170/60ZR17 BT023GT Premature Demise!

BT023GT on an ST1300. Pressure religiously maintained at 40-43PSI. Mileage: 3,356

The tire performed well other than it's horrid mileage. I got 6,527 out of a Pilot Road 3. Handling for both tires was about the same down here in San Diego.

I will say the PR3 had a squirmy feel to it sometimes and didn't feel quite as sure-footed when turned hard and late. Probably something to do with the thicker carcass of the BT023GT.

Anyone have a thought? Should I try the PR2s?

-Tyson

I have BT023GTs on my ST1300 and I love the tires. Right now I have about 5K on my set and they are wearing evenly and have no cupping. I would not be surprised if I get around 10K for this set if I don't work them too hard in the heat. Different riding styles produce different results when it comes to tire mileage. If you spend a good deal of time pushing the envelope your tire mileage will suffer. The ST is a heavy motorcycle and it will extract a price for those who may have a heavy hand. IMHO you can't have it all. If you want high mileage you run a harder tire and slow down a little because the harder tire will not give you a ton of grip. If you want to "rail" the corners you will need a stickier tire that unfortunately will wear out at an increased rate. For me the choice is clear. Use the BT023GTs and don't push them too hard for too long. When I wear this set out I will shoe on another set.
That's just my opinion, your results may vary.

Looks like you had a lot of fun on those tires. Pick up another set and go and have more fun.
Looks like you have another 1000 miles on those tires to decide.
I have a set of BT023GT's on the shelf ready to go on once I burn up the 023GT's that are on right now.
I believe those are the correct tires for your's and my application. Thanks for your thoughts on the PR 3's.
I run 42 rear 45 front in the winter and 42 rear 42 front in the summer. No less or you will have cupping.
Ride safe.

1000 miles?!!?! To the wear bars on the sides and insane scalloping. I pulled them and replaced already! They were wearing more on the left side, and I was feeling them act weird on late apex lefts handers.

What brand did you go with.
Good call on doing them right away.

I had another BT023GT in reserve. I put it on. Don't get me wrong, the tire performs great but the mileage was shocking. I'll probably try a set of PR2s next.

I had the same problems with the regular BT023 rear tire, I was amazed at how fast the sides just got chewed up. I did like the way the tire works other then the poor mileage for me. I am glad to see you replaced it as the cords will start to show before you know it, don't ask me how I know that!!

This is my first BT020 and I am liking it. Good ride, 13,900 miles and a measured 4/32. 42 and 45.

jvick98 said:

This is my first BT020 and I am liking it. Good ride, 13,900 miles and a measured 4/32. 42 and 45.

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That's insane!

jvick98 said:

This is my first BT020 and I am liking it. Good ride, 13,900 miles and a measured 4/32. 42 and 45.

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I can see why it lasted so long. Look at those chicken strips! The nubs are still on the tire 1/2" in. Is that all highway?

What have we learned? Riding style/skill dictates wear rate and patterns. I knew this already but it's still surprising to see the differences in mileage...Wow.

Mike, forgive if you already posted the info---But how many miles did the gytt go? I only have 7k on mine thanks--SteveR

I just put 020 on my 1100 for my trip out to Cali.....will let you know what I get for mileage.

sent from my Droid phone.

SteveR said:

Mike, forgive if you already posted the info---But how many miles did the gytt go? I only have 7k on mine thanks--SteveR

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I got a little over 4000 miles on the first rear tire and 7000 miles on the second rear tire. The front 023 tire made it through both rear tires.

Trosty said:

Why do you have tyre pressures set at 40-43 PSI? Doesn't the manual say 30 PSI front and rear for tyres fitted to this bike? I have mine at 30 PSI and had around 12K on a set of 023GT's that was single and two up and never had issues with handling.

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I run higher tire pressures too. It has been my experience that higher tire pressures on large motorcycles help prevent cupping, especially on the front tire. The only time that I used to run lower pressures was when I was doing motorcycle skills classes or a track day. Another side benefit of higher tire pressures is the fact that the ST is easier to push around the garage. Tires have a tendency to roll better with more air in them. If you are getting the kind of mileage that you report and have no handling issues then it must be working for you. The lower tire pressures never worked for me. I destroyed a number of tires on my Goldwings until I decided to increase tire pressures. Never a problem since. Go with what works for you.

Trosty said:

Why do you have tyre pressures set at 40-43 PSI? Doesn't the manual say 30 PSI front and rear for tyres fitted to this bike? I have mine at 30 PSI and had around 12K on a set of 023GT's that was single and two up and never had issues with handling.

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No. The owners manual states 42 psi. front and rear. Low pressure causes excessive heat build up and can lead to tire failure.

Andy (Trosty) the ST1300 should be 42psi front and back, the ST1100 was 36psi front and 42psi rear.

How are you coping with the difference in the weather over there mate?

I'll be happy to send you the BT45 shown below to make your own retread...lots of tread left...LOL.

I tried the PR2 and wasn't happy with how quickly it wore. The longest lasting designated FRONT tire was an Avon Storm 2. I got close to 12,000 miles of hard riding. IIRC the PR2 was around 7k.

mileage are very different if I get 3600 miles out of a rear I am real happy
I am running a gt now and I mean it is great and if I can get to 3600 with out cords I will stick with it
the front for the 1100 is the z6 metz and that is the only choice there for me
although I have not tried a 023 maybe on the next set!

I just put a set of BT023's on my 1100, set at 42lbs and put the mileage in my profile so I can't forget. I had 2 flats on a PR2 rear at 7000mi. I wasn't happy about that.