Pure sport riders require a sticky tire and generally have relatively little concern for mileage. Pure touring riders have exactly the opposite mindset. Stuck in the middle is the sport-tourer. Just like the label suggests, the sport-touring motorcyclist desires the best of both worlds.
I have been sport touring for years, and have experienced a love/hate relationship with tires. Often, when I loved a tire's cornering ability, I hated its longevity (or lack thereof). Conversely, when I found a tire that would carry me for several thousand miles, I was less than confident in its cornering ability.
Now the good news. New tire technology is taking us closer and closer to the perfect "do it all" tire. Bridgestone's latest entry in the sport-touring market is the BT-021. It is replacing the company's hugely successful BT-020. After MUCH research, I decided to mount the BT-021s on my own bike. I have been impressed. The cornering is stable and predictable, and the ride is comfortable. The rear tire is constructed of dual compound rubber -- harder in the middle and softer on the sides. That's where the versatility comes in. The front tire is of single compound construction. I have only about 500 miles on my set; but if rider reports hold true, I can expect from 3000-4000 miles of wear. As an aggressive rider, I would be very pleased with that.
I have always liked Bridgestone street tires, and I have a feeling the BT-021s may become my new favorite.
Find this Bridgestone BT021 Tire:
Find this tire on eBay:
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BRIDGESTONE BT021J OEM TIRE FT 120 70 17 KAW NINJA 650R US $126.26   Auction Ends: 20d 18h 24m Make it yours... |
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Bridgestone Battlax BT 021 Sport Touring Radial Tire 160 60ZR17 REAR New US $176.11 Auction Ends: 21d 7h 55m Make it yours... |
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Kawasaki Concours 14 08 10 120 70ZR17 Bridgestone BT021 U Front Tire US $124.43 Auction Ends: 17h 48m Make it yours... |
June 17th, 2010 at 5:09 pm
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August 24th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
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