Bridgestone Battleaxes

[Dafe]

Can anybody please voice their experienced opinions on the Bridgestone Battleaxe tyres.

I've got the Battleaxes on my GSXR and a fair few times I've had some sliding.
I can understand loosing grip if the accelerator is involved or heavy deceleration but I'm sliding more than I should and I know there are times where other tyres would have held.

I'm considering trying the racetecs. Apart from Battleaxes, I've only used Michellin Pilot Sports on my old SV1000 which were excellent.

[White trash]

Yeah but your SV didn't have 150hp. There's nothing wrong with BT014s, I'd be looking closely at your pressures Dave, they're probably a bit high.

Ractecs are fantastic tyres but be prepared to spend twice as much on rubber as you do on fuel. They're also downright squirrely in the wet.

[The_Dover]

i actually quite like the bt014's on my gixxer, i find them fairly predictable (except on gravel!!)

the only other tyres i have put on it were the pirelli diablos, standard jobs. now those f.uckers slid! two of my pillions who had been on when i had the bridgies even asked what i had done to the bike cos they said the back end was hanging out a lot!! that i didn't mind, it was when the front used to do little slides across the t****al that i puckered up!

i have heard nothing but praise for the racetecs and pilot powers, stick like sh.it on fur apparently, and a certain gixxer killer on here seemed to think the avon viper sports were pretty good rubber.

i'd be trying either the pp's or racetecs next, just see what you can get the best deal on.

[Dafe]

Yeah but your SV didn't have 150hp. There's nothing wrong with BT014s, I'd be looking closely at your pressures Dave, they're probably a bit high.


I'm hearing ya Jimmy, I had a good slideout yesterday coming off of Haywards and turning through the lights towards the Hutt.
I was going real slow and I had a very cautious riding mate who agrees the speed couldn't be a factor.
The bike slid out and only came upright again when my foot slammed the ground. I'm wondering if this was the tyre or oil. I'm suspecting the latter.

Hey are you coming to Wellington anytime soon, would be good to catch up for a ride.

[Dafe]

i actually quite like the bt014's on my gixxer, i find them fairly predictable (except on gravel!!)

the only other tyres i have put on it were the pirelli diablos, standard jobs. now those f.uckers slid! two of my pillions who had been on when i had the bridgies even asked what i had done to the bike cos they said the back end was hanging out a lot!! that i didn't mind, it was when the front used to do little slides across the t****al that i puckered up!

i have heard nothing but praise for the racetecs and pilot powers, stick like sh.it on fur apparently, and a certain gixxer killer on here seemed to think the avon viper sports were pretty good rubber.

i'd be trying either the pp's or racetecs next, just see what you can get the best deal on.

Thanks Dover, I've been considering Pirellis, but it's nice to eliminate those from the equation. I may go the PP's based on price. I don't know that my riding calls for a racetec yet. Would be nice to try them sometime though.

[WINJA]

those are a great tyre dafe , check your preasures and suspension setup, any tyre will strugle with that kinda power especially on chip seal . i hope your not confusing the tyre talking to ya and giving ya feed back with a proper slide

[SixPackBack]

I love the Pilot Powers, but like the the pressures slightly lower than recomended for feel.

[nadroj]

I love the Pilot Powers, but like the the pressures slightly lower than recomended for feel.
I also like Pilot Powers. The only criticism I've heard is they loose their "advantage" after 1/2 worn but with the good mileage & price they are expendable a little earlier than some. As for any top of the line Sports / Race tyre they are NOT designed as a specialist wet tyre and don't necessarily adhere as well as a more grooved street tyre aka Pilot Street etc.

[Mooch]

Thanks Dover, I've been considering Pirellis, but it's nice to eliminate those from the equation. I may go the PP's based on price. I don't know that my riding calls for a racetec yet. Would be nice to try them sometime though.


Agree with Dover on the BT014's and the Diablos. The BT014's were good on the GSXR1000 , nice and predicable edge to edge. Ok in the wet too, you can lean with a reasonable degree of confidence.

Diablos tend to drop in to quick on roadabouts. Wouldn’t think they are suited to a GSXR1000. Will probably change the 748R to 14's or PP next. 208gp's were the best on the Duc , but wouldn't be up to 150 hp of the 1000.

I'd say you hit diesel from the 1000's of trucks that use Haywards , used to live out that way and saw it pently of times. (Watch inlet as well)

[madboy]

i hope your not confusing the tyre talking to ya and giving ya feed back with a proper slideI was talking to Darkman who was behind him when it happened, and it sounded like a full-on brown trouser jobbie.

Dave, don't forget how quick the gixxer will eat back tyres, so before you go buy the mega-sticky stuff, don't forget to ask the missus ;)

[Sparky Bills]

Can anybody please voice their experienced opinions on the Bridgestone Battleaxe tyres.

I've got the Battleaxes on my GSXR and a fair few times I've had some sliding.
I can understand loosing grip if the accelerator is involved or heavy deceleration but I'm sliding more than I should and I know there are times where other tyres would have held.

I'm considering trying the racetecs. Apart from Battleaxes, I've only used Michellin Pilot Sports on my old SV1000 which were excellent.


Just stop pretending to be Kenny Roberts! and you wouldnt have that problem.:niceone:
Racetecs are good, but WILL wear out very fast.

[Grumpy]

Can anybody please voice their experienced opinions on the Bridgestone Battleaxe tyres.

I've got the Battleaxes on my GSXR and a fair few times I've had some sliding.
I can understand loosing grip if the accelerator is involved or heavy deceleration but I'm sliding more than I should and I know there are times where other tyres would have held.

I'm considering trying the racetecs. Apart from Battleaxes, I've only used Michellin Pilot Sports on my old SV1000 which were excellent.

I've been a fan of Michellin and Pirelli in the past but hated Bridgestone...... until I tried a set of 014's on my Z1000. I can't say that I can find any problems with them whether it's in the wet or the dry. They are brilliant. Fairly decent wear rate too.

[Will]

[QUOTE=Dafe]Can anybody please voice their experienced opinions on the Bridgestone Battleaxe tyres.

I've got the Battleaxes on my GSXR and a fair few times I've had some sliding.
I can understand loosing grip if the accelerator is involved or heavy deceleration but I'm sliding more than I should and I know there are times where other tyres would have held.

I'm considering trying the racetecs. Apart from Battleaxes, I've only used Michellin Pilot Sports on my old SV1000 which were excellent.[/QUOTE


Battleaxes - had a set on my old CBR 600. They lasted a long time. Did wedge the front wheel.

Then changed to Pilots. Fantastic. So much more secure on the road.
Then changed bikes and it had Pilots.
Have just got a new rear tyre and have kept to the Pilots. The front tyre is still round - hasn't wedged.

And I just love the whole deal.:2thumbsup

[Dafe]

Thanks everybody for all your input.
I've now made my decision!
After having had much confidence in Pilot Sports and the many good replies regarding the Powers, I'll be getting some Pilot Powers very soon.

I don't think I can justify Racetecs, I don't ride that hard, I spend too much of my time riding longer distances/ cruising with my pack.

I've come to a conclusion. Many of us ride differently and I think there are tyres to suit peoples individual riding styles.
I now don't think it's a question of which tyre is best, the varied opinions point towards which tyre is best for an individual.
My satisfaction on the Michelin Sports would point to the obvious replacement as being Michelin Pilot Powers.

Very interesting how the general opinion of the BT014 is generally good.
I spoke to a Kwaka rider (MD) yesterday who explained he had the same problems on his bike with the BT014's, but they were fixed instant when he went to the Diablo Corsas.

I'll be expecting the same, once I'm on the Powers.

I'll repost this thread sometime to let you all know how I got on.

[Grumpy]

Thanks everybody for all your input.
I've now made my decision!
After having had much confidence in Pilot Sports and the many good replies regarding the Powers, I'll be getting some Pilot Powers very soon.

I don't think I can justify Racetecs, I don't ride that hard, I spend too much of my time riding longer distances/ cruising with my pack.

I've come to a conclusion. Many of us ride differently and I think there are tyres to suit peoples individual riding styles.
I now don't think it's a question of which tyre is best, the varied opinions point towards which tyre is best for an individual.
My satisfaction on the Michelin Sports would point to the obvious replacement as being Michelin Pilot Powers.

Very interesting how the general opinion of the BT014 is generally good.
I spoke to a Kwaka rider (MD) yesterday who explained he had the same problems on his bike with the BT014's, but they were fixed instant when he went to the Diablo Corsas.

I'll be expecting the same, once I'm on the Powers.

I'll repost this thread sometime to let you all know how I got on.

I don't think you can wrong there Dafe. Damn good tyres.

[cowpoos]

I didn't like the oe bt014s on my gixxer...they felt awefull...and the rear would spin easy....but gave heaps of notice and control...I didn't get to ride them in the wet before I got ride of them...but quite a number of people I've talked to about them reckon they're bloody good in the wet...

I've run diablo corsa's and PP on my TL and I swear by the PP...you wouldn't need any more grip on the road...and they're pretty good in the wet, I wouldn't say they were a excellent wet weather tyre though...I didn't really like the diablos though....they were grippy....but just my prefference to the PP....

[Zapf]

I didn't like the oe bt014s on my gixxer...they felt awefull...and the rear would spin easy....but gave heaps of notice and control...I didn't get to ride them in the wet before I got ride of them...but quite a number of people I've talked to about them reckon they're bloody good in the wet...

I've run diablo corsa's and PP on my TL and I swear by the PP...you wouldn't need any more grip on the road...and they're pretty good in the wet, I wouldn't say they were a excellent wet weather tyre though...I didn't really like the diablos though....they were grippy....but just my prefference to the PP....

Mr.Cow have you had the suspensions adjusted for you?

[Uncle B]

Pilot Powers.
You've seen how far I lean with no problems, don't even think about what's going on down there.....just get on with the job of riding.

[cowpoos]

Mr.Cow have you had the suspensions adjusted for you?

you and I,zapf ride very differently....and yes I have made some adjustments to the stock sus...waiting for funds to build to get some heavyier front springs and pssibly a gold coloured bling shock with a slightly heavyier spring aswell...:ride:

[Marmoot]

Bridgestone Battlax are very good tyres.

EXCEPT for BT014 size 120/70/17 and 190/55/17.
They are totally useless and should be thrown away as soon as possible.
I'll buy them off you for a few bucks just to help you out. :psst:

[cowpoos]

Bridgestone Battlax are very good tyres.

EXCEPT for BT014 size 120/70/17 and 190/55/17.
They are totally useless and should be thrown away as soon as possible.
I'll buy them off you for a few bucks just to help you out. :psst:

if its for a SP1 its a 180/55-17 your after....or if your after a 190/55-17....good luck...I think pirelli do a race tyre in that size....and dunlop are about to realese that size for a bike that hasn't made it to the show rooms yet [new zx10r] I think your talking about a 190/50-17

[White trash]

Just stop pretending to be Kenny Roberts! and you wouldnt have that problem.:niceone:
Racetecs are good, but WILL wear out very fast.

Who the fuck's trying to be KR? :rofl:

[cowpoos]

Who the fuck's trying to be KR? :rofl:

you'ld learn him wouldn't ya WT :Pokey:

[Marmoot]

if its for a SP1 its a 180/55-17 your after....or if your after a 190/55-17....good luck...I think pirelli do a race tyre in that size....and dunlop are about to realese that size for a bike that hasn't made it to the show rooms yet [new zx10r] I think your talking about a 190/50-17

Nah. I like 190. It's the standard tyre I think, and it gives me more lean angle as I get more surface area with the tyres leaned.

I always run out of surface with 180.

[Dafe]

Who the fuck's trying to be KR? :rofl:

This probably sounds farkin gay coming from a Suzuki rider, but I'm %90 certain Kenny Roberts is a Suzuki rider. Only, I don't know if I've ever watched him ride. Does he have a particular style?
Unfortunately, I missed all the MotoGP and WSB this year.

[cowpoos]

Nah. I like 190. It's the standard tyre I think, and it gives me more lean angle as I get more surface area with the tyres leaned.

I always run out of surface with 180.

acctually...belive me or not....which i doubt you will....you will actually have less road contact with the 190 at high lean angles....as you have lost 5mm of height on the side of the tyre....but at medium lean angles you would hav more on a 190...

[Marmoot]

acctually...belive me or not....which i doubt you will....you will actually have less road contact with the 190 at high lean angles....as you have lost 5mm of height on the side of the tyre....but at medium lean angles you would hav more on a 190...

Ah?

But it felt better anyway. I love my 190.

By the way, Just tried a BT019 front installed the other day. It feels great!

[Dafe]

As promised, I have returned to part with some information for those interested.

I have now purchased the Pilot Powers and have riden a good 1000km on them now.
Not only did I take a shift to the Pilot Powers but I also dropped my 190 rear to a 180 rear.

From my experience, anybody contemplating trying the Pilot Powers - Do it!
Throwing a spanner into the works is my transition to the 180.

I have found the PP's to be beyond doubt, a far superior tyre to the BT014's for road usage.
The PP's warm up alot more on every day road riding, this creates a far stickier tyre when riding on general road usage. i.e. More stick on public roads pretty much all the time.

I had many concerns with the BT014's, I have discovered why!
After taking the BT014's out on the race track, they finally came up to their optimum running temperature and I could feel them sticking strongly on the rear, I had bucket loads of confidence in them as the track day went on. I would call these an excellent track tyre, but in my opinion - not so good for the road.

On one occassion I did three return crossings of the Rimutakas on a very hot day with the BT014's non-stop. Thats 6 times over the hill, that's the only time on public roads that I've gained some confidence in the Bridgestones, It took a fair wack to get them nice and sticky. However, In general - You just can't get them hot enough, this can cause problems for road riders.

Two weeks back, I rode to the top of the Rimutakas with two other mates, one was riding with PP's and the other with Pirelli somethings........
Upon reaching the summit, the BT014's were by far the coldest tyre with no stickiness, the PP's and Pirellis were both significantly warmer and very stickier feeling.

My first day out riding on the PP's, I rode to the Paekak hill and not since I had the SV1000 running Pilot Sports have I felt so much confidence turning the bike into the tight corners, I could feel the back gripping which is something I've been missing for a fair while. Undoubtedly the fastest I've ridden the K6 through the valleys and all with ease and better yet, without concern of my rear not holding. You can just feel it grip and feeling that just poured confidence into me.

The Pilot Powers just grip and hold and if I give the bike death up the Rimutakas, I consider them my best buddies! Simply Superb. and as far as the PP's road holding in the wet - they're very well rated also.
Wear factor is also highly impressive considering they're so grippy. Expect 5000 -6000km of good varied riding, including alot of thrashing.

As for the 180's over the 190. The 180's are a far more comfortable tyre. To sum it up - A more natural tyre.
I am happy to be quoted as saying that the 180's make the K6's handling feel at least %30 better. Choosing your lines and riding to them is a breeze compared to the 190's. The quicker turning in has not caused any scary moments, I highly doubt it ever will. It has given me the ability to maintain a line easier if I should overcooked an entry. Riding the 180's makes a thousand just too easy to ride. For anybody with doubts about switching up to a 180, Moto GP riders all use 180! Also, talk to anybody you know that races motorcycles, they all tend to agree that the 180's are ideal.

So if you are considering trying Pilot Powers, Take it from me, You can't go wrong.
And if you are converting, please oh please - try the 180's. You just won't believe how amazing the bike can feel and just how much more control is returned to the rider by being able to provide more influence on the bikes lines.

As for me, I'm now a fulltime Michelin Pilot Power 180 rider.

[Toast]

One thing about the Pilot Powers is that, although their quick warm-up and ability to hold heat is excellent on the road, they hold it too well if you're giving it death on the track, and used to go off within about 5 or 6 quick laps of Puke on my 600.

The solution, I found, was to keep the pressures a bit higher than you would on other tyres. This prolongs your fun, but they will still go off I think.

For the road though, I can't imagine anything better. Enjoy them Dafe :niceone:

[Dafe]

One thing about the Pilot Powers is that, although their quick warm-up and ability to hold heat is excellent on the road, they hold it too well if you're giving it death on the track, and used to go off within about 5 or 6 quick laps of Puke on my 600.

The solution, I found, was to keep the pressures a bit higher than you would on other tyres. This prolongs your fun, but they will still go off I think.

For the road though, I can't imagine anything better. Enjoy them Dafe :niceone:

What do you mean by go off?

I was informed by a few gun racers that I should drop the PP's pressures a couple of pounds in both tyres and that would help them to grip better on the track.

[Toast]

What do you mean by go off?

I was informed by a few gun racers that I should drop the PP's pressures a couple of pounds in both tyres and that would help them to grip better on the track.

Go off as in overheat to the point where they just don't dig in and drive (tyre becomes too soft and defroms, I believe) like they were before.

Generally you should drop the pressures for any tyre when going from the road on to the racetrack, so as to get a bigger contact patch, and allow them to heat up more (not sure exactly why tyres with more air in them heat up less...partly to do with the fact there's a smaller contact patch, but also some other phenomenon involved. I was told once, but forgot).

As Pilot Powers already heat up more easily than your average tyre, they need less help (in the form of dropping the pressures) to get extra heat in to them. I know for a fact that in the second to last session at Puke one day, my front had leaked a bit during the day, going from 33 psi at the start of the day to 24 psi in that session. By the 3rd lap, it was already giving me that sensation that a tyre does when it's overheated, or 'gone off'.

Just do as you would do normally on the track dude. If, when you start pushing the beast, you do consistently experience a loss of grip and a strange (squiggly? spongy?) feeling, which leads to understeer (if front overheats) or oversteer (rear overheats), try applying the above theory.

[Cajun]

Dafe - i have been informed from a friend who talked to one of the head michelin techs in the usa at a track day. that the powers really work best at around the average sorta pressures pressures eg k4 600/750 of 36/36 michelin recommend, he said not to go any lower than 33.

[marty]

i've just changed from 010's to pilot sports. the 010 was very sticky, never gave me any big scares (but i ride like a nana though) even in the wet, but it wore out pretty quickly, and saw only 2 coro loops plus about 1000kms of commuting before it was completely fucked.

just trying the pilots as i've heard good things about them, and surely they can't wear out faster than the 010. can they?

[Toast]

i've just changed from 010's to pilot sports. the 010 was very sticky, never gave me any big scares (but i ride like a nana though) even in the wet, but it wore out pretty quickly, and saw only 2 coro loops plus about 1000kms of commuting before it was completely fucked.

just trying the pilots as i've heard good things about them, and surely they can't wear out faster than the 010. can they?

I had Pilot Sports on my old bike when I bought it, and they were good. They will last longer than either 010's or, in my experience, Pilot Powers. They are a generation behind the Pilot Powers though, and I don't believe them to be as good, especially in the amount of feedback they provide, aswell as time to warm-up.

[Devil]

Yikes, i'm just coming up on 10,000km on my 010's heh. Prob only 1k more on the rear. So powers next.