It's my first experience with Bridgestone. My Bonnie came with these tires installed by the previous owner and they look in great shape and provide a nice ride. So, in order to get used to the cornering of the Bonnie and the feel of the Bridgestones, I went to a roundabout (yes! We have two!) and started going around faster and faster, getting used to the lean angles and grip limit. I've had Dunlops that would slide, but slowly and predictably -I could feel it begin to let go. But riding the Bonnie with the Bridgestones, the back (and even both tires once ) would lose grip without warning - the grip was there one microsecond and gone the next. Thankfully it was never just the front! This brings me to my question(s): Are Bridgestones known for not sliding predictably, or is the because of the lighter weight of the Bonnie (compared to the cruisers I've had) that the loss of grip is so sudden? Something else? I've tried varying the pressures slightly (1 or 2 lbs one way then the other) and there really wasn't much of a change. I'm not worried or concerned -I'll get the feel of it. But, if it is the Bridgestone characteristic, I think I'd like to try some Dunlop when tire change is required and see how they do. Any experience with Dunlop on a Bonnie? All input, jokes, and harassments are appreciated . . .
I had some BT30s on my Blade and thought they were fantastic. Not familiar with the 45s tho but it's not a 'Bridgestone' thing. Looking at the UK prices, and as I'm not pointing the finger at you as it was the previous owner, I'd say they're under spec for what you need if you plan to 'edge the tyres' If you can afford/ have the inclination I'd change them early. Plenty of owners don't require edge grip so it may have been the best choice for them.
Thanks, Chas. I'm not saying I'm a real burner, but I do like to get in the curves pretty good on occasion and I'd like the peace of mind of knowing a) I have side grip and b) the tires have some good feel to them. I'll check the manufacture date -that may give me an excuse to look into making a switch sooner rather than later.
As I've had a couple of years 'off' My current tyre knowledge is a bit sparse but the Michelin Pilot 4s on my triple work really well. Previous owner hadn't used the outer inch of the rear so they're a bit squared but I'll stick the same on when it needs doing next month. Aparra they're good in the wet too but that's hardly relevant to you
[QUOTE="There's more nylon in them than in your Mums tights! [/QUOTE] talking of which - anyone remember the Yokohama tyres the Jap bikes used to be shipped with.... I'm sure they were teflon coated.... atrocious in the dry, lethal in the wet
I've BT45's on my Bonneville and never had any issues, in fact I really like the way my bike handles with standard tyres and shocks, and I do like to ride it quite hard (or at least I think I do ).
Thanks for the information, guys, and more importantly thanks for the laughs (I say that in all seriousness ). I think I'll begin a search next week based on the advice given and see what comes up. If I can't get Santa to bring me that 1911, maybe I'll get some new skins. Of course, knowing her, I could end up with both.
I used Bridgestones on all my Aprilias and they were great in all scenarios from wet to dry to track, never had the no warning issues you're talking about so don't believe it's a Bridgestone "thing". As @ChasChas says it's probably more to do with the spec not being up to the task, so upgrade early and enjoy.
You have roundabouts in New M You have roundabouts in New Mexico! I learn something new every day. That's amazing; you will be accepting the metric measuring system next...
