This is another tire thread

[NTXFJR]

Ok, maybe technically it is, only sort of not. I'm looking for experienced opinions that have gone through their Gen III oem Bridgestone Battlax tires. How many miles of slab riding can one reasonably expect from a set of these?

 

[bigjohnsd]

mine lasted just shy of 5,000 miles

 

[Pterodactyl]

Also got about 5k. Front went as fast as the rear.

 

[Abercrombie FJR]

My OEM Bridgestones on my 2013 and 2014 may have made it 5000 miles but I could not stand sliding around on those POS tires until they wore out. I have never had a tire step out on the corners as often as those Bridgestones but somehow they always managed to hook up with out high siding me.

 

[NTXFJR]

Lol, I started this thread with the title: This is NOT another tire thread. Looks like some of our admins might have a sense of humor!

Thanks for your input!

 

[Allen_C]

Lol, I started this thread with the title: This is NOT another tire thread. Looks like some of our admins might have a sense of humor!
Thanks for your input!

Yeah, this topic has been discussed many times. However, you did put a slight twist with the inclusion of "slab riding." My experience, though not all slab riding, with two sets of BT023's has been about 7.5k on rear and 9k on front. To keep cupping to a minimum in the front, set pressure to 40psi (and rear to 42psi)

 

[Redfish Hunter]

My POS OEM Bridgestones made it to 6380, with only a small percentage of slab time. The rear was worn out in the center. Not showing cord, but pretty shot. I have never hated a set of tires more.

By the way, this really IS another tire thread. But you already knew that.

 

[user 8909]

How about a thread on high mileage tires that were ran at 90mph slab with a few track days in between?

My search turned up the same old crap.

 

[Denver_FJR]

What model are the OEM Bridgestones?

 

[Redfish Hunter]

What model are the OEM Bridgestones?

BT-023

The BT-023 that comes on the ES is different from the BT-023 that comes on the A. Or at least there was for the '14 and '15.

Of course some folks really like the BT-023 and that is fine too.

 

[hppants]

At the top of my EXTREMELY short disappointment list on my Gen III is the stock tire. Didn't make 5000 miles on either one, and the cupping on the front was down right dangerous toward the end. The Bridgestone may work for the FZ-09 but Yamaha really should consider something else for this 640 pound motorcycle.

The difference between the Michelin PR2 and the BT-023s on the Gen III bike is truly incredible. It's like a different bike all together. Can't compare mileage for the PR2 on the Gen III v/s the Gen I yet - we'll just see.

 

[mcatrophy]

Think the OEM is the BT023F (not to be confused with the "Front" designation). in my opinion, not as good as the BT023 (no suffix) or the BT023GT.

Different tyres appear to suit different riders.

I am very happy with the BT023 with or without the 'GT', the 'F' not as good. Front lasts me a good 9000 miles before the UK law requires me to change (1mm tread left). Yes, it wears into a 'V', but that barely affects the handling as far as I am concerned. The '023 or T30 is my tyre of choice, I find the grip good in all normal conditions, wet or dry.

Not going to pay the premium for the Michelins, half as much again as the Brigestones, particularly as half my rears end up being replaced after a puncture.

 

[petey]

At the top of my EXTREMELY short disappointment list on my Gen III is the stock tire. Didn't make 5000 miles on either one, and the cupping on the front was down right dangerous toward the end. The Bridgestone may work for the FZ-09 but Yamaha really should consider something else for this 640 pound motorcycle.
The difference between the Michelin PR2 and the BT-023s on the Gen III bike is truly incredible. It's like a different bike all together. Can't compare mileage for the PR2 on the Gen III v/s the Gen I yet - we'll just see.

Why?...How?...enlighten me!...noisy YES...dangerous??

 

[HotRodZilla]

I think lots of people think they know way more about tires than they really do...Just 'sayin...

 

[NTXFJR]

And proves just how little I really know about BT023's. Because I put a set of PR4's on my '04, I'm smart enough to know I really do like them.

This is one of the things I love about this forum, there are some some highly skilled and or knowledgeable individuals that, one way or another, can find a way to make a fun ride out of just about anything.

 

[Denver_FJR]

I think lots of people think they know way more about tires than they really do...Just 'sayin...

Yep, no matter what tire was on the bike previously, the new tire warms up quicker and provides much better traction.

 

[Uncle Hud]

NTXFJR posted: Ok, maybe technically it is, only sort of not. I'm looking for experienced opinions that have gone through their Gen III oem Bridgestone Battlax tires. How many miles of slab riding can one reasonably expect from a set of these?

First thing to note is that the tires on the bike when delivered are not quite the same tires you can buy later. As in, the Bridgestone T023s on FJRs at delivery are not to the same specs as a Bridgestone T023 you buy from a tire dealer.

That said, I got almost 10,000 miles out of my OEM 'delivery' T023s.

 

[hppants]

By 4500 miles, looking down on the front Bridgestone tire from above was amazing. Semi-circle? Not even close. More like 1/2 of a hexagon. The center 3/4" was dam near flat. Each outer side (more pronounced on the right side for some reason) was also cut nearly flat as well. That was running it at the factory recommended 36 psi.

For lack of a better word, riding it felt dangerous. As soon as you would lean the bike just a smidge, it would fall over abruptly. Tracking down a straight road was not very good at all. Every little line in the road would grab the tire.

The PR2s feel just like they did on my Gen 1 bike. Extremely predictable. I do agree that any brand new tire will make a big difference in any bike. After riding 125,000 miles in the past 7 years, including almost 90,000 on FJRs, I guess I know what I know....

 

[Redfish Hunter]

I think lots of people think they know way more about tires than they really do...Just 'sayin...

Yep, no matter what tire was on the bike previously, the new tire warms up quicker and provides much better traction.

Well since this is the first time I ever rode a bike far enough to need new tires, this is all brand new to me. Or NOT.

I am not an expert on tires nor am I an expert rider. But I do know the difference between having traction and not having traction. I know a POS tire when I ride on it. The only Bridgestones that I ever liked on any bike I ever rode were the BT-020s that originally came on the '04 ST1300 and the '07 FJR. They were not in the same class as the modern Michelin PR 2s, 3s, and 4s but they were more consistent and better wearing than the BT-021 and the BT-023 that replaced them. I cannot address the T-30 because I refuse to spend any more of my money on a Bridgestone motorcycle tire unless it is an emergency.