BT 020F front tire cracks.

[George Radominski]

I just changed my second set of BT020F after 10K (20K on my 04 ST). The front tire has cracks on the right side only (see 758 right side, 760 left side). Cracks are deep down to the fibers (see 762 crack’s cross-section.). I am surprise that there was neither recall from Bridgestone nor more rumbling about these cracks on the web. I am on Michelins now.
George.

[Bones]

Youch! What is the date of manufacture? I wonder if they're just old tires. I've never seen a tire crack that way before. Probably worth a call or email to Bridgestone.

[George Radominski]

VAF4704 mark is the only one which looks like production number. Perhaps it means 2004.

[dond]

VAF4704 mark is the only one which looks like production number. Perhaps it means 2004.
47th week, 04.

[MidLife]

Cracks are deep down to the fibers (see 762 crack’s cross-section.). George.

George,

Are the belt strands actually cut through?

[HankSTer]

Yikes! that last pic looks like the belts are broken. I'd say B should be replacing that tire for sure? Tread looks fine. Regards,

[Lola]

Mine cracked also but not that much before I saw them and replaced them. I bought them online, no help replacement cost!

[George Radominski]

George,

Are the belt strands actually cut through?


No, the crack’s cross-section (I made the cut through the crack) is shown on the last picture. The cracks are through rubber only stopping on belt strands.

George.

[Bora20]

My front was a bit cracked too when I took it off this week. Nothing like that though, not enough tread on mine to look like yours.

[nisbeam]

My original tyres also cracked. The front looked like yours (bought bike new in Dec 04). I complained & my dealer sent the Tyre back to Bridgestone for investigation. The sent me a letter - not admitting any liability - but giving a discount voucher to my dealer against the cost of a new front tyre. :03biker:




I bought Metzler Z6s :crackup

[Blrfl]

I sure hope this isn't the beginning of a trend. The Bridgestones that Kawasaki was putting on Vulcans in the 1999-2001 timeframe had enough problems that people were having them removed.

--Mark

[hondast1300]

I ran thru 2 oem bridgestones before backordering forced me to switch. I first tried a Z6. I don't think the bike is as stable but the wear was comparable or better. I'm trying an Dunlop D220 now and it seems to handle very good. At 1500 miles it still has all the origional manufacturers titties on the center thread. I expect it to provide me a wonderful ride around the Canadian maritimes next week. I think we needn't worry about tire availability. Is it five or more manufacturers appear to make good tires in our size.
robert:biker:

[nm6r]

I've gone through a few sets of Bridgestone's and never observed the cracking. Maybe I just never had them on the bike long enough? Bridgestone may have changed something recently resolving that potential problem causing the backorder. I would get in contact with them on that tire.

I had a set of Michelin radials on my GL1500 GoldWing several years ago. They greatly improved the handling of the bike. Michelin recalled that tire and paid for a dealer to install the tires of my choice. That's a lot of labor on a GL1500 GoldWing. I thought so highly of Michelin that I am now trying a set of their Pilot Roads on my ST1300. Let's just say I am more than disappointed.

Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif

[tccox]

Eeeeeeekkkkk!!!!!!

9800 miles on my Bridgestone front tyre and plenty of tread left. I'll check for cracks when I get home today.