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  • Motorcycle
  • Tech and Knowledge

Technology and Knowledge: motorcycle tire construction and parts

While motorcycle tires have existed for more than 100 years, their appearance has changed dramatically. Modern motorcycles have little in common with early motorcycles that were modeled after bicycles. One consistent part is the tire, which has been an integral piece of the motorcycle since its inception. Modern radial tires made by PIRELLI are high-tech and have progressed since their introducion on motorcycles over 100 years ago. Below you will find the various constructions that PIRELLI uses today.

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RADIAL CARCASS CONSTRUCTION

Sidewall
Bead
90° carcass ply
Bead wire
Zero degree steel belt
Tread
Sidewall
Bead
90° carcass ply
Bead wire
Zero degree steel belt
Tread
Sidewall

Bead

The patented technology enables the structure of both front and rear tire to be achieved using a radial carcass and a single layer belt made of steel. Depending on the rolling direction of the tire, the belt is wound circumferentially around the carcass giving an angle close to 0°. The advantages of the use of steel are its extremely high rigidity and the possibility to tune the winding spacing thus differentiating the stiffness distribution from shoulder to crown.

1/6

Bead

RADIAL CROSS BELTED CONSTRUCTION

Tread
Tubeless inner liner
Bead
Carcass
Bead filter
Belt ply
Adhesive plate
Tread
Tubeless inner liner
Bead
Carcass
Bead filter
Belt ply
Adhesive plate
Tread

Tubeless inner liner

The main difference from the bias-belted construction is the structure of the carcass in this case is radial. This means that its cords are wrapped radially around the tire, from one bead to the other, giving big advantages in terms of cornering stability, reduced weight and high-speed performance.

1/7

Tubeless inner liner

BIAS BELTED CONSTRUCTION

Sidewall
Bead
Bead wire
Carcass ply
Belt ply
Tread
Sidewall
Bead
Bead wire
Carcass ply
Belt ply
Tread
Sidewall

Bead

The structure consists of a conventional carcass and a belt made of two or more crossed layers. The difference between the carcass and the belt is determined by the different goals they are designed to fulfill and consequently different materials are used in the construction. The belt is made mainly from Armide and it's function is to reduce the dynamic deformation caused by centrifugal forces, while the carcass provides the tire with its stiffness and load carrying capacity.

1/6

Bead

CROSS PLY CONSTRUCTION

Sidewall
Bead
Bead wire
Carcass ply
Tread
Sidewall
Bead
Bead wire
Carcass ply
Tread
Sidewall

Bead

Also indicated as conventional or x-ply tire. Depending on the different speed and load specifications, the tire carcass is structured using two or more overlapping layers. Each layer is made of rubber coated textile and the overlap angle is designed in order for the tire to conform with the required dynamic characteristics.

1/5

Bead

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