new BT016s.

[stevebetts]

had a nice pair of BT016s fitted today!
£218 fitted to loose wheels.
Nice man at burnout superbike tyres in Clay Cross.

[ThEGr33k]

Let me know how they go. Especially in the wet. :)

[vardypeeps]

How much?
How long could you expect those to last?

[stevebetts]

Let me know how they go. Especially in the wet. :)
i certainly will.
they do get a good write up in BIKE magazine.
I think compared to the crap i just took off they will seem fantastic.
I had michelin pilot sports prior to the BT016s.
they were crap.
I was supprised, as i have had pilot powers before and found them very good. I know the pilot sport is not as good a tyre as the pilot power - but they just did not inspire any confidence.

[stevebetts]

How much?
How long could you expect those to last?
remember i have an SV1K.
The rear is 180/55 and is considerably more expensive than the 160 on the SV650.
As to how long will they last - i would guess around 3-4K miles.
They are multi compound and hopefully should wear better in the centre.

[vardypeeps]

Suppose that's not too bad when you look at it.
Bloody hell 180 section

[stevebetts]

Suppose that's not too bad when you look at it.
Bloody hell 180 section
yeah, i got a shock after changing from an SV650.
Every bike i have had since has had a 180 rear tyre.

[yorkie_chris]

F##k me sideways. They'd better be good at that price.

[gettin2dizzy]

Bugger me that's expensive. And I'm running a 190 section!

Which way do the bridgestones run from touring > trackday tyres? I've just toasted a bt014 (I think) in about 2000 miles, so I'm hoping that's a soft compound :lol:

[Alpinestarhero]

I'm running BT021's on my 650. They are good in the dry and warm, but crap any other time. I want my MEZ6's back....or avon storms

[walkaboutandy]

That seems a good price. I'm in the trade and was quoted £203 for a pair of 016's for my sv650 directly from Bridgestone. I'm going for BT-021's again as I get 7 - 8,000 miles out of them.

[rigor]

I fitted some of these to my CBR just before my last trackday at Lydden. Did well on track but I haven't put many miles on them since.

Price? £130 fitted .... :D :D :D Guy in the tyre shop had crashed his bike and was selling them off :P Had only done about 200 miles

[ThEGr33k]

180's imo beat 190's. Cheaper and feel better... but each to their own. I have heard terrible things about the Pilot Sport so im sure you will be happier now :D

[gettin2dizzy]

Cheaper and feel better... but each to their own.
I just put mine on the bike. No idea if you've misinterpreted 'boots' :rolleyes:

:lol:

[ThEGr33k]

I just put mine on the bike. No idea if you've misinterpreted 'boots' :rolleyes:

:lol:

Erm... I no idea what you on about now. :p

[yorkie_chris]

Nick a 180 might feel better on the falcow than a 190 but that doesn't necessarily hold true for every other bike.

[ThEGr33k]

Nick a 180 might feel better on the falcow than a 190 but that doesn't necessarily hold true for every other bike.

Aye... Ok point taken. :)

[stevebetts]

F##k me sideways. They'd better be good at that price.
cheapest i found by a long shot.
others ranged from £245-£275 for loose wheels.

[yorkie_chris]

F##kinell I'd want a set of wheels as well for that price.

Are people near you just happy being shafted or what?

[stevebetts]

Nick a 180 might feel better on the falcow than a 190 but that doesn't necessarily hold true for every other bike.
All depends on what the rim was designed for.
If you put a 190 on a 180 rim the tyre geometry changes and you will turn in slower

[G]

I have the BT021's at the moment. I hated them at first, but I'm getting used to them.

They do seem to have okay grip if you can put your trust in them, I have done maybe 1.5k on them so far and they have worn really quickly to be honest.

[stevebetts]

F##kinell I'd want a set of wheels as well for that price.

Are people near you just happy being shafted or what?
im not happy being shafted - thats why i shop around.
Trouble is when you want the latest technology tyres you have to pay for them.

[philbut]

I have the BT021's at the moment. I hated them at first, but I'm getting used to them.

They do seem to have okay grip if you can put your trust in them, I have done maybe 1.5k on them so far and they have worn really quickly to be honest.

I have 10k out of mine almost, including 4.5K touring with some serious luggage so I'm surprised by that. I thought they were really good. I've never really seen any bad comments about them until this thread. I ride in all weathers and they have always been predictable.

[Tim in Belgium]

Got the BT-016s on the GSX-R, seem fine so far, although cost 350 euro fitted :shock:. Seem fine on the 'Ring so far, it'll be interesting to see what kind of mileage I get out of them.

[stevebetts]

had a nice pair of BT016s fitted today!
£218 fitted to loose wheels.
Nice man at burnout superbike tyres in Clay Cross.
took her out for the first ride last night since having tyres fitted - felt like a different bike!:p
Handling was great - turned into corners much better.
Once they are scrubbed in more i will give them a better test on the twisties!

[ThEGr33k]

took her out for the first ride last night since having tyres fitted - felt like a different bike!:p
Handling was great - turned into corners much better.
Once they are scrubbed in more i will give them a better test on the twisties!

Not trying to be negative, but new tyre's will almost always feel good like that :p

Look forward to the feeling when being pushed in the bendies :D

[stevebetts]

Not trying to be negative, but new tyre's will almost always feel good like that :p

:D
yeah, i know that very well - but never the less it was great!

[imaleon]

In my opinion they're the best tyre for everything, cruising, sunday blasts and track days...worth every penny

[ThEGr33k]

In my opinion they're the best tyre for everything, cruising, sunday blasts and track days...worth every penny

Not trying to be a funny git, BUT, its probably not something you can really substantiate, im pretty happy to guess you havnt tried every tyre on the market? Or maybe not even sports touring type tyre's?

Only other thing is they being sporty probably arnt much good for people who do the high milage... unless one has deep pockets.

Again sorry for being a bit of a ****... Im going away under my bridge again. :cool:

P.S. Im not saying you might not be right :p

[Tim in Belgium]

Not trying to be a funny git, BUT, its probably not something you can really substantiate, im pretty happy to guess you havnt tried every tyre on the market? Or maybe not even sports touring type tyre's?

Only other thing is they being sporty probably arnt much good for people who do the high milage... unless one has deep pockets.

Again sorry for being a bit of a ****... Im going away under my bridge again. :cool:

P.S. Im not saying you might not be right :p

Gr33k, shut up, he's right :p:p:p !

[ThEGr33k]

Gr33k, shut up, he's right :p:p:p !


OK... :smt005

[yorkie_chris]

In my opinion they're the best tyre for everything, cruising, sunday blasts and track days...worth every penny

How many miles are you getting with what sort of riding?

[imaleon]

Not trying to be a funny git, BUT, its probably not something you can really substantiate, im pretty happy to guess you havnt tried every tyre on the market? Or maybe not even sports touring type tyre's?

Only other thing is they being sporty probably arnt much good for people who do the high milage... unless one has deep pockets.

Again sorry for being a bit of a ****... Im going away under my bridge again. :cool:

P.S. Im not saying you might not be right :p


I don't think there are many people who have tried every single last tyre on the market and I believe this isn't necessary to give an informed statement.

Mileage wise, obviously it is quite dependent on how many track days you do i would say the rear would get between 5k-6.5k and the front anywhere between 10k-14k.

The different compounds make a world of difference, it prevents the tyre squaring off as the centre compound is really hard and then gets progressively softer. The soft compound on the edges, which is probably only about 2 or 3 inches of the tyre is incredibly sticky (probably similar to track tyres) The front only has two different compounds on. I believe that the BT016s are the only tyre to benefit from 3 compound sections, there might be a Michellen equivalent but am not positive.

I don't know how they behave in the wet as I'm a fair weather rider, but a word of warning these tyres have been known to upset the balance on certain bikes. Apparently the cbr600f and zx10 don't get along with them. I've put about 3k miles on my set, and have been to track days, many weekend blasts, and they really feel like new and inspire a lot of confidence. Am riding over to France end of the month on the same set so I'll see if they survive the journey.

[Tim in Belgium]

Let me know how many touring miles you get out of them Imaleon, I've currently got a set of BT-016s fitted which will be getting a lot of track miles, before going over to BT002-R track compounds for the rest of the track day season.

I'll be needing a road tyre again in September for a tour of the Alps and was thinking of going sports touring, but if I could squeeze over 2.5k miles out of a rear I'd be interested in refitting a pair.

[yorkie_chris]

If as you say the edges are a track compound then they'd be no use to me. I'm not brave enough to get that sort of tyre hot enough in the wet to work properly. Then again, wet grip is dependant on the compounds used and the efficiency of the tread pattern, so it'd be interesting to hear from someone who has used them in all weather.

[Sid Squid]

All depends on what the rim was designed for.
If you put a 190 on a 180 rim the tyre geometry changes and you will turn in slower
Not necessarily - some tyre manufacturers specify the same rim size for 180 and 190.

[fizzwheel]

If as you say the edges are a track compound then they'd be no use to me.

I'd wager the same could be said for the majority of road riders...

[mike_avfc]

i've just got to the end of life on my rear bt-016 - it has managed 2400 miles. I don't use the bike for commuting, i only blast around at weekends and don't ride in the wet. I'm confident if i'd been nicer to it then an extra 1000 could have been gained.

The tyre has been superb and gave me a lot more confidence than the dunlops i had on the SV. I've never been on a track but the edges have only a few millimetres that are untouched. and the side grip is superb.

suffice to say i will be ringing round in the week and getting a new rear fitted on saturday (expecting to pay 120 for the tyre based on a 180/55 17, dunno about fitting)

[imaleon]

If as you say the edges are a track compound then they'd be no use to me. I'm not brave enough to get that sort of tyre hot enough in the wet to work properly. Then again, wet grip is dependant on the compounds used and the efficiency of the tread pattern, so it'd be interesting to hear from someone who has used them in all weather.

Do you get your knee down on the way to work in the wet?

My mate has them on his zx636 which he commutes on and he says they're absolutely fine in the wet...but apparently they don't work in the snow :D

i've just got to the end of life on my rear bt-016 - it has managed 2400 miles.)

How??? You must do loads of burnouts or something! All of my mates who use them regurlarly see 5kmiles+ on them. they all ride ss600, or thous and definately do not hang about

[imaleon]

Let me know how many touring miles you get out of them Imaleon, I've currently got a set of BT-016s fitted which will be getting a lot of track miles, before going over to BT002-R track compounds for the rest of the track day season.

I'll be needing a road tyre again in September for a tour of the Alps and was thinking of going sports touring, but if I could squeeze over 2.5k miles out of a rear I'd be interested in refitting a pair.

Well i've already done 3k on my set, and we're heading off to the alps too and we'll be doing at least another 2.5k so they better last or im screwed! lol
I think that the centre compound on the 016s is quite a lot harder than others, so in theory they should be suitable for more miles. Will let you know

[ThEGr33k]

Not necessarily - some tyre manufacturers specify the same rim size for 180 and 190.

Aye, 6" rim I have can take either 180 or 190... I prefer the 180 though on my bike :)

If as you say the edges are a track compound then they'd be no use to me. I'm not brave enough to get that sort of tyre hot enough in the wet to work properly. Then again, wet grip is dependant on the compounds used and the efficiency of the tread pattern, so it'd be interesting to hear from someone who has used them in all weather.

If you check out the tyre there is no tread on the edges, its slick, so you wont want to get major lean, saying that in the wet I have about 1.5" chicken strips anyway, tbh unless you are on a track (and even not necessarily there) you wont use the edge in the wet... Like I say I think most people will hang off more and leave the bike relevantly up right.

i've just got to the end of life on my rear bt-016 - it has managed 2400 miles. I don't use the bike for commuting, i only blast around at weekends and don't ride in the wet. I'm confident if i'd been nicer to it then an extra 1000 could have been gained.


You got a pic of the tyre? I cant imagine how you managed to kill a tyre so much quicker than others report... :( Sure your running the right pressures?


stuff... but the edges have only a few millimetres that are untouched.


What a waste! :smt118




I might try some of these some time, how much can I expect to pay for a pair fitted?

[stevebetts]

Not necessarily - some tyre manufacturers specify the same rim size for 180 and 190.
....but not on the same bike.

[mike_avfc]

You got a pic of the tyre? I cant imagine how you managed to kill a tyre so much quicker than others report... :( Sure your running the right pressures?





I'll take a pic later and post it - i don't do burnouts at all - but do ride quite hard at the weekends, I'm due to get it changed tomorrow but am happy to post the pic to see what people think.
One thing that does spring to mind is i think i saw an article in one of the magazines where they said the shop bt-016's lastl onger than the OEM ones. Now mine is the OEM one at the moments but there's nothing that seems to indicate it is..........

[stevebetts]

One thing that does spring to mind is i think i saw an article in one of the magazines where they said the shop bt-016's lastl onger than the OEM ones. Now mine is the OEM one at the moments but there's nothing that seems to indicate it is..........
I have heard the same thing.
Apparently the OEM BT016s are made somewhere totally diferent, and using different production methods to the after market versions.

[mike_avfc]

ok - here are the pics - i am interested in any feedback - basically the middle is work and i can now run my hand and feel the moulds to show when it needs changing.

I've had to compress the pics so larger ones can be viewed here : http://s309.photobucket.com/albums/kk363/mike_avfc/

[Rich]

You got loads left on that Mike, i've managed 4000miles out of mine and just about to change it. Perhaps if you were commuting in wet weather maybe it would be worth changing but i personally wouldn't. You can see the wear indicators on mine i can't on yours,, or have they been and gone??

[imaleon]

That's after 2,400miles right - I'm amazed how quickly your tyres have worn although there's still plenty on the sides. As rich said they'll be fine in the dry.

Here's mine - i've about 2,600miles on them

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/390/11052009277.th.jpg (http://img230.imageshack.us/my.php?image=11052009277.jpg)

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/9047/11052009278c.th.jpg (http://img230.imageshack.us/my.php?image=11052009278c.jpg)

[mike_avfc]

You got loads left on that Mike, i've managed 4000miles out of mine and just about to change it. Perhaps if you were commuting in wet weather maybe it would be worth changing but i personally wouldn't. You can see the wear indicators on mine i can't on yours,, or have they been and gone??

I can see the wear indicators in the middle of the tyre and feel them. I am concerned due to going to the moto gp in assen on it next month - arrrghhh !!! dunno what to do now !!!

[Jamiebridges123]

If you're going to Assen change them for fresh babies.

[mike_avfc]

If you're going to Assen change them for fresh babies.

:winner:

[Rich]

I am concerned due to going to the moto gp in assen on it next month - arrrghhh !!! dunno what to do now !!!

Ahhh i see why your doing it now, yeh long way to go on that tyre, i'd change it myself if i was doing that distance!!!

[mike_avfc]

yeah - feels right - getting it done tomorrow - 131 inc fitting for the rear at bike treadz in swindon.

p.s. rich, when you wanna sell the pazzos and gilles, let me know !!! surely you need a new bike by now :smt077

[Rich]

yeah - feels right - getting it done tomorrow - 131 inc fitting for the rear at bike treadz in swindon.

p.s. rich, when you wanna sell the pazzos and gilles, let me know !!! surely you need a new bike by now :smt077

Get off em ya magpie you :p!!! I do fancy a RSV4 though :rolleyes:, i get laughed at by insurance companies :mad:!!

[fizzwheel]

I can see the wear indicators in the middle of the tyre and feel them. I am concerned due to going to the moto gp in assen on it next month - arrrghhh !!! dunno what to do now !!!

Change em. I've seen a few people have trips ruined because their tyres didnt have enough meat on them to make the journey and they spent the whole time worrying abou their tyres and didnt enjoy the trip as much as they would have done otherwise...

My 014 went off really fast when it went. I wander if the 016 might do the same...

[fatneck]

Fizz - you got the 016s on yours now? I was wondering what to go for next (also have 014s on at the moment) and I loved the Avon Viper Sports on my last bike. Sorry to hijack the thread btw!

[Jamiebridges123]

Change em. I've seen a few people have trips ruined because their tyres didnt have enough meat on them to make the journey and they spent the whole time worrying abou their tyres and didnt enjoy the trip as much as they would have done otherwise...

My 014 went off really fast when it went. I wander if the 016 might do the same...

As we both know mate the BT014s were terrible and a thorn in the side of Bridgestone... everyone makes mistakes :smt111

[fatneck]

I hated the 014s on my ZX, and although I dont mind them on the GSXR I'll want something else to replace them. 016s or Avon Viper Sports is the choice at the moment.

[fizzwheel]

Fizz - you got the 016s on yours now?

No I havent. The 014's messed with my head so much that I have a hatred of all things Bridgestone now I know its totally irrational but it took me ages to get my confidence back after the 014's trashed it.

I've had Power 2CT, Corsa III's on it and I have a set of Metzler Z6's on it now.

2CT felt a bit wooden when cold and took a little while to heat, but when warm and dry they were very good, Corsa III is the same, but seem to give more feel in the wet or cold temps, and seem to come up to temperature faster than the 2CT.

2CT really got my confidence back on the boil again. Rears last 3000 miles ish, got a bit more life from the Corsa III though at 3500 miles before it was dead.

I like the Z6's I have on it now though, feels just like a Corsa III but gives better cold / wet grip.

It'd take several sets of free 016's for me to be convinced and put it this way I shant be shelling out my hard earned on Bridgestones again. But hey there we are. Tyres are so personal what I dont like you might...

[fatneck]

...and I thought I was the only one that hated the 014s. I wasn't overjoyed to see the Gixxer wearing them when I bought it, but at least I'll have lots of choice unlike the 2001 ZX.

I took a Fireblade out for a demo that had BT-015s on it, and I thought they were great, so I might well give the 016s a go. They dont need changing for a while anyway, so no hurry for me to decide.

[orose]

My OE 015s didn't fill me with any confidence in the wet at all, and they were on the wear bars in 3000 miles. Put Pilot Power 2CTs on there now, but I'm not convinced yet that they're all that - guess I'll have another hunt round when these are done.