Thoughts & testimonies on Bridgestone battle axe bt016

[jodymac]

can get a real good deal on these right now through work, and hate the dunlops my R1 came with...

let me know what you've heard or think

thanks

[KillBill]

Below Average Tire IMO

go with Pirelli's

[Hauptman]

i love my 16's but that is on an SV. I don't know what you would put on for normal street use if you don't want those. They were rated higher than Corsa IIIs and 2CTs so...Its hard to beat a triple compound rear and 2 compound front.

[moto316]

great tires, i have em on my 636, i had the pilot powers before and i prefer these, definitely more grip, the only time i had them slip was after 6 consecutive hard laps at loudon so i was really pushing them past their heat barrier and they were starting to get greasy

[GixerJockey]

I just finished off a set on the SV. I was using them as track day tires so as not to destroy good Diablo race tires.

I was certainly less than impressed. When I mounted them, I noticed that they were significantly heavier than the brand new Diablos that I took off. They were heavy enough that it effected performance. Both acceleration and "flickability" took a noticeable hit. It took forever to find a hot pressure that worked. I finally got the pressures low enough to keep them from letting go unexpectedly. It ended up being something like 24 lbs of air pressure. They have a very stiff carcass and gave no feedback what-so-ever. Nothing. I had no clue what the tires were doing and they gave no warning when they were about to come unstuck.

The ball busting I took from my Boston Moto compatriots was definitely warranted. The BT-016s were junk. Another set of these will not be finding their way onto any of my bikes.

[keeena]

What are you using them for? That will make a big difference...

I have them on a Kawi 636, used only for track days. They worked great for me. But then again...I'm slow.

[GixerJockey]

great tires, i have em on my 636, i had the pilot powers before and i prefer these, definitely more grip, the only time i had them slip was after 6 consecutive hard laps at loudon so i was really pushing them past their heat barrier and they were starting to get greasy

Now there's a contradictory statement if I ever saw one...

You love them?

But they came unstuck after 6 hot laps?

No modern, dual compound tire should get greasy or come unstuck after 6 laps. :blink:

Junk.

[Eddie]

I have a set of Bridgestones BT003RS you can have for $250. They are the new generation of street legal race tires by Bridgestone.

[Ken C]

Here is what I wrote about the 016s in another thread. FYI, I ran a 1:21 on them (based on the Everylap timing system), but mostly 1:25s on an 05 ZX636 with stock shock and GMD worked suspension:
___
Bridgestone BT016s. Miles convinced me to replace the Corsa 3s with the 016s. This is an equivalent tire (street, multi-compound supersport tire). The differences-- stiffer carcass, which equals more feedback and chassis/suspension movement. With about 26 pounds front and rear, the tire offered good feedback and enough "give" to instill confidence. Bottom line, the 016 seems to me to be a step up for the more committed track rider. It feels more like a race tire with great grip and control along with the extensive feedback. My lap times were about the same as the C3s, but I think that will change with some more seat time. The 016s are better in the rain than the Corsa 3s, for sure.
___

I still like the Corsa 3, but the 016s are a viable alternative. I haven't ridden witht hem on the street, so I can't comment on that.

[jodymac]

What are you using them for? That will make a big difference...

I have them on a Kawi 636, used only for track days. They worked great for me. But then again...I'm slow.

just street use no tracks up here

[moto316]

Now there's a contradictory statement if I ever saw one...

You love them?

But they came unstuck after 6 hot laps?

No modern, dual compound tire should get greasy or come unstuck after 6 laps. :blink:

Junk.

alright so why does everyone bother running DOT's at the races when you can get modern,dual compound street tires for a fraction of the price of DOTs?

[Ken C]

I assume you are asking why do people run DOT RACE tires instead of cheaper sporty street tires?

Most track day riders do just fine with Corsa 3s, 016s CT2s. Hell, most would do fine with sport touring tires. Race tires are good for those who push hard to a point where heat can make street tires greasy. Also, I find race tires are worth an immediate 2-3 seconds a lap in confidence through the added feedback and stability.

[moto316]

I assume you are asking why do people run DOT RACE tires instead of cheaper sporty street tires?

Most track day riders do just fine with Corsa 3s, 016s CT2s. Hell, most would do fine with sport touring tires. Race tires are good for those who push hard to a point where heat can make street tires greasy. Also, I find race tires are worth an immediate 2-3 seconds a lap in confidence through the added feedback and stability.

exactly the point im trying to make, street tires of any kind WILL get greasy if your pushing them hard enough