Radical Rubber: Bridgestone Sport Radials

RADICAL RUBBER: BRIDGESTONE SPORT RADIALS

BUYING REPLACEMENT RUB-ber for late-model sport-bikes can be as daunting as purchasing new sneakers. Wading through the myriad performance claims and trendy tread patterns can leave one longing for simpler times when Dunlop’s K81 and Chuck Taylor-signature Converse All-Stars were status quo.

Bridgestone, for one, has pared down its product line this year, replacing a trio of pre-existing Battlax models with two new sport radiais, the BT-010 and BT-020. Eager to introduce its latest skins to the international moto-press, Bridgestone hosted 48 journalists from 17 countries in Cartegena, Spain.

In preparation for both racetrack and street sessions, company officials gathered an impressive armada of current sport-oriented machinery, all fitted with the new tires in OEM sizes.

Hammering around the technical, twisty Cartegena circuit offered first-hand evidence of the 010’s performance. After sampling all the current 600cc supersports, a Ducati 748, Honda CBR929RR and RC51, Kawasaki ZX-9R, Yamaha YZF-R1, plus an exotic Aprilia RSV Mille SP, I came away impressed with the 010’s light handling and lasting grip, not to mention its high level of feedback at the limits of adhesion. The 010 is positioned as a sport-oriented street tire, but its on-track performance rivals that of the race-spec BT-58SS.

I experienced similar results on the subsequent street ride, albeit at a slightly more sensible pace. Compared to the BT-56/57 that it replaces, the 010 offered more neutral handling, improved ride comfort and stability, and better grip in both dry and wet conditions, regardless of whethet the tires were cold or hot.

The BT-020, meanwhile, is billed as a “new vision of touring.” It is designed to offer general-usage and sport-touring riders a better balance of durability, grip and wet-surface performance than the BT-54 it replaces. The street loop provided varying conditions, from slick ’n’ polished to rough and bumpy, with brief rain showers thrown in for good measure. Saddle hopping netted seat time aboard a BMW RI 100S, Honda CBRl 100XX and VFR800, Triumph Sprint RS, Suzuki 1200 Bandit and Yamaha YZF1000. All responded exceptionally well to the new tires, with light, neutral handling and nary a slip or shimmy, even when stone-cold.

So, do you really need race tires on the street? Not if you appreciate cold-tire performance. Here, Bridgestone’s BT010 is an excellent choice for even the most aggressive street rider.

Don Canet