 2000.
"Our 3D computer simulation is a real step forward in tyre development," said Gunther Podevyn: Manager, Motorcycle Tyre engineering, Bridgestone/Firestone Europe. "Now we can predict the effects of construction changes and materials with even greater accuracy, and bring new technologies more quickly to the marketplace. Our increasing success rate in top-level motorcycle competition, both on- and off-road, shows that Bridgestone/Firestone has a winning formula. We look forward to taking Battlax even further ahead in the next millennium."
Bridgestone/ Firestone Europe S.A. - with European headquarters in Brussels, Belgium - is a key division of the Bridgestone Corporation. It develops and manufactures top-quality tyres in Europe which, through its 16 subsidiary sales companies and other channels, are distributed all over Europe including the Eastern European markets. Products are also exported outside Europe, including to Japan.