Tire Grip | EXPLAINED

What is up with tire grip? Why do wider tires have more grip? The answer is not what you think. Does the contact patch area matter? Why is it important to understand that tires are viscoelastic?

Lets figure out the Dark secrets of tire grip.

[sferreirac]

Damn, as an engineer I feel ashamed for not questioning the theories used on those videos mentioned earlier now. That's very enlightening overall, love your videos, keep educating us please.

[ziqijia]

while other youtubers talk about high school physics, Mike starts to explain the materials science. Good.

[khawajadotd]

THANK YOU!!
I've been looking for years for a good summary on this topic, because tire grip is such a misunderstood topic. Now I have finally have a reference to point people to when they regurgitate myth.

[Gersti]

Seeing someone correct Ryan slightly broke my heart
But in another video i remember him being a bit more precise than in that dark side video

[WiltshireBornandBred]

Speaking as a former tyre test development rider, it also needs to be pointed out that upping tyre sizes, even from the same manufacturer & model, rarely gives more grip at the contact patch is defined by the tyres vertical stiffness, lateral stiffness, & rim produced profile. Often 2 tyre sizes have differing vertical &/or lateral stiffness, & the larger tyre may well have a smaller contact patch area on the same rim, as tyres can be fitted generally on approx 5 rims sizes and their vertical/lateral stiffness, contact patches upright, & leant over, profile, grip, & feedback will be different on each rim. Shape is everything

[Arkoss]

I don't really leave comments on such big channels, but I feel that the like button is not enough here.
Thanks for taking the time to do such informative videos, and describe complex topics so simply. Even though they might not get as many views as I dunno, supermoto contentent, there's people that really appreciate what you do!
Your's is one of the few channels that I don't miss any video from. Keep it up!

[johnhoolihan]

I’m a mechanical engineer turned musician and I have never heard such a thorough description of motorcycle tire dynamics. Well done!

[MikeonBikes]

Some references for the curious:

The Racing & High performance tire, Paul Haney, 2003

Motorcycle Handling and Chassis design, Tony Foale, 2002

Motorcycle Dynamics, Vittore Cossalter, 2006

Car suspension and Handling, Donald Bastow, 1993

Chassis Engineerings, Herb Adams, 1993

Competition car suspension, Allan Staniforth, 1988

Drive to win, Carroll Smith, 1996

Engineer to win, Carroll Smith, 1984

Fundamentals of Vehicle dynamics, Thomas D. Gillespie, 1992

Mechanics of pneumatic tires, Samuel K. Clark, 1978

Prepare to win, Carroll Smith, 1975

Race car aerodynamics, Joseph Katz, 1995

Race car vehicle dynamics, William F. Milliken and Douglas L. Miliken, 1995

Science and Technology of rubber, Frederick R. Eirich, 1978

The physics of Tire traction, Donald F Hays and Alan L. Browne, 1974

The Shock absorber handbook, John C. Dixon, 1999

The Tire pavement interface, Marion G. Pottinger, 1986

Tires, suspension & handling, John C. Dixon, 1996

Tune to win, Carrol Smith, 1978

Vulcanization of Elastomers, G. Allinger and I. J. Sjothun, 1964

[undisputedt]

9:08 when you head matches the tyre profiles and your explanations. This man speaks the truth

[peterbigblock]

When you said, “Contact patch shape” I yelled thank you! The shape of the contact patch is so important. Same for car tires. It also has an effect on traction under braking and acceleration. Thanks for giving people the real scoop.

[cetusrojo]

I had this doubt for years, and didn't find satisfaction in any other answers before. You are such a great teacher!

[alexvondergulasch]

Congratulations Mike, this is one of the best researched and set up motorcycle video I have ever seen! Greetings from Germany, keep up the good work! I always learn something. Kind regards, Alex

[lukeskywodka]

Hey, i´m a tire Engineer for Car Tires and your video is the first on on youtube that i watched without feeling any pain!:) Great job!

[hunterhealer]

Underrated channel. Motorcycle grips as with other things in life, are not always as simple.

Thanks man

[levgtz]

“Based on real empirical data”. That sentence is really profound. Great!

[jasonnaubur]

I think I need to watch this a few more times, well done. Also love the high quality audio, video and sets right beside the torn scraps of cardboard and hand scrawled notes, lol. Reuse that packaging!

[saikosuku_trial]

When the bubbly music comes on I know I’m gonna learn something🤔. Thanks Mike.

[noufaltariq]

You are awesome, one of the gems in YT, keep it coming, love you mike.

[wizbangdiving]

1:36 in and I have renewed my subscription for 5 years. Very well done. Thanks 🙏

[BraappMalaysia]

If this a actual film, out in theaters. I would watch it together with my lady. 😂 you had me at opening vid