Bridgestone 021's

[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.