The tyre review thread

[Kwikasfuki]

Kevin, how did the dealer initially analyse the pads to determine how much life they had left? It's a 5 min job to inspect each one without removing the caliper.

[Kevin]

They copper slip the pads as part of the service so I assume he looked at them then. It's my own fault for not checking myself. There's no doubt they were worn but I think they'd have lasted a lot longer than their estimate. [shrugs] No matter, they probably have to err on the side of caution in today's litigious society and the EBCs already feel better than the ones that were in there.

Kevin

[Redrat]

Bought my second hand GTR with brand new Bridgestone BT023's fitted - complete confidence in all conditions but have just managed to get back from the Alps with the rear on TWI marks after 2,250 miles !!!!!! - the sports bike riders in the group riding brand new Pirelli's and Michelins had plenty of tread left - so Bridgestone need to get their act together because its 2's or 3's next for me - however I will be going with another rear BT 023 so I can get the mileage out of the front tyre.

[TRIGGERHAPPY]

The bridgestone BT023 has one tyre for heavy sport tourers and touring bikes,named GT.
This are supposed to last longer. Someone who have tried these and got some milage on them.
Fitted one rear on my ST1100,great feel on wet and dry. Have just fitted it so dont know about the milage.

[Boomer]

After crap Bridgestones on 3 bikes now, I won't waste my money on them.
BT45's on my GGS550E were worse than the Avon RoadRunners w.r.t. wierd wear and strange handling and the "DitchFinders" were shite!
BT45's on the GTR1000 wore out faster than the Michelin 90X radials I had before them.
The BT021 front I fitted on the GTR1000 wore wierdly and was toast after 7,000 miles.
The BT021 front that came with the 1400GTR wore strangely and badly affected the handling after just 2000 miles.
I managed to keep riding on it until 7,000 when the rear wore out but I can't remember being happier to get rid of some tyres.

If you like BSs then enjoy. I wouldn't p**s on them if they were on fire.  ;D

The good tyres I have had over the years were Michelin 50/50E, Michelin 89, 90X, 100X, PR2, & PR3, Metzeler MEz4 rear & MEz6 front, 33 front & 99 rear, Pirelli Diabolo Strada, Avon Azaro AV46 rear. I've had some bad Michelins, Metzelers and Avons, but have never had a good Bridgestone.

The best ever are the PR3s. They are only better than the PR2 in the wet but are head and shoulders above anything else I've ever ridden on.
Currently at 8,700 miles and the rear is nearly at the wear bars. The front has a while to go yet.
The worn centre on the rear is finally starting to affect the handling (squirmy over white lines & overbanding) so I'll probably replace it this weekend.
Should make it to 9,000 miles though. Not bad for a tyre that out grips everything in the wet and yet handles smoothly and predictably.
Yes, it may be more expensive but can't be beat for value IMHO.

[Kevin]

The best ever are the PR3s. They are only better than the PR2 in the wet...<snip>

I think I'd agree with that but I'm still concerned about longevity. Judging from previous threads your tyre use is atypical. My second rear PR3 has now been on for around 3.75k miles and seems to be wearing at the sides again - around 3mm at the moment with a definite step between the hard centre and softer side. We have a 2.5k rally planned for the weekend after next and I hope they'll last.

A rear PR2 lasted for an 8k trip in Europe last year and I suspect the PR3s won't. While I agree that grip, especially in the wet, is very important I don't really want to be changing tyres mid-trip.

I suspect our tyre use is fairly atypical as well but I'd have hoped they'd last a bit longer due to fewer heat cycles.

Kevin

[Therenback]

Cheers for last post boomer, suspension now sorted an only original bridgestones spoiling otherwise good machine. PR3's way to go. As tyres only had 1400 miles gonna pan em off on ebay or trade for bacon sarnie

[Kwikasfuki]

My PR3s have done 6k now and still plenty of life left

[100milesaway]

P R 2s on my 1250 Bandit were shocking ,they felt like they were made of wood, can the 3s really be that much better?.

[Lonewolf]

P R 2s on my 1250 Bandit were shocking ,they felt like they were made of wood, can the 3s really be that much better?.

In a word, YES!

[fred24]

Had PR2's on two different bikes and they where great on one bike but not so good on the other so tyres do work better on some bikes than others neither was a GTR

Done 1500mls on the PR3's now and cannot fault them for grip and feel

[Lonewolf]

I had PR2's on the Yamaha XJR1300 and my Honda CB 1300 naked and CB1300's they were immensely better than what was on the bikes previously. Now with the PR3's on the GTR again there is a significant improvement.

[Therenback]

Since you blokes made/joined this model specific forum, you've pooled ideas n experiences that not only improve your enjoyment of bike but also saves us newbies from wasting money and also getting most from our rides which leaves me with a question. Why with all their undoubted resources would Kawasaki's R&D dept come to conclusion that bridgestone was best choice to market GTR ?

[Mark W]

Bridgestone oem tyres terrible 3550 miles out of a front Michelin PR2 are excellent! IMHO

[routemaster]

Since you blokes made/joined this model specific forum, you've pooled ideas n experiences that not only improve your enjoyment of bike but also saves us newbies from wasting money and also getting most from our rides which leaves me with a question. Why with all their undoubted resources would Kawasaki's R&D dept come to conclusion that bridgestone was best choice to market GTR ?

Good question - I think we can only speculate as to why do bike manufacturers always put rubbish tyres on bikes when they sell them.