Put a group of motorcyclists together, and the chances are that the conversation will at some stage revolve around tyres (pun intended). The feel of their tyre of choice is of huge importance to the rider, very often rated above tyre wear, where the main priority is good overall grip and a clear channel of communication between tyre and rider.
Recreational motorcycling, where riders simply sit astride their motorcycles and chase the horizon for a few hours, is an ever-growing sector. Indeed, the attraction of open-air motorcycling provides an interactive experience not available in any other motoring sector.
So it was that six intrepid tourers gathered at Bridgestone Ireland HQ in Balbriggan. Our two-day ride was to take place under the guiding eye of one Jeremy McWilliams, ably assisted by an ever-smiling Michael Swann. Our chariots for this Irish road safari would allow us to sample the latest in ‘me-time’ motorcycles on the road system of two nations, separated by an invisible line, but in this instance welded together by the joy of motoring alfresco.
Prior to departure, Bridgestone’s motorcycle tyre guru, Peter Dixon, gave us all the techno-witchcraft on its new Battlax BT-023, outlining the key features of the company’s ‘Mono Spiral Belt (MSB) technology: the 3 Layer Compound (3LC) on the rear tyre; a re-designed angle-groove pattern; and the Silica Rich Ex compound with an “RC polymer”. All this black magic is aimed at the provision of straight-line stability, shock absorption and top-class grip. The next 24 hours would tell the tale.
Triumph’s Tiger 1050 provided my first sampling of this new Sports Touring tyre, and over the next 80 kilometres of Irish back road with the usual multi-surface corners, I enjoyed the Tiger’s easy manner. Not manic in any way, the Tiger can still boogie when stoked and with its new boots, I really enjoyed the bike without worry.
Following a coffee stop swap, I placed my derriere on Kawasaki’s GTR 1400, a motorcycle that should have a NASA logo on its flanks. It’s big, comfortable and extremely powerful, so I expected it to be quite a handful on the twisties. Bikes as pokey as the GTR are particularly tyre sensitive and with the potential to go inter-galactic at the flick of your wrist, it was on its best behaviour throughout our run through the A-roads of County Down and the wonderful views across the Silent Valley in the Mourne Mountains. The GTR now has a traction-control system, and the bike’s warning light did flicker a number of times on the bumpy mountain road, but stability was never a worry.
My next chariot was the well-travelled FJR 1300, a veritable stealth machine that can cover ground with minimal effort. Here again the feel of the BTs was very reassuring, with no ‘moments’ even though my enthusiasm was a tad ahead of the bend opening up on occasion.
The Kawasaki Z1000 has the appearance of having been designed by a 16-year-old Italian who sneaked into the Big K’s project room. You either love or hate its radical look, but it rides extremely well and goes forth with huge enthusiasm. Devoid of frontal protection, the Z1000 has a unique head-on look, though it does resemble a scooter on the approach, as its headlight is set so low. That aside, it chatted brilliantly with the BTs throughout our journey.
The surprise bike for me was the KTM SMT. I do like tall traillies, the GS Adventure in particular, but the SMT differs in one key area. It brings out the bonkers in you. The engine, throttle response, gearshift ratio, handling and demeanour all make it an effective continental tourer, but point it at the wriggly stuff and it transforms into a Jack Russell on acid (a tall one). Stability and road soakage, allied to the V-twin’s lively 115bhp, gave the BTs a very decent workout, which they took it in their stride.
With such a variation of motorcycles and road systems, sprinkled with Irish spring weather, the shortfalls in any tyre were bound to rise to the fore. Getting heat into your tyres and keeping it there is difficult. Knowing that is it there is even harder.
Swapping stories among our group at changeover revealed that we were all on the same page in regard to the 023s. Over our two-day jaunt across all that Ireland’s roads have to offer, the bikes behaved impeccably. We went through the normal dry, wet, slightly damp, iffy, windy, sunny and unsure road-grip scenarios our little rock has to offer, and we enjoyed the variation of motorcycles immensely. The tyres played second fiddle to the bikes, and that’s more proof that they work than spinning around Mondello Park or Kirkistown for 200 laps.
The Battlax BT-023 will be introduced with 5 sizes for the front (60 to 80 series) and 7 sizes for the rear (50 to 70 series). An optional specification will also be available for heavyweight bikes such as the BMW K1300GT (120/70ZR17 and 180/55ZR17). With a special pattern and cross belt construction on the front, combined with an MSB + 1 belt rear construction, this option is designed to give heavier bikes light handling, sharp braking and long tyre life.
Tyre Lineup
FRONT REAR
110/70ZR17M/C (54W) 150/70ZR17M/C (69W)
120/60ZR17M/C (55W) 160/60ZR17M/C (69W)
120/70ZR17M/C (58W) 160/70ZR17M/C (73W)
120/70ZR18M/C (59W) 170/60ZR17M/C (72W)
110/80ZR18M/C (58W) 180/55ZR17M/C (73W)
190/50ZR17M/C (73W)
160/60ZR18M/C (70W)