After some thoughts on tires- I'm due to replace my BT-016's (not the Pro's) and I've had it suggested by the garage that I may want to go for the 023 (touring tire) instead of the replacement S20. The BT-016's have received a bit of slating, especially in comparison to the S20's but I'm quite happy with them. I've never been on a track, although I keep saying I will one day! The majority of my riding is road and a little bit of touring. I've had nearly 6k out of the rear (rear is totally sh£&/:d) and about 10 out of the front and I'm not shy with the throttle. The S20's should be about the same, but the 023's would give me another 4k from a rear? It's on an '09 blade. I'm tempted to gofer the S20's, but only because they're equiv/ superior to the standard BT015's. just seems a bit alien to be putting touring tires on a superbike! Cheers, Ads
I got nion 3K out of a rear S20 and have just replaced for the same, can't see 6K would like to but doubt it.
Dunlop SportSmarts. Can't go wrong. Heat up quick, speed up turn in, confidence inspiring and last an age.
Dunlop sportsmarts. had the BT 014,015,016 and the Sportsmarts are giving great tyre life and feedback from touring to track days. Some 3500+ out of the rear and lots of meat left.
I'm an 023 fan - used from for over 2.5 years and gone through loads of sets. I've done long distance touring without a single problem (though to be fair when loaded up and miles from home I don't 'rag it' all the time. I've used them on roasting hot trackdays where they have held their own like nothing else with no problems at all - Don't forget Ron Haslam race school used them for the last 2 years. I contacted Bridgestone direct to ask same question and got reply 'BT023 is UK's best selling tyre, you will have to ride it / push very, very hard on the road to get near its limit, and on track as you know its very good' I've also ridden a VERY hard / FAST trip in the Pyrenees in 30 - 35' temps and had no issues, other than leaving black lines on the road exiting corners! - So have a couple of Class 1 police officers on Gixer 1000's and again NO problems. Plus getting 6,000 miles from a rear while doing all the above is a bonus!
The blade that I have purchased and am awaiting delivery has pirellis fitted. Can`t remember which ones they are , but they are putting on new tyres for me and I have asked for rosso corsas. had them on my ducati and they are an awesome tyre
Adturb I have recently fitted a set of S20's to my 2010 blade. Very pleasantly surprised. I've always had Pirelli's fitted to my road bikes, and never had any complaints. And that was the plan this time round, I wanted to fit Diablo Rosso Corsa's, but they were unavailable at the time so I reluctantly settled for a set of S20's. I've covered about 500 miles on them now. First impressions have been very good. Great dry grip (as good as the Rosso Corsa's in my opinion and with the same dual compound structure) and they have given me the confidence to now ride the way I want (after suffering with the OEM Qualifiers, and have transformed the bike), great rear grip and plenty of feel from the front end, so I can push as hard as I'd ever want to on the road. Time will tell on how much milage they can give me. But the dual compound should produce a decent milage/grip trade off. I think if you get the 023's you may wish you had the extra grip of the 020's!? Mike
Had Dunlops on a couple of bike and always found them very hard, took an age to scrub in and warm up. Met several blade owners that rave about Sportsmart or Qualifiers but a couple of them have high sided on them. I have always found Bridgestones to be good, but my favourite past tires were Michelin Sports when i had a 600RR-6 as they took no time to scrub in and warmed up quickly. I eventually decided on the BT-023's front and back and I've been very pleasantly surprised with them for the 700 miles I've put on them. Scrubbed in quickly and give plenty of confidence back. Only possible negative is that I have been able to spin the rear up a couple of times (which has only happened when the 016's were cold, but never when warm)- in fairness I was leant over and a may have been a bit too enthusiastic on the throttle. No real drama though as the bike felt composed and sorted itself quickly.
