Bridgestone Battlax S20R review - Initial impressions.

[Hitcher]

34 rear and 36 front.

34 rear? Seriously?

[onearmedbandit]

34 rear? Seriously?

Yes, 34 very serious pounds per square inch. It's a starting point, I'll try 36 next, then maybe 38. But unless the design of this tyre is severely different from previous tyres I've run I'd say I'll end up somewhere close to where I started.

[Hitcher]

Yes, 34 very serious pounds per square inch. It's a starting point, I'll try 36 next, then maybe 38. But unless the design of this tyre is severely different from previous tyres I've run I'd say I'll end up somewhere close to where I started.

Fair enough. I've never run a rear with less than 38psi and am generally most comfortable with 40psi. Hence my surprise. I generally use the manufacturer's recommended fitment for my bike model as a guide.

[onearmedbandit]

My faith in tyres has returned. Stay tuned, more in-depth feedback later today.

As I was saying. I managed to get out for a brief ride today, only about 50km but still enough to know I'm onto a good thing here. First to be noticed on the open road was the same thing I had observed in town, namely their eagerness to lean in with that confidence inspiring feel. And once tipped in it was easy to pick a line and hold it, the bike seemingly locked onto a target in the distance. That's not to say they won't change line if requested, just they 'settle in' very well. Braking and downshifting were both fuss free affairs, allowing me to concentrate on getting through the corner as smoothly as possible.

I know of a couple of mid corner bumps that will upset a poorly set up bike, or one on average tyres. Each one of them I nailed intentionally, either on the brakes on the very tip in point or mid corner on both positive and closed throttle, and hand on heart the tyres gave no sign of struggling. In fact, although today wasn't an intensive test for them (I'll save that for an upcoming track day) I really couldn't fault them.

So paint me happy. Granted I've only done minimal kms but I would have no problem paying the asking for a set of these, and would happily recommend them based on my experiences so far. I'll be back with another update in 500km time. Lets see whether I still feel the same then.

[Hitcher]

Is it time to start a sweepstake on how many km you'll get off them?

[Latte]

Less rhan 5k. Even worse if he hits the track. Front will go 1st. Based on my experience with 016's

[onearmedbandit]

Went out for a good run today, about 120km. Hand on heart these are some of the best tyres I've ridden on. The feedback is phenomenal, inspiring confidence. Flicking from side to side at speed, they are stable, direct and precise. Compared to my last tyres these are a world apart, I didn't want to come home rather just stay out hunting corners.

[Kickaha]

what ever happened to Old Trev from budgets ?

Last time I saw him he was busy out fucking round on Adventure bikes and dicking around with cars, think there was a few overseas trips for the grumpy old prick to

[Fast Eddie]

Less rhan 5k. Even worse if he hits the track. Front will go 1st. Based on my experience with 016's

hm.. i got 2 rear 016's to the front.. the rears got chewed up..

blade runs a 130 front tho, maybe less wear/bigger contact patch?