BT-016 Front Question

[JimMoore]

Folks,

I am trying to buy a set of BT-016s for the R1100S at motorcycle superstore. I was given this choice:

O.E. Tire Size Codes:
120/70ZR-17 E = 2008 Suzuki GSX-R750
120/70ZR-17 C= 2011 Kawasaki ZX10R
120/70ZR-17 J = 2008 Kawasaki ZX-10R
120/70ZR-17 M = 2008 Suzuki GSX-R600
120/70ZR-17 U = 2009 Ducati Monster 1100
120/70ZR-17 L = 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R
120/70ZR-17 N = 2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000
120/70ZR-17 B = 2011 Kawasaki Z1000
120/70ZR-17 AA = 2011 Suzuki GSX-R600
120/70ZR-17 G = 2011 Suzuki GSX-R750


Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Jim Moore

[twodear]

That shop must have a huge inventory to stock every conceivable variation of every tyre size made by Dunlop.

I'd choose the one that was fitted to a bike closest in weight and use - none of those listed are all that close though. Maybe the Z1000 or Monster 1100?

[8ball]

Mine are an "f" series which I was told is a universal not an OEM application but if I had to choose I'd go with the U or the B

[LeftCoast Peter]

I'd go Michelin PR2.

[NakedRider]

You shouldn't have a problem finding a universal tire from a place like azbridgestone. Any shop that sells them should be able to help.

If this is your first "go round" with the BT016 just know that the front wears out before the rear if you do any canyon riding.

[Martin Glasser]

They are working well on my Triumph for a "value" tire. Don't take that application chart too serious. You got 17" rims and it fits? should be fine.

[Martin Glasser]

Oh try cycle Gear.. You got those in Florida, right?

[CoffeeGuy]

I'd go Michelin PR2.

Yes. What he said.

[JimMoore]

Thanks guys. I found the generic BT-106 Pro on a different page. $310 for a front and two rear BT-016s. You need the MC superstore code M71-BRIDGE5

[roger albert]

F is the normal choice, but any of those will work fine.

Haven't seen heavy front wear. Even on the track, where one can load the front more heavily than on any street, the rear goes first (and even on a week motored bike, like and SV or other middleweight)

[twodear]

Originally Posted by roger albert

F is the normal choice, but any of those will work fine.

Haven't seen heavy front wear. Even on the track, where one can load the front more heavily than on any street, the rear goes first (and even on a week motored bike, like and SV or other middleweight)

+1

it is a rare circumstance that I have to replace the front every time I change the rear - more likely I'll be changing two rears for every front.

Naked's canyons must have lots of stopping and cornering but little hard acceleration - or mixing a touring rear with a qualifier front.

[Meeni]

I don't know specifically about the BT16, but often the OEM tire is significantly dumbed down compared to the real deal.

[NakedRider]

Originally Posted by roger albert

Haven't seen heavy front wear. Even on the track, where one can load the front more heavily than on any street, the rear goes first (and even on a week motored bike, like and SV or other middleweight)

I've never seen this before either. This is the only tire. I usually get about two rears to a front.

I have a NoMar changer and change the tires for several riding friends and they all had the same issue. Another forum in the San Francisco area had people claiming only 1,500 miles from their front! At least I got further than that.

My understanding is the new BT-016 has a front that wears about 60% better. It could be that it wears better now-a-days.

The multi compound tires can wear weird. Sometimes the sides wear quicker than the middle if you do a lot of canyon riding. When that happens you get a tire that's shaped like a "V". Plenty of tread in the middle but the sides are shot.