Mileage or grip…grip or mileage? Why can’t we have both when spooning on a new set of tires? Increasingly, we can have both, with some measure of sacrifice in each, of course.
On my own sport-touring mount, a big Kawasaki ZZR1200, finding good compromise rubber has become kind of an obsession. I am an aggressive rider with 25+ years of sport riding under my belt. However, I also log serious miles in quest of the next great road, and the next great article. I have gone through Dunlops, Michelins, Continentals, and Pirellis in this ongoing search, with extremely mixed results.
With my latest set, I may have arrived on a compromise that I can live with. The Bridgestone BT-021 is stacking up respectable miles and inspiring confidence in the corners. The BT-021 front tire has a single compound construction. I have found that the tire resists cupping and other odd wear patterns. I have pushed the front tire repeatedly to respectable lean angles (no chicken strip here), and have been pleased with its predictability.
The rear BT-021 is a dual compound tire. It is handling the big power of the ZZR well, and is just as confidence inspiring as the front in the turns. I laughed when I first read Bridgestone’s marketing claim that these tires have a "luxury feel". However, after several hundred miles, I think I know what they mean. This is a comfortable tire.
If you are looking for a good compromise of miles and grip, take a look at the Bridgestone BT-021.
Comments
put 130,000 kilometers in 24 months on a zx12, ....prefered the 021 always,never had any trouble on road trips,...planned a fresh set of skins prior to departure and very pleased.....now on a zx14 going same route 021 all the way:-))))
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