S20 vs Pilot Road 3 vs BT23

[The End]

Have had a fresh set of Bridgestone Battleaxe S20 Hypersport's on the Hornet since I got it, and have gone through them pretty quickly. I'm currently sitting on about 5500kms on the set, and will need to replace the rear within the next 2000 and the front within the next 4000kms. They have been a great tyre for both wet and dry, however the centre has worn considerably quicker than the sides (see below).

I ride approximately 700kms per week, of which 80% of that is commuting.The vast majority of my commute is straight line and upright.

I've been looking at more durable tyre options, given that the vast majority of riding I do is commuting and in a straight line.

Ideally I'd like something that has a harder centre compound, but enough grip for weekend hoons in the twisties.

What are people's experiences with either the S20, Pilot Road 3 or BT23s? I know this can be quite a contentious question but am hoping KB can behave :facepalm:

[nzspokes]

PR2 and you should get over 20,000ks out of them.

[mossy1200]

What are people's experiences with either the S20, Pilot Road 3 or BT23s? I know this can be quite a contentious question but am hoping KB can behave :facepalm:

s20 rear as good as dead 3800km. Front looks almost new still.

[The End]

PR2 and you should get over 20,000ks out of them.

PR2 better than PR3?


PR2s meant to have great mileage.
PR3s meant to have better wet peformance than PR2.
PR4s meant to last 20% longer than PR3.

[Gremlin]

26k from front PR2, 24k from rear PR2, CB919.

It takes me 2 years to run out a set at that rate, and I still have a PR2 rear on (which might be coming up in the next half year odd), but running a PR3 front now.

I wouldn't think the PR3 lasts longer than the PR2, but you do get much better performance in the wet for example. Life is probably about the same... Otherwise consider the PR4.

[caspernz]

Mmmm, if you're clocking 700 kms a week then I'd seriously consider PR2s. PR3 is a great tyre but wears faster than PR2. PR4 which I'm on now is grouse as well, but relatively expensive compared to PR2.

Have you considered T30 from Bridgestone?

[nzspokes]

PR2 better than PR3?


PR2s meant to have great mileage.
PR3s meant to have better wet peformance than PR2.
PR4s meant to last 20% longer than PR3.

I prefer the feel of 2s to 3s when pushing it along abit. 3s seem to overheat on the edges.

Im back on 2s and enjoy them. For cheaper you can go to Pilot Roads which also seem to be a good tyre for not much.

[The End]

I prefer the feel of 2s to 3s when pushing it along abit. 3s seem to overheat on the edges.

Im back on 2s and enjoy them. For cheaper you can go to Pilot Roads which also seem to be a good tyre for not much.

Where did you pick up your 2s from? Places I've looked seem to be sold out or only selling 3 or 4s now.




Have you considered T30 from Bridgestone?

They seem to wear faster than the PR2, so would rather go for something with a longer life.

[nzspokes]

Where did you pick up your 2s from? Places I've looked seem to be sold out or only selling 3 or 4s now.



They seem to wear faster than the PR2, so would rather go for something with a longer life.

I got them from a guy on KB. But I have seen them advertised recently. But Pilot roads seem to still be about.

[f2dz]

How old were your S20s? The next iteration of them, the S20 Evos, have a harder centre which means something like a 20-30% longer life to them. I've got these and have done approx 5,000km on them and I'm hoping to maybe get 8-10,000km total.

I mainly commute on mine also but I like the tyre a lot for spirited riding and on the track it was excellent. I'd be keen to try out something else but I don't really have any complaints with these so far besides the overall tyre life.

[Drew]

My experience with the S20s has been excellent. But there's no commuting, and all thrashing the shit out of them on twisty roads as well as a day at the track.

Perhaps the center is too soft on the first ones, because heaps of people say they didn't get great mileage from them. Onearmbandit and I who both only seem to ride recreational like and raved about them when we got a set each to test.

I can't imagine ever getting more than 6/7000k's from a rear tyre given my riding.

[GrayWolf]

26k from front PR2, 24k from rear PR2, CB919.

It takes me 2 years to run out a set at that rate, and I still have a PR2 rear on (which might be coming up in the next half year odd), but running a PR3 front now.

I wouldn't think the PR3 lasts longer than the PR2, but you do get much better performance in the wet for example. Life is probably about the same... Otherwise consider the PR4.

:gob::gob::gob::gob::gob::gob::gob::gob::gob::gob: :gob:

Jeebers H Christos, I cant even get HALF that on my rear tyre :(

[GrayWolf]

Have had a fresh set of Bridgestone Battleaxe S20 Hypersport's on the Hornet since I got it, and have gone through them pretty quickly. I'm currently sitting on about 5500kms on the set, and will need to replace the rear within the next 2000 and the front within the next 4000kms. They have been a great tyre for both wet and dry, however the centre has worn considerably quicker than the sides (see below).

I ride approximately 700kms per week, of which 80% of that is commuting.The vast majority of my commute is straight line and upright.

I've been looking at more durable tyre options, given that the vast majority of riding I do is commuting and in a straight line.

Ideally I'd like something that has a harder centre compound, but enough grip for weekend hoons in the twisties.

What are people's experiences with either the S20, Pilot Road 3 or BT23s? I know this can be quite a contentious question but am hoping KB can behave :facepalm:


I would suggest trying the BT20, I have used one on the front of my bike (which is a heavy piece of kit) and get about a 2-1 replacement ratio over the rear..
My wear rate sucks due to the nature of the beast, but I went 'down'? from a BT23 rear to the BT20, and get slightly better mileage and good grip even lugging it round the Taka's.

[slofox]

For what it's worth, I have used a couple of sets of S20's and loved them. Apart from rapid wear.

I swapped the rear to a Michelin Pilot Power 3. Nice tyre, definitely wearing better than S20 (done 5000km and still looking good). But I still prefer the S20 to ride on. If I had an unlimited budget I stay with S20's.

Having said all that, my bike is light and I do think that makes a difference. The PP3 feels heavier on the back than did the S20.

[Danger Dave]

They did have a wear issue with the standard S20 which is why they have released the S20EVO which they claim gives you about 22% better wear.

[Gremlin]

Jeebers H Christos, I cant even get HALF that on my rear tyre :(
I bet you get minimal km out of your tank too ;)

I looked it up (partially for me, partially for you). Current PR2 rear was installed July 2012 and has done 20k. Not sure when it will get pulled off, but I'm hoping to better the 24k from the last one. Just asked my boss to guess how many it had done and he said 12k, then 16k... so odds are good :yes:

[neels]

I've just finished off a PR3 on the rear of my ST2 after 15k, always stuck good wet or dry

Only issue is that it has got severely ramped on the sides probably due to the number of tread grooves, now worn out in the middle and left side, obviously need to thrash it harder around left hand corners in future to get my money's worth.

PR2 on the front still like new, has been on there for ages.

[Moise]

The Dunlop SportSmart 2 on the ZZR1200 is wearing well for a sports tyre. But they are stupid prices in NZ.

[AllanB]

I only got 13k out of my PR2 on the Hornet. South Island Roads .............

Less from Road Attack 2's

Half that from Pilot Powers ....


T30's on there now, enjoying them, wearing well so far :yes:

[drift77nz]

What about Metzler Z8's or M5's/M7's?

[slofox]

The S20 on the front has been there for 9000km now. Looking a little worn - more so on the right hand side of the tyre than the left. Which surprises me since I am one of those who prefers LH corners to RH to some extent. Still, that's a pretty good life for an S20.

[BlackSheepLogic]

I have T30's and also really like them. Can't comment on life yet.


I only got 13k out of my PR2 on the Hornet. South Island Roads .............

Less from Road Attack 2's

Half that from Pilot Powers ....


T30's on there now, enjoying them, wearing well so far :yes:

[haydes55]

I have T30's and also really like them. Can't comment on life yet.


I'm on T30's. Only other set of tires I've had on this bike have been PR3's. T30's aren't wearing half as bad as the PR3's and they stick better in the dry. No noticeable difference in the wet. Both have spun up on shiny roads

[roogazza]

The S20 on the front has been there for 9000km now. Looking a little worn - more so on the right hand side of the tyre than the left. Which surprises me since I am one of those who prefers LH corners to RH to some extent. Still, that's a pretty good life for an S20.
Thats real good , must have a look at my kms . I haven't done much over winter but starting back now.
Track D, 23 Nov so that'll make their eyes water.<_<

[Drew]

Track D, 23 Nov so that'll make their eyes water.<_<You'd think that. But the set on the RF came away from the track day looking mint. Little bit of rubber balled up on the edges of course, but nothing a ride over 'the hill' won't take care of...if I ever get around to servicing the brakes on the old girl.

[R650R]

Well blow me, cycletreads actually had something in stock that I ordered! (previous three transactions for various items cancelled due to out of stock etc)...

This is all you need http://www.cycletreads.co.nz/products/199-michelin_road/1573-michelin_pilot_power_road_spor.aspx
I prob get about 4-5k out of these, don't really count anymore, just ride and replace stuff when needed. The old one of the same had worn very evenly, just as much on sides as centres and that one hadn't done any track days either!
I wonder if they are the same as the 2CTs to save production changes and just don't have the 2CT label on the mould??? Cause they sure stick like anything and fine in wet too.
Did my first ever own tyre change on the GSXR750, pulled the old tyre off last night and chucked the new one on this morning. Way easier than doing the DR ones with tubes etc...
Manually eyeballed the balance, close enough, don't go fast enough in straight line anymore for it to matter anyhow. Did some googling after noticing no red dot, apparently Michelin reckon there quality control is so good they don't really need to be balanced these days. 34 psi front and 36psi rear.

[The End]

Well blow me, cycletreads actually had something in stock that I ordered! (previous three transactions for various items cancelled due to out of stock etc)...

This is all you need http://www.cycletreads.co.nz/products/199-michelin_road/1573-michelin_pilot_power_road_spor.aspx
I prob get about 4-5k out of these, don't really count anymore, just ride and replace stuff when needed. The old one of the same had worn very evenly, just as much on sides as centres and that one hadn't done any track days either!
I wonder if they are the same as the 2CTs to save production changes and just don't have the 2CT label on the mould??? Cause they sure stick like anything and fine in wet too.
Did my first ever own tyre change on the GSXR750, pulled the old tyre off last night and chucked the new one on this morning. Way easier than doing the DR ones with tubes etc...
Manually eyeballed the balance, close enough, don't go fast enough in straight line anymore for it to matter anyhow. Did some googling after noticing no red dot, apparently Michelin reckon there quality control is so good they don't really need to be balanced these days. 34 psi front and 36psi rear.


For $80 more I'm planning on getting T30s from Drury Performance Tyres. They quoted $380 (they don't charge for fitting) and the tyre is supposedly able to reach 15,000+kms. I think they said Bridgestone are running a special offer currently for a set, around $580 I believe.

[EJK]

Anybody got experience with Metzeler M5s? I heard many good things about them and gonna try them on soon.

[R650R]

For $80 more I'm planning on getting T30s from Drury Performance Tyres. They quoted $380 (they don't charge for fitting) and the tyre is supposedly able to reach 15,000+kms. I think they said Bridgestone are running a special offer currently for a set, around $580 I believe.

That's almost a half decent lap dance.
I'd rather have the grip than test the mileage claims, this will be set number three of the Frenchies and they have been tested beyond the limit a few times. Prior to that was Diablo Rossi II's odd earlier Pirellis and Bridgestones.
Loved Metzlers on my GSXR1100 but too pricey for me now.

[nzspokes]

Im still happy with me PR2s.

[The End]

That's almost a half decent lap dance.
I'd rather have the grip than test the mileage claims, this will be set number three of the Frenchies and they have been tested beyond the limit a few times. Prior to that was Diablo Rossi II's odd earlier Pirellis and Bridgestones.
Loved Metzlers on my GSXR1100 but too pricey for me now.

Well then that's the difference. Some of us can afford to change tyres every 4-5000kms, others can't :bleh:


Im still happy with me PR2s.

Everywhere I've tried says they are no longer in stock

[neels]

Im still happy with me PR2s.


Everywhere I've tried says they are no longer in stock
Don't think they even list the PR2 on the Michelin website in the right size for my ducati rear.

Got a T30 coming next week, will see how it goes.

[R650R]

Well then that's the difference. Some of us can afford to change tyres every 4-5000kms, others can't :bleh:



Everywhere I've tried says they are no longer in stock

Its a case of Needs must rather than affordability, only ridden during summer now so that covers that 6 months of riding anyway.
I'm actually replacing tyres earlier now. They seem to be making them thinner these days and I owrry about them delaminating when they get close to the wear indicators.
Tyre I just took off prob had one more ride left in it.... but after seeing what happened to the Pirelli I thought the same of only 60km later up the Taihape road... all at less than license losing speeds I just don't go there anymore.
Yep everyones on a different budget though, oddly the superbike is cheaper than the tyres and tubes on the DR650 in the long run.... work that one out!

[Owl]

Everywhere I've tried says they are no longer in stock

Just had a rear PR2 delivered on Wednesday from Boyds (Hamilton) for $266.;)

[slofox]

For what it's worth, I have used a couple of sets of S20's and loved them. Apart from rapid wear.

I swapped the rear to a Michelin Pilot Power 3. Nice tyre, definitely wearing better than S20 (done 5000km and still looking good). But I still prefer the S20 to ride on. If I had an unlimited budget I stay with S20's.

Having said all that, my bike is light and I do think that makes a difference. The PP3 feels heavier on the back than did the S20.

To update:

I swapped out the S20 front today after 9000km. But I probably should have put it away at about 8 given that the shoulders were about bare...replaced with a PP3 to match that on the back.

That PP3 on the back is up to 4600km and looks OK although I suspect that the shape is just starting to erode. I wonder just how well it will stand up.

But wait there'll be more.


Latest: Innit nice having a new tyre on the front. I forgot it was new after about two minutes on the Raggers road.

[slofox]

To update:

I swapped out the S20 front today after 9000km. But I probably should have put it away at about 8 given that the shoulders were about bare...replaced with a PP3 to match that on the back.

That PP3 on the back is up to 4600km and looks OK although I suspect that the shape is just starting to erode. I wonder just how well it will stand up.

But wait there'll be more.


Latest: Innit nice having a new tyre on the front. I forgot it was new after about two minutes on the Raggers road.

The Pilot Power 3 on the back is now up to 7000km. Still has good shape and plenty of tread.