Question about replacing a Front BT-020

[mikw73]

This may be a noob question. not sure. I'm looking to order a replacement front tire to match my fairly unworn BT-020 rear tire, and I'm having a hard time figuring out exactly which of the 120/70-17 BT-020 tires to order. (Why are there so many?) I'm pretty sure the one I want is the one motorcycle superstore calls the 120/70ZR-17 G. To consolidate shipping, if possible, with some other things I'm buying, I'm trying to order from another vendor who carries that stuff. (Not naming online, since I don't want to be perceived as complaining about a company I really like.) They don't have the same set of 120/70-17 BT-020 model descriptions, but they have bike models listed next to the various tires in that exact size. FJR1300, K12GT, R1200RT, etc. I emailed 'em, and they said any of the modern rubber I'll be fine. Pretty sure they meant any of the modern rubber in that model. Is that right? Do I not need to get the BT-020F G specifically? Any advice appreciated.

The more I try to find this BT-020F, the closer I get to just living with the extra expense of upgrading both tires to something I might like more now, which I really don't want to do. The current front is gone enough that if I get caught in rain, I'm in trouble, and the back tire has very little wear.

Thanks.

 

[Spideyrex]

You should be fine with getting a different model of tire altogether. I switched my BT 020 to the BT021 which was the newer tire in the series and it has worked very well. For a time I had one 020 and one 021 and they worked well together (now both 021).
If you if and match tires it is usually best to stay with one manufacturer or series of tire, this keeps handling more consistent and predictable. Some tires have rounder profiles while others have a more "pointed" profile.

 

[Motogiro]

You should be fine with getting a different model of tire altogether. I switched my BT 020 to the BT021 which was the newer tire in the series and it has worked very well. For a time I had one 020 and one 021 and they worked well together (now both 021).
If you if and match tires it is usually best to stay with one manufacturer or series of tire, this keeps handling more consistent and predictable. Some tires have rounder profiles while others have a more "pointed" profile.

Also, you may not find the BT-021 anymore or they may be older dates. I believe the BT-021 has been replaced by the BT-023 which from what I've heard from other riders is a great tire. If you can swing it you might want to get the set for the simple reason that if you're on a BT-020 it's already an old compound. The BT-020 was an OEM tire and had a tendency to cup more that others I've used. Tires have limited life as far as rubber goes and on the bike they are more critical to your safety.

You can search and find all the codes for speed and load ratings on the tires as well as where to look to find the week of the year (1-52) and year (9, 10,11) the tire was made.

 

[Nick329]

I have the same problem with mine, front is worn to wear bars and cupped. The rear is about half way to the wear bar in the center.
I'm getting a set of Pirelli Angel STs put on tomorrow.

 

[CoolATIGuy]

Also, you may not find the BT-021 anymore or they may be older dates. I believe the BT-021 has been replaced by the BT-023 which from what I've heard from other riders is a great tire. If you can swing it you might want to get the set for the simple reason that if you're on a BT-020 it's already an old compound. The BT-020 was an OEM tire and had a tendency to cup more that others I've used. Tires have limited life as far as rubber goes and on the bike they are more critical to your safety.

~1 on the BT-023's :thumbup:

http://www.600riders.com/forum/tire-tech-talk/38722-tire-not-many-miles-but-too-old.html

http://www.600riders.com/forum/tire...would-you-do-my-shoes-these-tire-options.html

 

[mikw73]

Thanks for all the advice. I didn't know I could mix models at all. As I understand things, the BT-020 is somewhat pointy in profile as tires go. Gives the commuter/tourer more tread to put straight miles on, so it's important that I get a front with the same profile or else I'll have a lot more or a lot less tread on front or rear at different lean angles. I didn't think models could be mixed at all, but I suppose Bridgestone's whole BT-02x series might all have the same profile. I may poke around with them a little about that. If the BT-023 is a softer rubber, that should be fine for the front. I wouldn't like to have a softer rear than front, I don't think. Though having front/rear with different grippiness and I'm guessing wear rate may not make this the tire set to push mileage limits on, since my riding habits will not be the only thing to dictate the rate at which each tires profile changes over time.

I don't want to miss the fall season on account of not having a tire though. The PR2 (or 3?) sounds like a more enjoyable tire though. I may have to make some sacrifices and get a set. When I bought this rear tire, a coworker said to just buy a new set. he said I'm always gonna wear the rear out first, and I should always buy a new front when I buy a new rear. Knowing what I now know about tires, I think he was exactly right. Adhering to that logic now may not be quite as good as doing so then, but it's not much worse. Hindsight... For two tires, I'll have to wait at least until September 1-ish. I can handle that. It'll still be too hot here to ride much anyway. It does pain me to leave so intact a tire so unused, though. Is there anyone who might want to use it on a track day? It's not much of a track tire, I don't think.

 

[PhotoAl]

Go for the PR2's. My bike had the original tires on it when I bought it. Could spin the rear tire in the wet by just rolling on the throttle. The PR2's by comparison have amazing grip. Have ridden from cold to hot and have had no issues. Yes there are faster tires but they don't last as long. Have put over 22,000 miles on the PR2's, 2nd front looks new and the 2nd rear is showing wear but has a lot more life left. Just my experience.