Is it worth replacing my tyres before a trip round Europe?

I have Bridgestone Battlax BT023 tyres on my SV at the moment. They aren't too old and were on the bike when I bought it. Would say they would last me easily up until I go to Europe in May/June and then most likely the few thousand miles I do in Europe.

But I have heard that the BT023s are a bad tyre, and don't inspire a lot of confidence on the bike.

I am a new biker, only been riding a few months, so having only ridden the bike I took my test on, small bikes out in Nepal and my current bike I'm not really sure how much difference say a set of Avon Storms, Vipers or Michelin Pilots etc that come highly reccomended would have.

I am in no way pushing the bike or the tyres with my riding ability, so I'm thinking that it's probably just worth keeping the Bridgestones and replacing them after my trip. But I just wanted to see whether anyone thought that a new set of more reccomended tyres would be worth the £200 to put them on just before doing a few thousand miles round Europe? Is there enough difference that someone like me would notice it? I'm guessing not, but thought I'd ask just incase, planning ahead for the cost and all that!

[fizzwheel]

Do you think your tyres will last the length of your trip ?

Are you happy with how the bike handles on those set of tyres ?

If the answer to both those questions is yes, then dont replace.

If the answer to either of them is No, then replace.

[G]

I hated my BT021 and the 023 is supposed to be no improvement.

If they are a bit knackered or you don't get on with them then swap them. Don't let anything risk ruining your trip.

Just a note, the Avon storms tested in aprils bike mag, came last in the wet test.
Be sure that the current tyres will last your trip cos it will be an inconvenience to replace them while away.

One persons crap tyres are anothers brilliant ones, so try yours first before condemning them.

[yorkie_chris]

I'm not sure I'd trust a magazine over practical experience when the mag has shown such integrity as testing chains except for the best one on market.


In your situation I would try and save up enough to replace your tyres just before your trip. That way if they are looking worn, you'll have budgeted for it. If they're still fine then use them.

On one hand there's no point squaring new tyres sat bored on a motorway.
On the other hand you've never tried good tyres so won't know if these are any good or not.

I put 021s on my sv and they were great, gripped lovely and i managed a stoppie with me lass on the back so they are fine under braking. Seriously though the 023 will be a similar reliable sport touring tyre just not very exciting. I think they get a bad press because they don't seem to offer as much feedback as you want but grip great.

As the the others have said if you feel happy with them and they have life in them just use them. I used Conti road attacks on my next bike and they felt even better than the 021s and cost less. So that's another Tyre for you to consider.