The Evolution of Motorcycle Tyre Technology
The evolution of motorcycle tyre technology is a fascinating journey that reflects broader trends in materials science, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities.
This history can be broken down into several key phases, from the earliest days of motorcycles to the sophisticated products we see today.
Early Days (Late 19th to Early 20th Century)
SOLID RUBBER – The very first motorcycles used solid rubber tyres, similar to those found on bicycles. These provided a simple, durable solution but offered limited traction and comfort, particularly on rough surfaces.
Introduction of Pneumatic Tyres (Early 20th Century)
PNEUMATIC TYRES – The adoption of air-filled (pneumatic) tyres marked a significant advancement. Pioneered for bicycles, pneumatic tyres were quickly adopted for motorcycles, offering improved ride comfort and better traction.
TREAD PATTERNS – Early pneumatic tyres were quite smooth. The introduction of tread patterns was a crucial development, enhancing grip and water dispersal to reduce slipping under wet conditions.
Post-World War II Innovations
SYNTHETIC RUBBER – The scarcity of natural rubber during World War II accelerated the development of synthetic rubber, which would come to play a critical role in tyre manufacturing.
TUBELESS TYRES – The introduction of tubeless tyres in the late 20th century was a significant step forward, reducing the risk of sudden blowouts due to punctures.
Advent of Radial Technology (1960s)
RADIAL TYRES – Michelin introduced the first radial motorcycle tyre in the 1980s, although the technology was first developed for cars in the 1940s.
Radial tyres, with their steel belts running at a 90-degree angle to the direction of travel, offered better stability, longer wear, and improved handling compared to the traditional bias-ply tyres.
Modern Era Developments
ADVANCED MATERIALS – The use of advanced materials, including silica compounds and carbon black, has significantly improved tyre performance. These materials enhance grip, reduce wear, and improve fuel efficiency.
SPECIALISED TYRES – Today, there are tyres tailored for a wide range of needs, including touring, racing, off-road, and all-weather conditions.
This specialisation has been driven by a better understanding of rubber chemistry and tyre physics.
SMART TYRES – The integration of technology into tyres, such as sensors to monitor air pressure and temperature, is a recent development. These “smart tyres” can potentially communicate with a motorcycle’s electronic systems to optimise performance and safety.
Looking Forward
The future of motorcycle tyre technology promises even more innovations, with research focusing on environmentally friendly materials, further improvements in safety and performance, and the integration of digital technologies for real-time monitoring and adaptive performance.
Throughout its history, motorcycle tyre technology has evolved from the simplest of concepts to an incredibly sophisticated component of motorcycle design.
Each advancement has contributed to safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable riding experiences.
Metzeler and The Next Evolution of Tyre Compounds
Metzeler’s adoption of 100 percent silica compounds in their tyres, such as in the new M9RR, represents a significant advancement in motorcycle tyre technology.
Silica, a form of silicon dioxide, is used as a reinforcing filler in tyre rubber compounds. The inclusion of silica in tyre compounds brings several benefits, improving tyre performance in various ways:
Enhanced Wet Grip / Traction
Silica compounds greatly enhance the tyre’s performance on wet surfaces.
Silica has the ability to interact more effectively with water, reducing the film of water between the tyre and the road surface, thereby increasing grip. This is crucial for motorcycle riders, as it significantly reduces braking distances and improves handling in the rain.
Increased Tread Life / Reduced Wear
Tyres made with silica compounds tend to wear more slowly compared to those made with carbon black alone.
This is because silica reduces the heat generated within the tyre at a molecular level during use, which is a primary factor in tyre wear.
Consequently, riders can expect longer tyre life, which translates to better value over the lifespan of the tyre.
Better Fuel Efficiency
Silica compounds help in reducing the rolling resistance of tyres.
Lower rolling resistance means that less energy is required to keep the tyre moving. This leads to slight improvements in fuel efficiency for the motorcycle, as less power is needed to maintain speed or accelerate.
Improved Performance Across Temperatures
Silica compounds help maintain flexibility in colder temperatures, providing better grip in a wider range of conditions compared to traditional carbon black compounds.
This makes the tyre more versatile for different riding conditions and climates, ensuring consistent performance whether the road is hot or cold.
Implementation in the M9RR
Metzeler’s M9RR tyres leverage these benefits of silica compounds to offer riders superior performance, particularly in wet conditions, without sacrificing tread life or fuel efficiency. The use of 100 percent silica compounds allows for a tyre that not only performs exceptionally well in adverse weather conditions but also provides a high level of safety and reliability for everyday riding.
This technological advancement showcases Metzeler’s commitment to innovation and its focus on enhancing the riding experience through improved tyre technology.
By integrating 100 percent silica compounds, Metzeler has set a new standard in motorcycle tyre performance, offering riders improved safety, efficiency, and enjoyment on the road.
The Evolution of Motorcycle Tyre Sizes
Not only has the technology in tyres advanced, tyre widths have also changed significantly over this time to where we now fit 200 millimetre wide tyres to high performance motorcycles.
The evolution of motorcycle tyre sizes, particularly the increase in tyre width, reflects a combination of advancements in motorcycle performance, changes in design philosophy, and improvements in tyre technology.
From the relatively narrow tyres of early motorcycles to the 200 millimetre (mm) wide tyres seen on today’s high-performance machines, this progression has been driven by the quest for better grip, stability, and handling.
Early Days
In the early 20th century, motorcycle tyres were quite narrow, similar in size to those used on bicycles. These tyres were adequate for the motorcycles of the time, which were relatively low-powered and lightweight. As motorcycles began to increase in power and speed, the need for better traction and stability became apparent, leading to gradual increases in tyre size.
Mid-20th Century
By the mid-20th century, as motorcycle racing grew in popularity and motorcycles became faster, tyre widths began to increase. This was partly in response to the need for improved grip during cornering and acceleration.
During this period, tyre technology also advanced, with manufacturers experimenting with different compounds and constructions to enhance performance.
1970s to 1990s
The 1970s through the 1990s saw significant jumps in motorcycle performance, with the introduction of super-bikes and other high-performance models.
These motorcycles featured more powerful engines and were capable of much higher speeds, both in straight lines and through corners. To cope with these demands, tyre widths continued to grow.
The wider contact patch provided by larger tyres offered more grip, which was necessary for handling the increased power and speed.
During this era, the typical tyre width for performance motorcycles moved from below 130 mm to over 150 mm.
2000s to Present
In the 21st century, the trend towards wider tyres has continued, especially for high-performance and sport motorcycles. Today, it’s not uncommon to find sport-bikes equipped with rear tyres that are 200 mm wide.
The transition to such wide tyres is driven by:
ENHANCED GRIP – A wider tyre offers a larger contact patch with the road, increasing traction. This is crucial for accelerating out of corners, braking, and maintaining stability at high speeds.
IMPROVED HANDLING – Wider tyres can improve handling by providing a more stable platform for the motorcycle. This stability is especially beneficial during cornering, allowing riders to push the limits of performance safely.
Aesthetic and Design Considerations – The look of a wide tyre on a high-performance motorcycle has become desirable, contributing to the aggressive stance and aesthetic appeal of these machines.
TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS – Innovations in tyre construction, such as the use of radial technology and new materials, have made it possible to produce wide tyres that perform well under a variety of conditions, without the compromises in handling and wear that earlier wide tyres might have exhibited.
The move to wider tyres has not been universal, however, with different types of motorcycles adopting tyres sizes that best suit their design goals and intended use.
For example, touring motorcycles, which prioritise comfort and longevity, often use moderately wide tyres that offer a balance of performance and durability.
The evolution to 200 mm and wider tyres on high-performance motorcycles represents a convergence of engineering, design, and rider preference, all aimed at maximising performance and enhancing the riding experience.
A Possible Future For Motorcycle Tyres
The future of motorcycle tyres is undoubtedly poised to be shaped by advancements in materials science, changing mobility needs, and evolving motorcycle technologies.
As motorcycles themselves adapt to new technologies and rider expectations, tyre technology will continue to innovate in parallel.
Here are several areas where we might see significant developments:
1. Smart Tyre Technologies
INTEGRATED SENSORS – Future motorcycle tyres could come equipped with integrated sensors that monitor pressure, temperature, tread wear, and road conditions in real time.
This data could be communicated to the motorcycle’s onboard computer or a smartphone app, allowing for adjustments to riding style, tyre pressure, or even route planning based on real-time tyre performance and conditions.
ADAPTIVE TREAD PATTERNS – Advances in materials might enable tyres with adaptive tread patterns that can alter their configuration based on the riding surface (wet, dry, off-road) or the motorcycle’s speed, improving grip and safety in varying conditions.
2. Advanced Materials
ECO-FRIENDLY COMPOUNDS – With a growing emphasis on sustainability, future motorcycle tyres might utilise eco-friendly materials that reduce environmental impact without compromising performance.
Innovations could include bio-based materials for tyre construction or recyclable compounds that maintain high performance across temperature ranges and conditions.
IMPROVED WEAR RESISTANCE – Advanced materials and compound formulations could significantly extend tyre life, reducing the frequency of tyre changes and lowering the environmental footprint associated with tyre production and disposal.
3. Airless Tyres
NON-PNEUMATIC STRUCTURES – Airless or non-pneumatic tyre technologies, which are already being explored for vehicles, could find applications in motorcycles.
These tyres would eliminate the risk of punctures, offering enhanced durability and safety, especially in harsh riding conditions or for off-road use.
4. Electrification and Autonomous Technologies
COMPATIBILITY WITH ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES – As electric motorcycles become more prevalent, tyre designs may evolve to better suit the unique characteristics of electric powertrains, such as instant torque and potentially heavier weights due to batteries.
Tyres might focus on lower rolling resistance to maximise range while still providing excellent grip and handling.
AUTONOMOUS MOTORCYCLES – Although fully autonomous motorcycles are a more distant possibility, semi-autonomous features could require tyres to interact with advanced stability and control systems, ensuring maximum safety and performance.
5. Augmented Reality and Connectivity
AR FOR MAINTENANCE AND EDUCTION – Augmented Reality (AR) apps could help riders understand tyre conditions better, suggesting maintenance or replacement when necessary, and providing information on optimal tyre choices for different motorcycles and riding styles.
V2X CONNECTIVITY – Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) connectivity could extend to tyres, allowing them to communicate with other vehicles and infrastructure to provide real-time information on road conditions, hazards, and traffic, potentially enabling safer and more efficient riding experiences.
Final Thoughts
The future of motorcycle tyres lies at the intersection of technology, safety, and sustainability. As motorcycles evolve to incorporate electric drivetrains, connected technologies, and possibly autonomous capabilities, tyre technology will adapt to meet these new demands, enhancing rider safety, performance, and environmental sustainability.
Through smart technologies, advanced materials, and innovative designs, the next generation of motorcycle tyres will likely offer unprecedented levels of performance, intelligence, and adaptability.
Author Information
This article was written by George Lee Sye. To check out more of his work in the world of motorcycle riding visit the Bike Stig YouTube Channel.