BT020 help!

[dlim]

The ST1300 I just bought has BT020 front AND rear. The rear has plenty of tread left. The front needs to be changed very soon. Is this tire still competitive to some of the other newer dual compound tires sold today?

I ride everyday to work, 50 miles round trip, never 2-up, rain or shine.

Should I look at buying a different front tire with newer "technology"? OR, should I look for another BT020 for the front and stick with it? And would it be okay mixing 2 different tires on this bike until the rear tire tread wears down?

Open to suggestions and need some education. Thanks in advance!

 

[Walleye]

Our recently departed, and highly respected member paulcb liked the bridgestone BT45 rear tire on the front, getting 20,000 miles. I don't think you can go wrong with his opinion.

 

[Al Gully]

I live 2 hours north of you and ride year round and daily to work rain or shine.
My ST 1300 came with BT 020's and they were great 12 years ago on my bike.
Step up to the Bridgestones T31 or T32's GT's
Built for these heavy bikes and will be compatible with your rear Bridgestone.
I currently have a T31 on the front and will be putting a new T32 on the rear next month.
I never change them as pairs, I change them when they get close to the wear bars on the tire.

 

[Uncle Phil]

Get the 'later' flavor of the BStones - BT31 or BT32 and get the 'GT' model (designed for heavier bikes like the ST).
I'm on ST1100s and I have ran all sorts of tire combinations (mixed brands, bias and radial, etc.) over the years and have lived to tell about it ...

 

[dlim]

Good info. I was told by a sales guy at cycle gear that the Pirelli angel was the new hot tire. I need high mileage and good wet weather traction. Is the bt32 a newer version of the bt31?

 

[Uncle Phil]

Good info. I was told by a sales guy at cycle gear that the Pirelli angel was the new hot tire. I need high mileage and good wet weather traction. Is the bt32 a newer version of the bt31?

Yes but be sure to get the GT version.
Either one is fine, the BT31s tend to be a little cheaper because they are not the 'latest, greatest'.
Just remember - when a tire manufacturer calls a tire 'new and improved' that generally means that you'll get less mileage and the only thing 'improved' is their profits!

 

[dduelin]

The BT020 is a decent tire but it's been around for twenty years and sport touring tires have improved in mileage and wet traction in this century. I'd check the date code on the rear BT020. If it's 5 years old or older I would replace it as well. Angel GTs have been around a long time as well. The newest Angel GT II version is three years old. Not sure if that qualifies as the hot new tire but Pirelli Angel GTs are a solid choice and many riders like them on sport touring bikes.

The Bridgeston T31 or T32 is also a good choice. The 32 is the latest version and better on wet pavement according to Bridgestone. You can't go wrong with the Pirelli or Bridgestone offerings. The older T30 was my favorite ST1300 tire. Personally I don't mix brands and never bias and radials on opposite ends.

You mention dual compound front tires. Neither Pirelli or Bridgestone has developed a dual compound sport touring front tire yet. Michelin has made two models so far - the Road 5 and Road 6 and both are available in the 18" size that fits the ST1300. These are pricy tires but if you want the sticky traction and long wear a dual compound can provide they are the only 18" game in town.