Battlax BT-002

The Battlax BT-002 series is a homologated full-race tyre range for supersport events and track days. Designed for high-powered machines of 600 cc capacity and above, the BT-002 combines race-winning performance with riderfriendly handling characteristics. Compared with the existing BT-001Pro series, the new tyres offer increased grip and traction, together with improved braking ability.

The tyre profiles are derived from Bridgestone's MotoGP development programme. Their flatter and larger crown radius bring smoother and more linear turn-in characteristics. In addition, the front crown is designed to be as close as possible to a single-radius profile, making it safer to take different lines into a corner. Increased rigidity in the rear tyre casing also permits faster throttle opening on emerging from corners.

Underpinning this improvement is the use of a steel Mono Spiral Belt (MSB) construction, with a continuous single cord wrapped around the circumference of the tyre in order to eliminate seams, joints and the overlapping of belts. While MSB is lighter than a conventional multi-cross belt, it provides greater stability by minimising internal heat generation. Bridgestone is the first manufacturer to employ five single steel filaments in an MSB cord. The filaments are separated from one another and twisted in a rubber coating that ensures equal and constant tension. Known as ‘High Tensile Super Penetrated Cord' (HTSPC), this technology produces high stiffness combined with flexibility and excellent shock absorption.

Newly developed front and rear tread patterns, together with MSB and a new compound for the rear, enhance straight-line drive stability. Optimal distribution of grooves in the patterns aids middle to large camber grip.

By integrating the best of race-bred technologies into the BT-002, Bridgestone has produced a tyre series that will satisfy the most demanding competitors, yet enable riders of all abilities to achieve consistent improvements in their lap times.

Dealers are already stocking the BT-002 in sizes 120/70R17M/C, 180/55R17M/C and 190/55R17M/C. All these sizes are available in three different compounds: soft, medium and hard. The rider will thus be able to adapt the tyre to the track conditions and ambient temperatures.