Bridgestone Battlax - only got 1900 miles out of the front tire

[mojo621]

Took the new 2012 in for the 600 mile service. I was on a road trip and put 1400 miles on it. So the total miles on the Battlax front tire is only 1900 and it's down to the wear bar. What the heck?

The service tech tells me my front tire is shot... which explains the crappy handling in the rain (I'm not real crazy about these tires). So lots of photos taken and emails to Bridgestone to understand why these wore out so fast.

Has anyone else had this happen to the front tire?

Tire pressure was checked every other morning on the trip. 39.5 lbs consistent.

 

[bluesdog]

Discussed here many times. Some of which have made it to NERPT..

The OEM Bridgestones are crap. Yours wore out real fast, but most others have noted the tires mounted on new FJRs don't last.

Mine wore out in a few thousand Km, iirc. I had to replace them well within the first riding season

I reshod the beast with Bridgestone BT 023 GT, on advice from the dealer, and have been pleased with them. Handling in wet or dry is very good, and mileage is acceptable. I typically ride 10k per season, and get at least a full season from a set

I don't understand why Yamaha mounts such garbage tires on the new bikes. They're certainly not doing Bridgestone any favors.

Factors that affect tire wear, (in no particular order):

1. underinflation. The factory recommended pressure is a bit on the low side, imo, especially for the fronts. I have gotten better results from 40 psi front and 42-43 rear.

2. braking in curves. The fjr is a heavy beast. Transferring that weight forward when the bike is leaned over seems to scallop the front pretty quickly -- note that the sides are softer rubber than the center...

3. suspension adjustments. The feej stock suspension is frankly barely adequate, and enthusiastic riding takes it to its limits fairly quickly. The result is increased stress and wear on the tires -- especially the front tire. Having the suspension tuned, or even better, spending the $$ for a suspension upgrade really helps reduce tire wear.

4. less than top tier tires. More than the other factors, I believe fitting the FJR with less than premium rubber from the factory does everyone a disservice.

 

[VMaxChuck]

About to replace the factory BT023 on my 2013 FJR. Right at 7,500 miles and not quite to the wearbar but handling has suffered the last 500 miles or so. I am replacing it with a BT023 GT and thinking I should get equal or better mileage out of it! Run 38 to 40PSI always.....

I'm happy with the tires

 

[escapefjrtist]

If the OEM tire was a '021 then pretty typical. Replace it with a '023GT and run the rear out with that combo.

Had good success with PR2s or 023GTs, been running the latter recently...YMMV

--G

 

[Fly Bye]

I have had no issues with the 023GT's, would replace with the same.

 

[Dale2010]

FWIW, I replaced the original Metzelers on my 2010 FJR with Bridgestone 023 GTs. The mileage wasn't quite as good as the original Metzelers.

However my new 2013 arrived with Bridgestone 023s but with a suggested slightly lower PSI pressure. Only time will tell if the lower PSI will make a positive difference. Otherwise, the 023s were definitely no better than the Metzelers.

 

[mojo621]

I had Metzlers on the Super Magna and had excellent wet adhesion. The Bridgestone's were scary in the rain. I never felt comfortable at any speed.

 

[LKLD]

At just under 8,000 miles, my front is done and rear probably has 1,500 left. Going today to order the GT's, as I have been happy with 23's. Unlike others, I have good confidence in rain and have ridden in it plenty this summer. Just wish I had more road variety (FL) to wear them more evenly.

Why Yamaha didn't put GT's on in the first place is puzzling, as there isn't any price difference in retail and they appear to be more appropriate for the FJR.

 

[steve'o']

I ran the BT 023's on my bike and thought they were a decent tire. Always kept a check on the pressure and ended up with 13,000 kms on the rear, which would equate to be around 8000 miles and 16,000 kms (10,000 miles) on the front. I found they were fine in wet conditions and very good in dry conditions, especially the sides which were nice and sticky once the tire warmed up. Now running the PR3 in front and PR2 in rear. I find the PR2 doesn't get quite as sticky once warmed up as the BT023 did. I felt more comfortable with the BT023's.

Once the Michelins wear out I'm going to try a pair of Continental Conti Motion ST, which I can get for about 1/2 the price of the Michelins.

Once I've tried the Conti Motions I hope to decide on one tire to stay with for wear, handling, and price point.

 

[Dale2010]

Actually, I was very impressed with the wet adhesion of the 023s. The day I purchased my 2013, I had to make the return trip home of about 325 km in pouring rain and high winds (~12 degrees Celsius). Considering the weather conditions and brand new tires, even at speeds up to 120+ kph, the bike was rock steady on the wet paved surfaces. Fortunately, the pavement was in excellent shape most of the way so there were no puddles in the road.

However, the bike and tires handled perfectly.

 

[mojo621]

To all,

Had an interesting chat with an executive at Bridgestone this morning about the 021 and the mileage problem. This was both enlightening and alarming to say the least.

I asked if there were any issues the manufacture period during the 4th quarter 2011 that would contribute to the problem that I had with my front tire. He said that they only produce quality tires and they had no problems in making the 021's... ever.

I said that's interesting because I've read enough about them online, in the forums, to conclude that they are a marginal tire and that there are certainly issues. He said that he didn't believe anything in the forums and frankly didn't care what was being said because it is the Internet. He then proceeded to pound his chest on the number of bikes he's owned and list of his current exotic bikes in his stable and the total number of "Motorcycle Boards and Committees" that he's belonged to or directed. Mr. Executive, I am not impressed. This discussion is not about you, it is about your tire that failed.

He also said that if these "021" conversations were REAL and there was a very REAL problem that REAL folks would have contacted them to say so. So I say to fellow FJR Owners who are or were Bridgestone tire customers and had issues, go to the USA Bridgestone motorcycle tire site and use the contact form and tell them what you think good OR bad about the tires they make. This guy does not think you are REAL. Give them your phone number and tell them to call you. (I did and they called me. I said that I expected them to call me. It's my life riding on their tire!)

So what this guy is really saying is that he's OUT OF TOUCH WITH THE CUSTOMER and THE SAFETY OF HIS CUSTOMER BASE! He also believes that traditional marketing is still a viable way to communicate with his audience... ONE WAY. He also lacks the comprehension and understanding of the power of the online community and the "conversation that is currently taking place about his product".

To real of this BS back in I told him that I expect compensation for the tire. He said that in order to do that they would need to inspect the tire and have the engineers determine what caused the premature wear. I'm fine with this process and it is really fair for both parties involved. I will gladly do this if there is no resolution with the dealer and YAMAHA.

Currently the tire is on it's way to YAMAHA so their lab guys can take a look at it.

I will continue to update this thread as I learn more. This is not over.


Joe

 

[wheatonFJR]

I have never had issues with the -023s.

 

[mojo621]

From the comments in this thread and elsewhere it appears that the 023 is a decent tire. If there is a discussion about a tire replacement for the 021 I would accept an 023.

 

[Redfish Hunter]

Many thoughts here...

1. This made it to NEPRT because the premature wear and pathetic handling/traction of the BT-021 is very common knowledge. I initially dismissed this thread as a waste of time and forum space due to the fact that the 021 has been discussed over and over and over... The "Battlax" name covers many many tires made by Bridgestone. Everything from the stickiest sport tires to the heaviest sport touring tires, it is the # that tells us what tire you are discussing.

2. I applaud you for taking the issue to Bridgestone. Your "executive" was lying to you. They know very damn well the BT-021 wears out too fast and is considered to be junk. Bridgestone came out with the BT-023 as a result of the horrible performance of the BT-021. Yamaha opted out of the BT-021 for the Gen 3 FJR and went with the 023. The 023GT is another improvement, it is better yet.

3. The fact that they refuse to publicly acknowledge building this piece of crap tire is not surprising.

4. The most effective way to show Bridgestone your opinion is with your money. After I wasted my money on the BT-021 I don't care how good the BT-023 is. I don't care if it comes with a free meal at Hooters every month for the life of the tire. I will spend my money with Michelin. The Michelin PR-2s are better than the Bridgestone BT-021s ever thought about being and the PR-3s are better still. Michelin will get my money, Bridgestone will not.

 

[mojo621]

RH,

Thanks for your comments on this thread and I apologize for rehashing old news. As I stated in the close of my previous post this is not over. I will be talking to Mr. Executive again about this topic and his apparent lack of respect for his customer community. This will be discussed at length once we have reached some agreement about the tire and I have some form of compensation for it.

Regards,

Joe

 

[Redfish Hunter]

Actually, at first you were rehashing old news. When you actually did something and contacted Bridgestone rather than just bitching and whining (my normal procedure) you elevated this thread above and beyond how it started. My compliments to you sir.

The BT-021 is garbage. Most of us already know that. Pop and I got our set of BT-021s together. Both fronts were worn out at 3000 miles. The traction was sketchy at 1500 miles.

The air pressure we all run is based on our own opinion, so we are all different. I run 41 psi front and rear. I am not saying that you should, just that is what I do. Of course, Pop is well over 200 pounds before he puts on all his gear, that plays a role in the tire wear. I run exactly the same 41/41 on my Honda ST1300.

Pop and I are both running the PR3s now and always run the same brand/model tires. We get exactly the same mileage from our tires. The only difference is that he has no chicken strips, my ST runs out of ground clearance before I can get to the edge of the tire. Well, that and he has a tendency to spin the rear on corner exits which I almost never do with the Honda.

You have chosen a wonderful motorcycle in what is arguably one of the best colors Yamaha ever put on a bike. Don't blame Yamaha for the tire, don't let a poor tire choice spoil your enjoyment of your bike. There are tires out there that will make your FJR ride and handle like the world class SuperSport Tourer Yamaha intended it to be. That tire is NOT the BT-021.

 

[bluesdog]

I don't care if it comes with a free meal at Hooters every month for the life of the tire.

Now wait just a darn minute...

 

[mojo621]

RH,

This tire thing is a blip on the radar. The FJR is an amazing machine. We'll see how this plays out... I believe that something good will come of this in one form or another. This is a new day and age for customer relations with large corporations. Either they get on board with the new ERA or get run over by the social freight train in the tunnel. There was a book written that talked about this in 99-2000 that was spot on about the conversation in the community (fjrforum.com) and the collective power that it wields. The name of the book is The Cluetrain Manifesto. I am an online marketer and know how this stuff works. One person can move a mountain if they need to do so.

I spoke to Mr. Executive yesterday afternoon and he was nice as pie. Hmmm. Makes me wonder why he changed his tune in just 6 hours.

The Yamaha dealer wants to handle it their way first. I'm going right to Bridgestone. Next up, I want to talk to the guy above Mr. Executive. I need to start gathering info about the 021.

Joe

 

[Redfish Hunter]

You may get a break on your next set of Bridgestones. You may even get them free. You are NOT going to get the 021 taken off the market because not one of them has ever had a structural failure that I know of. I don't know what your plan is, but let me give you some history.

The BT-020 was a good, solid sport-touring tire. It was one of the two OEM tires for both the Honda ST1300 and the FJR1300 for many years. It became outdated in every way and Bridgestone announced the "Dual Compound Technology" of their new Sport-Touring tire, the Battlax BT-021. This was the OEM tire on the then brand new Kawasaki Concours 14. It promised Everything a Sport Touring rider wanted. Super long life, sportbike traction, heavy weight ratings. It was supposed to be better than sliced bread. In fact, only the rear was "dual compound". The front was entirely the softer compound found on the sides of the rear tire.

The 021 was only out for a couple of months when Dad and I both put a set on our bikes. The first ones I saw in person were ours. They did not last. The fronts were gone on both bikes at 3000 miles. The rears lasted a decent 6000 or so miles. Neither the front or rear offered exceptional grip after the first 1500 miles or so. Bridgestone reacted very very quickly and came out with the BT-023. That is supposed to be a very good tire.

The 021 has never had (to my knowledge) a structural failure. They have never been declared unsafe because technically, they are safe. They just wear out faster than we think they should. How are you to prove how many miles you "should" get from a tire? This is not a car tire.

Do what you like, it is your time and your money. I already voted with my checkbook.