Bridgestone S20 tyre review

[Drew]

This'll be my ongoing review, of the set of S20s that the good folk at Eurotred NZ have given me for that purpose.

The sizes I went for are 120/70R17 front, and 190/55R17 rear.

So, I finally got the tyres fitted today, although the tyres have been sitting at TSS for a while as the RF had some clutch issues to be sorted before I could ride it. A down side to being mates with the guys in the workshop..."You know how to use the fitting machine, get on with it". Not that I mind, the guys there are usually pretty busy.

My initial impression, just looking at them, is they appear similar to most other sports touring tyres on the racks. A less 'chunky' tread pattern than some, but since I am predominantly a road race tyre user I don't spend a lot of time looking at anything else for subtle difference.

Once fitted I'm pleased to note that the profile of the front hoop is more aggressive than the likes of the Diablo Rosso and similar. I prefer a sharper front end and tyre profile is the best way to get it on a standard road bike.

First impression from riding on them...It's fuckin PISSING down. Only rode on them on the motorway, and since I didn't need to evade any immediate hazards I can't say either way what they're like.

Once I get out for a ride, I'll let ya know what I think properly.

Cheers heaps to Dave and Jay from Eurotred NZ for hooking me up, and I look forward to testing them more indepth.

Oh yeah, could you guys please post up here as to the recommended pressures for them? Should likely start with the manufacturers ideas, and change to suit myself if need be.

[JayRacer37]

This'll be my ongoing review, of the set of S20s that the good folk at Eurotreads have given me for that purpose.

The sizes I went for are 120/70R17 front, and 190/55R17 rear.

So, I finally got the tyres fitted today, although the tyres have been sitting at TSS for a while as the RF had some clutch issues to be sorted before I could ride it. A down side to being mates with the guys in the workshop..."You know how to use the fitting machine, get on with it". Not that I mind, the guys there are usually pretty busy.

My initial impression, just looking at them, is they appear similar to most other sports touring tyres on the racks. A less 'chunky' tread pattern than some, but since I am predominantly a road race tyre user I don't spend a lot of time looking at anything else for subtle difference.

Once fitted I'm pleased to note that the profile of the front hoop is more aggressive than the likes of the Diablo Rosso and similar. I prefer a sharper front end and tyre profile is the best way to get it on a standard road bike.

First impression from riding on them...It's fuckin PISSING down. Only rode on them on the motorway, and since I didn't need to evade any immediate hazards I can't say either way what they're like.

Once I get out for a ride, I'll let ya know what I think properly.

Cheers heaps to Dave and Jay from Eurotreads for hooking me up, and I look forward to testing them more indepth.

Oh yeah, could you guys please post up here as to the recommended pressures for them? Should likely start with the manufacturers ideas, and change to suit myself if need be.


Hey Drew,

Pressures we have settled on for personal use are mid 36's on the road - 36 front, 34 rear would be my first starting point. HOWEVER, I should also say bike manufactures pressure would be the ones advised normally...

Hope you enjoy and yes thanks must go to Eurotred NZ - follow their facebook page, just look for Eurotred NZ (no 'a' in the tred :) )

[mattathm]

Do the S20's replace the BT016 Pros?
Cause Im running those and they are real good.

[Drew]

Hey Drew,

Pressures we have settled on for personal use are mid 36's on the road - 36 front, 34 rear would be my first starting point. HOWEVER, I should also say bike manufactures pressure would be the ones advised normally...

Hope you enjoy and yes thanks must go to Eurotred NZ - follow their facebook page, just look for Eurotred NZ (no 'a' in the tred :) )

Name edited.

I set the pressures at 30 PSI front and rear, so I'll bump those up a bit. The manufacturers suggestions are somewhat less than relevent methinks, since the bike is 12 years old and the technology they were suggesting for is now obsolete.

[Eurotred (NZ) Ltd]

Do the S20's replace the BT016 Pros?
Cause Im running those and they are real good.

Yes, you are spot on. The BT016-PRO was a small upgrade on BT016 (standard) but as Bridgestone have stated, it was a stop gap measure. S20 is their new generation Hypersports tyre, and has some huge leaps in technology and performance - we are just starting to hear this back from guys like Drew, One Armed Bandit and retail customers also. We think they are pretty revolutionary for the Hypersports tyre market! If you follow the link below, it will take you to a test run by the Motorrad Test Centre independently of Bridgestone - this shows you how they rate S20 Vs. BT016-PRO and competitors.

http://www.bridgestone.eu/s20-test

[Drew]

I'm glad they out perform the BT016, because I have had less than desirable results using an original fitment BT016 from an CBR1000, where the tyre overheated to the point of being useless. My fault a lot, as I ran it on the rear too soft (25psi).

Can I get some tech info on them, optimal temp and pressure change figures guys?

I'm not riding a superbike I'll admit, but there are huge gains to be had from simply having the info and tyres set to the right pressure. Both in performance and longevity.

[JayRacer37]

I'm glad they out perform the BT016, because I have had less than desirable results using an original fitment BT016 from an CBR1000, where the tyre overheated to the point of being useless. My fault a lot, as I ran it on the rear too soft (25psi).

Can I get some tech info on them, optimal temp and pressure change figures guys?

I'm not riding a superbike I'll admit, but there are huge gains to be had from simply having the info and tyres set to the right pressure. Both in performance and longevity.

Fortunately, (as has been discussed on here at length recently!) OEM spec tyres (like you were running from the CBR) and aftermarket replacements are quite different and much more often than not the OEM stuff is not as good. In the case above, if you had compared the BT016 from the CBR1000RR to an aftermarket set of BT016's, you would have found the aftermarket significantly better. Now we are two generations on from there so they should be getting better and better - a huge amount up on the cast off OEM BT016's you will have run!

Remember Drew these arn't a Superbike racing tyre, they are a sports road tyre so the same temp and pressure tech info just isn't available (mostly becuase there is not a veriety of compounds to be choosing from!). In the same breath, we can't say that XXpsi is the correct pressure becuase the same tyre could be run on an R6, a Hayabusa, and an XJR1300 for example, all of which will require a different pressure.

In the case of your bike (and your riding) I would be recommending 32-34 cold front, and 32-36 cold rear. The reason for this is you will have (with the weight of the bike and your corner entry) a lot more roll force on the sidewall of the front tyre - if you run lower the tyre will begin to 'fall' over itself and then the feel goes away and they can handle unpredictably. On a lighter bike with a gentler style, I may recommend lower. The rear I'm not so sure on - I like a lower pressure but that is on a 6 inch rim - with your 5.5" if you go too low, again with the weight etc the tyre will flex too much and give poor feel and excess movement. This is the one where I expect you will experiment and find something that works for you (and that is the kind of feedback and information that Eurotred NZ is looking for.)

With these tyres I wouldn't get so hung up on hot pressure - it varies so much with road riding and no warmers that it is not a good reference - work from cold and how it feels to you as you are riding.

As for tempratures, the compounding of S20 combined with RC-Polymer means it is cabable from 0 degrees right through to race track tempratures - its best grip will be between 30/40C and 60/70C but you shouldn't see too much decline on either side of this (they will probably degrade quicker if kept above this point however).

Personally, I'm expecting you will come out of this test with a better idea of how capable all round modern sports road tyres are, perhaps even to the point where they are better than race cast off's in most (if not all) areas for road use.

[mattathm]

Drew and I ride in a similar manner and we both have shit bikes that we push to the limits... LOL (sorry Drew but your bike is shit)
Im very interested in the report outcome and the preferred tyre pressures.
I've also had a look at the link (thankyou) and ordered the full report

Keep the comments rolling in... cheers.

[White trash]

Drew and I ride in a similar manner and we both have shit bikes that we push to the limits... LOL (sorry Drew but your bike is shit)
Im very interested in the report outcome and the preferred tyre pressures.
I've also had a look at the link (thankyou) and ordered the full report

Keep the comments rolling in... cheers.

No offence bro, but you ride nothing like Drew.:lol:

[mattathm]

i know..... :second: on the back wheel I do tho, LOL

[Drew]

i know..... :second: on the back wheel I do tho, LOL
I've finally got the clutch sorted on the RF now, and your wheelies were second best before that! :bleh:

[Drew]

Probably wont be a selling point for the tyres, but it'll be interesting to see how the bike goes on one wheel with these. With the racetech on the rear, the old nail has a tendency to wander from side to side. Here's hoping the less pointy tyre takes care of that.

[onearmedbandit]

Probably wont be a selling point for the tyres, but it'll be interesting to see how the bike goes on one wheel with these. With the racetech on the rear, the old nail has a tendency to wander from side to side. Here's hoping the less pointy tyre takes care of that.

Found them to be mint on one wheel, very stable.

[JayRacer37]

Probably wont be a selling point for the tyres, but it'll be interesting to see how the bike goes on one wheel with these. With the racetech on the rear, the old nail has a tendency to wander from side to side. Here's hoping the less pointy tyre takes care of that.


Found them to be mint on one wheel, very stable.

I see we are going to get all the real important info here boys! :clap::bleh:

[onearmedbandit]

I agree Jay, I'm glad you feel that way. With today's high powered motorcycles in an emergency a rider may need to accelerate sharply, causing the front to unexpectedly rise up. Knowing that if this should ever happen that the bike is stable is important for further risk avoidance. Unfortunately I haven't tried the same under emergency braking, so I can't yet comment on the feel when the back is off the ground, but in the interests of rider safety I will do so as soon as I can.

[mattathm]

The 016 Pros are stable on any wheel at any one time..... :msn-wink:

[Drew]

The 016 Pros are stable on any wheel at any one time..... :msn-wink:Live in the now man, they are outdated.

[Drew]

Some might have noticed that I've changed the title of the thread. There is a reason. It sorta qualifies my review of these hoops. I am predominantly a rider of bikes shod with the very stickiest of wraps. I am firmly of the opinion that when one rides quickly most of the time, tyres are cheaper than crash repairs, (although I have spent lots of money on both). Ergo, I shall be writing a lot of my reports as a comparison to what I am familiar with. So here goes.

Today I decided it was warm enough to brave going for a ride, just for the sheer hell of it....And I'm bloody glad I did!

Leaving home through the back streets of Petone, I was literally amazed at how quick the bike tipped in, to rough 90 degree corners. At first I wondered if something wasn't wrong with my bike, the difference to what I'm used to was so huge. Cold 'Racetechs' or 'Supercorsas' are less than compliant, and far from encouraging, the S20s however feel planted from take off.

On the motorway. "Righto, lets see how the RF feels on one wheel now". Answer, stable as a table! No weaving at low speeds as all the previous tyres had done at all. I'm happy! Disclaimer. This was obviously a closed motorway, or a completely hypothetical situation.

I headed up to SH2 to the Rimutaka hill road. Where else would I test anything bike related? Right from the bottom of the hill, the road was cold and covered in damp patches. I am not exaggerating when I say that I cannot remember ever feeling as comfortable to push in those conditions, than I did today! Don't get me wrong, I wasn't screaming up the hill, sparks flying from pegs and knee sliders, with the rev counter buried in the red, like it's rumoured that I have done before, but I was traveling fast enough to know the tyres are well capable.

I felt at ease that after noticing the moisture on the road surface, I needed pay it no more attention and look confidently toward the next turn and carry on. This is well liberating! It's those exact situations that get the sphyncter pre puckered when ya ride on race rubber on a cold day.

After getting to the Wairarapa side I screwed a quick U turn and rode straight back. I prefer that side of the hill to ride up, it's tighter, and switches back and fourth constantly. So while you bare that in mind, take my word that the ease of flicking from side to side is not limited to 30kph round towning. I'm riding bloody near 200kg's of RF900 here, as I would a sports bike, and I'm doing this with the first pair of sport touring tyres I've ever had, and I'm BLOODY LOVING IT! To say that I'm surprised is an understatement.

Not that long ago some of you might recall that budget restrictions forced me to throw a Shinko on the front of my bike, and I raved about how good it was. It obviously didn't have the traction of my usual tyres, but the feedback was sensational and I knew exactly how hard I could go. Well as good as I believe they are, they don't compare to the S20R!

Earlier in the thread I asked about pressures, and Jay kindly provided some numbers. Today I hadn't changed them from the 30psi front and rear that I started with. Not for lack of wanting to, I just don't trust service station gauges and I didn't have my own on me. I figure better 3 or 4 PSI soft, than 10 too high. But it answers the question for me, 30psi is too soft in the rear. Before I ride again I will raise the pressures, because there is clear indication that with the way I ride, it'll get well chewed up at the lip of the tread grooves.

[JayRacer37]

Bloody awesome to hear Drew. We won't be putting you on a set of BT023's (the Bridgestone Sport/Tour tyre, this is what they term their 'hypersport' tyre) any time soon, but I'm gladyou have had a good experience with road biased rubber! :niceone:

[Drew]

So, this would be the step between what I normally run, and the sport tourer?

Out of interest, what would the recommended retail be for a a set of these in the sizes I run?

[Tony.OK]

Jay would these be ok to run at the track? Not racing but just for playing?

[Drew]

Jay would these be ok to run at the track? Not racing but just for playing?

Jimmy rode the gsxr 1000 shod with them at a track day, said they were good.

[White trash]

Jimmy rode the gsxr 1000 shod with them at a track day, said they were good.

No I didn't. I rode a GSXR1000 and GSXR750 fitted with the old OE 016's and said they were bloody good. The fact that Suzuki would hardly chuck worse tyres than previously fitted to a new model (L2 Thou) indicates these (S20s) should be bloody marvelous.

[Hitcher]

The fact that Suzuki would hardly chuck worse tyres than previously fitted to a new model (L2 Thou) indicates these (S20s) should be bloody marvelous.

Assuming, of course, that the off-the-rackers are as good as the OEMs (given the previous discussion about that abstruse phenomenum).

[steve_t]

Assuming, of course, that the off-the-rackers are as good as the OEMs (given the previous discussion about that abstruse phenomenum).

Phenomenum? :shit::chase::hug:

[Hitcher]

Phenomenum?

Good spotting. You pass the Saturday afternoon shiraz test.

[Pussy]

I have just had a set put on the other sem fiddy in the household. First time I have seen a set of tyres with neither requiring balance weights. Only been for a short scoot on them.. they felt bloody awesome. Warm up quick, and give nice neutral handling. I'll be fitting them on my bike when it's due for a set of new tyres. No question.

[JayRacer37]

So, this would be the step between what I normally run, and the sport tourer?

Out of interest, what would the recommended retail be for a a set of these in the sizes I run?


Jay would these be ok to run at the track? Not racing but just for playing?

Yes, pretty much. For Bridgestone, their are four levels of road radials for modern bikes. R10 are the DOT race tyre akin to Supercorsa Pro etc, BT003-RS are a 'trackday' tyre, in that they are a full racing carcass (of the older school stiffer carcass) but with a compound that is OK without a tyre warmer but still designed for track use or fast road primarily, S20 which are the 'Hypersports' tyre (sports road and trackday at group 2-ish level) the 'do it all' tyre, and then BT023 for sports touring and BT023GT which is a version with a heavier carcass for bigger bikes like FJR1300's.

Yes Tony, these would be fine for trackdays although if you were going quite quickly or doing more than the occasional one and weren't doing too much commuting etc, BT003RS would probably be better for you.

[JayRacer37]

Assuming, of course, that the off-the-rackers are as good as the OEMs (given the previous discussion about that abstruse phenomenum).

From what I have heard and read so far the version's on the GSX-R1000 L2 and ZX14 Kawasaki are pretty good, however the version spec'd by Honda on the CBR1000RR-ABS have had very poor feedback. It should be noted that the Dunlop's spec'd by Honda for the CBR1000RR (non-ABS) are also getting poor reviews.

BRM had a piece on the Bridgestone S20 a couple of issues back and that had a sub-section talking to one of Bridgestone designers - in this there is a direct quote from him stating the tyres are built to manufacturer spec, not what Bridgestone would ideally want. This was following the poor reviews from the CBR1000RR launch.

[Madness]

How are these tyres going lads?

[Drew]

I haven't ridden since my last update. The weather has been shithouse, and I don't commute.

I will however be entering a round of the Vic club winter series, in post 90's carbed class, so I'll give you a big write up on that experience.

[White trash]

I haven't ridden since my last update. The weather has been shithouse, and I don't commute.

I will however be entering a round of the Vic club winter series, in post 90's carbed class, so I'll give you a big write up on that experience.

Fuck yeah! I'll book that Saturday off negro.

[Drew]

Fuck yeah! I'll book that Saturday off negro.

Choice, pit bitch scored!

[onearmedbandit]

How are these tyres going lads?

I've put about 300km on mine of open road riding and they are still performing faultlessly. Lots of feedback that only serves to inspire more confidence, great 'flickability' and grip galore. Smiles all round. Another 200km and I'll do a proper update.

[driftn]

Choice, pit bitch scored!

I too will make that meeting.

[Drew]

I too will make that meeting.

Choice, tyre changer if it rains scored!

[Drew]

Went for a burn up to Palmy yesterday, first time I've put a leg over the bike since my last update.

Over Piecock hill was a different test than the Rimutaka hill. Piecock (obviously this isn't how it's meant to be spelled, but I don't care), is a mixture of near perfect seal, transitioning to a goat track, then back to nice. The hoops coped very well with that, and continued to do what I wanted of them.

I've twice now had the front feel border line tucking, but it's not consistent enough for me to think it's a tyre issue. Both times was easily sorted out by merely dropping shoulder a tad, so not sure why I brought it up.

Smooth and comfy on the open road, will report again when I next ride.

[emaN]

Good read.
Am lookin' at these now.
Had been looking at Power One Streets' or Dunlop D211s', but a local shop stocks the S20's, so I'm kinda leaning towards these.

I'm currently on standard Powers, and at my last trackday in Taupo got very frustrated at being unable to "launch" outta bends - all they did was slide.

Anymore comments on them Drew?

[Drew]

Good read.
Am lookin' at these now.
Had been looking at Power One Streets' or Dunlop D211s', but a local shop stocks the S20's, so I'm kinda leaning towards these.

I'm currently on standard Powers, and at my last trackday in Taupo got very frustrated at being unable to "launch" outta bends - all they did was slide.

Anymore comments on them Drew?Only pilots I've got time on is the Pilot Race, so I couldn't give a comparison sorry. What you're describing is what I used to battle with, on Continentals. Would go round the corner mint, and just fail when you turn it on.

The ol' RF don't do mid corner speed to speak of, so I imagine you will note much improvement in teh corner exit grip.

[JayRacer37]

Went for a burn up to Palmy yesterday, first time I've put a leg over the bike since my last update.

Over Piecock hill was a different test than the Rimutaka hill. Piecock (obviously this isn't how it's meant to be spelled, but I don't care), is a mixture of near perfect seal, transitioning to a goat track, then back to nice. The hoops coped very well with that, and continued to do what I wanted of them.

I've twice now had the front feel border line tucking, but it's not consistent enough for me to think it's a tyre issue. Both times was easily sorted out by merely dropping shoulder a tad, so not sure why I brought it up.

Smooth and comfy on the open road, will report again when I next ride.

Reading into this I am wondering if you still have just 30psi in the front? (Or checked it from the ride before...?) As this is the sensation a race front gives when it is too low pressured and was what I was refering to at the start of this thread. The load you and the RF would put on the front on entry (lots, with its weight and your braking force) means that the sidewall will be prone to 'rolling' out of line giving the loosing the front sensation. Would recommend you try 32-34psi cold and see what feel this gives you on entry.

[Drew]

I did raise the pressure, but haven't checked them for a while.

[Drew]

So, last week it was time to do my first Thursday night ride of the season. I've just fitted a better set of brakes to the front of the bike too, so it was test time.

I finally got round to pumping the hoops up to suggested pressure range, and if I'm honest, 35 PSI is not a number I would ever contemplate were I testing tyres for the distributor. Needless to say, I was not confident that I would get the feedback I like from them. I was WRONG! They felt great, and with the exception of me shitting my pants when the front hit a cats eye on the road, (only because it was a very noticeable 'hop' over it, instead of the usual rolling with little effect), I was only more impressed than I had been before.

I got away a bit later than the rest of the group, so I had the road mostly to myself, in near ideal conditions, so I lifted the pace from last time over the Rimutaka hill. I can honestly say, that on the road, I am as confident at any speed in the S20's, as I have been with Supercorsas, or Racetecs. And, when I get my mono groove on, they're more stable than the race rubber!

They're getting to between 500 and 100 km's since new, and there is no noticeable wear thus far. They don't shred up when you give them a hard time either, which is nice should the local constabulary ever be trying to tell you off for riding like a 'tard'.

Oh yeah, the brakes now work. Quite a strange sensation for the lever not to progress all the way back to the bar as I approach corners. I can 'plan' overtaking, instead of doing it as a side effect of not being able to slow down as much as whoever is in front of me. Weird man!

[Drew]

Last night's ride was remarkably traffic light. So with the added bonus of an L1 gixxer thou to chase/lead, I started using a bit more lean angle, a bit more body weight distribution, and a LOT more front brake.

Once again, the S20's did what they are meant to do. I think however, I have found the major difference between race rubber, and sports. Where racetechs/supercorsas/pilot race "push back" when they are being loaded and worked, the 'feel' I get from the S20's reduces as the pace climbs. They're still hanging on, we were going quite fast, and I haven't had a moment, but I think that were I to push any more I'd be in the shit.

Wear. Getting to around 1000km's I suppose, and there is no noticeable wear at this point.

Dunno if anyone is still reading this shit. I hope I'm doing whatever it is I'm meant to be here.:crazy:

[Owl]

Dunno if anyone is still reading this shit.

I'm reading!

[onearmedbandit]

the 'feel' I get from the S20's reduces as the pace climbs. They're still hanging on, we were going quite fast, and I haven't had a moment, but I think that were I to push any more I'd be in the shit.



Thank you. I've experienced the same sensation as you but dismissed it. They definitely stick when pushed but the feel drops away. Not enough for me to lose faith in them, I think they'll still go harder but they go 'dead'.

[Geeen]

I'm reading!

Me tooo



10 char

[Drew]

Thank you. I've experienced the same sensation as you but dismissed it. They definitely stick when pushed but the feel drops away. Not enough for me to lose faith in them, I think they'll still go harder but they go 'dead'.

I'm not willing to test if they're gonna go harder. There's nothing left to prove of the Tyres for me, but longevity to be honest. Maybe pissing down rain traction, but I don't ride in the rain unless I'm doing a long trip and got no choice anyway. So that falls to you my mono handed amigo.

[DEATH_INC.]

I'm not willing to test if they're gonna go harder.
Pussy. :p
...............

[Drew]

Pussy. :p
...............What can I say, it hurts to fall off.

[Hitcher]

Dunno if anyone is still reading this shit.

I'm still reading. This is interesting and informative, even though I'll never buy a set of S20s, Z1000 notwithstanding.

[SVboy]

If I needed a set-I would buy s20s tomorrow-interesting thread.

[JayRacer37]

Last night's ride was remarkably traffic light. So with the added bonus of an L1 gixxer thou to chase/lead, I started using a bit more lean angle, a bit more body weight distribution, and a LOT more front brake.

Once again, the S20's did what they are meant to do. I think however, I have found the major difference between race rubber, and sports. Where racetechs/supercorsas/pilot race "push back" when they are being loaded and worked, the 'feel' I get from the S20's reduces as the pace climbs. They're still hanging on, we were going quite fast, and I haven't had a moment, but I think that were I to push any more I'd be in the shit.

Wear. Getting to around 1000km's I suppose, and there is no noticeable wear at this point.

Dunno if anyone is still reading this shit. I hope I'm doing whatever it is I'm meant to be here.:crazy:


Thank you. I've experienced the same sensation as you but dismissed it. They definitely stick when pushed but the feel drops away. Not enough for me to lose faith in them, I think they'll still go harder but they go 'dead'.

Yes mate, we are still reading too!

I think you are on the Money there Drew, at the kind of pace I expect you are at chasing a new 1000, race rubber is starting to come into it's own, and road tyres are starting to peak - but this is your fast road pace however! If you weren't riding a particularly porky RF, I would suggest dropping the front pressure to give more 'feel' but as you noticed earlier in your review you are getting to the point where the tyre is rolling off the sidewall. OAB, maybe try 2psi less in the front and see if it feels better to you?

Jay

[onearmedbandit]

Will do Jay. Thanks.

[Kickaha]

If you weren't riding a particularly porky RF

Jay knows all about porky:whistle:

[onearmedbandit]

OAB, maybe try 2psi less in the front and see if it feels better to you?

Jay

Went out today, dropped the front 2psi to 36. Massive difference thanks Jay, the feel returned and once again inspired mucho confidence in exploiting the grip available.

[Drew]

Went out today, dropped the front 2psi to 36. Massive difference thanks Jay, the feel returned and once again inspired mucho confidence in exploiting the grip available.

36 is where the front has been since the first Thursday ride this season, on the RF.

Dropping two PSI is just gonna cave the sidewall from there.

[onearmedbandit]

36 is where the front has been since the first Thursday ride this season, on the RF.

Dropping two PSI is just gonna cave the sidewall from there.

Yeah I'm guessing the RF has different handling characteristics to the thou. 38 still offered good grip but the feedback fell away. My initial testing was on 36.

[BigAl]

Looking to get a set of these next week to replace my Pilot Powers, will be interesting to see how long they last as being new no one seems to know.

Thanks guys for the reports.:niceone:

[Drew]

Looking to get a set of these next week to replace my Pilot Powers, will be interesting to see how long they last as being new no one seems to know.

Thanks guys for the reports.:niceone:On an AG100, you will die before they wear out.

You're welcome.

[BigAl]

On an AG100, you will die before they wear out.

Got the high powered model with the gold power band, pulls more than a 16 yo.

[Drew]

Got the high powered model with the gold power band, pulls more than a 16 yo.

Oh right. I didn't realise any of the rr-sp ones came to New Zealand.

[emaN]

Cheers for the updates Drew.

Got mine on last week, just in time for the Suzuki day at Toe-Pour.
Barely scrubbed in, a few km's old, I took the 1st session on a cool track nice & steady.
Started off with pressures of 32 front & back, just to see. Nothing terribly untoward happened.

2nd session I set 'em to 32/30 & was upping the pace.
Started getting mildly disappointed as they were spinning a bit from the apex & drifting - methought I'd left this malarkey behind when I got rid of the Powers! So I finished the session downcast.

Waiting for the 3rd session and with air/track temp warming, I figured I'd leave them at 32/30 & soften rear rebound 1/2 turn.
3rd session came & went, with a weensy front slide (interesting to read of yours Drew & OAB) & the rear having a lil' step-out peeling into T13(?) (the r/hander past the old pits entry). But both of these only happened once all day.
However, the spinning & drifting continued, leading to much frustration as I was "uselessly" trying to get the jump on handy-ridden thou's!
Once again, I returned to my pit feeling like the pits.
The front was feeling good, and had squished spots of rubber here 'n there.
(I was having brake fade issues, which I only 'sorta' fixed in the 5th session, so I wasn't expecting the front to be working too hard).

Before the 4th session I was recommended 28/26. I obligingly obliged & can report the rear hooked up a whole lot better. Started towards the back of the group tho', so was a busy-ish session, with no clear track. At least this time the rear would hold longer when I was "off line" passing someone.

The 5th & last session was my best; got outta the pits at the front so I could have clear track & figured I'd see if these things really do have the 'quick warm-up time'. No-one came past & there were no moments.
Being able to push tho', I was once again getting slides when being 'assertive' with the right hand.
The front however, felt planted & sure. Leaned over I very much wanted to experiment with understeer, but figured I'd leave that for another day! But that goes to show how sure footed the front felt.

I have since met someone who knows about these hoops, who recommended a 30/28 set-up. But he reckoned, looking at the tyre, that it was feathering up nicely. We agreed that perhaps I was expecting a bit much from them.
I'd love to have had the chance to try that 30/28 tho', as I've got a sneaky feeling that this could be the set-up for me.

Thinking about it afterwards tho', given how they performed at Taupo, there will be oodles of grip on the slower road rides that I spend most of my time on, so I'm sure they'll turn out to be a great compromise.

Happy days.

[ajturbo]

I'm Running the S20's on the Duc (400cc) race bike.. running them at 28 front/rear.
I'm not the fastest of riders
But they are great... i lent the bike to a mate who came first in a race where i was dicing for last 5 places.. lol

will be putting them on again when the rear wears out...:banana:

on a side note, i have the 16pro on the XB... will be very interested to see how the rear lasts... but i like them a LOT more than the Angles i had before...

[Kickaha]

i lent the bike to a mate who came first in a race where i was dicing for last 5 places.. :lol:
Shows what a shit rider you are, although it wasn't his bike so he probably didn't care if he crashed it

[AllanB]

If you are a CHCH rider these are on special at Avon City Suzuki.

[ajturbo]

If you are a CHCH rider these are on special at Avon City Suzuki.

sorry, but i will NEVER buy anything of them...
they refused a WOF on the XB cause the number plate was not in the normal place..?????
i have had the XB for 6 years and NEVER move it.. that is how i brought it.. and now it's not mounted right...????

fuck them.!

[ajturbo]

Shows what a shit rider you are, although it wasn't his bike so he probably didn't care if he crashed it

fuck man.. keep that up and i may start believing you...!!:girlfight:

[JayRacer37]

Cheers for the updates Drew.

Got mine on last week, just in time for the Suzuki day at Toe-Pour.
Barely scrubbed in, a few km's old, I took the 1st session on a cool track nice & steady.
Started off with pressures of 32 front & back, just to see. Nothing terribly untoward happened.

2nd session I set 'em to 32/30 & was upping the pace.
Started getting mildly disappointed as they were spinning a bit from the apex & drifting - methought I'd left this malarkey behind when I got rid of the Powers! So I finished the session downcast.

Waiting for the 3rd session and with air/track temp warming, I figured I'd leave them at 32/30 & soften rear rebound 1/2 turn.
3rd session came & went, with a weensy front slide (interesting to read of yours Drew & OAB) & the rear having a lil' step-out peeling into T13(?) (the r/hander past the old pits entry). But both of these only happened once all day.
However, the spinning & drifting continued, leading to much frustration as I was "uselessly" trying to get the jump on handy-ridden thou's!
Once again, I returned to my pit feeling like the pits.
The front was feeling good, and had squished spots of rubber here 'n there.
(I was having brake fade issues, which I only 'sorta' fixed in the 5th session, so I wasn't expecting the front to be working too hard).

Before the 4th session I was recommended 28/26. I obligingly obliged & can report the rear hooked up a whole lot better. Started towards the back of the group tho', so was a busy-ish session, with no clear track. At least this time the rear would hold longer when I was "off line" passing someone.

The 5th & last session was my best; got outta the pits at the front so I could have clear track & figured I'd see if these things really do have the 'quick warm-up time'. No-one came past & there were no moments.
Being able to push tho', I was once again getting slides when being 'assertive' with the right hand.
The front however, felt planted & sure. Leaned over I very much wanted to experiment with understeer, but figured I'd leave that for another day! But that goes to show how sure footed the front felt.

I have since met someone who knows about these hoops, who recommended a 30/28 set-up. But he reckoned, looking at the tyre, that it was feathering up nicely. We agreed that perhaps I was expecting a bit much from them.
I'd love to have had the chance to try that 30/28 tho', as I've got a sneaky feeling that this could be the set-up for me.

Thinking about it afterwards tho', given how they performed at Taupo, there will be oodles of grip on the slower road rides that I spend most of my time on, so I'm sure they'll turn out to be a great compromise.

Happy days.

Very good feedback, you are bang on with what I would expect of the S20's on track - in that they provide good feel that lets you push their grip envelope without having any wild moments. The fact you are comfortable riding up to the point where the tyres are walking and spinning (most riders are not) suggests for your track work you may be better with a 'racier' tyre - something like the Bridgestone BT003-RS or even R10. This would raise the breakaway grip point, with of course the downside of slower warm-up (warmers would be ideal with tyres like the above). The S20 is happy enough on track, but is certainly a sports road tyre with a little trackday capability rather than vice-versa.

The pressures you ended up at are very low for this tyre type and will contribute to the tyre beginning to overheat, particularly the rear - again this will lead to it spinning from the middle of the corner. May I ask who it was you met that recommended 30/28? I can see how you ended up there though, to make that tyre grip on track that is what I would suggest although it is low and you will begin to loose stability and gain too much heat, which will cause greater grip degradation thoughout a session. But, I agree it is probably the best grip solution for a compromised position. Perhaps a better solution may be a more track-biased tyre for when you are planning a few trackdays?

Running a GSXR1000 L2 (admittedly on OEM spec S20's) we ended up at 34 front 32 rear as the best track solution that didn't compromise stability greatly - though they were easy enough to spin up from there if you so desired. I couldn't tell you exactly what the difference between the OEM Suzuki S20 and the aftermarket is though sorry.

As you say in the last paragraph, for sports road riding at most paces, these are ideal and will work very well for you whist providing good life (although maybe not so much if you decide to keep the pressures that low on the road!) Enjoy, and always happy to hear good honest feedback :)

[emaN]

Very good feedback...
As you say in the last paragraph, for sports road riding at most paces, these are ideal and will work very well for you whist providing good life (although maybe not so much if you decide to keep the pressures that low on the road!) Enjoy, and always happy to hear good honest feedback :)

Thanks loads for reading/replying man!
Thanks for your info & passing on your experiences! Always good t'hear from guys with loads of knowledge.

I usually do a trackday in Nov (the 'cheaper' Suzuki one) and one in Jan/Feb, so there's not much point getting anything stickier. As you say, I'd then be likely lookin' at warmers/gennie/pit garage etc... Can't really justify that kinda carry on, not saying I wouldn't love to! :)

Like you mention, they're a sporty road tyre trying & succeeding at wearing two hats; I'm sure I'll enjoy them, & I'm lookin' forward to a good strop up the Cape or summat.

I'm not sure I'm "comfortable with my tyres walking"... I think I rely on the fact that I'm on a 'peaky' 750 & that I'm a wee bit less likely to get spat off, so I can push things a bit more :shifty:
Were I on a thou I'd perhaps be fairly timid.

Just wish I had a tenth of the talent you quick boys have!

[Digitdion]

Lots of feedback about this tyre. But what about it when being used as a sport touring everything tyre?
I ride a triumph Tiger 1050. Use it for everything. I like to ride in a spirited fashion at times and currently using Michelin pilot road 3. PR3 is a great tyre in all conditions. It's pricey, and currently the s20 is going for a good price.

Are these two tyres comparable?
Or am I comparing apples with oranges?

[Drew]

Lots of feedback about this tyre. But what about it when being used as a sport touring everything tyre?
I ride a triumph Tiger 1050. Use it for everything. I like to ride in a spirited fashion at times and currently using Michelin pilot road 3. PR3 is a great tyre in all conditions. It's pricey, and currently the s20 is going for a good price.

Are these two tyres comparable?
Or am I comparing apples with oranges?Well they are real good at all speeds, in all the conditions I've ridden, under a big heavy bike. Both Onearmbandit and I, are impressed with how they are wearing.

That says to me, they will do what you want. Go fourth and try them.

[Coldrider]

The OEM S20's on my ride looked unused at 2000ks, by 3000ks the rear was very uniform in shape, but wearing fast, have 3300ks now, and in 500ks the rear will be dicked. That included hot dry flat Canturbury roads, and torrential rain on the west coast , about four riding days.
Will not be replacing S20's based on my experience of other brands.

[Digitdion]

The OEM S20's on my ride looked unused at 2000ks, by 3000ks the rear was very uniform in shape, but wearing fast, have 3300ks now, and in 500ks the rear will be dicked. That included hot dry flat Canturbury roads, and torrential rain on the west coast , about four riding days.
Will not be replacing S20's based on my experience of other brands.

Thanks for your feedback. That's maybe the Achilles heal about this tyre for me, how it wears! Pilot road threes are going to b hard to beat. Even though they are not cheap. Any other feedback about the s20 is really appreciated.

[Coldrider]

Thanks for your feedback. That's maybe the Achilles heal about this tyre for me, how it wears! Pilot road threes are going to b hard to beat. Even though they are not cheap. Any other feedback about the s20 is really appreciated.Not sure how deficient the OEM tyres are versus the real deal but when I went away from battlaxs I got used to 7000ks per rear. I have no complaints about the S20 performance wise.

[roogazza]

Not sure how deficient the OEM tyres are versus the real deal but when I went away from battlaxs I got used to 7000ks per rear. I have no complaints about the S20 performance wise.

Could you tell us the type of bike and pressures used . Most tyres are pretty good nowdays, but if they wear in five minutes thats a negative.
I'm due a set of tyres and have been using the old P/Powers (not even 2CTs) for years. Although money is no problem, changing the bloody things every five mins is a pain.
I run Std pressures on the road for that reason alone.

[Drew]

The OEM S20's on my ride looked unused at 2000ks, by 3000ks the rear was very uniform in shape, but wearing fast, have 3300ks now, and in 500ks the rear will be dicked. That included hot dry flat Canturbury roads, and torrential rain on the west coast , about four riding days.
Will not be replacing S20's based on my experience of other brands.


Thanks for your feedback. That's maybe the Achilles heal about this tyre for me, how it wears! Pilot road threes are going to b hard to beat. Even though they are not cheap. Any other feedback about the s20 is really appreciated.Bridgestone have said that the OEM S20's are different to those available for sale. They haven't said in what way though.

My experience with OEM Bridgestones, was I would NEVER run Bridgstone tyres again. That was the horrible 016 from the back of a CBR1000 I was given.


Could you tell us the type of bike and pressures used . Most tyres are pretty good nowdays, but if they wear in five minutes thats a negative.
I'm due a set of tyres and have been using the old P/Powers (not even 2CTs) for years. Although money is no problem, changing the bloody things every five mins is a pain.
I run Std pressures on the road for that reason alone.With road tyres, the pressures are so much higher than anything I'm used to. 38PSI is not a number that computes, since it's twenty PSI higher then what we put in Dunlops at on the Superbikes.

[roogazza]

With road tyres, the pressures are so much higher than anything I'm used to. 38PSI is not a number that computes, since it's twenty PSI higher then what we put in Dunlops at on the Superbikes.

Yes, I've always run lower pressures (even way back with TT100s, like 25psi) so now at 36/38 I'm very careful with some pace on. I don't prefer it that way, but gain better mileage.

[Drew]

Yes, I've always run lower pressures (even way back with TT100s, like 25psi) so now at 36/38 I'm very careful with some pace on. I don't prefer it that way, but gain better mileage.That's what has me so surprised about the bridgies. Running at pressures I was scared of, they are bloody great! As hard as I have pushed them, they haven't given an issue.

[roogazza]

That's what has me so surprised about the bridgies. Running at pressures I was scared of, they are bloody great! As hard as I have pushed them, they haven't given an issue.

The bike I have now came with a new set of Contis, they too run higher pressures(so Jays Dad told me?) but I went back to PPs as soon as I could.

ps Mind you I don't own a cell phone, that tells you something.

[Drew]

The bike I have now came with a new set of Contis, they too run higher pressures(so Jays Dad told me?) but I went back to PPs as soon as I could.

ps Mind you I don't own a cell phone, that tells you something.Yeah, Andrew tried to get me to run high pressures on Conti's. I hated the tyres no matter what I did, so I am not surprised you ditched them.

I don't have a home phone. No wonder you don't like me, we're total opposites. Except for taste in bikes.

[Owl]

Mind you I don't own a cell phone, that tells you something.

Good for you!:niceone:

[Coldrider]

Could you tell us the type of bike and pressures used . Most tyres are pretty good nowdays, but if they wear in five minutes thats a negative.
I'm due a set of tyres and have been using the old P/Powers (not even 2CTs) for years. Although money is no problem, changing the bloody things every five mins is a pain.
I run Std pressures on the road for that reason alone.2012 blade straight out of the crate, standard suspension settings, standard recommended pressures, 36 front and 42 rear, 17kg of freight thrown on for the burt. Traditionally i've run 40 (cold) at the rear, but couldn't find a valid reason to change pressures over and above those who know better.

The front tyre is almost perfect, economically I should fit a S20 to the rear and they should wear down together.
I'll have to wait and see how the Drew and OAB extract milage out of theirs.

As previously stated in a previous posting, their performance was top notch, in haast in torrential run they hung on, letting go twice on bled tar, which is expected.

[Drew]

Bloody hell. At 42 PSI, I wouldn't expect a tyre to ever wear out! But I have made my uneducated feeling clear about that.

[AllanB]

If you check the makers recommended tyre pressures of new bikes you will find they are pretty uniform at 36 front 38-42 rear.

Adjust as one see's fit from those starting points. Are you getting confused with track prerssures and running them on the road?

[Drew]

If you check the makers recommended tyre pressures of new bikes you will find they are pretty uniform at 36 front 38-42 rear.

Adjust as one see's fit from those starting points. Are you getting confused with track prerssures and running them on the road?I usually only run race rubber. It does not work out well to over inflate such things.

Have you read the whole thread?

[AllanB]

I usually only run race rubber. It does not work out well to over inflate such things.

Have you read the whole thread?

Yep. The tyres you are reviewing are not race rubber - sport rubber designed for the road. The BT 003 may be closer to what you usually run.

http://www.bridgestone.com/products/motorcycle_tires/products/category/index.html

[Digitdion]

That's what I thought?!

[JayRacer37]

With the replies I am making here this will be rather long, I apologise in advance.


Lots of feedback about this tyre. But what about it when being used as a sport touring everything tyre?
I ride a triumph Tiger 1050. Use it for everything. I like to ride in a spirited fashion at times and currently using Michelin pilot road 3. PR3 is a great tyre in all conditions. It's pricey, and currently the s20 is going for a good price.

Are these two tyres comparable?
Or am I comparing apples with oranges?

To a point, apples with oranges. The PR3 compares most directly with BT023/BT023GT - a harder wearing touring tyre with more emphasis upon wet grip than fast pace, providing very even feedback with no nasty suprises and quite a 'relaxed' or round profile. The S20 compares closest with Pilot Power/Pilot Pure, though by the sounds of it the S20's performance would suit what you are doing, it will give away mileage to the more touring oreinted tyres you have been using however.


The OEM S20's on my ride looked unused at 2000ks, by 3000ks the rear was very uniform in shape, but wearing fast, have 3300ks now, and in 500ks the rear will be dicked. That included hot dry flat Canturbury roads, and torrential rain on the west coast , about four riding days.
Will not be replacing S20's based on my experience of other brands.


2012 blade straight out of the crate, standard suspension settings, standard recommended pressures, 36 front and 42 rear, 17kg of freight thrown on for the burt. Traditionally i've run 40 (cold) at the rear, but couldn't find a valid reason to change pressures over and above those who know better.

The front tyre is almost perfect, economically I should fit a S20 to the rear and they should wear down together.
I'll have to wait and see how the Drew and OAB extract milage out of theirs.

As previously stated in a previous posting, their performance was top notch, in haast in torrential run they hung on, letting go twice on bled tar, which is expected.

Good that you enjoyed their performance, usually OEM tyres are less liked for both grip and wear rates. Yes, the S20 that comes standard on the 'Blade is a different beast to what we stock and sell here in the aftermarket. As I don't have a Fireblade spec S20 here, I can't advise what the specific differences are, although from what I understand I would assume it will have a thinner carcass that requires more air pressure (this makes the bikes feel light and responsive when the tyres are new for 'demo' purposes) and the tread depth will be less than the aftermarket also, for the same reason's as above. They tend to wear quicker as the tyre is less resiliant to heat wear because it isn't thick/meaty enough to disperse temprature.

If you enjoyed how it felt and the mileage was about half of what you would normally get from aftermarket, I would recommend trying one from aftermarket as it should feel better again to you, and wear very similar to what you have experienced in the past on other brands. I would also run the rear pressure at 38 in the aftermarket, not the OEM 42 - this is to give the tyre more 'shape' and a lighter riding feel, though a lower pressure will generally give more grip.


Yep. The tyres you are reviewing are not race rubber - sport rubber designed for the road. The BT 003 may be closer to what you usually run.

http://www.bridgestone.com/products/motorcycle_tires/products/category/index.html

The closest Bridgestone to what Drew is used to is the R10 racing tyre - ultra lightweight, designed for low racing pressures, and really ideally used with tyre warmers. The BT003 is discontinued, and BT003-RS (RS stands for Racing Street, a road/trackday version of the prior racing tyre) is between the full racing R10, and the S20 Drew is using at the moment.

[roogazza]

Thanks for your input Jayracer, I look forward to recorded mileages from both low pressure scratchers and normal pressure touring/sport riders.
There seems to be no debate on the stickability of the S20.

[Drew]

Thanks for your input Jayracer, I look forward to recorded mileages from both low pressure scratchers and normal pressure touring/sport riders.
There seems to be no debate on the stickability of the S20.
I had to go up in pressure to 36, to get sability. Happy coincidence was no drop in
traction.

[BigAl]

Got a new set of S20s last week for the R1 but only fitted the back at the moment as front Pilot Power still has quite a bit of life in it.

Impressed with the level of grip the back gives even though running 38 psi in, as suggested, and it gets quite tacky on the softer edge.

Had a couple of little drifts kranked over on wide tar snakes but nothing other tyres wouldn't do.

Will be interested in mileage as I always got a decent amount from the PPs.

[ckai]

So has anyone run these for long enough to get a mileage idea??

On Saturday I'm getting a set of either the S20's or...BT023's. I've got Pure's on the Daytona at the mo'. They've lasted stupidly long (11,000 km :gob: - including 4 track training sessions) so obviously I don't chew through rubber but I did run them reasonably hard (high 30's) after some advice regarding feel.

I know the 023's are going to have crazy mileage compared with both the Pure's and the S20's but I'm just not sure of the feel coming from the Pure's and the turn-in I get currently.

I've heard some scary stuff about the S20's lasting stuff all and since money is tight, I don't want to throw on some and have to replace them after 5,000km of my riding!

I honestly thought the Pure's would have been shot after 7k but they just kept going. Something around that I wouldn't mind out of the s20's.

I'm going to be doing more track days next year hence my dilemma of going with the 20's or sacrificing a little and going with the 23's. Another reason for the toss up is I don't even get close to pushing the Pure's at the mo'.

Shit! It's easier buying a bloody bike!

[tbs]

So has anyone run these for long enough to get a mileage idea??

On Saturday I'm getting a set of either the S20's or...BT023's. I've got Pure's on the Daytona at the mo'. They've lasted stupidly long (11,000 km :gob: - including 4 track training sessions) so obviously I don't chew through rubber but I did run them reasonably hard (high 30's) after some advice regarding feel.

I know the 023's are going to have crazy mileage compared with both the Pure's and the S20's but I'm just not sure of the feel coming from the Pure's and the turn-in I get currently.

I've heard some scary stuff about the S20's lasting stuff all and since money is tight, I don't want to throw on some and have to replace them after 5,000km of my riding!

I honestly thought the Pure's would have been shot after 7k but they just kept going. Something around that I wouldn't mind out of the s20's.

I'm going to be doing more track days next year hence my dilemma of going with the 20's or sacrificing a little and going with the 23's. Another reason for the toss up is I don't even get close to pushing the Pure's at the mo'.

Shit! It's easier buying a bloody bike!

I read an interesting comparison recently, between the various sports tires on the market. The new Conti Sort Attack 2 won the best street tire award over the S20, Dunlop Sportsmart, Pirelli, and Power Pure. others. Wasn't the track favorite, as Pirelli and Dunlop had more sustained grip during hard laps at the track, but the Conti had the best street feel, lasted the longest, and at 4,000km they hadn't dropped off in performance.

I've got them on my bike and I love the feel of them on the street. Very nimble.

I'd supply the link, only I'm having a hard job finding it just at the moment.

[Drew]

Currently, Onearmbandit has done a load more k's than me. He's having no serious concerns about wear.

Just had a conversation with my co sidecar racer today, and he's had stupid miles from the contis on his bike, but I've ridden on them, and I reckon they're bloody shithouse for feel, compared to the Bridgies.

Might be because of our road surface, since the chap above read a write up saying the exact opposite.

I cannot see any wear at all after about 1500 k's if that helps.

[Corse1]

Love the S20 front so much I have just purchased a 190 55 for the rear off ebay. $172.22 NZD free freight with parts coming down from the states for our business :2thumbsup
Yes thats right half price. Dont we get ripped here, sorry local sellers but the price was just too good.

The front has had about 350 kms on track days and is very confidence inspiring with great feel and grip. Cannot comment on mileage yet.

[slofox]

I am currently 6000km into a set of BT 016 Pro's - the immediate predecessor of the S20's.

As far as mileage goes, these are touted as better than their own predecessor, the BT 016. Original 016's gave me about 9000k a set. The 016 Pro's are starting to show shape change now at 6000km. I am interested to see if they last until 9k - at this stage I think maybe not. Will see.

EDIT: Have to say, I love the 016 pros on the road.

TBH, I think maybe the tyres get a bit more of a workout these days than did the last 016 set. Noticed the gas consumption has gone up a bit as well...:wacko: Bike must be getting old.

I'll go to S20's next change since I have an offer of a discount from distributors. And I have always enjoyed the 016 series.

[ckai]

Currently, Onearmbandit has done a load more k's than me. He's having no serious concerns about wear.

Just had a conversation with my co sidecar racer today, and he's had stupid miles from the contis on his bike, but I've ridden on them, and I reckon they're bloody shithouse for feel, compared to the Bridgies.

Might be because of our road surface, since the chap above read a write up saying the exact opposite.

I cannot see any wear at all after about 1500 k's if that helps.

mmm sounds like I may just swing towards the s20's


Love the S20 front so much I have just purchased a 190 55 for the rear off ebay. $172.22 NZD free freight with parts coming down from the states for our business :2thumbsup
Yes thats right half price. Dont we get ripped here, sorry local sellers but the price was just too good.

The front has had about 350 kms on track days and is very confidence inspiring with great feel and grip. Cannot comment on mileage yet.

Nice score!


I am currently 6000km into a set of BT 016 Pro's - the immediate predecessor of the S20's.

As far as mileage goes, these are touted as better than their own predecessor, the BT 016. Original 016's gave me about 9000k a set. The 016 Pro's are starting to show shape change now at 6000km. I am interested to see if they last until 9k - at this stage I think maybe not. Will see.

EDIT: Have to say, I love the 016 pros on the road.

TBH, I think maybe the tyres get a bit more of a workout these days than did the last 016 set. Noticed the gas consumption has gone up a bit as well...:wacko: Bike must be getting old.

I'll go to S20's next change since I have an offer of a discount from distributors. And I have always enjoyed the 016 series.

That's actually good to know. Everything that I've read from people on the S20's coming from the 016 said they like them better and the wear is similar. Some say that because they feel slightly better they give it more beans explaining why they would do slightly less k's if any.

Decision made I think. It's interesting, everyone that asks me what I think of the Pure's I give them the same response, neither like or dislike them. I thought they were similar to the Power 2CT's but I ride a hell of a lot differently now then I did with 2ct's. But 95% of people running s20's say the love them.

Time to see if they full of shit or not :)

PS It does sound like the bikes getting old ;)

[GrayWolf]

So has anyone run these for long enough to get a mileage idea??

On Saturday I'm getting a set of either the S20's or...BT023's. I've got Pure's on the Daytona at the mo'. They've lasted stupidly long (11,000 km :gob: - including 4 track training sessions) so obviously I don't chew through rubber but I did run them reasonably hard (high 30's) after some advice regarding feel.

I know the 023's are going to have crazy mileage compared with both the Pure's and the S20's but I'm just not sure of the feel coming from the Pure's and the turn-in I get currently.

I

I'm going to be doing more track days next year hence my dilemma of going with the 20's or sacrificing a little and going with the 23's. Another reason for the toss up is I don't even get close to pushing the Pure's at the mo'.
!

I know the MT isnt a sprotbike, but on roads like the 'Taka's it will surprise more than a few litre sprotties.
it's heavy, has a huge V twin and massive torque figures, (equates to the power pulses shredding rear tyres quickly under hard riding)
I've uses Diablo's on it and now have the BT023 (gt) (heavy load carcass) as the MT wighs in at 260+kg wet + a 100kg+ rider.
For normal road riding I havent found the 023's lacking and my chicken strips are pretty bloody narrow!!
The 023 have significantly outlasted the Diablo's. I would give them a serious consideration!

[NZsarge]

Just to put a bit of a cat in amongst the pigeons there's a replacement for the Power Pure due soon to, name change to Pilot Power 3, as usual some big claims are being made in terms of both wet and dry performance.
Interestingly it looks like they have moved away from the "light tyre technology" they were touting with the Power Pures.

[slofox]

Have a new set of S 20's fitted this morning. Can't pick up til tomorrow morning though, buggrit, due to working day.

Oh and my 016 Pro's just totally wore out at 7000km. Compared to 9000 from the original 016's.

[ckai]

Have a new set of S 20's fitted this morning. Can't pick up til tomorrow morning though, buggrit, due to working day.

Oh and my 016 Pro's just totally wore out at 7000km. Compared to 9000 from the original 016's.

I heard the pro's were a bit rubbish did mileage compared to the standard 016's.

I got a set of the s20s a few weeks back. It's like riding the bike on bloody rails! Piss on the pures so far

Sent from one of those touch do-hickies

[onearmedbandit]

I heard the pro's were a bit rubbish did mileage compared to the standard 016's.

I got a set of the s20s a few weeks back. It's like riding the bike on bloody rails! Piss on the pures so far

Sent from one of those touch do-hickies

I'm at 5000km now, and they are still going strong. Check out my latest review.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/155854-Bridgestone-Battlax-S20R-review-5000km?p=1130466423#post1130466423

[Kruzah]

Honda Hamilton are doing some mean deals on these S20 tyres guys


only $501 for a pair of 180/55 & 120/70 fully fitted to ANY make/model of bike :2thumbsup
$502 for 190/50 & 120/70 fully fitted,
$503 for 190/55 & 120/70 fully fitted,

and if you don't liv near the Tron they will do them for $499 with FREE freight for you :clap:

[ckai]

Honda Hamilton are doing some mean deals on these S20 tyres guys


only $501 for a pair of 180/55 & 120/70 fully fitted to ANY make/model of bike :2thumbsup
$502 for 190/50 & 120/70 fully fitted,
$503 for 190/55 & 120/70 fully fitted,

and if you don't liv near the Tron they will do them for $499 with FREE freight for you :clap:

Give Boyd's a tinkle. Might surprise you again ;-)

Sent from a fancy big arse touch thingie

[Xsannz]

hmmm..

last time i had bridgestones was battleaxe tures..

and i had some real issues with three sets of them on different bikes.

so i swore i would never ride with bridgestones again.. felt great abd cotrollable but let go without warning, whereas pirrellli i coudl feel them when getting towards the limit...

rocking the 2011 r1 with the factory dunlops at the moment.. when they are worn out i was thnking pilot power pures or some pirreli's, but are these bridgestones worth a try...

[ckai]

rocking the 2011 r1 with the factory dunlops at the moment.. when they are worn out i was thnking pilot power pures or some pirreli's, but are these bridgestones worth a try...

Yip :D

I've had michies all the time on my bikes with the last set being the pures. For me, the s20's are better. Mixed bag of results regarding tyre life for people but I think that's coming down to pressure. The feel and grip do it for me.

Sent from a fancy big arse touch thingie

[mattathm]

I run em and a lot of my mates run em...

30psi all round for good grip on the road.
Im not worried about the tyres lasting. Id rather the grip than 10000kms of life.





Yip :D

I've had michies all the time on my bikes with the last set being the pures. For me, the s20's are better. Mixed bag of results regarding tyre life for people but I think that's coming down to pressure. The feel and grip do it for me.

Sent from a fancy big arse touch thingie

[onearmedbandit]

30psi? On the road? Interesting.

[Xsannz]

30psi? On the road? Interesting.

hmmm yeah sounds a little too squishy to me.. i would run 32psi .. it woudl keep the shape better i think..

30 < and lower = stunters pressure sorta..

know a stunter mate who runs at between 26 - 30 psi so he can get a bigger and flatter contact patch.

[Drew]

36psi Ish front and rear. Depending on the day, and they are at their best.

Oh yeah. On m stunt bike, I ran 18psi front, 14rear. Not S20s though.

[\m/]

Running 36/38 in my S20s on my GSXR. Done around 3000k on them so far, looks like I'll get about 5-6000 out of the rear, maybe a bit more from the front. Will most likely get S20s again.

[BigAl]

My rear S20 is toast after 4400 ks and 4 months of summer riding on the R1.:cry:

Running 38/36 psi in em.

Good grip but I'll be going back to pilot powers, after getting nearly 9k out of my last rear.

Maybe the new 3 or might even try race/road attacks as heard good things about them.

[Geeen]

My rear S20 is toast after 4400 ks and 4 months of summer riding on the R1.:cry:

Running 38/36 psi in em.

Good grip but I'll be going back to pilot powers, after getting nearly 9k out of my last rear.

Maybe the new 3 or might even try race/road attacks as heard good things about them.

I have the new conti Sport attack 2 on the Speedy, awesome tyre. Not the cheapest option out there by a LONG way!!

[Drew]

My rear S20 is toast after 4400 ks and 4 months of summer riding on the R1.:cry:

Running 38/36 psi in em.

Good grip but I'll be going back to pilot powers, after getting nearly 9k out of my last rear.

Maybe the new 3 or might even try race/road attacks as heard good things about them.

I'd be looking long and hard at the bike set up, personally. I've gotten more than 4,400k's on the back of my bike, and it ONLY gets used to be thrashed within an inch of it's life over the Rimutaka hill. With the one exception of going to Wanganui and back.

[BigAl]

I'd be looking long and hard at the bike set up, personally. I've gotten more than 4,400k's on the back of my bike, and it ONLY gets used to be thrashed within an inch of it's life over the Rimutaka hill. With the one exception of going to Wanganui and back.

Ohlins on rear that RT had a look at when I was down there and set up not changed since michelins,
Maybe ridden slightly harder, that's all.

[Drew]

Ohlins on rear that RT had a look at when I was down there and set up not changed since michelins,
Maybe ridden slightly harder, that's all.Interesting.

I think Fraser got around 5,000 on the Gixxer, so I guess we can glean from those results that on a superbike, the S20's perform but don't last.

[Xsannz]

i think r1's eat rears..

the factory dunlop is only 780km into it's life.. (new bike) non tcs version ex demo 2011 model....

and i notice massive stippling on my rear tyre and wear.. and suspension is set for me...

i think the r1 just pushes tyres hard... i remeber Rossie struggling at the end of races on the M1 the r1 is based off because his back ed was all over the place late in the race dure to tyres being chewed out..

guess when the bike is designed to make the most of the available torque something has to give...

[Drew]

i think r1's eat rears..

the factory dunlop is only 780km into it's life.. (new bike) non tcs version ex demo 2011 model....

and i notice massive stippling on my rear tyre and wear.. and suspension is set for me...

i think the r1 just pushes tyres hard... i remeber Rossie struggling at the end of races on the M1 the r1 is based off because his back ed was all over the place late in the race dure to tyres being chewed out..

guess when the bike is designed to make the most of the available torque something has to give...

Original equipment are nothing to go by. They are often different to what we get off the shelf.

R1 is no harder on tyres than any other superbike, meant to be easier on tyres even due to the long gap between power pulses.

[JayRacer37]

Original equipment are nothing to go by. They are often different to what we get off the shelf.

R1 is no harder on tyres than any other superbike, meant to be easier on tyres even due to the long gap between power pulses.

I was using two rears on my R1 to Adrian's one on his GSXR on track...and I was often 1 compound level harder on the rear than him too. My lap times were quicker but not by more than a second so pretty close. The crossplane R1 linkage seems to be pretty abrupt and hard on tyres...maybe the weight bias contributed to that but I had it high in the front and not much higher than stock in the rear.

[Drew]

Just another nail in the coffin, of the most horrible superbike I've ever ridden I guess.

[BigAl]

Just another nail in the coffin, of the most horrible superbike I've ever ridden I guess.

Many would beg to differ.

[Drew]

Many would beg to differ.
I don't doubt that, I question. "Why"?

[roogazza]

I was using two rears on my R1 to Adrian's one on his GSXR on track...and I was often 1 compound level harder on the rear than him too. My lap times were quicker but not by more than a second so pretty close. The crossplane R1 linkage seems to be pretty abrupt and hard on tyres...maybe the weight bias contributed to that but I had it high in the front and not much higher than stock in the rear.


Just another nail in the coffin, of the most horrible superbike I've ever ridden I guess.

You two blokes seem to have experience with S20s, so getting back to them for a bit. Slightly higher pressures( reading between the lines ), 36, 38 would be a good place to start ?
I get a pair fitted today (if I can dodge the raindrops and get to town). Pilots Powers , the older type, give me around 6 ks a set so if S20s can get close to that I'm happy.

[slofox]

You two blokes seem to have experience with S20s, so getting back to them for a bit. Slightly higher pressures( reading between the lines ), 36, 38 would be a good place to start ?
I get a pair fitted today (if I can dodge the raindrops and get to town). Pilots Powers , the older type, give me around 6 ks a set so if S20s can get close to that I'm happy.

I've done a tick over 4000km on my set on the six. All looks good so far.

[Drew]

You two blokes seem to have experience with S20s, so getting back to them for a bit. Slightly higher pressures( reading between the lines ), 36, 38 would be a good place to start ?
I get a pair fitted today (if I can dodge the raindrops and get to town). Pilots Powers , the older type, give me around 6 ks a set so if S20s can get close to that I'm happy.

You're onto it Gaz. Those pressures are what I ran, and the pair on the RF still look near new after 4 or 5 thousand k's.

[Owl]

Got a set of S20's in the shed and looking forward to trying them out. Just gotta kill these blasted PR2's that won't die.

[JayRacer37]

You two blokes seem to have experience with S20s, so getting back to them for a bit. Slightly higher pressures( reading between the lines ), 36, 38 would be a good place to start ?
I get a pair fitted today (if I can dodge the raindrops and get to town). Pilots Powers , the older type, give me around 6 ks a set so if S20s can get close to that I'm happy.


You're onto it Gaz. Those pressures are what I ran, and the pair on the RF still look near new after 4 or 5 thousand k's.

Would go with Drew on this one, he's the man with experience on the S20. Certainly in a tyre of that type there is little (if any) advantage to running much lower than those numbers, and some significant potential downsides (Life, carcass structure, stability, potential to overheat)

[roogazza]

Would go with Drew on this one, he's the man with experience on the S20. Certainly in a tyre of that type there is little (if any) advantage to running much lower than those numbers, and some significant potential downsides (Life, carcass structure, stability, potential to overheat)

Thanks to both. I've been running 36/38 for some time with PPs with the result of better mileage and feel. (street).
Keen to see how these last on the thou ?

[slofox]

6300km so far. Still looking OK. Some shape change happening, so who knows?

I trust these tyres more than any I have used. But then I probably didn't try any of them to the limit anyway, so... I just reckon it'd be damn hard for me to fall off these.

EDIT: Oh and by the by, I run 36 - 38 rear and 34 - 36 front.

[kiwi cowboy]

Would go with Drew on this one, he's the man with experience on the S20. Certainly in a tyre of that type there is little (if any) advantage to running much lower than those numbers, and some significant potential downsides (Life, carcass structure, stability, potential to overheat)

is there any news about these coming out in a 160 60 18 for the older bikes ( I remember at being bandied about on a thread here just cant find it) my old fizzer needs a new tire on the rear for rally season and the best tire it looks like is only a t30 (new bt106 on front).:(

[Drew]

is there any news about these coming out in a 160 60 18 for the older bikes ( I remember at being bandied about on a thread here just cant find it) my old fizzer needs a new tire on the rear for rally season and the best tire it looks like is only a t30 (new bt106 on front).:(I could never get anything decent for the back of my FZR when I raced it. Prick of a size.

You will save money in the long run getting a 17X5 rim and running a 180/55 I should think, if you want sticky hoops.

[JayRacer37]

is there any news about these coming out in a 160 60 18 for the older bikes ( I remember at being bandied about on a thread here just cant find it) my old fizzer needs a new tire on the rear for rally season and the best tire it looks like is only a t30 (new bt106 on front).:(

We haven't had any word at this point about an 18" version, and I would find it pretty surprising if there was one as the call for an 18" Hypersports tyre is very low. We do have a 150/60-18 Race tyre (BT090 SS) for VFR400 etc, but that will be too light in the carcass and too soft in the compound for your bike, I would suspect (along with being a little smaller). I think the best possible tyre for the bike would be a T30, this has been designed for slightly higher mileage use on sports bikes, and also on slightly heavier bikes like the FZR. Bridgestone worked hard on making it feel like a sports tyre, and it will match the BT-016 you have on the front well (in a lot of respects it will be a better tyre). It's been made specifically for bikes like yours (they are about the only things that use an 18" radial rear!)


I could never get anything decent for the back of my FZR when I raced it. Prick of a size.

You will save money in the long run getting a 17X5 rim and running a 180/55 I should think, if you want sticky hoops.

Yeah big time, if you can find a 17x5 or 17x5.5 rim, the choice is much better, although I don't think T30 is a compromise on that bike - it will be more than enough to start stressing the swingarm out.

[Drew]

We haven't had any word at this point about an 18" version, and I would find it pretty surprising if there was one as the call for an 18" Hypersports tyre is very low. We do have a 150/60-18 Race tyre (BT090 SS) for VFR400 etc, but that will be too light in the carcass and too soft in the compound for your bike, I would suspect (along with being a little smaller). I think the best possible tyre for the bike would be a T30, this has been designed for slightly higher mileage use on sports bikes, and also on slightly heavier bikes like the FZR. Bridgestone worked hard on making it feel like a sports tyre, and it will match the BT-016 you have on the front well (in a lot of respects it will be a better tyre). It's been made specifically for bikes like yours (they are about the only things that use an 18" radial rear!)



Yeah big time, if you can find a 17x5 or 17x5.5 rim, the choice is much better, although I don't think T30 is a compromise on that bike - it will be more than enough to start stressing the swingarm out.Now you and I both know, that swingarm flex is only an indication that your getting inside the 'window' of pace on a given machine.

[JayRacer37]

Now you and I both know, that swingarm flex is only an indication that your getting inside the 'window' of pace on a given machine.

Yes true...not the best feeling ever though! I think the T30 is a really good option for that bike - perfectly matched to the weight and chassis style it has.

[Drew]

Yes true...not the best feeling ever though! I think the T30 is a really good option for that bike - perfectly matched to the weight and chassis style it has.

You've ridden 60s/70s jap bikes in anger, the FZR is positively MotoGP spec by comparison!

I'll take your word for the T30 being the right hoop for the job though, I raced with a Diablo 'Strada' on the back of my FZR. We'll call that...interesting...if nothing else.

[baffa]

Fitted them front and rear to the CBR900RR to replace the Metzler M3s. Maybe biased after such an average tyre, but the S20s transformed the feel of the bike. It actually wanted to dip into corners and felt a lot more dynamic, but at the same time gave me more confidence, both in the dry and the wet.

Didnt have a chance to truely test them though, traded the bike less than 100km after fitting the front D=

[Owl]

Got a set of S20's in the shed and looking forward to trying them out.

Nice grippy tyres, but longevity isn't their strong point. Going to the T30 which should be better suited to me.

[Drew]

Nice grippy tyres, but longevity isn't their strong point. Going to the T30 which should be better suited to me.A few people have said this. I have had around 5000ks out of mine and they still look mint.

What pressures are you running them at? I was 36 front 34 rear for max performance, wasn't worried about distance since I didn't pay for them, but they are lasting well.

[Owl]

What pressures are you running them at?

36 front and 38 rear. Front is still on and going alright, but rear is toast at 4K. By comparison, my previous PR2's lasted 13K.

[Drew]

36 front and 38 rear. Front is still on and going alright, but rear is toast at 4K. By comparison, my previous PR2's lasted 13K.

Really surprised. The only riding my bike gets, is the living shit thrashed out of it over the Rimutaka hill once or twice a week.

[onearmedbandit]

I only got about 4500km out of my rear, but balance that with the feedback, grip etc I got from it I'm still sold.

[Ender EnZed]

I got 5000km out of front and rear. Run at 36 - 40 psi.

[JayRacer37]

A few people have said this. I have had around 5000ks out of mine and they still look mint.

What pressures are you running them at? I was 36 front 34 rear for max performance, wasn't worried about distance since I didn't pay for them, but they are lasting well.


36 front and 38 rear. Front is still on and going alright, but rear is toast at 4K. By comparison, my previous PR2's lasted 13K.


Really surprised. The only riding my bike gets, is the living shit thrashed out of it over the Rimutaka hill once or twice a week.


I only got about 4500km out of my rear, but balance that with the feedback, grip etc I got from it I'm still sold.


I got 5000km out of front and rear. Run at 36 - 40 psi.

There are some varying reports on mileage to be honest. Most people get between 4500-7000km from the rear depending on usage. South Island riders get lesser on average with the coarse chip we don't have so much of up here. Also, it seems that those running around 34psi rear are getting better mileage than those higher - my guess here is the higher pressure narrows contact patch, then higher heat and wear in this narrow band wearing the tyre quickly...it goes against common thinking but people on this tyre usually give it a fisfull...again, higher pressure, narrower contact will promote wheelspin and wear.

Personally I have done 1500km on my 999S with a 190/55 S20 on 5.5" rim, setup is not so great, most riding has been pretty quick on harsh roads excluding 100-200km of commuting. I would say its about 1/5th to 1/4 worn, but it showing signs of heat distress (rippling in tread, pulling on end of blocks). I have been running it at 32psi (naughty naughty I know, and I would never recommend it to anyone else officially) which accounts for some of the heat based wear.

[Drew]

At 32 PSI I didn't notice any increased performance, so I went back to 34.

My bike was a bit spongier in the rear though, might make a difference with the new shock in it.

[JayRacer37]

At 32 PSI I didn't notice any increased performance, so I went back to 34.

My bike was a bit spongier in the rear though, might make a difference with the new shock in it.

Yeah, when you have shock Pogo as well you don't need the tyre chiming in!

I do it as we run the slicks at 25psi (hot) and I prefer to be used to the feel of it moving rather than getting on the GSX and going "Holy mother of god, this thing is about to fall apart" like I did to start with.

[Drew]

Yeah, when you have shock Pogo as well you don't need the tyre chiming in!

I do it as we run the slicks at 25psi (hot) and I prefer to be used to the feel of it moving rather than getting on the GSX and going "Holy mother of god, this thing is about to fall apart" like I did to start with.
But...The GSX is falling apart. That front fairing isn't gonna be there in a couple of meetings if something isn't done to tighten it up.

[JayRacer37]

But...The GSX is falling apart. That front fairing isn't gonna be there in a couple of meetings if something isn't done to tighten it up.

We put a redbull can under it, it's fine - what more do you want! I wanted it to be naked anyway, that McIntosh fairing is something awful lookin'!

[Drew]

We put a redbull can under it, it's fine - what more do you want! I wanted it to be naked anyway, that McIntosh fairing is something awful lookin'!The air dam front looks cool on the GSX when it's on track.

I wasn't barred up about the McIntosh either. Goes pretty good but.

[Corse1]

Personally I have done 1500km on my 999S with a 190/55 S20 on 5.5" rim, setup is not so great, most riding has been pretty quick on harsh roads excluding 100-200km of commuting. I would say its about 1/5th to 1/4 worn, but it showing signs of heat distress (rippling in tread, pulling on end of blocks). I have been running it at 32psi (naughty naughty I know, and I would never recommend it to anyone else officially) which accounts for some of the heat based wear.

Same setup on my 999s as well with same mileage and wear results although swap your "pretty quick on harsh roads" to 1200km of track days. Your road riding is probably harder than my track days! Pressures 30 rear 32 front. The tyres look good. I still like em.

[Drew]

Same setup on my 999s as well with same mileage and wear results although swap your "pretty quick on harsh roads" to 1200km of track days. Your road riding is probably harder than my track days! Pressures 30 rear 32 front. The tyres look good. I still like em.I'm hoping those pressures are stone cold. Otherwise I would encourage a touch more.

Horses for courses though, it's not like I have experience with the tyres on a decent chassis...(Neither do either of you though, come to think of it...hehehehehehehehe).

[Corse1]

I'm hoping those pressures are stone cold. Otherwise I would encourage a touch more.

Horses for courses though, it's not like I have experience with the tyres on a decent chassis...(Neither do either of you though, come to think of it...hehehehehehehehe).

haha yeah could agree with you there. Revamped suspension could help a bit but yes stone cold pressures as advised to me by Whites Bridgestone specialist Jay Lawrence at a tyre seminar for the track. I would use 36 rear and 34 front for the road. I do not push it on our nations finest though.

[JayRacer37]

I'm hoping those pressures are stone cold. Otherwise I would encourage a touch more.

Horses for courses though, it's not like I have experience with the tyres on a decent chassis...(Neither do either of you though, come to think of it...hehehehehehehehe).

That's harsh Drew, enough to get your arse up in a 2:10...!


haha yeah could agree with you there. Revamped suspension could help a bit but yes stone cold pressures as advised to me by Whites Bridgestone specialist Jay Lawrence at a tyre seminar for the track. I would use 36 rear and 34 front for the road. I do not push it on our nations finest though.

Yep, that would be the pressures I would advise at the extreme end of the track spectrum, if you do something with longer sessions I would recommend 1-2 psi higher. Which seminar of mine were you at, from interest? Re: your road pressures, personally I would go vise-versa - 36 front, 34 rear.

[Drew]

That's harsh Drew, enough to get your arse up in a 2:10...!Wasn't a fun 2m10s of my life though.

[Corse1]

Yep, that would be the pressures I would advise at the extreme end of the track spectrum, if you do something with longer sessions I would recommend 1-2 psi higher. Which seminar of mine were you at, from interest? Re: your road pressures, personally I would go vise-versa - 36 front, 34 rear.

At Bayride a while ago when they had an expo evening or something like that....The pressures worked well at the track and the tyre wear looks good. They are private track days where we hire the track ourselves so basically go out when you want for how long you want. Easy to rack up 300kms a day just on the track.

Will go with those pressures for the road if it gets out there again:( Its been sitting for the last 8 weeks in the garage still with track plastics on. The 4s is getting plenty of use though.

[actungbaby]

Dude and didint come see me ;-)
Whats it like not walking stooped over . agh used to live in pet one went to school there.

Oh i know i blame my spelling on those years hehe

seriously i been thinking can smell the burning not good . cbr 900 rr front

cheap tire or the s 20,s . thing puts me of read reviews overseas reakon the wear fast.

Not so bad on the front but rears are 300.00 plus aghhh :wacko:

Am thinking from cbr is alot quicker than vfr and alot more i rekon i be flicking around

Alot more as vfr is like lazy boy chair u sort of let it takes it time

The shinko on vfr worn down already shit seems only done few thousand k,s on it crap.



Over Piecock hill was a different test than the Rimutaka hill. Piecock (obviously this isn't how it's meant to be spelled, but I don't care), is a mixture of near perfect seal, transitioning to a goat track, then back to nice. The hoops coped very well with that, and continued to do what I wanted of them.

I've twice now had the front feel border line tucking, but it's not consistent enough for me to think it's a tyre issue. Both times was easily sorted out by merely dropping shoulder a tad, so not sure why I brought it up.

Smooth and comfy on the open road, will report again when I next ride.[/QUOTE]

[roogazza]

Still running 36 F 38 R with the S20s. Feel great to me , tho reading thread it seems thoughts on pressures seem to be less than before esspecially at rear ????
Have kept note of Kms so will report wear on change over.

[JayRacer37]

Wasn't a fun 2m10s of my life though.

Yeah fair enough!

[JayRacer37]

Still running 36 F 38 R with the S20s. Feel great to me , tho reading thread it seems thoughts on pressures seem to be less than before esspecially at rear ????
Have kept note of Kms so will report wear on change over.

Yeah, I am hearing reports from people that have tried more extreme pressure and have liked it. I wouldn't recommend below 30, and to be honest its better to start with manufacturers recommendations, but I have heard from a number of people that low worked well. The consensus seems to be 34 cold rear.

[slofox]

Currently at 7500km give or take a couple. Back tyre is doubtful at best and would probably fail a warrant. Best I be changing it before the dreaded steel belt appears in the middle...:shutup:

[AllanB]

Currently at 7500km give or take a couple. Back tyre is doubtful at best and would probably fail a warrant. Best I be changing it before the dreaded steel belt appears in the middle...:shutup:

So how's it handling at the extreme end of it's life? I find I chuck tyres nearing the end as the handling usually changes for the worse and pisses me off so I probably throw them out at 90% dead.

How's the 7500 compare with other sports tyres on your bike?

[roogazza]

Currently at 7500km give or take a couple. Back tyre is doubtful at best and would probably fail a warrant. Best I be changing it before the dreaded steel belt appears in the middle...:shutup:

Ok, so the front isn't wearing at the same rate ? Mine usually do, guess I'm like Melandri huh ???? hahahahaha.
But seriously I seem to get more out of the rear than most.
The older PPowers gave 9000 with higher pressures, but again were stuffed together, front and rear.

ps thanks for that other post, JayRacer37, re pressures.

[slofox]

So how's it handling at the extreme end of it's life? I find I chuck tyres nearing the end as the handling usually changes for the worse and pisses me off so I probably throw them out at 90% dead.

How's the 7500 compare with other sports tyres on your bike?

They haven't let me down at all but they don't feel the same as they did. Not too keen on the "end of life" stage either.

Km? Well, original BT016's gave me 9000 on two sets. The 016 Pro's went 7000km. But then I ride a little differently now than I did when the bike was new. I'm not as careful as I was - the bike is now "old" and so am I. What do I have to lose? Better I kill myself than someone else does it for me...:devil2:


Ok, so the front isn't wearing at the same rate ? Mine usually do, guess I'm like Melandri huh ???? hahahahaha.
But seriously I seem to get more out of the rear than most.
The older PPowers gave 9000 with higher pressures, but again were stuffed together, front and rear.

ps thanks for that other post, JayRacer37, re pressures.

No the front has a little life yet. But not too much - maybe 1500 at most? It has, however, shown much less scalloping than the 016 series did. The shape is still quite good. So I'd rate the front quite well.

Overall, I'd have to say I have loved riding on these tyres. But due to current financial restraints, I may have to settle for something that costs me a little less. That's the reality of being on old fart...:2guns:

[JayRacer37]

Ok, so the front isn't wearing at the same rate ? Mine usually do, guess I'm like Melandri huh ???? hahahahaha.
But seriously I seem to get more out of the rear than most.
The older PPowers gave 9000 with higher pressures, but again were stuffed together, front and rear.

ps thanks for that other post, JayRacer37, re pressures.

Not a problem!


Overall, I'd have to say I have loved riding on these tyres. But due to current financial restraints, I may have to settle for something that costs me a little less. That's the reality of being on old fart...:2guns:

Boyd's have some pretty great prices on S20 and T30 currently...

[slofox]

Boyd's have some pretty great prices on S20 and T30 currently...

Thanks for the info JayRacer37 - I'll be calling on them tomorrow for a warrant.

[ckai]

Currently at 7500km give or take a couple. Back tyre is doubtful at best and would probably fail a warrant. Best I be changing it before the dreaded steel belt appears in the middle...:shutup:

I should have a look to see how many k's I've done. It'll be f'all and might even scare me at how little the bike's been ridden since throwing the s20's on. What pressures are/were you running?

I might have a look at dropping mine a little from what you lot have said and see how they feel. I reckon these tyres give wicked confidence. Every time I jump on the bike I seem to care less and less what speed I'm going into corners. And I also make brooommmm noises a lot more :) Personally, I reckon that should be their selling point. :msn-wink:

[slofox]

I should have a look to see how many k's I've done. It'll be f'all and might even scare me at how little the bike's been ridden since throwing the s20's on. What pressures are/were you running?

I might have a look at dropping mine a little from what you lot have said and see how they feel. I reckon these tyres give wicked confidence. Every time I jump on the bike I seem to care less and less what speed I'm going into corners. And I also make brooommmm noises a lot more :) Personally, I reckon that should be their selling point. :msn-wink:

Pressures around 34 - 36 front, 36 - 38 rear

[Coldrider]

Got 9K on my oem front s20, still going strong and in good shape, on a blade.

[slofox]

Currently at 7500km give or take a couple. Back tyre is doubtful at best and would probably fail a warrant. Best I be changing it before the dreaded steel belt appears in the middle...:shutup:

It did fail a warrant. And probably would have 500km ago...

[ckai]

It did fail a warrant. And probably would have 500km ago...

Interesting. I checked mine yesterday and worked out I've done just over 6k on mine and they still look mint. Very slight squaring if you look closely but they'll definitely outlast the pures I replaced.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4

[Drew]

Interesting. I checked mine yesterday and worked out I've done just over 6k on mine and they still look mint. Very slight squaring if you look closely but they'll definitely outlast the pures I replaced.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
What sort of bike do you have?

It seems these hoops are very well suited to bikes that are softer in suspension terms. I would have to put a brand new tyre beside the ones on my bike, to be sure if there was any wear at all.

[slofox]

Interesting. I checked mine yesterday and worked out I've done just over 6k on mine and they still look mint. Very slight squaring if you look closely but they'll definitely outlast the pures I replaced.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4

Mine seemed to give it up pretty quickly between 6k and 7k. Didn't look bad for ages, then boom.

[mossy1200]

Mine have 2500km and the rear might go another 1-1.5

[Corse1]

Mine have 2500km and the rear might go another 1-1.5

One reason why I have so far resisted the urge to buy a hyper sports bike. A mate gets good mileage with tyres on his busa but he has good hand restraint.

[mossy1200]

One reason why I have so far resisted the urge to buy a hyper sports bike. A mate gets good mileage with tyres on his busa but he has good hand restraint.

4k on a back isn't to bad. A lot of litre bikes ridden hard wont get that.
Idd get a lot more if I did some km with traction control on I would say.
Half my kms are with passenger and some towing trailer also.

[Drew]

4k on a back isn't to bad. A lot of litre bikes ridden hard wont get that.
Idd get a lot more if I did some km with traction control on I would say.
Half my kms are with passenger and some towing trailer also.

1500ks was my record for destroying a rear hoop on the K2 thou, without any track time.

[Corse1]

4k on a back isn't to bad. A lot of litre bikes ridden hard wont get that.
Idd get a lot more if I did some km with traction control on I would say.
Half my kms are with passenger and some towing trailer also.


1500ks was my record for destroying a rear hoop on the K2 thou, without any track time.

HEY i ride lowly V twins so when I say hyper sports i include IL4 sports bikes with the Busa's etc:mellow:

[ckai]

What sort of bike do you have?

It seems these hoops are very well suited to bikes that are softer in suspension terms. I would have to put a brand new tyre beside the ones on my bike, to be sure if there was any wear at all.

675 so certainly not in the soft suspension camp. I ride a lot differently than a few years ago. Quicker but a lot easier on rubber. I saying that, I was very much a nanna.


Mine seemed to give it up pretty quickly between 6k and 7k. Didn't look bad for ages, then boom.

I was kinda thinking that may be the case. So what you're really saying is start saving now ;-)

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4

[caspernz]

What sort of bike do you have?

It seems these hoops are very well suited to bikes that are softer in suspension terms. I would have to put a brand new tyre beside the ones on my bike, to be sure if there was any wear at all.

Sounds like we have a candidate for a Specsavers visit maybe? :eek5:


One reason why I have so far resisted the urge to buy a hyper sports bike. A mate gets good mileage with tyres on his busa but he has good hand restraint.

This must be like being married to a porn star and only brushing her hair :facepalm:

[kiwi cowboy]

This must be like being married to a porn star and only brushing her hair :facepalm:[/QUOTE]

:headbang::headbang::headbang:post of the week right here.:killingme:killingme:killingme:killingme

[Corse1]

This must be like being married to a porn star and only brushing her hair :facepalm:




:headbang::headbang::headbang:post of the week right here.:killingme:killingme:killingme:killingme[/QUOTE]

Very good! although he does have an Ape RSV4 Factory that gets more than its hair combed........

[mossy1200]

This must be like being married to a porn star and only SHAVING her hair :facepalm:


:headbang::headbang::headbang:post of the week right here.:killingme:killingme:killingme:killingme

Fixed that for you

[caspernz]

Fixed that for you

Teehee...in that case I'd recommend handcuffs, leg restraints, ball gag and applying the hotwax in liberal doses...:innocent:

Oohhh, no hang on, wrong forum for that subject innit?

[G4L4XY]

I got my rear S20 all roughed up through the twisties from whanga - waihi. Nothing more satisfying than seeing how hard they grip through some of those tighter corners. Damn bastard roadworks gone and ruined all my fun now!

[Drew]

I got my rear S20 all roughed up through the twisties from whanga - waihi. Nothing more satisfying than seeing how hard they grip through some of those tighter corners. Damn bastard roadworks gone and ruined all my fun now!

That's interesting to hear. Since they look like I've just popped to the shops on a Sunday, after I go as fast over the Rimutaka hill as I think I ever have on them.

What pressure are you running it at? Might be an idea to back off a bit on the compression damping if it's mid thirties.

[haydes55]

I got my rear S20 all roughed up through the twisties from whanga - waihi. Nothing more satisfying than seeing how hard they grip through some of those tighter corners. Damn bastard roadworks gone and ruined all my fun now!









I went Hamilton-Whangamata-Waihi-Tauranga on Saturday. Roads were mint! Followed a bike 2up between Whanga and Waihi going pretty hard for pillioning.

The road works weren't for long.

[G4L4XY]

I went Hamilton-Whangamata-Waihi-Tauranga on Saturday. Roads were mint! Followed a bike 2up between Whanga and Waihi going pretty hard for pillioning.

The road works weren't for long.

Yeah your right they weren't long haha. Next time you head on such a trip you should let me know if you want some company.

[G4L4XY]

That's interesting to hear. Since they look like I've just popped to the shops on a Sunday, after I go as fast over the Rimutaka hill as I think I ever have on them.

What pressure are you running it at? Might be an idea to back off a bit on the compression damping if it's mid thirties.


I'm running at the ones recommended on the swingarm. Haven't played around much with pressures. Bike handles much the same/I adapt to whatever the bike gives me feedback-wise. The ripped up tyre is just from me cane-ing it through the gorge getting hot from working.

[Drew]

I'm running at the ones recommended on the swingarm. Haven't played around much with pressures. Bike handles much the same/I adapt to whatever the bike gives me feedback-wise. The ripped up tyre is just from me cane-ing it through the gorge getting hot from working.

This is gonna sound wankerish to the baddest, but I'm not just beating my chest here. I thrash the living shit out of my bike over the hill, and the S20 looks smooth and normal afterwards. Trust me when I say, not many ride on the road as quick as I do.

A more compliant rear shock could save you some coin on hoops, and give you more traction.

[Deano]

This is gonna sound wankerish to the baddest, but I'm not just beating my chest here. I thrash the living shit out of my bike over the hill, and the S20 looks smooth and normal afterwards. Trust me when I say, not many ride on the road as quick as I do.

A more compliant rear shock could save you some coin on hoops, and give you more traction.

Mine's been over the hill a couple of times now and is looking mint - no balling up or tearing.

Then again I'm a bit of a nana eh Drew.

[Drew]

Then again I'm a bit of a nana eh Drew.
Total pansy. We make concessions since you ride a Honda though.

[mossy1200]

This is gonna sound wankerish to the baddest, but I'm not just beating my chest here. I thrash the living shit out of my bike over the hill, and the S20 looks smooth and normal afterwards. Trust me when I say, not many ride on the road as quick as I do.

A more compliant rear shock could save you some coin on hoops, and give you more traction.

Your lucky. I might have a defective tire also. Mine goes all funny and smokes a bit. Sometimes it tends to discolour the road around corners. Its started getting lighter also and thinner. I never seem to catch a break when selecting tyres. I don't know where im going wrong.

[roogazza]

This is gonna sound wankerish to the baddest, but I'm not just beating my chest here. I thrash the living shit out of my bike over the hill, and the S20 looks smooth and normal afterwards. Trust me when I say, not many ride on the road as quick as I do.
A more compliant rear shock could save you some coin on hoops, and give you more traction.


Mine's been over the hill a couple of times now and is looking mint - no balling up or tearing.

Then again I'm a bit of a nana eh Drew.

Plus 3 ! mine wear smooth and even and all my riding is Kapiti to Martin/B. (I prefer a very soft setup too?)
You guys must be getting closer to the pensioner group now maybe that's the answer ??? lol.
Also we haven't got a gauge anymore? No GP riders on zx10s :lol:

[JayRacer37]

I got my rear S20 all roughed up through the twisties from whanga - waihi. Nothing more satisfying than seeing how hard they grip through some of those tighter corners. Damn bastard roadworks gone and ruined all my fun now!


That's interesting to hear. Since they look like I've just popped to the shops on a Sunday, after I go as fast over the Rimutaka hill as I think I ever have on them.

What pressure are you running it at? Might be an idea to back off a bit on the compression damping if it's mid thirties.


I'm running at the ones recommended on the swingarm. Haven't played around much with pressures. Bike handles much the same/I adapt to whatever the bike gives me feedback-wise. The ripped up tyre is just from me cane-ing it through the gorge getting hot from working.


A more compliant rear shock could save you some coin on hoops, and give you more traction.

Interesting conversation here (from my POV). The S20 usually doesn't show much wear, even on track it stays pretty smooth. Its a harder more wear resistant rubber than a full race tyre, so won't ball or tear so easily. Mine showed some distress after a long, hard ride on coarse chip, with an unforgiving setup for the tyre, but returned to normal pretty quickly.

Given the pressures are as standard, for the CBR600RR the info I can find suggests 36F 42R cold. If run at this pressure (and we are talking rears only at this point, to save confusion) there are a host of different effects on the tyre. For example, the carcass of the tyre won't gain so much heat. In theory, this will give you longer mileage - it will certainly give better load characteristics, hold the profile of the tyre more rigidly (less contact patch deflection) and therefore make the bike turn well and have better rolling resistance. The negatives are less outright grip (narrow contact patch) and harsher action over bumps, and less suspension/compliance from the tyre mid corner.

The key part there is the heat thing - high pressure should keep the carcass temp down by having less deflection and therefore less movement and friction being converted to heat. Which it does. BUT - this does not necessarily end up in the result of better wear characteristics (from my experience). What it does do is ensure a narrow contact patch, even if you are pushing on hard. This narrow contact patch means that a little bit of the tyre at a time is working extraordinarily hard to stay gripped, as the load isn't being spread over a larger contact patch. This in turn can lead to pronounced wear, as this narrow band rips and wears. It can almost look like cold shear on a track tyre, and the solve is similar - drop the pressure and spread the load.

In this case, with an S20 on our roads on a 600, my advice would be to try lower - 36-38psi rear for a start. It should help with wear, life, grip and feel. Potential negatives are virtually zero, maybe a little slower side to side, if that.

Drew's shock comments are on the money too - less comp may help with tyre life and feel. Sounds like the bike is very abrupt and the tyre is needing to do all the work.

[caspernz]

This is gonna sound wankerish to the baddest, but I'm not just beating my chest here. I thrash the living shit out of my bike over the hill, and the S20 looks smooth and normal afterwards. Trust me when I say, not many ride on the road as quick as I do.

A more compliant rear shock could save you some coin on hoops, and give you more traction.

Must say I like the S20 so far. But so far the only bit of road that leaves some form of distress on the tyre surface is the Wainui hill where they've got traction chip which contains aluminium. Even then it's only minor.

The first decent longish trip will tell the story on how it holds up...but for now :2thumbsup

[Owl]

Well a fraction over 5000km and my front S20 is rather poked.:( While I liked the feel of the tyres, I can't say I'm impressed with longevity, or the unusual wear on the front. In fact it's the worst worn tyre I've had since my suspension was upgraded nearly 4 years ago.

Here's hoping I have a better run with the T30's.:yes:

[ajturbo]

i run these on my Duc 400 race bike.
In Greymouth i started with 25.5f/28r
I was loosing the front on turn one from lap 3 each time (was taking it easy till then)
so i lowered it to 23.5f/28r worked a treat..

unfortunately i needed more when i was at ruapuna last weekend.. wonder why..lol

so far they are 12 months+ old.. still working great for me..

[Drew]

Well a fraction over 5000km and my front S20 is rather poked.:( While I liked the feel of the tyres, I can't say I'm impressed with longevity, or the unusual wear on the front. In fact it's the worst worn tyre I've had since my suspension was upgraded nearly 4 years ago.

Here's hoping I have a better run with the T30's.:yes:

Bit unrelated, but after four years if it hasn't been changed your fork oil is poked again.

[Coldrider]

9000K on my OEM S20 front, maybe 2 to 3 thou k's left. so will have lasted the life of a the OEM S20 rear, and a BT023 rear. (2012 blade)

[Owl]

Bit unrelated, but after four years if it hasn't been changed your fork oil is poked again.

It has been changed, but due again really. :yes:

[Drew]

9000K on my OEM S20 front, maybe 2 to 3 thou k's left. so will have lasted the life of a the OEM S20 rear, and a BT023 rear. (2012 blade)

I think that Jay said that although the specifics are not public knowledge, OE S20s are different.

[Coldrider]

I think that Jay said that although the specifics are not public knowledge, OE S20s are different.yes, but should have cut out quicker, like the rear.

[G4L4XY]

.

Thanks for the big write up. I'm certainly keen on trying a few things out with my setup/pressures.

By the sounds of it (and correct me if I'm wrong) I'd get better grip with a slightly lower pressure? I'll try this in a couple days when I head back from whanga. Idealy I'd need to have someone who knows that they're doing to help me with the suspension setup.

[Drew]

Thanks for the big write up. I'm certainly keen on trying a few things out with my setup/pressures.

By the sounds of it (and correct me if I'm wrong) I'd get better grip with a slightly lower pressure? I'll try this in a couple days when I head back from whanga. Idealy I'd need to have someone who knows that they're doing to help me with the suspension setup.
34PSI rear is as low as I have run them. I wouldn't go as high as 44 in any situation.

[ajturbo]

Thanks for the big write up. I'm certainly keen on trying a few things out with my setup/pressures.

By the sounds of it (and correct me if I'm wrong) I'd get better grip with a slightly lower pressure? I'll try this in a couple days when I head back from whanga. Idealy I'd need to have someone who knows that they're doing to help me with the suspension setup.

I don't know what i'm doing, i just took a guess.. and it worked... !!!:banana:

[JayRacer37]

i run these on my Duc 400 race bike.
In Greymouth i started with 25.5f/28r
I was loosing the front on turn one from lap 3 each time (was taking it easy till then)
so i lowered it to 23.5f/28r worked a treat..

unfortunately i needed more when i was at ruapuna last weekend.. wonder why..lol

so far they are 12 months+ old.. still working great for me..

You mad bastard, at that pressure in the front you would have a chance of hitting something big and debeading the thing! :eek5: But seriously, that low and the front sidewall will be deflecting like crazy, should feel awful (unless you are going quite slowly :shifty:). I wouldn't recommend lower than 30 at the extreme end of the spectrum for an S20...maybe on your light bike a little lower, but that's pretty flat!


I think that Jay said that although the specifics are not public knowledge, OE S20s are different.

Correct, all OE tyres (that have a separate designation) are a different construction in one way or another. In saying that, it seems the OEM S20's are a much higher quality than past Bridgestone OEM models (and other brands too).


Thanks for the big write up. I'm certainly keen on trying a few things out with my setup/pressures.

By the sounds of it (and correct me if I'm wrong) I'd get better grip with a slightly lower pressure? I'll try this in a couple days when I head back from whanga. Idealy I'd need to have someone who knows that they're doing to help me with the suspension setup.

You are correct, I think you would see better wear and more grip with 36-38 in the rear tyre, to start with. Drew runs his at 34, I do likewise (and lower at times). 42 is a very high pressure for the S20 (unless you are looking for ultimate mileage, and even then the overly narrow contact patch may negate that), I would recommend trying lower.

Setup, I know what you mean, it's a different category. Try the lower pressure, see what you think, and go from there.

[kiwi cowboy]

[QUOTE=JayRacer37;1130638116]You mad bastard, at that pressure in the front you would have a chance of hitting something big and debeading the thing! :eek5: But seriously, that low and the front sidewall will be deflecting like crazy, should feel awful (unless you are going quite slowly :shifty:). I wouldn't recommend lower than 30 at the extreme end of the spectrum for an S20...maybe on your light bike a little lower, but that's pretty flat!



are the bt003rs different as I run them at 26f 27-28r hot to get any grip out of them on my gsxr400.
Any more the front starts sledging.

[JayRacer37]

are the bt003rs different as I run them at 26f 27-28r hot to get any grip out of them on my gsxr400.
Any more the front starts sledging.

The BT003-RS has a stiffer structure so it can sustain going lower. The rear is not so much of an issue, but the harder you push the front the more the sidewall can collapse and that can feel like the front pushing really badly. The lighter the bike or the gentler you are going, the lower you can get away with, but mid 20's is a low front pressure, track or road. A hot pressure I would have suggested 28 as about as low as practical in most applications.

[caspernz]

Been following this topic with interest, and the disparity of wear rates (and appearance of tyre) has me mildly puzzled.

I get where Drew is coming from, running with compliant suspension, which I've got my Busa set to as well. Now I'm by no means a hoon, but I'm finding the S20 has a bit of a tendency to coax the hoon within me to come out and play...which could become a problem since the Busa has that Jekyll & Hyde nature already anyway :eek:

Be interesting to see how many clicks Drew can get out of his set.

Anyway, after about 500 clicks, this is what my set is looking like after a trip over the Rimutaka at a moderate pace.290268290269

I like the feel and feedback of the S20, not to mention the grip, but I doubt this set will last 5000 clicks for me...

[Drew]

Been following this topic with interest, and the disparity of wear rates (and appearance of tyre) has me mildly puzzled.

I get where Drew is coming from, running with compliant suspension, which I've got my Busa set to as well. Now I'm by no means a hoon, but I'm finding the S20 has a bit of a tendency to coax the hoon within me to come out and play...which could become a problem since the Busa has that Jekyll & Hyde nature already anyway :eek:

Be interesting to see how many clicks Drew can get out of his set.

Anyway, after about 500 clicks, this is what my set is looking like after a trip over the Rimutaka at a moderate pace.

I like the feel and feedback of the S20, not to mention the grip, but I doubt this set will last 5000 clicks for me...What rpessures were they at when you went over the hill?

The rear seems to be sweet. But given how close to the edge you've gotten on it, and not on the front but still getting surface scuff, is not what I'd expect.

Busa is a pretty big horse. I'd be running 36-38R 38-40F to ride it at my sorta speeds on something like that.

[JayRacer37]

Been following this topic with interest, and the disparity of wear rates (and appearance of tyre) has me mildly puzzled.

I get where Drew is coming from, running with compliant suspension, which I've got my Busa set to as well. Now I'm by no means a hoon, but I'm finding the S20 has a bit of a tendency to coax the hoon within me to come out and play...which could become a problem since the Busa has that Jekyll & Hyde nature already anyway :eek:

Be interesting to see how many clicks Drew can get out of his set.

Anyway, after about 500 clicks, this is what my set is looking like after a trip over the Rimutaka at a moderate pace.290268290269

I like the feel and feedback of the S20, not to mention the grip, but I doubt this set will last 5000 clicks for me...

They are looking very nice - good wear patterns where it has been nice and warm, not stressed enough the tread edges are collapsing, all in all looking exactly like you would hope for. Do you know how much gauge in the tread has been lost over those 500kms? Hard to judge from the photo's but looking pretty nice to me thus far. Out of interest, what tyre did you run before the S20 and how much did you get from it?

It's funny, I keep getting varied reports on mileage too. Some are looking very good, like Drew's and OAB's did, and of course there is the opposite where people get significantly less. The common factor in lesser mileage from the tyre seems to be doing big distance over not a lot of time. I think this comes down to carcass heating up - for example a guy on a MultiStrada did Hamilton-Christchurch-Hamilton with a few other rides after and the rear was looking pretty tired. In this kind of application the T30 would be much better as its designed to deal with that style of loading on longer trips, as it's stiffer it doesn't build heat so easily. The S20 being a soft sports tyre isn't as good at touring...

[JayRacer37]

What rpessures were they at when you went over the hill?

The rear seems to be sweet. But given how close to the edge you've gotten on it, and not on the front but still getting surface scuff, is not what I'd expect.

Busa is a pretty big horse. I'd be running 36-38R 38-40F to ride it at my sorta speeds on something like that.

Reckon the scuffing is pushing the front a little, and the rear is used closer to the edge as the 'Busa is loading up and compressing in under drive (Big Bike Syndrome). As you say, she's not a little bike...this is not unusual wear for bikes that size.

[roogazza]

Been following this topic with interest, and the disparity of wear rates (and appearance of tyre) has me mildly puzzled.
I get where Drew is coming from, running with compliant suspension, which I've got my Busa set to as well. Now I'm by no means a hoon, but I'm finding the S20 has a bit of a tendency to coax the hoon within me to come out and play...which could become a problem since the Busa has that Jekyll & Hyde nature already anyway :eek:
Be interesting to see how many clicks Drew can get out of his set.
Anyway, after about 500 clicks, this is what my set is looking like after a trip over the Rimutaka at a moderate pace.290268290269
I like the feel and feedback of the S20, not to mention the grip, but I doubt this set will last 5000 clicks for me...

Mmmmmm yellow busa, you on the 'Hill' early Sunday ? Near bottom on Featherston side? Lovely morning for it ! :shifty:

[caspernz]

What rpessures were they at when you went over the hill?

The rear seems to be sweet. But given how close to the edge you've gotten on it, and not on the front but still getting surface scuff, is not what I'd expect.

Busa is a pretty big horse. I'd be running 36-38R 38-40F to ride it at my sorta speeds on something like that.

This was 40 F & R. Have tried lower pressures but just doesn't feel right, especially on the front. Recommended is 42 F & R and I'll try that on my next outing just for comparisons sake. The S20 warms up very quick compared to the OEM BT015.

The Busa is a good tool for shredding tyres and I accept that. Still surprising to hear you've done 5000 clicks and your set is looking crisp still...


They are looking very nice - good wear patterns where it has been nice and warm, not stressed enough the tread edges are collapsing, all in all looking exactly like you would hope for. Do you know how much gauge in the tread has been lost over those 500kms? Hard to judge from the photo's but looking pretty nice to me thus far. Out of interest, what tyre did you run before the S20 and how much did you get from it?

It's funny, I keep getting varied reports on mileage too. Some are looking very good, like Drew's and OAB's did, and of course there is the opposite where people get significantly less. The common factor in lesser mileage from the tyre seems to be doing big distance over not a lot of time. I think this comes down to carcass heating up - for example a guy on a MultiStrada did Hamilton-Christchurch-Hamilton with a few other rides after and the rear was looking pretty tired. In this kind of application the T30 would be much better as its designed to deal with that style of loading on longer trips, as it's stiffer it doesn't build heat so easily. The S20 being a soft sports tyre isn't as good at touring...

Cheers Jay, the only other tyre I've had on was the OEM BT015, done 5000 clicks on them. Rear mostly done, and I just change the set normally. Front could have done maybe 1500 clicks more.

Yes I understand carcass heating problem. In the trucking industry we have the same issue, get the right pressure for the loads and the tyres do well. So on the bike I tend to stick to the higher end, towards the recommended pressures, especially taking into account the weight and performance potential :innocent: of the Busa.

I'm not bothered in the slightest if after 5000 clicks the S20s are done. Maybe my riding isn't as sedate as the wifey believes :innocent: then...

All in all, my most recent experience with tyres has been mostly Michelin. Pilot Road 2 and 3, Pilot Power 2ct and Power Pure. The PR3s struggled with hard riding on my last 750, so I was not gonna try them on the Busa.

Will keep following this thread and chime back in as the mileage creeps up. Thanks for your feedback guys :niceone:

[caspernz]

Mmmmmm yellow busa, you on the 'Hill' early Sunday ? Near bottom on Featherston side? Lovely morning for it ! :shifty:

Yes I saw a few likely lads that morning...and the weather was top notch :drool:

[ajturbo]

put a T30 on the rear of the XB 2500ks ago. a very quick trip to Arrowtown/home/takaka/home last weekend. (41psi)
In the heat of the day, the sides looked like they would not last the trip home. But the middle was still smooth, it was VERY noticeable.!
But the transition still seams smooth to the touch (hard/soft parts)
gripped very well on the "hill" only time i felt it slip was in the wet on a white line (just had to test the limit)

Am impressed with it so far.!

I will pump up the S20's for ya Jay...:facepalm:

[roogazza]

Yes I saw a few likely lads that morning...and the weather was top notch :drool:

Would you not be better off with T30s on the Busa ????? Not being rude but it's a heavy beast. :confused:

[caspernz]

Would you not be better off with T30s on the Busa ????? Not being rude but it's a heavy beast. :confused:

That's a fair question, and I asked S20 vs T30 from Jay, taking into account the usage and suggestion was the S20. No harm in trying T30 next though...

[JayRacer37]

This was 40 F & R. Have tried lower pressures but just doesn't feel right, especially on the front. Recommended is 42 F & R and I'll try that on my next outing just for comparisons sake. The S20 warms up very quick compared to the OEM BT015.

The Busa is a good tool for shredding tyres and I accept that. Still surprising to hear you've done 5000 clicks and your set is looking crisp still...


Cheers Jay, the only other tyre I've had on was the OEM BT015, done 5000 clicks on them. Rear mostly done, and I just change the set normally. Front could have done maybe 1500 clicks more.

Yes I understand carcass heating problem. In the trucking industry we have the same issue, get the right pressure for the loads and the tyres do well. So on the bike I tend to stick to the higher end, towards the recommended pressures, especially taking into account the weight and performance potential :innocent: of the Busa.

I'm not bothered in the slightest if after 5000 clicks the S20s are done. Maybe my riding isn't as sedate as the wifey believes :innocent: then...

All in all, my most recent experience with tyres has been mostly Michelin. Pilot Road 2 and 3, Pilot Power 2ct and Power Pure. The PR3s struggled with hard riding on my last 750, so I was not gonna try them on the Busa.

Will keep following this thread and chime back in as the mileage creeps up. Thanks for your feedback guys :niceone:

That would be good, always keen to keep up with how people are getting on. On the 'Busa, 40psi isn't overly surprising, it's a heavy bike! Let me know what you think of 42...my thoughts would be it wouldn't be as nice as far as bump absorption goes.


Would you not be better off with T30s on the Busa ????? Not being rude but it's a heavy beast. :confused:


That's a fair question, and I asked S20 vs T30 from Jay, taking into account the usage and suggestion was the S20. No harm in trying T30 next though...

It's on the border. If you are realistic with pressures and life expectancy, you can enjoy the extra grip of the S20 (the 'Busa standard fitment BT015 is a predecessor of S20 so in the same category). The T30 might get a little more mileage, at the expense of outright grip...it also may not last any longer as the harder compound can be more prone to spinning up (and then exaggerated wear) than the softer one that hangs on a little longer. Hard one to judge, and it comes down to the way you ride the bike. Looking at Caspernz tyres after a little use, I'd say he is benefiting from the extra grip just nicely!

[slofox]

For what it's worth:

At the end of life of my first set of S20's, I have noticed that the front tyre, although having little tread left on the shoulder, is still pretty much round in shape. Putting a new back tyre on still provided that lift in performance, despite still having the same front on.

First tyre I have used that did that.

[roogazza]

For what it's worth:

At the end of life of my first set of S20's, I have noticed that the front tyre, although having little tread left on the shoulder, is still pretty much round in shape. Putting a new back tyre on still provided that lift in performance, despite still having the same front on.

First tyre I have used that did that.

36..38 seems about right, nice tyre.
I'm not in a hurry to replace mine but I am interested in the Kms they can do.Just takes a while riding once a week.
I've further softened the susp,so looking forward my next time out.

[caspernz]

That would be good, always keen to keep up with how people are getting on. On the 'Busa, 40psi isn't overly surprising, it's a heavy bike! Let me know what you think of 42...my thoughts would be it wouldn't be as nice as far as bump absorption goes.

42 front and rear for about five hundred clicks...nah, feels too hard for solo riding. I prefer 40 f & r, so will go back to that :woohoo:

[JayRacer37]

42 front and rear for about five hundred clicks...nah, feels too hard for solo riding. I prefer 40 f & r, so will go back to that :woohoo:

Good call, last think you want is a big bike feeling skittish eh!

[slofox]

Replaced the front today, some 2000km after the rear. Which means that particular front lasted some 9600km. Still legal treadwise (just) but showing scalloping on the shoulders finally. Pretty good life I thought.

Swapping the front though, has made a huge difference to the feel of the corners. Back to riding on a rail again. I hadn't realised how much more the front had to do with corner feel than does the rear. Makes sense when ya think about it I guess.

Love these S 20's.

Oh and it feels much nicer than the 750 I test rode yesterday did with PR3's on it.

[roogazza]

Replaced the front today, some 2000km after the rear. Which means that particular front lasted some 9600km. Still legal treadwise but showing scalloping on the shoulders finally. Pretty good life I thought.

Swapping the front though, has made a huge difference to the feel of the corners. Back to riding on a rail again. I hadn't realised how much more the front had to do with corner feel than does the rear. Makes sense when ya think about it I guess.

Love these S 20's.

Oh and it feels much nicer than the 750 I test rode yesterday did with PR3's on it.
Cheers slofox, I'd be rapted if I get that. (gonna take a while at this rate).
So no trade in then ?? New rubber feels great huh ! :cool:

[slofox]

Cheers slofox, I'd be rapted if I get that. (gonna take a while at this rate).
So no trade in then ?? New rubber feels great huh ! :cool:

Nah, no trade in. Yet...

[BigAl]

Front s20 needs replacing at 6800, last PP2 did 9000.

Will replace with PP3 to match back which has done 4500 and looks slightly more than 1/2 worn.

on an R1.

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[JayRacer37]

Front s20 needs replacing at 6800, last PP2 did 9000.

Will replace with PP3 to match back which has done 4500 and looks slightly more than 1/2 worn.

on an R1.

Thank you for the feedback. If you don't mind my asking, what pressure did you run it at thoughout, what type of riding where you doing, and what did you think of the feel during your time on it?

[BigAl]

Thank you for the feedback. If you don't mind my asking, what pressure did you run it at thoughout, what type of riding where you doing, and what did you think of the feel during your time on it?

Ran 36 front and 38 rear religiously, no track days or touring on the S20s just one up road riding.

I think that the S20s are softer and stickier than the PP2s and 3s as they get roughed up on the edges more.

They certainly inspired confidence.

[slofox]

Ran 36 front and 38 rear religiously, no track days or touring on the S20s just one up road riding.

I think that the S20s are softer and stickier than the PP2s and 3s as they get roughed up on the edges more.

They certainly inspired confidence.

I run 34 front. But then me bike's lighter anyway. 38 rear, same as you.

[roogazza]

Ran 36 front and 38 rear religiously, no track days or touring on the S20s just one up road riding.

I think that the S20s are softer and stickier than the PP2s and 3s as they get roughed up on the edges more.

They certainly inspired confidence.

What weight are you Bigal if it isn't being rude ? cos I'm around the 93 kilos, ad gear to that,you know full suit etc which is heavy, probably 100 Kilos?

[Geeen]

What weight are you Bigal if it isn't being rude ? cos I'm around the 93 kilos, ad gear to that,you know full suit etc which is heavy, probably 100 Kilos?

Hahaha, a strong wind would blow him away. I'm not a heluvalot lighter than you and Al would need a serious amount of pies to come close to me LOL

[BigAl]

Hahaha, a strong wind would blow him away. I'm not a heluvalot lighter than you and Al would need a serious amount of pies to come close to me LOL

Fecken cheeky bugger :motu: only around 70-75 kgs all togged up, I try to stay inside on windy days.

[roogazza]

Fecken cheeky bugger :motu: only around 70-75 kgs all togged up, I try to stay inside on windy days.

Is that with a hard on or just in your socks. :shit:
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[Geeen]

Fecken cheeky bugger :motu: only around 70-75 kgs all togged up, I try to stay inside on windy days.

Bwahahahaha!

[BigAl]

Just added S20 image to earlier post

[slofox]

What weight are you Bigal if it isn't being rude ? cos I'm around the 93 kilos, ad gear to that,you know full suit etc which is heavy, probably 100 Kilos?

We don't call him BIG Al for nuffink y'know.

[JayRacer37]

Just added S20 image to earlier post

Nice work scrubbing the edge of the tyre off not the center or middle shoulder. Is your bike at standard geometry, no ride height changes?

[roogazza]

Just added S20 image to earlier post

Like you BigAl, I get the most out of my tyres, probably too much, as they're like slicks when I change them.
Thats the reason new ones feel so fantastic. I should really try to change them sooner.
I only ride in the dry nowdays so am really only thinking about punctures when they're that stuffed.

ps I'm jealous of your 'Rossi like' proportions. gotta help with tyre wear ?

[BigAl]

We don't call him BIG Al for nuffink y'know.
Yeah funnily enough that's what the laaaadies say too


Nice work scrubbing the edge of the tyre off not the center or middle shoulder. Is your bike at standard geometry, no ride height changes?
Fork legs flush with top bracket and set up fairly soft. Rear Ohlins needs a lighter spring so prolly a bit higher than std


Like you BigAl, I get the most out of my tyres, probably too much, as they're like slicks when I change them.
Thats the reason new ones feel so fantastic. I should really try to change them sooner.
I only ride in the dry nowdays so am really only thinking about punctures when they're that stuffed.

ps I'm jealous of your 'Rossi like' proportions. gotta help with tyre wear ?
Lol, Marquez proportions are the new benchmark

[slofox]

Yeah funnily enough that's what the laaaadies say too

A likely story!

[slofox]

I've had the new back tyre on a little over 5 weeks...and have put 3000km on it...:facepalm:

Good to know us senior citizens are spending the gummint's pension payments on such vitally important matters doncha think?

[roogazza]

I've had the new back tyre on a little over 5 weeks...and have put 3000km on it...:facepalm:

Good to know us senior citizens are spending the gummint's pension payments on such vitally important matters doncha think?

Haha good one 'Pensioner' just filling out the forms for mine.
Couple of months to go. :woohoo: Flush !!!!!

[caspernz]

So the S20s have just passed the 4500 km mark. Rear a little squared off after a long ride in the rain. My guess is we'll get to 5500, with the front reaching the wear bars first...something I'm not accustomed to.

No surprising moments really, apart from a bit of slipping and sliding in the wet on tar snakes and shiny seal, but heck any tyre would have done that.

Not 100% settled on what tyre to try next, another set of S20s looks likely :2thumbsup

[slofox]

So the S20s have just passed the 4500 km mark. Rear a little squared off after a long ride in the rain. My guess is we'll get to 5500, with the front reaching the wear bars first...something I'm not accustomed to.

No surprising moments really, apart from a bit of slipping and sliding in the wet on tar snakes and shiny seal, but heck any tyre would have done that.

Not 100% settled on what tyre to try next, another set of S20s looks likely :2thumbsup

I am impressed with the Pilot Power 3 I have on the back at present.

[SVboy]

Cut mine out in less than 4000kms. Felt good doing it, but a little short lived?

[Drew]

Cut mine out in less than 4000kms. Felt good doing it, but a little short lived?Take a bit of preload off your springs.

[DMNTD]

Take a bit of preload off your springs.

Roads are pretty harsh and quick down here. Seems that most of the more active riders are getting about those ams out of the S20's

[DMNTD]

I am impressed with the Pilot Power 3 I have on the back at present.

Interesting as I have been finding them to be a much firmer ride and quite "skitty" compared to the previous tyres.
I'll definitely be trying out the S20's next

[Owl]

Cut mine out in less than 4000kms. Felt good doing it, but a little short lived?

Me too with 3911km. Were a nice tyre though!

[slofox]

Interesting as I have been finding them to be a much firmer ride and quite "skitty" compared to the previous tyres.
I'll definitely be trying out the S20's next


They are firmer. Haven't noticed any skitty stuff yet.

The S20 is a very fine tyre