A new Formula 1®, with new tyresSo why exactly are we going to bigger tyres next year? For those who look back with fondness to the Formula 1® of yesteryear, the move to wider tyres in 2017 will reintroduce some of the aggression and retro exoticism of the cars from the 1970s and magical 1980s: vehicles that looked like they were only capable of being driven by supermen.And it’s true that with so much more rubber at the back, the concept of the F1® ‘beast’ is reborn: the new cars will be ground-based missiles with explosive acceleration and cornering speeds that bend the limits of physics. That’s why this decision is the most important step in the technical revolution that has been sanctioned for next year and into the future. It’s a choice that has arisen out of two factors: the desire to make future F1® even more aspirational by creating a bigger emotional visual impact, and managing the increase in performance that the technical revolution will inevitably bring. How it worksWhen it comes to talking about technology in motorsport, there’s always the risk of exaggerating in one direction or another: either over-complicating the matter or trivialising it.

But in the hope of finding a middle way, here’s what’s going to happen to grand prix racing from next year onwards, as we see it. Formula 1 is facing a popularity crisis and the powers that be have decided to go down the route of adding more performance in order to increase the spectacle. Even now, in the third year of the hybrid era, the cars are about two to three seconds per lap faster compared to last season. Coming up next year is yet another step, with around three to four seconds being cut from current lap times. In order to achieve this, downforce is being increased. After much discussion, teams will be allowed around 15 to 20 per cent more downforce than they are generating this season. So we’ll be seeing cars that are quicker through the corners, although they might not be quite as fast on the straights as they are this year. In order to guarantee sufficient grip as a result of the increased cornering speeds, wider tyres are required. Testing underwayPirelli has already begun track testing tyres in the current size but with constructions and compounds for 2017, using cars that are two or three years old.

From roughly the beginning of August, current or 2015 cars will be tested on track equipped with the first prototype F1® tyres in the new size. And we're talking about a considerable increase: the front tyre grows from 245 to 305 millimetres wide (which is nearly the same width as the current rear) while the 2017 rear grows from 325 to 405 millimetres. motorcycle shop gatesheadThe diameter stays more or less the same, with a slight increase from 660 millimetres to 670 millimetres (the same as the current rain tyre diameter, except with a slick rather than patterned surface). motorcycle track days las vegas motor speedwayThe wheel size remains the same as it has always been: 13 inches, giving Formula 1® a unique look that it doesn’t yet want to renounce. motorcycle boots sarasota

Nonetheless, as a showcase of what is possible, Pirelli has already successfully demonstrated 18-inch tyres on track and remains open to investigating even larger sizes in future.In order to give an idea of the scope of the changes without getting too bogged down in mathematics, the front tyre will become nearly 25% wider, while the rear tyre becomes more than 30% wider. motorcycle for sale in danbury ctThere will be a corresponding increase in the tyre footprint: the amount of tyre that is physically in contact with the ground at any given point. honda motorcycle shop salem oregonThis is where the extra grip comes from, enhancing each car’s ability to put its power down onto the ground, leading to more performance through corners as well as under acceleration and braking.motorcycle rentals on oahu

Enhancing the showWill this be enough to give Formula 1® that extra bit of spectacle that many people are hoping for? It’s still a bit too early to draw any firm conclusions. But it’s clear that power continues to increase, with the current cars matching or sometimes even exceeding the 800 horsepower threshold, when they make use of the extra energy boosts that the current hybrid systems allow. motorcycle shop in sanford ncThe 900 horsepower mark is not far off, which will cancel out any speed deficits caused by the increase in downforce, and the drag created by wider tyres. It’s certainly going to be a big step up in performance, putting drivers to the test with higher average speeds and placing the accent firmly on human capabilities. At the end of the day this is what counts: the ultimate barometer of emotion in an astonishing sport that always makes the heart beat faster. Motorcycle Tire Sizing and Designations

In the above graphic tire size is 120/70 zr 17. Section Width = tire width in millimeters - 120 mm. Aspect Ratio - This indicates the ratio between the tire's width and height. In this case, the height of the tire is 70% of its width or 84mm. Rim Diameter - in this case 17 inches. Speed Rating - in this case the speed rating is Z which is equal to a speed rating of over 149mph. Construction - R = Radial 130 = width in mm. 90 = aspect ratio of 90% of width = 117mm 16 = Rim size of 16 inches 67 = Load rating (A numerical code which corresponds to the total load carrying capacity at the speed indicated by the speed symbol) H = Speed rating (see chart) T = Tire Width Code 90 = Aspect Ratio 16 = Rim Size B = Load Range Load index may be expressed either as a numerical code or a letter code. Most of the time manufacturers will provide the max load information on the sidewall so there's no confusion. In this instance the maximum load is 520 lbs.

This is the weight the tire is capable of handling when it is properly inflated. The maximum tire pressure is indicated. But you should only fill a tire to the MOTORCYCLE manufacturer's recommended level. Overfilling can lead to premature wear and poor handling. Also measure the pressure when the tire is cold. Measuring when hot will skew the numbers. Most tire manufacturer's have websites which will provide information on the recommended pressure for each motorcycle. You can also check your owner's manual or contact a local dealer. (Section Width X Aspect Ratio X 2 / 25.4)+ Rim Diameter 130 x .7 x 2 = 182 / 25.4 = 7.165 + 18 = 25.16 inches TREAD WEAR AND MFG DATE: Tires will also have a USDOT id and will indicate the week and year of manufacture. Prior to 2000 there were only three digits with the last on being the year. Some tires may have raised triangles, or the letters TWI, to show where the tire wear indicators are in the tread. When these marks are equal to the tread, it's time for new tires.