Bridgestone Battlax T30 on a Kawasaki Z1000 (ZR1000B)

[russd7]

cheers for the review, might have to try these on the zzr next change, have personally always like brdgestone with the 020,021 and currently the 023, have tried other brands but never really felt at ease, im happy to accept 8 or 9000 kms out of a rear that im comfortable with

[Owl]

Wainuiomata Coast Road

Didn't know about that road and must try it out, so thank you.

Second valve, the front. 41psi.

So glad I fit my own tyres.

[pritch]

I have made it a rule to check pressures after fitting - car and bike.

Most wise. Some variation may be attributable to different gauges, but one tyre over and one under can't be explained away like that.

In the past I have received my car back with highly over inflated tyres. I suspect that this was done to accentuate the "improvement" the new tyres and wheel alignment had made. Certainly the steering was light. So light I checked the pressures...

[Hitcher]

Despite Mother Nature's best efforts to keep bikers tucked up indoors, there have been some opportunities for riding so far this winter. The T30s have now travelled about 2,000km.

Weekend before last ago they went to Toepaw. Mrs H had a birthday that weekend and also long-lost friends have returned from Pomgolia. It was great to head away and take in some country.

Straight up the guts we went on our way there. The climate on the Desert Road was a bit bleak, with snow to the edges of the road and the odd fleck floating around amongst the drizzle. But once we had crested the summit, out came the sun and we had a magic run to the top of the lake.

Our homewards return was down SH5 to Napier, around the coast to Clive then Havelock North, Middle Road to Patangata then Waipawa. Just before the Waipukurau golf course we cut left and skirted around the base of the hills to Takapau. What a lovely road. And then another favourite through Ormondville. We took our usual direct route turning left at Oringi and re-emerging on SH2 just north of Mangatainoka.

A great mix of roads -- wet, dry and freezing -- with a good variety of surfaces and corners.

So far the T30s are behaving well and are hard to fault.

A hair-line crack has appeared, more or less down the centre of the tread. I am presuming that that has something to do with how the tyre is formed in the mould. I've never seen anything like that before on any of the many sets of tyres I've worn out. I'll be keeping a close eye on it.

[Zapf]

A hair-line crack has appeared, more or less down the centre of the tread.

Is this on the front or Rear? I have read about internet post re cracks in tires and suggestions that the tire was exposed to sub zero temperatures as the cause?

[Hitcher]

Is this on the front or Rear? I have read about internet post re cracks in tires and suggestions that the tire was exposed to sub zero temperatures as the cause?

It's in the rear. Temperatures were cold but I suspect that any sub-zeroness would be more likely due to an overnight frost in Taupo than anything to do with the Desert Road.

[JayRacer37]

So far the T30s are behaving well and are hard to fault.

A hair-line crack has appeared, more or less down the centre of the tread. I am presuming that that has something to do with how the tyre is formed in the mould. I've never seen anything like that before on any of the many sets of tyres I've worn out. I'll be keeping a close eye on it.

Glad they are working well for you Hitcher. The slight groove just off centre in the rear tyre in particular (although it is often visible in the front also) is a normal mark for Bridgestones radials. You are bang on, it comes (from what I understand from them) from where the mould clamps together over the top of the tyre - it is essentially a different curing in that one very small strip and never progresses more than about 0.5mm deeper than the tread area around it.

Is this on the front or Rear? I have read about internet post re cracks in tires and suggestions that the tire was exposed to sub zero temperatures as the cause?

Under inflated tyres (particularly older styled ones, or race/supersport models with a rubber designed exclusively for high temperature use) ridden in very cold temperatures can cause cracking around the edges of the tread block when the rubber is brittle and being forced to flex more than it is capable of. The below is taken from Bridgestone's site;

"Care and Use at Low Temperatures:

High performance motorcycle tires may crack in the tread area from impact or deformation at low ambient temperatures. Handle and store the tires with care. Always ride carefully until the tires are warmed up, particularly in low ambient temperature conditions."

[AllanB]

So how are they compared to the Road Attack 2? I find the Contis most excellent for a bit of a naughty fang - stick very well. The rear is disappearing each time I ride it (I swear it!) so keeping an eye out for a replacement and I can get the T30's at a good price........

[Hitcher]

So how are they compared to the Road Attack 2? I find the Contis most excellent for a bit of a naughty fang - stick very well. The rear is disappearing each time I ride it (I swear it!) so keeping an eye out for a replacement and I can get the T30's at a good price........

Price will be the key. Conti Road Attack 2s are great value for money. In terms of performance and handling, the T30 is in my experience comparable to the RA2s. Time will tell how well the T30s wear. The Conti's durability was very good.

[AllanB]

Price will be the key. Conti Road Attack 2s are great value for money. In terms of performance and handling, the T30 is in my experience comparable to the RA2s. Time will tell how well the T30s wear. The Conti's durability was very good.

Cheers, if they stick and handle the same as the Contis I reckon I'll throw on some T30's as I can score them el cheapo! More money for rego.......

[AllanB]

Picked up a set of T30's this morning, now I am waiting on my rear conti to die. Avon City Suzuki in CHCH have them on special in 120 and 180's for only $399. To good a price to pass!

[Hitcher]

Picked up a set of T30's this morning, now I am waiting on my rear conti to die. Avon City Suzuki in CHCH have them on special in 120 and 180's for only $399. To good a price to pass!

$400 for a set? That's value, presuming a 190 isn't much more expensive than a 180.

[AllanB]

Yeah they are doing a bulk buy and passing on huge savings to their customers! Made me happy!

[nzspokes]

Yeah they are doing a bulk buy and passing on huge savings to their customers! Made me happy!

Thats a great price. I will look at a set after I go through my PR3s. But in saying that guys are getting 20k out of 2s up here so it may be while.

[AllanB]

Thats a great price. I will look at a set after I go through my PR3s. But in saying that guys are getting 20k out of 2s up here so it may be while.

Yeah - I got 11,000 out of my PR2's on the Hornet. Best tyre life I have had on it yet. Stuffed if I can see how they get 20k but you do have smooth roads in the North Island. Southern roads are like riding on 60 grit sandpaper.