Bridgestone BT023 "GT"

[Jim in Phoenix]

On the rear, if you notice bands forming around the center:

you'll go from running on rubber to running on steel belts in around 200 miles:

It lasted me about 6800 miles. The front is still in GREAT condition at that same mileage.

Spud,

Ended up contributing money to Adventure Motosports in Twin Falls yesterday. I started a trip to Salmon, ID from St. George, UT on July 15. I had 3497 miles on the BT 023 GT's. Judging from the rear tire wear bars, etc. I thought I could make the round trip. I had a new No Mar Changer and new PR2's waiting at home. Problem was I took a little side trip to Dillon, MT, and another day to Stanley, ID, which added to the "round trip".

When I stopped for fuel in Shoshone, ID yesterday (about 20 miles north of Twin Falls) my rear tire looked like your picture above. Problem was I had 500 miles to go, to get home! And that 500 miles was on US 93 through such metropolises as Wells, NV; Ely, NV; and Panaca, NV. (No moto tires in those places!!) Also, I appreciate your posting of these pics, as I had read your post and knew I didn't have many miles left.

So, upon arrival in Twin Falls I used my "smart" phone to find the aforementioned dealer. They were great, sold me a Metzeler Z8, and I was on my way 2 hours later, but it was a very expensive lesson. I'd purchased the No Mar because of the high labor charges associated with tire changes/balancing. I should have changed the tire before I left. The dealer did a good job, got me outa there quick, but charged a premium. I guess I don't blame them, either. Expensive lesson learned, if there's any question, put new tire(s) on!!

How many miles did I get out of the rear BT 023 GT?? 4937 miles. The front tire still looks good with a little flat spot and some cupping. It will go for awhile longer. I'll see how far this Metzeler goes, and then the PR 2's.

Oh, and on this set I did no 2 up riding, and 2 longer trips of 1k + miles with loaded side cases.

Bob

I am amazed at these mileage figures. Admittedly, I am probably easier on tires than many, but less than half the mileage??? I check the pressures before every ride and keep the pressures +- 2 lbs of 42lbs rear, and 39lbs front. No cupping on the front and 10K miles on the rear. I did avoid rain when the rear was close to the wear bars, but other than that, normal riding and reasonably well pleased with the 023s.

 

[azitlies]

Amazed also at some of the mileages people are posting... it kinda sucks...

I've had the 023/GT's on mine for about 4k in the front and 3k in the back. Really, barely even a sign of wear. *maybe* a slight flat spot in the back, maybe.

One thing for me that's a definite diff is that I run almost 45 front and rear. That absolutely makes a diff in how easily it turns in. Handling leaned over is... awesome... no issues at all.

The reason for starting using the higher pressure is the oem 021's were badly cupped when I bought it with about 3500 on the odo, and it's been great so far.

I'd suggest trying the few lb's over, see if it helps at all...

 

[RPrice]

Yikes. Hoping for better mileage than what you guys are getting on the 023s. I haven't spooned them on yet. We shall see. Currenty running the Conti Motions which are my absolute favorite tire so far for stick and handling and even ride quality. And they are CHEAP too! But I don't expect to get much life out of them.

I just ordered the Conti Motions rear tire for $96.99 from Motorcycle superstore. Now that I have the tire changer/Balancer life should be better! I figure I'd better build up a stock pile of (at least) rear tires!

 

[RPrice]

Amazed also at some of the mileages people are posting... it kinda sucks...

I've had the 023/GT's on mine for about 4k in the front and 3k in the back. Really, barely even a sign of wear. *maybe* a slight flat spot in the back, maybe.

One thing for me that's a definite diff is that I run almost 45 front and rear. That absolutely makes a diff in how easily it turns in. Handling leaned over is... awesome... no issues at all.

The reason for starting using the higher pressure is the oem 021's were badly cupped when I bought it with about 3500 on the odo, and it's been great so far.

I'd suggest trying the few lb's over, see if it helps at all...

Yes, I always have run what is recommended by Yamaha, 42 rear and 39 front. Another factor that might be related to the poor mileage I'm getting is that about 3k miles were run through Nevada at high speeds. The last trip was also at relatively high ambient temps of mostly over 85º F, sometimes pushing 100º F. I've read elsewhere that this could affect tire wear?? The members in Phoenix could no doubt have info on this.

 

[Fairlaner]

i got 7K out of the rear and 10600 from the front (the most ever for me).....

R

 

[SkooterG]

The last trip was also at relatively high ambient temps of mostly over 85º F, sometimes pushing 100º F. I've read elsewhere that this could affect tire wear?? The members in Phoenix could no doubt have info on this.

As far as I am concerned the 'Conventional Wisdom' of heat being hard on tires is ********. I ride in HIGH temps all the time and consistenly get more mileage from tires than most.

Psssst.......

'It's the right wrist'.

 

[HIGHLANDER]

I don't know if I'd go around bragging I had a limp wrist on this forum............ :haha:

 

[Jim in Phoenix]

Amazed also at some of the mileages people are posting... it kinda sucks...

I've had the 023/GT's on mine for about 4k in the front and 3k in the back. Really, barely even a sign of wear. *maybe* a slight flat spot in the back, maybe.

One thing for me that's a definite diff is that I run almost 45 front and rear. That absolutely makes a diff in how easily it turns in. Handling leaned over is... awesome... no issues at all.

The reason for starting using the higher pressure is the oem 021's were badly cupped when I bought it with about 3500 on the odo, and it's been great so far.

I'd suggest trying the few lb's over, see if it helps at all...

Yes, I always have run what is recommended by Yamaha, 42 rear and 39 front. Another factor that might be related to the poor mileage I'm getting is that about 3k miles were run through Nevada at high speeds. The last trip was also at relatively high ambient temps of mostly over 85º F, sometimes pushing 100º F. I've read elsewhere that this could affect tire wear?? The members in Phoenix could no doubt have info on this.

OK, I bought my 023s Aug 17 and had 2 months of 100+ riding before the temps dropped to less than 100. In Sept, I ran the SW-FOG rally in Toas followed by the Devil's highway 3 times on the 023s in Oct. The rest of the rides were mostly day rides to the mountains around Phoenix. I ended up with 10,000 miles on the rear in May and just at the wear bars. Again, check pressures every ride and 42/39 R/F according to my gauge. YMMV

 

[azitlies]

Another thing to remember, Yamaha recommends pressure for the OEM tires.

To find out the correct pressure for the NON OEM tires one should be calling the mfg of the TIRE and asking them the recommendation of that tire for the FJR.

Granted, they may not differ too much. But it may be they would recommend 42 and 42?

worth knowing imho.

 

[SkooterG]

Another thing to remember, Yamaha recommends pressure for the OEM tires.

To find out the correct pressure for the NON OEM tires one should be calling the mfg of the TIRE and asking them the recommendation of that tire for the FJR.

Granted, they may not differ too much. But it may be they would recommend 42 and 42?

worth knowing imho.

In my experience, tire manufacturers recommend to use what the manufacturer recommends. And I have never seen a tire manufacturer recommend max pressure of 42 psi for any tire.

Still, that doesn't stop many of us from running the pressure we prefer. Me, I like 41/42 front, 42-44 rear to reduce cupping, heat, and wear, and I don't like the handling of the FJR when the front is 39 psi or below.

 

[Spud]

Maybe the chip-sealed roads we use around here are the problem. My new Avon Storm 2 Ultra is just beginning to show signs of flat spotting on the rear--1600 miles in. As for the 0-23's, the front is the best I've had yet for handling, mileage. The rear I was hoping for better, and when it goes, it goes fast.

 

[user 6393]

I don't like the handling of the FJR when the front is 39 psi or below.

same, especially when the tires are cold

 

[RPrice]

The last trip was also at relatively high ambient temps of mostly over 85º F, sometimes pushing 100º F. I've read elsewhere that this could affect tire wear?? The members in Phoenix could no doubt have info on this.

As far as I am concerned the 'Conventional Wisdom' of heat being hard on tires is ********. I ride in HIGH temps all the time and consistenly get more mileage from tires than most.

Psssst.......

'It's the right wrist'.

OK, I'll work on the wrist!! Also, lots of new chip seal projects around these parts (and through Nevada and up into Idaho), I too wonder if those surfaces can affect tire wear. I'm always religious about checking my tire pressure, but maybe I'll try upping the recommended a pound or two.

 

[azitlies]

Another thing to remember, Yamaha recommends pressure for the OEM tires.

To find out the correct pressure for the NON OEM tires one should be calling the mfg of the TIRE and asking them the recommendation of that tire for the FJR.

Granted, they may not differ too much. But it may be they would recommend 42 and 42?

worth knowing imho.

In my experience, tire manufacturers recommend to use what the manufacturer recommends. And I have never seen a tire manufacturer recommend max pressure of 42 psi for any tire.

Still, that doesn't stop many of us from running the pressure we prefer. Me, I like 41/42 front, 42-44 rear to reduce cupping, heat, and wear, and I don't like the handling of the FJR when the front is 39 psi or below.

checked the bridgestone website and sure enough, they tell you to go by what the motorcycle manual says. IIRC, my st1300 was 42 front and rear, but that is a very heavy bike, about 80lb more then the feej.

I'm pretty much right in line with you skooter pressure wise. Getting back on track, I definitely believe my tires last longer and wear better with maybe a couple or three more then whats recommended.

 

[Jim in Phoenix]

So far, I don't recall reading any reports on the 023-GT performance in the wet. In my case, we are in the desert and a 5 year drought so by the time I had a chance to check out wet performance, I was to the wear bars and chickened out on the ride. Can anyone add their experience in wet weather riding on 023-GTs?

 

[mcatrophy]

So far, I don't recall reading any reports on the 023-GT performance in the wet. In my case, we are in the desert and a 5 year drought so by the time I had a chance to check out wet performance, I was to the wear bars and chickened out on the ride. Can anyone add their experience in wet weather riding on 023-GTs?

My pleasure.

Wet roads, dry roads, dusty roads, slimy roads. Just on 6K miles. As good as any tyre I've used. Ok, not a wide selection, but BT21s (don't go near that front ), Avon Storms, Metzlers.

There's about 500 miles left on the rear, plenty on the front. Handling is still "think the corner" good.

No question, the next tyres I buy will be BT023s.

From the often very wet UK.

 

[hppants]

Just replaced what I believe was the factory BG 021 on the rear (tire was date stamped 25th week, 2005). Bike has 6200 miles on it, and I could have pushed a few hundred more out of it, but that's not how I roll.

Replaced it with a PR2 I got from my neighbor the tire dealer. Didn't think he could get one, but to my surprise, he found a left over one - date stamped 38th week, 2010. So, it's not quite as fresh as it could be, but with the way I'm planning to ride, age will not be an issue. Neighbor sold it to me at cost - $110.00 shipped.

I put the PR2 in the sun for an hour while I nearly killed myself breaking the bead on that old hardened Battleax. I could have installed the PR2 with a kitchen spoon.

I'm convinced my recent off was due in a small part to that old hard tire. I used to think the rear brake was so sensitive. I fish tailed the back end and the big girl dumped me about 3 weeks ago. Yesterday, with the new Mich at 42 psi, I still find the rear brake grabs 100% better.

I'd be thrilled to get 10K out of the PR2.

 

[gumba]

Just took notice of my BT023 nonGT. I have 8500 mi. on the front. It's starting to look like ****. Got the raised center section with some scalloping. But, here's the thing; the tire still still feels really good. I have 10,000 miles nailed. The nonGT works for me. Easy to mount and not harsh.

 

[Road_Runner]

Just took notice of my BT023 nonGT. I have 8500 mi. on the front. It's starting to look like ****. Got the raised center section with some scalloping. But, here's the thing; the tire still still feels really good. I have 10,000 miles nailed. The nonGT works for me. Easy to mount and not harsh.

The front BT023 that I inherited with the bike has that raised center section also. Still has tread enough to go for a few more thousand. What's up with the raised center? Getting some bad vibes up front so probably am going to chage it out soon to see if cures the bad vibes.

 

[gumba]

The raised center section, I'm convinced, comes with the territory. Heavy scooter, front end bias all contribute. Haven't found a tire or fix that curred it. I've stuck a **** pot full of money into front ends to no avail. The trick is to find a tire that doesn't fall on its ass when it happens. Twisties help.