BT-020U bought on accident

[stevequest2000]

Before I researched the tire less than I should have, I got the Bridgestone 020R-U rear instead of the "F". I've searched the threads but I can't find anyone that can tell me the mileage on it, other than it will be less than the F version. I just want the tire to last a 8,000 mile round trip to Alaska, sticking to the interstate the best I can. Can anyone tell me their personal experience with it? Thanks

 

[Mellow]

I seem to recall.. you'll be lucky to get 5k out of that version. It's very sticky and not a high mileage version.. I've never had one myself, I have had the OEM version which gave me around 7800 miles to one wear bar so it would have lasted to 8k.

Others that have actually tried that tire will chime in I'm sure.

 

[Landon]

Not a problem, just send the U model to me and then you can buy an F

 

[Gene]

I'd put a Me 880 onthe rear and never look back for 10k plus.

 

[sscharf]

The roads to and in Alaska are very hard on tires - they have a rough surface.

I would worry about any rear tire lasting that long on an ST1300.

I know a place in the Yukon where you can pay *way* too much for a new tire.
:

steve

 

[curmudgeon]

Like Joe says you'll probably be lucky to get 5K on a U. I've seen a U that had cord showing at 4500. The F model always get me over 10K. Sometimes up around 12K.

 

[GaryRivers67]

I bought my 05 used with a U tire and only got about 5000 on it before cord was showing and a 1/4 rock cut into the thin casing causing a flat. It was a good tire but very soft and wore quickly on the edges causing a v shape after riding 2 up over 900 miles on hot pavement. I now have the F and no problems so far.

 

[GaryRivers67]

sorry it was a 1/4 inch size rock they put down on roads in Missouri instead of repaving.

 

[drrod]

Can't you return the U and get an F? Should be cheaper than having to replace at half the mileage.
Rod

 

[nm6r]

I got stuck having to buy a U version once. I only got about 6500 miles out of it. I usually get about 10k or more miles out of the F version.

I didn't find the U version any stickier. It is a slightly different design tread, a very much different construction and 1/32" less rubber.

Ray

 

[nybryan]

i think steel belts instead of kelvar on the U and less plys

 

[stevequest2000]

Hey, thanks for all the replies, guys. I bought the tire off ebay, so no returns for me. From what I've heard, I'll probably mount a 880 for the trip and try out the 020u on a trip to Deal's gap after I get back. I appreciate all the feedback.

 

[Pete in PA]

So what OEM tire fitment is the "U" version for? The Dennis Kirk cat. lists all OEM tires and no "U" is present.