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Reviews for Bridgestone BTO-20

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Spitfire S11
Battlax BT45
Bridgestone BTO-14
Bridgestone BTO-20
Bridgestone BTO-21

 

Bridgestone BT-57

- Mark from Clinton, NJ
I got a cherry '99 ZRX1100 last year. The tires needed replacing, as they were the original skins. There was barely 1mm of tread left on the back, so replacement could NOT wait. Since this was my first high performance bike, I didn't know what tires use. Therefore, I followed the owner's manual recommendations; one of those recommended tires was the BT-57. I figured that this was best, until I had time to adequately research high performance tires, and I could make an intelligent decision next time I replace the skins. By the looks of things, that'll be soon...

What do I like about the BT-57? One, it can handle all the power my bike dishes out! It has K & N pods, a jet kit, and a Kerker pipe; she puts about 120 hp to the rear wheel, vs. the stock bike's 96 hp. The tires have not squared off at all. Two, the grip is excellent. My chicken strip is about 1/4" wide; I've never slid the bike, nor have I kicked out the rear end when giving her the gas coming out of a turn-even a sharp one. Three, the ride quality is good.

What don't I like about the tire? The big complaint is that it does NOT last long at all; I have 3,500 miles on my tires, and the rear will be ready for replacement in the next 1,000 miles or so, as there is about 1-2 mm left of the rear tread. The front is not much better. However, based on my research, this wear is typical for high performance sport tires. If you want grip, you're going to give up mileage; it's that simple.

The only other thing that I don't like is the lack of available sizes for this tire. That's a pity, because this tire is very good; I guess most riders are opting for the BT-014 now, as it's a newer design. Anyway, my manual says to use a 170/60R17 on the back. With the BT-57's limited size selection, I had to use a 180/55 rear instead. This is ok, because: 1) I have 5.5" rim, the minimum rim width required for a 180 tire; and 2) the bigger tire absorbs the extra hp.

If I don't give my ZRX a fair amount of throttle in the turns, the bike feels as if it'll fall in. I don't know if it's because the bike's heavy (it is, weighing in @ 550# wet, and I weigh 260#), or if it's the tire's design. I won't know until I replace the skins. Then, I'll be able to see if turn-in characteristics of my bike of changed.

In closing, the BT-57 is a good, solid tire. It offers good grip for my musclebike; the tires have never broken loose. They're not squared off; they've retained their profile well. However, the size selection of the BT-57 is limited now, as the BT-014 is replacing it on newer, litre class sportbikes. Also, the tire doesn't last long, though this seems to be typical of high performance rubber. It's the same, old story; if you want the grip, you're going to give up mileage-end of story. If these tires can fit your bike, I'd check 'em out...
- Jan 03, 2007

Yes - 10
No - 0
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BTO - 20

- Andrew from Lebanon, TN
I've used this tire on a yzf600r. Wear was exceptional which I was expecting for a sport tour tire. Warm up was very quick and there's plenty of tread depth for riding in rain. Grip isn't as good as the supersport tires. I slid the rear in a sharp right hander on the edge of the tire. To the tire's credit, it was managable and didn't break away too quickly. Once I found the limit I never had any issues. Good mileage, and good street performance.
- Jul 26, 2006

Yes - 37
No - 2
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