Bridgestone Battlax S20R review - 5,000km

[onearmedbandit]

As with all new sets of tyres, there's that wonderful feeling of progression from one side to t'other. But the most obvious first impression is that these buggers run on a rail. I frigged around with lines in a couple of corners and they didn't turn a hair - just went whereever I pointed them. Maybe I was imagining it but they felt better than I remember other new tyres.

I had the usual warnings about "go easy on those new tyres" which I duly did. For about five minutes. By then I had forgotten they were new. They didn't seem to think they were new either. Course, I didn't really have a chance to wring their necks but all the same, very positive first impression.

Nothing like new hoops, eh?

Echoes exactly what I felt with these tyres from day one. And it's only got better as time as progressed. I look forward to reading your opinion on them once you've put a few km's on them.

[MIXONE]

Being in the market for a new rear hoop for the duck what's one of these cost?

[slofox]

Being in the market for a new rear hoop for the duck what's one of these cost?

Boyds have the 190/55-17 for $322.

[nzspokes]

Are you happy with 5,000 k's? Or are you hooning it to get that mileage? Not sure why you are so happy unless you own the tyre factory.
I got about 16,000 kms from my rear Pilot Road 2. Equally happy with their road holding.

Im really happy with my PR2s, but these S20rs seem to be a higher traction tyre for bikes with some HP. Would be wasted on my run to work each day.

[slofox]

Im really happy with my PR2s, but these S20rs seem to be a higher traction tyre for bikes with some HP. Would be wasted on my run to work each day.

PR2's are pretty damn good. I used them on me SV when I had it. Got around 14000k per set.

Talked to a dude yesterday who had PR3's on his gixxer 750. He reckoned they were the bees' knees.

[Coldrider]

Boyds have the 190/55-17 for $322.

Cycletreads have BT023 for $239, I expect everything from them that my OEM S20's gave, except track day capability, and far more kilometers.

[\m/]

My 750 will be needing new tires soon, might give the s20s a try.

[Kruzah]

Being in the market for a new rear hoop for the duck what's one of these cost?

Honda Hamilton has the best S20 prices that I've seen, and I know lots of people who get them fitted there.
$299 for a 190 rear. or $503 fully fitted for a set of 120/70 and 190/55.....

[Kruzah]

Boyds have the 190/55-17 for $322.

Thats expensive. As mentioned in previous reply, Honda Hamilton have 190 rear S20's for only $299


I've just checked thier advertising. Honda Hamilton (next to Speights pub, north end of Anglesea Street) has S20 tyres FULLY FITTED for the following prices, ON ANY BIKE....

180/55 & 120/70 - only $501
190/50 & 120/70 - only $502
190/55 & 120/70 - yep you guessed it, only $503

and if you don't live near Hamilton they will freight them FREE for only $499 a pair in any of the 3 size combo's above.

[Kruzah]

PR2's are pretty damn good. I used them on me SV when I had it. Got around 14000k per set.

Talked to a dude yesterday who had PR3's on his gixxer 750. He reckoned they were the bees' knees.

When you say PR2 and PR3 I assume you are referring to the Michelin Pilot Road 2, and Pilot Road 3 ? These are both awesome tyres. I run only Michelins on my own bike, not tried the Road3 yet though.
I have heard, and read, that the Road 3 tyres are AMAZING in wet weather - should be a great winter tyre, or year round touring tyre. Not really comparable to the Bridgestone S20 though as it's intended for a totally different type of riding. The S20 does share the PR3's awesome reputation for wet weather grip and handling though, so a great winter sports bike tyre. For a Gixxer of any kind the S20 is definately the way to go if the owner has intention to do any track days



(just to clarify, I'm a bike mechanic, so I get to hear a lot of opinions about tyres from lots of different riders)

[slofox]

Honda Hamilton has the best S20 prices that I've seen, and I know lots of people who get them fitted there.
$299 for a 190 rear. or $503 fully fitted for a set of 120/70 and 190/55.....

My set was $480. Fitted. 120/70 and 185/55

[mulletman]

At the Bears racing at Ruapuna last weekend TSS had some crazy cheap deals going on these tyres.

[AllanB]

at the bears racing at ruapuna last weekend tss had some crazy cheap deals going on these tyres.

tss? .

[mulletman]

tss? .

Yep thats what i was thinking to when i saw it, (Welly? or AKL?)

[ducatilover]

Crikey that's some decent mileage from a proper tyre!
I don't think my Pilot Power is going to manage 4000km, let alone 5 on the 600. It's done a little over 2000km and a wet qualifying at Manfield on an SV and it's getting ready for replacement, seems to eat out the sides pretty fast (could just be me running shit pressures, suspension and rider)