BT-023 or PR2

[stevec677]

I have over 10,000 miles on my 2009 FJR. I love the bike, but I keep chewing thru tires. The OEM BT-021 sucked (as has been discussed many times before). I am now running Dunlop Roadsmarts. I like them a lot, but I only get 3,000 - 4,000 miles out of the fronts and a little better (5,000 - 6,000) out of the rears. I'm interested in the BT-023GT as it was designed for the FJR. I'm concerned about the PR2's. I hear great things about the tire life, but I ride pretty aggressive and don't want to give up any performance. Does anyone ride their PR2's hard? All the way out to the edge. Let me hear your opinions.

 

[topanga]

You'll burn though them in 5-6k, that's what I do in general. They're great for 4-5k.

 

[FJRBluesman]

If you're concerned, stick to what you like and works for you. If you don't mind getting new tires every 5K miles, no biggie.

 

[RadioHowie]

**** me....another ******* tire thread!

24 threads on Page1 of the NEPRT forum.....and 13 are ******* tire threads.

:russian_roulette:

 

[HotRodZilla]

**** me....another ******* tire thread!
24 threads on Page1 of the NEPRT forum.....and 13 are ******* tire threads.

:russian_roulette:

That was a VERY helpful answer shitferbrains. It's ok if you don't know, but you don't have to get all crazy about it.

As far as the original question is concerned; the only one who will know what tire will work good for you is you. I love my RSs and get over 6k out of each set. Some get more, others get less and some just don't like them. Same with the PR2. Some love them, some hate them. Many get decent mileage with very little loss of traction, and others do nothing but gripe about the loss of traction. There's lots of variables.

I ran the original BT020s that came on my bike and then a BT021 on the rear and a Michelin PR (not PR2) on the front. The 021, which is supposed to be a higher mileage dual compound tire got within 10 miles what my 020 got, and neither tire was very impressive grip or ride wise. I would not even think of trying the new 023 with all the other good options available. Good luck.

 

[jim oneill]

**** me....another ******* tire thread!
24 threads on Page1 of the NEPRT forum.....and 13 are ******* tire threads.

:russian_roulette:

That was a VERY helpful answer shitferbrains. It's ok if you don't know, but you don't have to get all crazy about it.

As far as the original question is concerned; the only one who will know what tire will work good for you is you. I love my RSs and get over 6k out of each set. Some get more, others get less and some just don't like them. Same with the PR2. Some love them, some hate them. Many get decent mileage with very little loss of traction, and others do nothing but gripe about the loss of traction. There's lots of variables.

I ran the original BT020s that came on my bike and then a BT021 on the rear and a Michelin PR (not PR2) on the front. The 021, which is supposed to be a higher mileage dual compound tire got within 10 miles what my 020 got, and neither tire was very impressive grip or ride wise. I would not even think of trying the new 023 with all the other good options available. Good luck.

I don,t understand !!!! I,ve owned 2 FJRs now totalling approx 50k miles between them and I,ve ALWAYS gotten at least 10k miles on a set of tires!!! Why do so many people claim to only get 4 to 5k miles on a set of tires??? What am I doing right?

 

[Spud]

I've got about 2000 miles on the BT 023GT's so I can't tell you how far they will go, but I'm completely sold on them. The handling and smoothness is unbelievably good. I highly recommend them, especially if you are riding aggressively. They are very sticky and I'm leaning over further than I ever have, because they feel so predictable.

 

[stevec677]

Thanks for the good responces (and the A$$ whipping by some - I like that :glare: ). I do like the Road Smarts, but I'm always looking for something better. If grip is a concern with the PR2's, then I will stay away from them. As to why some people get better tire mileage, we all know the answer: Your riding style is not as aggressive as others. There is nothing wrong with that and the FJR is great for both types of riders. It is nice for the more mellow riders to know if they need that extra performance, it is there waiting for you. I live in upstate New York and we have some fantastic roads around here. I've scraped a boot, and it will only be a matter of time where I can get my ability up to the level where I can drag a peg. Everyone needs goals to shoot for. :yahoo:

 

[tapsport]

I have an 05, take it to deals gap a couple times a year, I'm 320 and run the tires till about 1/4" chicken strip, have never had a problem with traction, tires are now worn out at 11,000 miles,, LOVE MY PR2'S, I had the original Z4's, not bad, put on Z6 roadtecs, and couldnt wait for them POS to wear out, put on the PR2's and love them. that is all

 

[stevec677]

I have an 05, take it to deals gap a couple times a year, I'm 320 and run the tires till about 1/4" chicken strip, have never had a problem with traction, tires are now worn out at 11,000 miles,, LOVE MY PR2'S, I had the original Z4's, not bad, put on Z6 roadtecs, and couldnt wait for them POS to wear out, put on the PR2's and love them. that is all

Just when I thought I had mind set....... so many decisions!!! :blink:

 

[madmike2]

Our resident tire evaluator is HaulinAshe. He is an aggressive rider and lives where the road surface is coarse and hard on tires. IMO, what he judges on tire performance and tread life is near gospel.

Here is a list of his topics. Scroll through them and click on the ones dealing with his tire tests.

He may not have tested the BT023s yet but I know he's gone through Roadsmarts and PR2s, etc.

 

[SwollenRaccoon]

I had the 021s as original equipment, and as my second set. I liked them for about 2/3 of their life, then they sucked. (I liked them on my 98 SuperHawk, and they never got weird at the end of their life, like they do on the FJR, but the Honda weighed a lot less, too).

I really like the PR2s, but the front gets a little triangulated the last 500-800 miles, and sucks, though not as bad as the Bridgestones. Just put my second set of PR2s on, and still like them. The last rear, I got 3,381 miles, and the front went about 4,400.

The following paragraph is only provided to try to provide a reference point, as everyone rides differently, as you know....

I ride to the point of about 1/8" chicken strips on the back tire, and a little more on the front. Depending on road conditions and mental state, (OK, let 'em rip here), I drag a peg here and there, though I usually try to not be lazy, and slide part of a cheek off the seat to give me a little more clearance. I've been to 4 track schools on the SuperChicken, and go home from those with no chicken strips, so decide for yourself where you sit regarding riding aggression. I'm happy with the PR2s on every front except mileage. I did have one semi-exciting moment a couple of months ago, where I was a little too juvenile and early opening the throttle coming off an apex, and spun up the rear on exit. It was real smooth, and didn't completely give up, so I was pretty happy that I didn't get hurt for being so stupid. But that was a good lesson.

Good luck, and let us know which one you pick.

 

[Pierre]

PR2 on trial, BT-023 cupping after 2400 miles, not good.

 

[Spud]

BT 023 GT update: After about 1800 miles of what I will call hard riding in hot temps on rough chip-sealed western roads, I have a very slight flat spot starting on the rear, the front is still round. Keeping my fingers crossed that they won't die out suddenly. For reference, my stock BT 021's were dead in just under 4000 miles, Mich. PR (not II) were done at just about 5000 miles.

As for performance, these tires are really good. Very sticky, smooth, and the bike turns in like never before....

 

[Speed3]

I have the BT 020's on my bike from the factory. These tires suck, I've got nearly 2,700 miles and they are wearing like crap. I wont make it past 3,500 miles. The front is cupped really bad, although I always seem to cup fronts on other bikes also.

Traction on the PR2's are a major concern of mine. Riding pilot powers when I first started riding track, they gripped well until they decided to give up and then the let go fast!! I'm hoping the PR2's aren't the same. Anyone report anything problems with these? If the slide is predictable, i'm fine with that, but just letting go with no notice (pilot power) thats not what I'm looking for.

 

[RPrice]

I too have the BT 020's on now, and they are about done at 4k miles (down to wear bars front and rear). Have a new set of BT 023's which I will get installed in the next couple of weeks.