1. Bridgestone Motorcycle North America
Basic Motorcycle Tire Information
Norris “T.J.” Tennent
Motorsports Project Manager

2. Work Hard!
Have fun!
Have Passion!
Enjoy Life!

5. O.K. get your minds
out of the gutter and
Let’s Talk Tires!!!

6. The benefits of using Radial Technology:
The drawbacks of using Bias-Ply Technology:
In bias-ply tires the tread & sidewalls share the same casing plies
All sidewall flexing is transmitted to the tread, resulting in:
deformation in the tread contact patch
friction with the ground
rapid wear
reduced traction
higher fuel consumption
            
Bias Ply
Radial
            
The benefits of using Radial Technology:
Outstanding traction due to flat stable crown & larger footprint
Better distribution of pressure in footprint resulting in reduced soil compaction & greater flotation
Reduced working time due to less tire slip, greater productivity
Reduced fuel consumption
Longer tread life
Comfort & handling on the road

7. Tire Components Not all components are in all tires.
CORE TIRE KNOWLEDGE
Tire Components
chapter
PARTS OF A TIRE
Not all components are in all tires.
Cap ply
Belt plies
Tread
Shoulder inserts
Cord body
Innerliner
Sidewall
Bead
bundles
Beadfiller

8. Tire Components CORE TIRE KNOWLEDGE Innerliner 1 2 3 4 5
chapter
PARTS OF A TIRE
Innerliner
The innerliner is a rubber compound bonded to the inside of the cord body that retains air under pressure. It has no cord reinforcing and functions as an innertube in a tubeless tire.

9. CORE TIRE KNOWLEDGE
Tire Components
chapter
PARTS OF A TIRE
Bead Bundles
Tire bead bundles are large copper, brass, or bronze plated high tensile steel cords wound together. Tire beads occasionally include some type of fabric wrap to retain the bead shape prior to the curing process. The body plies of the tire are looped around the bead bundles to hold the plies in place. The bead holds the tire on the rim.

10. CORE TIRE KNOWLEDGE
Tire Components
chapter
PARTS OF A TIRE
Bead Filler
The bead filler is a hard rubber compound used to provide stability to the lower sidewall and bead area.

11. CORE TIRE KNOWLEDGE
Tire Components
chapter
PARTS OF A TIRE
Cord Body
[ tire casing ]
The cord body provides tire strength and transmits cornering forces from the tread to the wheel. Rubber coated cord, called body plies, make up the cord body. Body plies can be polyester, rayon, or nylon. Polyester is the most common cord body. The area of the body ply that wraps around the bead is called the turn up.

12. CORE TIRE KNOWLEDGE
Tire Components
chapter
PARTS OF A TIRE
Sidewall
The sidewall is the area of a tire from the bead to the tread. It forms a protective covering for the cord body. Sidewall rubber compounds resist aging, cracking, cutting, and snagging, and contain sidewall treatments such as white lettering.

13. CORE TIRE KNOWLEDGE
Tire Components
chapter
PARTS OF A TIRE
Belt Plies
[ package or system ]
Belt plies are two or more strong layers of cord under the tread area. The main function of the belt system is to provide stability to the tread area of the tire. They assist in improving tire mileage, impact resistance, and traction by giving the tread area extra strength and stability. The most common cord material used in the belt plies is steel.

14. CORE TIRE KNOWLEDGE
Tire Components
chapter
PARTS OF A TIRE
Cap Ply
The cap ply also found in some tires is similar to belt edge strips only full width instead of just on the belt edges. These components may be used for a number of reasons, but most commonly to enhance high speed performance.

15. CORE TIRE KNOWLEDGE
Tire Components
chapter
PARTS OF A TIRE
Tread
The tread is the portion of the tire in contact with the road surface. The tread compound and shape are designed to optimize the wear, traction, handling, fuel economy, and cut resistance characteristics of the tire given the tire’s intended use.

16. Tire Dimensions These are the basic tire dimension terms.
CORE TIRE KNOWLEDGE
Tire Dimensions
chapter
TIRE AND RIM DIMENSIONS
These are the basic
tire dimension terms.
Tread Width
Section Width
Section Height
Overall Diameter
Static Loaded Radius
Aspect Ratio [profile or series]

17. CORE TIRE KNOWLEDGE
Tire Dimensions
chapter
TIRE AND RIM DIMENSIONS
Tread Width
The tread width is the distance from outer edge to outer edge of the tread. You can estimate differences between the existing and the replacement tires by comparing the tread widths. You can estimate changes in fender well and frame clearances by dividing the tread width differences between the existing tire and the replacement tire by two.
TREAD WIDTH

18. CORE TIRE KNOWLEDGE
chapter
Tire Dimensions
TIRE AND RIM DIMENSIONS
Section Width
The section width is the width of a new tire when mounted on the tire’s measuring rim, including normal sidewalls but not including protective side ribs, bars, raised letters, or decorations. You can estimate the width differences between the existing and replacement tires by comparing the overall section widths. You can estimate changes in sidewall to fender well, frame, and suspension clearances by dividing the overall section width differences between the existing tire and the replacement tire by two.
TREAD WIDTH
SECTION WIDTH

19. Tire Dimensions CORE TIRE KNOWLEDGE Section Height 1 2 3 4 5
chapter
Tire Dimensions
TIRE AND RIM DIMENSIONS
Section Height
The section height of a new tire is the distance from the rim vertically to the highest point of the unloaded tread area.
TREAD WIDTH
SECTION HEIGHT
SECTION WIDTH

20. Tire Dimensions CORE TIRE KNOWLEDGE Aspect Ratio [profile or series]
chapter
Tire Dimensions
TIRE AND RIM DIMENSIONS
Aspect Ratio [profile or series]
75 SERIES
The aspect ratio, also known as the profile or series, is the ratio of the section height to the section width. For example, a 75 series tire is approximately 75 as high as it is wide.
Lower aspect ratio tires, such as 60 series, generally offer performance advantages over higher aspect ratio tires, such as 70 or 75 series. They provide more responsive handling, more stability, and better high-speed capabilities.
Height
= 75% of Width
70 SERIES
60 SERIES

21. CORE TIRE KNOWLEDGE
Tire Dimensions
chapter
TIRE AND RIM DIMENSIONS
Overall Diameter
The overall diameter of a tire is the distance from tread surface to tread surface while inflated but not loaded. It is twice the section height plus the nominal rim diameter. You can estimate the height difference between the existing and replacement tires by comparing the overall tire diameters. You can estimate changes in the tire to fender well clearance and vehicle ground clearance by comparing the radiuses (diameter divided by 2 = radius) of the two tires.
SECTION
HEIGHT
OVERALL
DIAMETER
RIM
DIAMETER

22. CORE TIRE KNOWLEDGE
Tire Dimensions
chapter
TIRE AND RIM DIMENSIONS
Static Loaded Radius
The static loaded radius is the distance from the center of the axle to the contact surface when a prescribed load is applied to a tire mounted on the measuring rim and inflated to the recommended pressure.
SECTION
HEIGHT
OVERALL
DIAMETER
RIM
DIAMETER
STATIC
LOADED
RADIUS

23. CORE TIRE KNOWLEDGE
chapter
Additional Tire Sidewall Information
TIRE SIDEWALL INFORMATION
Maximum Load and Inflation Pressure
The maximum load indicates the load capacity for a tire. The inflation pressure indicates the maximum air pressure.

25. This is important because your warranty is good for four years
CORE TIRE KNOWLEDGE
This is important because your
warranty is good for four years
from the DOT date or four years
from the date of purchase up to
7 years!
The last four digits should
be your concern! The first
two digits are the week that
the tire was produced and
the last two digits are the
year the tire was produced!
DOT XX XX XXX 2007
chapter
Additional Tire Sidewall Information
TIRE SIDEWALL INFORMATION
The Department of Transportation [DOT] Code
The Department of Transportation [DOT] Code is a serial number that denotes specific manufacturing information about the tire. The serial number includes the DOT label, the manufacturer and plant code, the tire size code, optional symbols from the manufacturer, and the date of manufacture.

26. Technical Topics Changing tire fitment Towing Trailers
Dealers and Sales Reps need more tire knowledge
Cupping on front tires (heavier
bikes)
Wear on one side of the tire
Tires mounted backwards
Nitrogen vs. Compressed air
Tire Mileage
Warranty

27. 3) Switching from Radial to Bias or Tube Type to Tubeless
Changing Tire Fitment
1) Tires marked “Front Tire” or “Rear Tire” should be mounted only in their stated wheel positions.
2) Some motorcycle wheel positions may only be fitted with radial, bias, or bias belted tires. Consult owners manual, local dealer, or Tire Manufactures Technical center for the correct tire/wheel combination for your vehicle.
3) Switching from Radial to Bias or Tube Type to Tubeless
Towing Trailers
1) Towing trailers behind your motorcycle may contribute to motorcycle instability. It may also cause tire stress through overload. This overloaded condition could cause damage to the tire which could result in a sudden tire failure and/or accident. Most tire manufactures do not warranty tires fitted on motorcycles fitted with trailers
2) Sidecars should not be fitted to motorcycles without approval from your vehicle manufacturer. If approval is obtained for sidecar fitment to your vehicle, the tire manufacturer should be consulted, before fitment, to ensure proper tire fitment and load caring capacity

28. BMW K1200LT 58V is equal to max load is 520lbs at 42psi at 149MPH
Article Number
Tire Size
Rim Size
Tire Description
OE Code
Load Rating
Speed Rating
O/A Dia
Tread Width
Tread Depth (32's)
Approved Rim
Max Load
Max PSI
O.E.
057537
120/70B17M/C 17
BT020F BW TL (BIAS) M
58V V
23.9
4.8 5
(3.50)
520 42
BMW K1200LT 2005
BMW K1200LT (Bias Ply)
070593
120/70ZR17M/C
BT020F BW TL E
58W Z
23.7
4.6
3.50
BMW R1150RT 2005
071630 NN
23.8
Triumph Sprint ST 2006
094427 UU
4.7
BMW K1200GT 2006
103489 L
Kawasaki ZRX
085901 -
Ducati ST3 2006
116815 B
Honda VFR800F
039364 G
Yamaha FZ
Kawasaki Ninja 650R 2006
021718 CC
Yamaha FJR
BMW K1200GT
BMW R1200RT 2006
Yamaha FZ
070865
120/70ZR18M/C 18 F
59W
24.7
4.5
536
Honda ST
085979
160/60ZR17M/C
BT020R BW TL
69W
24.9
6.5 8
(4.50)
716
057554
160/70B17M/C
BT020R BW TL (BIAS)
79V
25.8
6.3
(5.00)
963 48
58V is equal to max load is 520lbs at 42psi at 149MPH
79V is equal to max load is 963lbs at 48psi at 149MPH

29. GL1800LT 63H is equal to max load is 600lbs at 41psi at 130MPH
Article Number
Tire Size
Rim Size
Tire Description
OE Code
Load Rating
Speed Rating
O/A Dia
Tread Width
Tread Depth (32's)
Approved Rim
Max Load
Max PSI
O.E.
122971
130/70R18M/C 18
G709F BW TL -
63H H
25.3
5.0 6
3.50
600 41
63H is equal to max load is 600lbs at 41psi at 130MPH
Article Number
Tire Size
Rim Size
Tire Description
OE Code
Load Rating
Speed Rating
O/A Dia
Tread Width
Tread Depth (32's)
Approved Rim
Max Load
Max PSI
O.E.
070627
180/60R16M/C 16
G704R BW TL -
74H H
24.5
6.9 10
5.00
827 41
Honda GL
Honda GL
74H is equal to max load is 827lbs at 41psi at 130MPH

30. Motorcycle Data collection
501/827
482/832
462/823
438/788
482/838
453/821
451/737
449/717
440/726
449/798
Motorcycle Data collection
BIKE INFO
Weights (FRT / REAR)
YEAR
MAKE
MODEL
Mileage
Fuel Level
Bike Only
W/1 Rider
W/2 Riders 1
2004
HONDA
GL1800
41,889
FULL
440/556
488/646
501/827 2
2002
18,254
422/526
471/636
482/832 3
12,901
433/548
466/642
462/823 4
2001
50,974
394/543
440/629
438/788 5
2003
40,580
431/579
482/656
482/838 6
60,288
447/614
449/638
453/821 7
BMW
K1200LT
58,895
2/3
392/484
453/605
451/737 8
2007
403/462
451/594
449/717 9
2005
25,294
1/3
389/462
436/592
440/726 10
32,781
414/510
449/798
Max load at max air pressure (41psi) is 827lbs with stock parts and rider and passenger average weights of 200 and 120lbs
Max load at max air pressure (48psi) is 963lbs with stock parts and rider and passenger average weights of 200 and 120lbs

31. You’re still at 430lbs towing Stopping weight!

32. If you just have to tow…. use a trike
If you just have to tow…..use a trike. The tires have the load carrying capacity!

33. Dealers and Sales Reps need more tire knowledge
1) Dealers have limited or no knowledge of how the motorcycle tire warranty system works.
2) Working with the larger distributors to increase dealer tire knowledge
3) Seminars like this will increase consumer knowledge
Cupping on front tires (heavier bikes)
1) Three reasons
A. 90%-Air Pressure-Air Pressure- Air Pressure
B. 8%-Mechanical
C. 2%-Tire tread design
Wear on one side of the tire
1) Always alignment related (same as on your 4 wheeled vehicle)

34. Tires Mounted Backwards
1) Tires have a directional arrow on them for a reason
Nitrogen vs. Compressed air
Pros Cons
N2 is always Drier Usually costs money
N2 helps tire run cooler Not always available
N2 is good for higher speeds What percentage N2
C.A. is readily available Sometimes very wet
C.A. is as good as N2 when Very hard to get in dry
dry condition.

35. Tires Mileage
1) Why can’t I get 30 or 40 thousand miles out of my motorcycle tires
2) The application, compound, and the footprint
3) The rider, the type of bike, maintenance on the bike, the type of tire, how much air pressure, the ambient temperature, the road surface temperature, type of road surface, demographics (location), whewwwwww!
Warranty
1) Consult your dealer
2) Consult your tire manufacturer
3) Consult your vehicle manufacturer
4) Most tire manufacture's have a basic warranty for workmanship and materials
5) Engineers want to know if you are having a tire problem
6) Because of the “Tread Act” no one can “just send you a tire”.
7) Though “forums” are O.K. for you to vent, they don’t allow the manufacturer to investigate a tire problem. We have to see the tire with the problem to determine what is wrong with the tire.

36. Questions???
Thank You