Comments on a Bridgestone Trail Wing TW22, anyone?

**Jantar** · 11th February 2013, 17:19

Originally Posted by JayRacer37

......
Gidday Jantar, possible (probable?) you have had experience with OEM tyres that were not that awesome...Suprised though that the V-Strom Thou wouldn't have BattleWings on it not TrailWings? Or perhaps an OEM TrailWing construction that was mostly road based.
......

My first VStrom was a K6 model, and I replaced the OEM Trailwings with Battlewings at 6000 km. The Battlewings were far superior on road, and not too much different on gravel. In fact I did the 2007 South Island Passes ride on them. I would have stuck with them when they were due for replacement, but was unable to get them, so went for Conti Trail Attacks instead, and found them to be far superior to either Trail or Battle wings in all circumstances.

My second VStrom was an L0 model and also had the Trailwings as OEM. Once again they were replaced at 6000 km with Trail Attacks. Shortly before I sold that bike I fitted Heidenau K60

It was suggested that possibly Bridgestone make a cheaper (and slightly inferior) tyre for OEM applications, but I can't imagine any manufacturer wanting to give potential future customers anything but their very best for their first experience.

**JayRacer37** · 12th February 2013, 16:18

Originally Posted by Jantar

My first VStrom was a K6 model, and I replaced the OEM Trailwings with Battlewings at 6000 km. The Battlewings were far superior on road, and not too much different on gravel. In fact I did the 2007 South Island Passes ride on them. I would have stuck with them when they were due for replacement, but was unable to get them, so went for Conti Trail Attacks instead, and found them to be far superior to either Trail or Battle wings in all circumstances.

My second VStrom was an L0 model and also had the Trailwings as OEM. Once again they were replaced at 6000 km with Trail Attacks. Shortly before I sold that bike I fitted Heidenau K60

It was suggested that possibly Bridgestone make a cheaper (and slightly inferior) tyre for OEM applications, but I can't imagine any manufacturer wanting to give potential future customers anything but their very best for their first experience.

What often happens is a spec is requested from the motorcycle manufacturer that usually includes a tyre weight (so the bike feels like it handles lightly on test rides, usually compromising tread depth) and a price (bottom dollar for keeping the bike cost down). They also often have TUV approval (or similar) to pass which require a fast, loaded test for the bike and tyre which often makes the tyre worse for general use as it is built harder and to work at a higher temp than what would normally be obtained, we see this more regularly in more road based tyres. Certainly it is not a new thing for an OEM spec tyre from any tyre manufacturer to be worse after some KM's or right off the bat in some cases than the aftermarket options. Tyres that are OEM spec usually have a letter designation after their model code on the sidewall. Unfortunately this is something we encounter fairly regularly where people have a less than optimum experience with a tyre brand on their brand new bikes that puts them off for some time, when it is an OEM spec tyre made specifically for the bike manufacturer.

**Night Falcon** · 12th February 2013, 17:24

Originally Posted by JayRacer37

What often happens is a spec is requested from the motorcycle manufacturer that usually includes a tyre weight (so the bike feels like it handles lightly on test rides, usually compromising tread depth) and a price (bottom dollar for keeping the bike cost down). They also often have TUV approval (or similar) to pass which require a fast, loaded test for the bike and tyre which often makes the tyre worse for general use as it is built harder and to work at a higher temp than what would normally be obtained, we see this more regularly in more road based tyres. Certainly it is not a new thing for an OEM spec tyre from any tyre manufacturer to be worse after some KM's or right off the bat in some cases than the aftermarket options. Tyres that are OEM spec usually have a letter designation after their model code on the sidewall. Unfortunately this is something we encounter fairly regularly where people have a less than optimum experience with a tyre brand on their brand new bikes that puts them off for some time, when it is an OEM spec tyre made specifically for the bike manufacturer.

insight into the mirky world of marketing. fortuneatley honourable companies like KTM don't subscribe to this type of skulduggery let the flamming commence

**NordieBoy** · 15th February 2013, 09:08

The "DeathWings" are the common oem TW42 and 43.

I never had a problem with them.

Even when not quite new...

**Transalper** · 15th February 2013, 10:44

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

The "DeathWings" are the common oem TW42 and 43.

I never had a problem with them.

Even when not quite new...

I note that you do not have one on front in your picture.

**GPS MAN** · 15th February 2013, 13:25

Deathwings~that about sums it up

**NordieBoy** · 15th February 2013, 15:19

Originally Posted by Transalper

I note that you do not have one on front in your picture.

I was getting 2nd hand rears off Triumph Tiger rental bikes.

The Shinko/Goldenboy SR244 front is one front I really don't like. Although if I tried one now I can ride better, I'd probably be happier with it.

**Odakyu-sen** · 16th February 2013, 07:23

I got my Bridgestone TW22 fitted. It has a real "road tyre" centre and more "knobby" sides. I'll be off with two other KLRs, a DR, a Yamaha XT and a couple on a KTM motart. One other guy will rent a bike in Christchurch.

We're taking camping gear, and will "free camp" as much as possible. The KLR is a good mule for this kind of work. I've got a Sony HDR AS-10 action camera that I have mounted on my helmet (damn KLR vibrates too much for the camera to be anywhere else).

My personal goal: get to the top of Magic Mountain* near Omarama https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_S6Efstnl8 (The access road is on private land. The views from the top are sublime.) *The name given to it by hang glider pilots.

Only a week to go! (Oil change and service on Tuesday.)