Bridgestone 021's

[TRaGiK]

Whose made it through a set, or even has more than a couple thousand miles on a set?

How do they compare to other ST tires you've ran for grip and mileage?

I'm thinking about trying these after my Storms are done, but the price on them sets off the "to good to be true" alarm.

[greench440]

Softer than 020s so they grip pretty good. Got about 4k on the set on my FJR, looks like I'll get about 7k compared to about 10k on the 020s.  Big plus is that the front had not developed any head shake as it has worn.  A BT020 would be shaking the bars by now.

[thompsonian]

I had them on my SV1000S before I got rid of it for the FJR. I loved them! They felt like the old 010's to me, but that is my opinion. I felt very confident on them and had a lot of trust in them. Only had them for 1500 miles or so, but had already had more scuff on them than I did in the 5500 miles on the Diablo Stradas I had before. The FJR is due for a new set of tires since the rear 020 is starting to square and show wear bars. Needless to say I do a TON of commuting on this thing! But be sure that I'll be putting the 021's on it as soon as I can.

[desert_rider]

I have them on my 1200Bandit and I really like them.  There is a BIG impovement on the front in both ride quality(smoother, seems to soak up road imperfections better then the 20's) and quicker turn-in.  

[bpg]

switching from Metz Z6 rear/M1 front to BT-021 rear/Metz M1 front to try it out, should be here this week!!!

Will post review ASAP.  Already LOVE the price ($122 @ SW Moto Tire)

[bobmielke]

I got 14k out of a set of b20s on my r1200rt. nMy dealer suggested trying the b21s. I'm not happy. My front only has 6k on it and my dealer noticed  uneven wear down to the replacement marks. He's calling Bridgestone to find out if they're willing to do anything for me,

[bpg]

I got 14k out of a set of b20s on my r1200rt. nMy dealer suggested trying the b21s. I'm not happy. My front only has 6k on it and my dealer noticed  uneven wear down to the replacement marks. He's calling Bridgestone to find out if they're willing to do anything for me,

Don't take this the wrong way , but how does your rear look??

[bobmielke]

bpg - Actually my rear tire looks great. That's why the dealer was concerned about the unusual wear on the fron. He thinks there may have been a manufacturing defect. I'll let you all know if I hear anything more.

[RickC1957]

I have about 7K on my set of 021s....I think I might get another 1000 out of the rear. My overall impression is very good tire. Nice stick, good feedback from them...I found the Stradas "nervous". They are awesome in the wet. Haven't really tested them in the cold. I have always liked Bridgestones...yes I know lots of peeps have front tire cupping problems...on further personal investigation, all those that did, running insanely low tire pressures 32PSI, freaking magazine racers I usually run 38 front 42 rear.

[TRaGiK]

RickC - How many miles did you get out of the Strada's?

[thompsonian]

FWIW, when I had the Diablo Strada's on my SV1000, I got roughly 5k out of the rear. I think it was almost 6K, but they were starting to look shot so I replaced them with the 021's. And I agree about the Stradas feeling nervous. I never fully trusted them and felt a lot more comfortable with the 'Stones.

[bpg]

FWIW, when I had the Diablo Strada's on my SV1000, I got roughly 5k out of the rear. I think it was almost 6K, but they were starting to look shot so I replaced them with the 021's. And I agree about the Stradas feeling nervous. I never fully trusted them and felt a lot more comfortable with the 'Stones.

that school, b/c I like the rear Z6 handling (equivalent of the Strada); so if the BT-021 lasts longer and handles better - for a cheaper price, I'll be a happy man!!

Can't wait, my BT-021 should be here sooooon!!!!

[tomek]

I have about 7K on my set of 021s....I think I might get another 1000 out of the rear. My overall impression is very good tire. Nice stick, good feedback from them...I found the Stradas "nervous". They are awesome in the wet. Haven't really tested them in the cold. I have always liked Bridgestones...yes I know lots of peeps have front tire cupping problems...on further personal investigation, all those that did, running insanely low tire pressures 32PSI, freaking magazine racers I usually run 38 front 42 rear.

Do you have them on ST ? What kind of riding,speeds, temps,loads,etc.I need something that won`t vaporize at 100 mph in 100 F deg when crossing Nevada desert.021 is about 50 bucks cheaper then Pilot Road 2,I would like to try them I guess,,,,,,

[Thor]

I have about 7K on my set of 021s....I think I might get another 1000 out of the rear. My overall impression is very good tire. Nice stick, good feedback from them...I found the Stradas "nervous". They are awesome in the wet. Haven't really tested them in the cold. I have always liked Bridgestones...yes I know lots of peeps have front tire cupping problems...on further personal investigation, all those that did, running insanely low tire pressures 32PSI, freaking magazine racers I usually run 38 front 42 rear.

Wow!  Someone else who didn't like the Stradas and found them "nervous" - I'd say more like neurotic!

[ventur4th]

Many people just assume that the Strada and Z6 are the same tire. because the tread pattern is similar, they fill the same spot in the marketing line up and they're both made by the same people.
Stradas nervous? Neurotic? Yes. Ride height and suspension setup are critical with these tires. Even when properly set up, they're ultra sensitive to input. Z6s on the other hand are none of those things - mount them up and ride. Totally predictable.
My $.02 based on 3 sets of Z6s and 2 sets of Stradas.
I've been wondering about the 021s. Anyone use theirs aggressively? If so, how did they work?

[TRaGiK]

I just found out one of my buddies has them on his YZF600R. He loves them.

I'd consider him a fairly agressive rider...he definately is quicker than me, and I'm no slouch.

I think I'll be ordering up a set of the 021's very soon...

[HipGnosis]

Wow!  Someone else who didn't like the Stradas and found them "nervous" - I'd say more like neurotic!

The F-117 is so 'unstable' that it'd tumble out of the air w/o the computers making constant adjustments to the flight control surfaces.  This makes it ULTRA responsive.
Pros and cons to everything.

BTW: Pilots swore they 'could' fly it w/o the computers.. so they turned them off in the simulator... they all crashed.

[elgordo]

I have 4k on my 021s (on a 05 FJR). I like the ride, stickyness and they have a neutral turn in. Wear wise they are just starting to show wear, I anticipate at least doubling the mileage on them. My only complaint is that the front tire is noisy, particularily on pebbly pavement.

If the new Pilot Road IIs don't sound to be a better tire by next spring, I'll be putting another set of 021s on.

[HappyRiding]

I just did a Saddlesore 1000 on my BT-021s. The tires looked good before the ride with 3000 miles on them but a thousand miles later the front is trashed. The rear was slightly squared off after my SS1000 but the front literally couldn't take the heat. I'll have to replace it this week. It was just too soft for that many miles on a 92 degree day. The tires also seem to make a roaring noise at high speed. I won't be buying another 021.

I really liked the way they rode and cornered but I can't be replacing tires every other month. I got nearly 13,000 miles from the OEM tires. If you do get the 021s be sure to run the Bridgestone recommended pressure instead of the bike manufacturer's pressure.  

[desert_rider]

I really liked the way they rode and cornered but I can't be replacing tires every other month. I got nearly 13,000 miles from the OEM tires. If you do get the 021s be sure to run the Bridgestone recommended pressure instead of the bike manufacturer's pressure. Out of habit, I was running the front at the 36 psi the non-radial OEM tire used. My 021 lists 42 psi. This oversite probably hastened the demise of my tire.

What were the OEM's on your bike?

[HappyRiding]

What were the OEM's on your bike?

My OEM tires were Bridgestone G547. They wore like iron - rode like iron too.

[jsolo]

What is defined by a nervous tire?

I ran the stradas for nearly 3 seasons on the gpz ( a relatively heavy bike) with good results and good wear.  The bike had other issues in high speed cornering - like an outdated/shot suspension.  For sweepers though, the tires seemed to grip very well.  I don't recall them being unpredictable.

The concours14 came with 021's stock.  At 3500 miles, the wear seems to be pretty good so far with plenty of tread in the rear with just slight squaring, and at least half in the front.  I do expect at least 2 seasons (12-14K) out of a set of tires.  

[bobmielke]

FWIW - A follow up on my B21 situatiion. My tire dealer contacted Bridgestone and discovered they were aware of a problem with certain model bikes that included my @005 R1200RT. They claim premature wear on the front tire only. They will replace the tire for free under warranty. Now that's customer service. BTW, my dealer is throwing in free mounting as he was the one who suggested the B21s. My rear tire looks fine & I do love the grip of these "Touring" tires.

[greench440]

How do i go about making a claim?  The BT021 lasted 5k on my FJR when i used to get 10-12k on using BT020s.

[bobmielke]

Have your dealer call Bridgestone.

[RickC1957]

RickC - How many miles did you get out of the Strada's?

A few miles over 8500.

[Thor]

What is defined by a nervous tire?

I ran the stradas for nearly 3 seasons on the gpz ( a relatively heavy bike) with good results and good wear.  The bike had other issues in high speed cornering - like an outdated/shot suspension.  For sweepers though, the tires seemed to grip very well.  I don't recall them being unpredictable.

The concours14 came with 021's stock.  At 3500 miles, the wear seems to be pretty good so far with plenty of tread in the rear with just slight squaring, and at least half in the front.  I do expect at least 2 seasons (12-14K) out of a set of tires.  

For me a nervous tire is one that is unpredictable.  Not so much from a traction standpoint; I don't run into big trouble there, it's when the tire changes the way it behaves based on lean angle.

The Stradas were all over the place for me.  They would fall into the turn and then become extremely difficult to change directions mid turn.  You would push - nothing, push somemore - nothing, push even more and then they would take off.

I have a friend who ran them on his 929 and didn't have the problems I had.  I'm still thinking that I had a defective set - specifically the rear.  The rear lifted the rear of my bike 3/4 of an inch compared to Pilot Powers.  That can't be right.

I still have them on a spare set of rims, so even though the rear is a bit squared now I may have to try them again and see how they feel.

[Doug Just Doug]

I have only about 250 miles on my new 021s since I put them on 3 days ago.  I had been using the OEM 020s prior and generally liked them (esp. in the wet), but suffered with the typical 020 front cupping.  I believe the 021s turn-in a tad easier, but other than that it's too soon to compare; plus it's always difficult coming off a worn set 'cuz any tire that is at least mostly-round will feel better by comparison.  Like someone said above, I'm running the max-load pressure of 42 psi as opposed to the 34 - 36 psi I ran with the 020s.  I feared going in that 42 would make the tires too jiggly (technical term) but they feel very good at that pressure.

[naustin]

My 021s are shot, both front and rear at 4,500 miles.  I discovered my tire gauge was inaccurate, I was running 34/38 when I thought I was running 38/42.  Even considering the pressures were lower than I thought, the mileage is disappointing.  My bike is not a heavyweight - wet weight is listed in the manual at 518lbs, and I'm only a 160lb rider.

I also got the same wear Bob had on the front tire.  I emailed Bridgestone's technical department and after 2 weeks, they have not bothered to reply.  I guess Bridgestone doesn't care about you unless you go though a dealer...

[HappyRiding]

Below is the email response I received from Bob Graham at Bridgestone concerning my front tire. Bridgestone says they don't recommend radial tires for the ST1100 although radials have been used for many years on ST1100s with excellent results. Bob Graham says it was the dealers fault for selling them to me. Any suggestions?



Sara,

 

Your ST1100 is designed for bias-ply tires, we do not recommend radial-ply tires for that machine.

 

We still have available the G547 and G548 which came on the ST1100 as original equipment.

 

I would like to know the dealer that sold you the BT021, the name of the person you dealt with and their phone number.

 

Let me know…………..Thanks.

 

 

 

Bob Graham

Motorcycle / Kart Product Manager

Bridgestone / Firestone North American Tire, LLC.

535  Marriott Drive

Nashville  TN   37214

615-937-3442

Fax  615-937-3431

grahambob@bfusa.com

www.motorcycle-karttires.com

 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[naustin]

Here's what Bob Graham finally wrote to me...

Nick,

This is strange, I have no record of receiving this e-mail before.

Also, September 20th I was in Japan, my out of office assistant would have replied to you, stating that I was out of the country, and could not reply to e-mails.

Anyway, I am back now.

The dual-compound promotes higher mileage in the center, the only problem is the softer compound on the shoulders.

The condition of your front tire is caused by the shoulders wearing quicker than the center.  Most sport-touring riders do not have this problem, as they ride stright up for the most part.

Many riders use a sport tire on the front ( BT014 ) as the front typically does not have a mileage problem, then they run a sport-touring tire on the rear.

I am intersted in what tires yyou used before, and how many miles you got from them.

Let me know…………..Thanks.

Bob Graham
Motorcycle / Kart Product Manager
Bridgestone / Firestone North American Tire, LLC.
535  Marriott Drive
Nashville  TN  37214

[HappyRiding]

Here's what Bob Graham finally wrote to me...

Most sport-touring riders do not have this problem, as they ride stright up for the most part.




  He must be confusing us with plain-ole-runofda-mill touring riders. Does he think we're riding Goldwings?

[naustin]

I think grahambob is more of a mid-level manager type than a tire engineer.    I wonder if he even rides...

[stefrrr]

*snif*

I smell... BS

I would say from those responses that Bob Graham is PR. Both of those messages basically say, "Well, you (or the dealer) must be doing something wrong. It couldn't possibly be a deficiency in our tires!"

I would like to know the dealer that sold you the BT021, the name of the person you dealt with and their phone number.

What a tool.  

Or he'll just call you a liar! Fantastic!

This is strange, I have no record of receiving this e-mail before.

Also, September 20th I was in Japan, my out of office assistant would have replied to you, stating that I was out of the country, and could not reply to e-mails.

[naustin]

Bob Graham says:

Nick,

Your air pressures look about right, but we think the S3T is quite hard
on tires.

Also, it is a heavy motorcycle, and you are riding quite hard and 2 up.

Abnormal wear on the front, is also probably due to heavy braking.

Quite possibly you would get better wear from the BT014 front, and you
may want to try another pound or two in the front tire.

That is our thoughts.

( One of my staff worked in a HD / Buell dealer for many years, he is
quite familiar with the S3T )

Best Regards,


Bob Graham

To which I replied

Bob,

Thanks for your thoughts.

I  expect that the weight of my bike and gear should not be a significant issue for a dedicated sport touring tire.  I would point out that the S3T is 518 lbs wet, while the FJR and `08 Concours are nearly 700 lbs. Even a VFR is listed at 530 lbs, wet.   My bike is certainly heavier than many /sport/ bikes, but for a /sport-touring/ bike, it is quite light.  I weigh 160, my pillion weights 150.  Even 2-up, the total weight would be similar to that carried by the tires on an FJR with no passenger.

Also, while I do enjoy carrying speed through the sweepers, as does my pillion, I can tell you categorically that the wear on the front is not the result of heavy braking.  I never brake aggressively, and usually leisurly downshift and coast up to intersections - even when riding solo.

I believe there is another cause to this wear pattern.  I have discovered that the pen-type pressue guage I have been using is inaccurate.  I thought I was running 38/42 psi, front/rear -- but the cheap guage was reading 4psi too high.  In reality, I have been running 34/38 psi.   I am inclined to think that these lower pressures are the majority of the issue.

Thanks again for your thoughts.

Nick Austin

[bpg]

I have about 1000 miles on a rear BT-021 (about 600 of which were fairly intense twisties in the NC/TN mountains)

So far so good - no slips, might even have a bit better grip than the rear Metz Z-6 that they replaced (and about $25-35 cheaper!!).  Wear looks fine, kinda cool to see/feel the difference in the 2 compounds that make up this tire.

I'm running them with my favorite front tire, a Metz M1.  VERY responsive combo that looks to be long-lasting, so far.  We'll see how they look when 6K rolls around (this is when my Z6's would get squared off/too-worn in the middle)

[Doug Just Doug]

My only complaint is that the front tire is noisy

I've noticed that as well; seemed to begin after the first couple of hundred miles.  It's not annoying to me, but it's there.  Of course, my 020 fronts always got noisy, too, when they started cupping.

[GerryPetrecca]

I've noticed that as well; seemed to begin after the first couple of hundred miles.  It's not annoying to me, but it's there.  Of course, my 020 fronts always got noisy, too, when they started cupping.

As of yesterday (10/20) I have 355 miles on a new set of 021's and I haven't noticed any 'tire' associated noise.  I have found that the fronts ride a bit better with 40 psi air pressure rather than the 36-38 I ran in the 020's.  Currently have 38 psi in rear.

Gerry

P.S Doug..always nice to see a fellow ZR-7s rider...

[Silverbird]

I was/am a big fan of the 010's.  So the new tire is softer and naturally grips better and wears a little faster than the old one.  Is it me or where is the improvement?  I understand they are better but shouldn't we be getting better grip with equal or better mileage?

[bpg]

I was/am a big fan of the 010's.  So the new tire is softer and naturally grips better and wears a little faster than the old one.  Is it me or where is the improvement?  I understand they are better but shouldn't we be getting better grip with equal or better mileage?

Yip - keep hearing so-so reviews of the 021 front, so I was happy to stay with my WELL-proven Metz M1 front..

[tpierce (MP)]

I have had a set of 021s on my VFR for about 5300 miles now, terrific tires, i like them a lot.  I had 020s on my first VFR, the 021s are many times better.  They handle very well in the dry and wet, heat up fast and seem to be lasting well.  I haven't eperienced any of the cupping that was so common with the 020s.  I will most likely buy another set when these wear out.

[quicksilver]

I've put 3.5K on my 021's  (FJR)
The jury is still out on mileage, but I'm liking them.

I've had:
BT-020's about ~7K mls (front cupping made me change)
BT-020 back, BT-014 ~7K mls
                   (front side walls worn out, has triple digit instability from new)
Avon Azaros 45/46  ~8K mls (front cupping and rear center wear made me change)
Avon Azaros 45/46  ~8K mls (front cupping got extremely bad)

BT-021's  front is wearing quickly but evenly.

Each time I changed, I found a more confidence inspiring tire.

[nanbil]

Whose made it through a set

  I believe that you mean "Who's made it through a set..."  

[TRaGiK]

  I believe that you mean "Who's made it through a set..."  

You're fucking hilarious.  

[nanbil]

You're fucking hilarious.  

...that's exactly what my wife says...

[BlueRidgeKat]

bpg - Actually my rear tire looks great. That's why the dealer was concerned about the unusual wear on the front. He thinks there may have been a manufacturing defect. I'll let you all know if I hear anything more.

I hate the front is wearing out quickly for some of you but I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one. Was wondering what the hell was going on. My front 021 is gone at 5k yet the rear looks almost as good as when new. At this rate it would appear I could go through 2 fronts for every one rear. Not sure if I want to order another front 021 or switch to something else. Since I got a set of 021's as soon as they hit the market I wonder if they have this compound problem or whatever it is worked out now on the fronts.

By the way these are on a ZZR1200 and its the best riding, best handling, and feel I have ever had on the bike to date and would never consider anything else again if it wasnt for this excess wear of the front. I will probably just get another 021 front and see what happens since they work so well with this bike, but if the next one wears like the first one, I'm done.

P.S.
Hi Sarah !
It was nice to meet you at the HSTA Valley Rally !

[HappyRiding]

P.S.
Hi Sarah !
It was nice to meet you at the HSTA Valley Rally !

 
Howdy!   I've been meaning to look y'all up in the HSTA book and see if you want to get the dual sports dirty sometime this fall. I haven't had the NX off the pavement all year. (unless you count the ditch)

The BT-021s sound like they last longer on the lighter bikes than the heavier ST bikes. I'm not sure what I'm going to put on the ST next. I love the way the BTs stick but the mileage on the front isn't going to cut it. The back is fine. These 28 degree mornings have really reminded me that my front tire is dumpster material. I don't notice it much when it's warmer but it gets my full attention first thing in the morning.

BTW are y'all going to the ADVrider thing in Hot Springs next spring?

[BlueRidgeKat]

BTW are y'all going to the ADVrider thing in Hot Springs next spring?

Thats the first I have even heard of it. I will have to check it out but those guys are probably to hard core for me. I know there are a bunch of good fire roads and other trails in the Hot Springs NC area but havent gotten over there yet but sure would like to.

Speaking of hard core..... The Saddlesore 1000 ? Damn girl, you are a hard core STer yourself !  
400 miles and I'm done, of course that beautiful Honda ST of yours is alot more comfy than what I'm used to. Sorry to hear that 021 wore out on you that quick, thats just uncalled for.

[pearsonm]

Here's what Bob Graham finally wrote to me...

...Many riders use a sport tire on the front ( BT014 ) as the front typically does not have a mileage problem, then they run a sport-touring tire on the rear.

Am I the only one here blown away by that statement? Every tire rep I've attempted to discuss tire mixing with has scolded me for even suggesting such a thing (incompatible profiles, compounds and treads).

[bpg]

Am I the only one here blown away by that statement? Every tire rep I've attempted to discuss tire mixing with has scolded me for even suggesting such a thing (incompatible profiles, compounds and treads).

Not really...  Now if an unbiased (<--ha ha!) tire ENGINEER told me that, I might listen more intently and maybe even believe some of what's being said..  A rep is simply a salesperson..

I have successfully mixed models, and now even brands, with no issues.  Case in point: the only real issue I've heard of for the BT-021 (on numerous occasions & forums) is the excessive front tire wear, especially on heavire bikes.  

So instead of buying an 021 front , think outside the box and try something else!  Again, I get well over 10K miles from a Metz M1 front with the 021 out back, with never a hint of slipping.  More than ideal, I think...

YMMV...

[pearsonm]

Every time I’ve thought outside the box (D208/D220, 010/020, M3/Z6) I was less than impressed. For some reason I’m murder on tires. The most miles I can get is 3k on Stradas, which sometimes slip. If there’s a magic combo out there I want to know about it, otherwise I’m tired of hunting and pecking.

As for this Bob Graham guy he’s obviously going to speak Bridgestone, but he’s the first rep I’ve ever heard even remotely condone running anything other than matched sets. If he’s got some facts-based info then I want to hear it.

[arkansawyer]

My hawk gt used to really love Metz Z1 front/Z2 rears.  They wore out about the same time.
I've mixed and matched without much problem.  

I am also fairly hard on tires.  I think there are several factors.  I'm heavy, my bike is heavy, and I ride two up some.  I really like corners.  The rough chip and seal road surface on many AR roads grinds tires down.

[BlueRidgeKat]

I will probably just get another 021 front and see what happens since they work so well with this bike, but if the next one wears like the first one, I'm done.

Now have another new 021 on the front. Interested to see if it does any better than the first one but for $88.00 at Motorcycle Pro Shop http://www.motorcycleproshop.com/tires/bridgestone/bt21.asp it will be hard to complain even if it doesnt last any longer than the first.

[grayflare]

Ive went through a front BT-021 tire after only 3000 miles, while the rear still looked almost new. I e-mailed Bridgestone like others have and they told me that my VFR was too heavy for that tire, that I should go back to the tire that was original equipment on it, that I should have used 40psi instead of the factory recommended 36psi. and the BT-021 that is on the Concours and FJR are made special for a heavier bike different than the one they sell as a S/T tire. In other words they made excuses for a tire they knew had problems in the first place. If you have this tire on your bike make sure to keep 40psi in the front, whether or not that will fix it I dont know, but thats what they claim. They helped me out none, so I wont be using anymore of their tires. I bought the Michelin Pilot Road 2CTs and replaced both front and rear and so far I have not regretted it at all. These tires are great so far and if the mileage turns out to be acceptable then I have a new standard tire for my bike.

[BlueRidgeKat]

they told me that my VFR was too heavy for that tire

If you cant use the 021 on a VFR because its too heavy then I wonder just what sport tourers are out there that they think the tire will work on ??  A Ninja 250 maybe........


Like you, my rear looks like new. When its gone there will be no more Stones mounted.

[grayflare]

Yea, I tried to discuss this and other points with the guy that replaced Bob when he went on vacation, but it was like talking to a wall every response was a friendly reply that made no sense about why you cant use a sport/touring tire made to replace the Bt-020s on a sport/touring bike that came with BT-020s. I just decided to cut my losses and go with the Michelins, Ive always had good luck with them on my cars and trucks, and if they last longer than the Bridgestones they will be my choice for tires from now on because they ride and handle excellent so far.

[HorizonJob]

Ive went through a front BT-021 tire after only 3000 miles, while the rear still looked almost new. I e-mailed Bridgestone like others have and they told me that my VFR was too heavy for that tire, that I should go back to the tire that was original equipment on it, that I should have used 40psi instead of the factory recommended 36psi. and the BT-021 that is on the Concours and FJR are made special for a heavier bike different than the one they sell as a S/T tire. In other words they made excuses for a tire they knew had problems in the first place. If you have this tire on your bike make sure to keep 40psi in the front, whether or not that will fix it I dont know, but thats what they claim. They helped me out none, so I wont be using anymore of their tires. I bought the Michelin Pilot Road 2CTs and replaced both front and rear and so far I have not regretted it at all. These tires are great so far and if the mileage turns out to be acceptable then I have a new standard tire for my bike.

While many things in your conversation with Bob seem flakey, it is true that Bridgestone historically makes many different tires under one product code.  The manufacturing code (OE) on the side is the only identifier as to their correct application.  In the case of the BT020's, they have over 10 different tires in the same 180/55VR17 size.  12 in the 120/70VR17 size.  On the FJR the "N" code tire is the only one that should be used.  It has a 3 ply sidewall specifically designed to handle the torque and weight of the bike instead of the standard 2 ply casing.  The VFR has a specific "F" designated code tire.  This has long been a problem for them as many dealers and internet retailers are oblivious and supply an uncoded tire for all applications.  I am not familiar with the designations on the BT021's but it stands to reason that a 680lb Concours is going to require a very different tire than a 460lb CBRxx.

I really don't understand the "too heavy" comments regarding the VFR though.  Makes no sense.  Are you sure you got that right?
 

[Doug Just Doug]

Re: OE codes.  B'stone makes a specific OE front -020 for my bike.  If you ask, SWM will put an OE-coded tire up on their site temporarily so you can order it. (SWM rocks!). Now that I've switched to -021s, I don't have to do that 'cuz B'stone doesn't make an OE-coded -021 front for my bike.

[grayflare]

While many things in your conversation with Bob seem flakey, it is true that Bridgestone historically makes many different tires under one product code.  The manufacturing code (OE) on the side is the only identifier as to their correct application.  In the case of the BT020's, they have over 10 different tires in the same 180/55VR17 size.  12 in the 120/70VR17 size.  On the FJR the "N" code tire is the only one that should be used.  It has a 3 ply sidewall specifically designed to handle the torque and weight of the bike instead of the standard 2 ply casing.  The VFR has a specific "F" designated code tire.  This has long been a problem for them as many dealers and internet retailers are oblivious and supply an uncoded tire for all applications.  I am not familiar with the designations on the BT021's but it stands to reason that a 680lb Concours is going to require a very different tire than a 460lb CBRxx.

I really don't understand the "too heavy" comments regarding the VFR though.  Makes no sense.  Are you sure you got that right?
 

Yeah, I got that part right, thats why I gave up trying to talk to him. Yes there are codes for different tires in their line-ups and that is understood. What I cant understand is to market a tire (the BT-021) as a sport/touring tire that cant handle the weight of one of the lighter sport/touring bikes. They even go as far as to market it as the eventual replacement for the BT-020. Which actually came on my bike from the factory. What they should do is market it as a light duty sport/touring tire that can only be used on bikes weighing less than 425 pounds. This is for the front only, as I had no problems from the rear tire.