Bridgestone Tyre advice please

Joined
Oct 13, 2015
Messages
13
Location
Durham UK
Hi, I have a 2003 ST1300 that is currently fitted with Bridgestone BT020 tyres front and rear. The front was installed less than 300 miles ago by the previous owner but the rear is half worn.

Before long, I will be leaving for a trip down through France, spending time in the Alps then down into Italy before heading home to the UK.

I know that my rear BT0202R tyre will not last this distance so I am planning to replace it before I leave but will not be changing the front as it is new.

I have checked a good Tyre supplier and can see that the BT020R is no longer listed on their site but the BT021R is listed as well as the BT023 although I am leaning towards the 021 as it is substantially cheaper than the 023 and apparently is still far superior to the 020 in all respects.

Will this tyre be suitable for use with my existing Front BT020R and eventually I will move away from the 020's altogether. Ideally, has anyone had any experience of mixing the 020 on the front with a 021 or 023 on the rear?

Many thanks. Darryl
 
Last edited:

dduelin

Tune my heart to sing Thy grace
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The 021 did not wear well on the 1300 and is no longer available over here. The 023GT has been replaced with the T30GT and the T30GT Evo. The GT spec 023 and T30 match well with a 020 front.
 
Joined
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My '05 came with 020s; I ran the originals and a second set. Good tires, no problems. I replaced the second set with 023s; better tires still. I've been running Michelins for the last few sets, finding the Pilot Road 4 to be an excellent tire. If you're wanting to stay with Bridgestones, the 023 is a good choice (although the T30 is supposed to be an improvement.)
 
Joined
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Medina, Tennessee
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My advise is to change both tires before going on a trip like that. The BT020 is an old model anyway and if you check the date stamp I would bet it is close to 5 yrs old, if not more.
I run T30GTs on my ST1300 and like them. I do not like mounting/dismounting them. One of the most difficult tires ever.
 
OP
OP
Joined
Oct 13, 2015
Messages
13
Location
Durham UK
Very Useful info there John, thanks very much.

I will totally discount the 021's now and to be honest, with the albeit limited mileage that I have ridden the bike ( both in the wet and the dry ) I have experienced no problems with the BT020's so may consider just putting another one of them on the rear before I go. Out of interest what price have you been paying for a rear BT020 in the correct rating?

Thanks Darryl
 
OP
OP
Joined
Oct 13, 2015
Messages
13
Location
Durham UK
Ordered a new BT020FR for the rear. I am happy with the way that the bike feels with this same tyre on now so it maybe makes sense to stick with it.

Thanks, Darryl
 
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