Bridgestone makes no compromises with the new Battlax Hypersport S22

Bridgestone makes no compromises

with the new Battlax Hypersport S22

Bridgestone's latest hypersport tyre takes riders to the next level

Bridgestone, the world’s largest tyre and rubber company, has presented the Battlax Hypersport S22, an innovative and ground-breaking motorcycle tyre. A new addition to their flagship Battlax range, Bridgestone has made no compromises, delivering improved performance in all areas.

The development of the S22 was driven by a determination to add excellent wet performance to the outstanding dry grip for which the Battlax Hypersport was already renowned. There was also increased focus on contact feel and cornering, allowing riders to experience the full extent of their bike’s performance on the road.

‘We developed the S22 in line with the needs and requirements of hypersport users,’ explains Nico Thuy, Head of Motorcycle Europe at Bridgestone EMEA. ‘With such light handling and increased feedback, especially when cornering, hypersport riders will have maximum confidence in pushing themselves to the next level.’

Test results demonstrate the all-round improvements with 15% faster cornering in dry conditions, 1.2% faster lap times in dry conditions and 5% faster lap times in wet conditions.[1]

Recipe for the ultimate grip

Bridgestone incorporated a varied compound structure in the tyre, with a harder centre, softer traction areas and even softer edge compounds to optimise the balance between grip and cornering. This original compound mixture uses an optimised resin compound in the traction area of the tyre, while the centre compound incorporates a 25% increase in fine silica molecules to increase contact with the road surface.[2]

Despite the enormous improvements in performance, there has been no compromise to the wear life of either the front or rear tyres.

Positive impact on pattern

The compound mix used in the tyre was designed to work in tandem with the tyre pattern. The two aspects were fine-tuned to each other, particularly around the edges of the contact area, to generate more grip and reduce slippage. The incredible 5% improvement in wet conditions was made possible by pattern enhancements that have increased water drainage and deliver heightened limit control, as well as an increase in the sea-to-land ratio on the shoulder area of the tyre.

The groove angle and alignment were optimised to ensure the working forces of the tyre delivered ultimate performance in corners and on straights in both wet and dry conditions. Further adjustments to the pattern have positively impacted the lightness of handling and feedback on the tyre.

Greater rigidity

Bridgestone incorporated their state-of-the-art MS-Belt construction and High Tensile Penetration Cord technology to ensure riders would experience a lightness in the handling and feel confident in the stability of the tyre at high speeds. This was cross-referenced against the 3D edge shape on the groove design of the front tyre - vital for optimal rigidity in the tyre. The result is a tyre that has been optimised for ultimate performance in every area.

The new Battlax Hypersport S22 tyres will be available in a wide ranges of sizes as of January 2019 with additional sizes to be released in January 2020.

Media information: Liesbeth Denys, Director PR and Corporate Communications, Bridgestone in EMEA: +32 478 78 26 22

About Bridgestone in Europe, Middle East and Africa

We're the EMEA business of the world’s largest tyre and rubber company. For almost 90 years, we've been providing the confidence to get people and goods where they need to go as conveniently as possible, without interruption. That’s as true today as ever and means we’re trusted where it matters most: where the vehicle meets the road. We’re brilliant chemists, engineers and data scientists with some of Europe’s most advanced factories and world-beating technology. We’re uncompromisingly focused on providing real solutions to the real problems that drivers face on the road every day. We keep them going, no matter what.

We’re present in 38 countries in EMEA, employing more than 18,300 people. We have 15 tyre plants in the region, a major R&D centre, and a proving ground. We’re proud to be the largest R&D spender in our industry, investing around €800 million in 2018.

For more information about Bridgestone in EMEA, please visit www.bridgestone-emea.com and www.bridgestonenewsroom.eu. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and LinkedIn.