BT021 Shot in 2700 miles

[850rdstr]

I purchased a 2010 FJR in April, and was at the time pleased to see Battlax instead of Metzlers which came on my 2005. Less than 3000 miles later, the front is showing the wear bars, and the tire is V shaped, while the rear seems to be wearing normally. I check pressures regularly, and although I ride pretty hard, I never destroyed a tire as quickly as this. I went through six sets on my 2005, even the stock Metzlers returned better wear than this one.

I am beginning to suspect something amiss in the fork, mostly because my dealer has proven to be pretty incompetent in other matters. His service manger was of no help as this is of course a "wear item" with no expectation of durability. What should I be looking for, besides a competent dealership?

 

[escapefjrtist]

Not a record by any stretch, but impressive nonetheless! The front '021 is notorious for funky wear and short life.

Put on a set of PR2's or 023GT's and you'll have a much happier experience with your FJR.

--G

 

[850rdstr]

I used PR2s the last two changes on my 2005, got 6500 and 7000 miles respectively, front and rear wore much more evenly as well. I do plan to go to the Michelins, but with the rear only at 50% I damn don't want to replace the front with another BT021 while I wear out the rear!

 

[escapefjrtist]

I used PR2s the last two changes on my 2005, got 6500 and 7000 miles respectively, front and rear wore much more evenly as well. I do plan to go to the Michelins, but with the rear only at 50% I damn don't want to replace the front with another BT021 while I wear out the rear!

If you want to stick with 'stones until the rear is gone, then go with the 023GT front. Chaparrel has some great pricing, but you have to spend $149 to get free shipping.

--G

 

[azitlies]

bought my 08 at about 3800 miles and the 021 in front was badly cupped (the op admitted to using 35 lbs, thought that was normal).

Was able to get maybe another k out of the 021 by over inflating it to about 44 lbs. That rounded it out and made what tread was left usable.

Now have the 023GT front and rear (also slightly over inflated). They are wearing very well. About 4k miles on ea with very little noticeable wear and no flat spots.

I would highly recommend the 023GT's.

 

[wfooshee]

OEM 021 front is crap. Well-known fact. Rear is a pretty good tire, true dual compound, I got over 11,000 on two of them before I darksided my bike last year.

Never had the front, though, I bought the -021 rear as a replacement.

 

[850rdstr]

Spoke to Bridgestone today, totally unhelpful individual suggested I take it to a Bridgestone dealer for inspection, not that was any sort of mileage expectation. Since he was so helpful I asked him for the name of one, he could not do so, told me to use the yellow pages! Bye bye Bridgestone. Bridgestone "assistance" 1-800-847-3272. Tell 'em those BT021 fronts suck!

 

[Full House]

3200 miles on my 2010 front and it would not pass state inspection. Replaced with a PR2

 

[850rdstr]

Assuming you replaced only the front, did you notice any handling issues with the PR2, and the BT rear?

 

[SkooterG]

Spoke to Bridgestone today, totally unhelpful individual suggested I take it to a Bridgestone dealer for inspection, not that was any sort of mileage expectation. Since he was so helpful I asked him for the name of one, he could not do so, told me to use the yellow pages! Bye bye Bridgestone. Bridgestone "assistance" 1-800-847-3272. Tell 'em those BT021 fronts suck!

Not sure why the heck you would call Bridgestone? Everybody here has been very succinct in that the OEM front 021 is a total crap tire. Get a new tire other than a new 021 and move on. It's that simple.

 

[850rdstr]

I called Bridgestone on the advice of Yammie's customer service line. Nobody wants to own up to either manufacturing, or selling me a crap tire, and I think that is irresponsible. I just want to know whose plate glass window to throw the damn thing through. Then, having my closure, I can move on.

Yes, PR2s are on the horizen, I just didn't anticipate needing them so soon.

 

[jmgrif]

Just had to reply! My 08 came new with BT021. Front gone in 2200 kms not miles! No joy from dealer either. PR2's since and without doubt the best ever! For me.

 

[LAF]

I purchased a 2010 FJR in April, and was at the time pleased to see Battlax instead of Metzlers which came on my 2005. Less than 3000 miles later, the front is showing the wear bars, and the tire is V shaped, while the rear seems to be wearing normally. I check pressures regularly, and although I ride pretty hard, I never destroyed a tire as quickly as this. I went through six sets on my 2005, even the stock Metzlers returned better wear than this one.

I am beginning to suspect something amiss in the fork, mostly because my dealer has proven to be pretty incompetent in other matters. His service manger was of no help as this is of course a "wear item" with no expectation of durability. What should I be looking for, besides a competent dealership?

On my 10, within 1500 miles the crap 021 was going trapezoid! I put PR2 on and called it a day. A fact, 021's are junk, always have been on just about any bike they came OEM on. My k1200 LT also spit them out in less than 1500 miles.

Dont worry about a mix, get a front and rear of your choice, change the front now, put the rear on when the 021 wears out, or you do from hauling that bag of shit 021 around.

 

[Full House]

Assuming you replaced only the front, did you notice any handling issues with the PR2, and the BT rear?

None that i can notice. It seems like quite a few riders have done the same. The rear is practically like new yet.

 

[HotRodZilla]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. There are too many good tire choices out there to ever stoop to putting any piece of shit tire made by Bridgestone on a motorcycle.

 

[SwollenRaccoon]

I just ordered a set of new PR2s yesterday, and after checking all the major players, ended up ordering from Sportbike Track Gear. Free shipping and $258.95 for both. Here's a few other prices as of August 23, 2011 (all prices as delivered to my door)....

Derby - $270.51

Chaparral - $271.76

Sportbike Track Time - $258.98

American Motorcycle Tire - $269.63

If it makes you feel any better, when I put a BT021 on the FJR, it was at the wear bars at 1,800 miles. Loved them on my SuperHawk, hated them on my FJR.

 

[850rdstr]

I found a sympathetic service manager at a Yammie shop who owed me nothing, yet he made calls both to Yamaha and Bridgestone on my behalf. He finally was able to get Bridgestone to admit that even though there is no mileage guarantee, 2700 miles was really not acceptable. They offered me a new tire at 25% off! Yippee!! The service manager and I shared a laugh at this.

I put another 150 miles on this weekend, it is really frightening how fast the BT021 deteriorates. I finally ordered a set of PR3s yesterday, $260 plus tax, at the dealer where I bought the 2010. At least they are good for something, but I sure won't have them installed there.

You were right G, I'm moving on.