New Bridgestone BT-021 Sport-Touring tire

[Red01]

Anyone running the new Bridgestone BT021?

If so, what did you run before and how do you compare?

[H2RICK]

Good question, Paul. #17 will need a new rear tire pretty soon and I also need feedback on what to buy. The Dunlops she came with are a model (218) that NO ONE lists anywhere....
probably because it's an OEM-only tire. I guess the Tourmax would be the functional equivalent but it would be nice to hear from some other brand users. I may have to end up changing both tires to retain the same handling/breakaway characteristics at both ends of the bike. Another big hit in the wallet......  

[rbsnow]

I purchased bt-021 front and rear for 2000 600s. I purchased them from Iron Pony in Columbus, Ohio, took rims in, they removed original battlax tires, mounted and balanced new bt-021, and disposed of originals for $290 (this included tax and disposal fee). Service was prompt and they didn't nick up my rims.
        I remounted rims to bike and now have 800 miles on them. Before remounting I flushed fork oil, put in fresh 10 wgt filled to 5 1/2" down from top of fork tube with tube fully extended (this recommended in progressive spring instruction sheet), installed progessive springs from Dale Walker at Holeshot, cut pvc tube 1/2" longer than top of fork tube for preload(with bike on center stand for front suspension to be fully extended), and pushed fork tubes up in triple clamps on reassembly 10 mm (.396"). Ride was too soft, changed spacer to extend 1 1/8" past fork tube, this is very nice for freeway, decent  2 lane with twists, compromise on rough 2 lane (slightly rough, but not annoying). I am 44, good shape, weigh 185 with full gear, and am a seasoned rider.  This info on progressives provided for those who need a preload starting point as I had a hard time finding tube length preferences here.
        After getting scrubbed in and getting used to suspension changes I am starting to get more confidence in grip. They seem to be smooth and grip has not been an issue. Multi compound wear characterisics made me buy them as I commute straight line freeway in Cleveland daily for 250 per week, and run 1 day a week in 2 lane twists with a few long weekend 2 lane twist trips. Only 800 so far, but rear center doesn't even show signs of flat. I like them so far, but am comparing to 7 year olds tock tires at 7,000 miles. I do like the drop in for turns, but I am sure that is combination of lowering forks, springs, oil, and tires.
      I will report in August on wear as I should have 4,000 on them by then. Hope this helps you out.

Bob

[rbsnow]

I just reread my statement about fork oil. I said 5 1/2" down from tube extended.
       I meant to say 5 1/2" down from top of fork tube with fork compressed !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
      bob

[Pillage]

I have 021's on my G1 B12 and I'm real happy with then so far.  I was running BT-020's and BT-54's before that.  It seems to me that they've improved them again, but time will tell, I only have a 1000 miles on them, I hope they last as long as the 020's did.

[egads1]

I've put about 7000 miles on mine and love them.  Had BT020 before, the 021 seems to be wearing better and they definitely stick better.

[JamieK]

I've put about 7000 miles on mine and love them.  Had BT020 before, the 021 seems to be wearing better and they definitely stick better.

That's all I need to hear...I really liked 020's on my VFR, never had an issue with grip even on track days. If 021's grip better and last longer I'm sold

[ricklee4570]

May I suggest Pirelli Diablo Strada's. I have had great luck with them. Long lasting and great grip as well!

[Red01]

Not trying to bust your chops, but this isn't a thread looking for recommended tires, but looking for folks with BT021 experience since it's a new addition to the ST tire market.

     

[Katamaniac]

I jusy got mine in the mail. I am going to mount it this weekend, I'll let you know in a couple weeks or so.

[Pidgey]

After 5000 km the rear OEM banana skin was toast so I put on a Metzeler ME24. Very impressive sport tour tire, smoother riding, handles excellent, good gripping tire in the rain.
They are supposedly good for wear, but we'll see.
Anyone rode or riding them ?

[Katamaniac]

I mounted the BT-021 last night. It is suppose to rain today, so I should get a good indication of how they will work in wet conditions. Of course the tire isn't broken in yet, it's only 15 miles to work.

[pmackie]

I've got about 6000 kms on my BT-21 front (the shop didn't have the rear in my size, so I got a BT-20 again).

The grip is good, (but I haven't pushed hard enough to find the slide point), wear seems to be similar to the BT-20 I had a couple of fronts back, but not necessarily better.

I need to qualify this really, the centre of the front has little wear, but the sides are wearing at a similar rate to the BT-20 or Pilot Roads. There is a definite line appearing where you can see the harder centre and the softer edge.

Since I normally wear out the sides of the front tire before the centre, I'm not sure that the BT-21 will actually last any longer, but I expect there will still be lots of centre left when I have to change.

I would have really liked to have a matched set, since I usually wear out the middle of the rear, and this is where the BT-21 should have had an advantage.

Oh weill...depending on wear rates, I may try the Pilot Road dual compound next year...

[Pillage]

I need to qualify this really, the centre of the front has little wear, but the sides are wearing at a similar rate to the BT-20 or Pilot Roads. There is a definite line appearing where you can see the harder centre and the softer edge.

Since I normally wear out the sides of the front tire before the centre, I'm not sure that the BT-21 will actually last any longer, but I expect there will still be lots of centre left when I have to change.

I'm curious, what air pressure do you run front & back?

[pmackie]

I'm curious, what air pressure do you run front & back?

Manual recommends 32 front 36 rear. I have used these pressures, as well as 36 front & rear, which is what I am running on the BT-21 now on the front. I started pushing up the pressure slightly once I realized that side wear was occurring faster, but I haven't noticed any difference.

The side wear on the front is likely due to the fact that I run on some pretty twisty roads and tend to do a fair amount of trail braking. So, breaking into turns is likely wearing the sides faster. On the rear however, the little 600 doesn't really have enough torque to cause the same amount of side wear on the way OUT of the corner, so side wear is less. As I usually ride with saddle bags on, there is also more weight on the rear, which also tends to cause the rear to wear faster. I usually get about 10-12,000 kms on a rear and 15-16,000 kms on a front.

Oh...btw, I am using a 120/70 front instead of the factory 120/60 that comes stock. IE: the same front as a 2G 1200. I have a slightly taller & stiffer 1200 shock and have also dropped the tubes in the clamps 5/8", as well as Progressive Springs.