Bridgestone v Metzeler Tyres

[gregor]

A few years ago I was advised to use dual compound Bridgestone Battlax BT021. I was unhappy with the mileage ( both worn out at 4100miles) of the previous Metzeler ME24 that the bike came with.
The first front BT021 lasted 5400 miles and the second only 3300 and the third 5400. The first rear BT021 lasted 5400 miles and the second lasted 5300 miles ditto the third. I was pretty unhappy especially as they cost around £250 a pair fitted at a main dealer.
I switched to Metzeler Z6 which are much cheaper in the UK but still a reputable tyre. So far the rear is ok at 5000 miles and the front has only done 1500 miles.
No idea about the low mileage glitch on the front Bridgestone tyre but the dual compound rubber seems to be the wrong way round for me- more wear on the centre of the tyres than on the sides.

Just checked prices on line at BlackCircles.
The Bridgestones are now the cheaper option by ~30%. What a turnaround.

[Biff's R]

I have had the BT-021, the BT-023 and now a BT30. The 021 had good traction, but not enough life. They are the only tires that I have worn to the wear bars all of the way across the tire evenly but my mileage was similar to yours. When I mounted the 023 I found my answer in improved mileage, and wet traction. The rear 023 does seem to wear faster than the front. The front 023 has a tread patter that is very similar to the Michelin Pilot Road 1(which was the best rain tire that I have had on the bike). I have had the Metzeler Z6 but didn't like the rear tire because it got scalloped, and almost went to the cords unintentionally. The Bridgestones seem to be a lot cheaper than either Michelin or Metzeler, and perform just as good if not better.

Just don't get the 021 again. Go with the 023 or T30.

[swamper]

Originally on our bikes they had the Bridgestones, they were hard due to age so we replaced them right away. Never tried any Metzelers on the R bikes.
I've tried a set of Dunlop Road-Smarts first and didn't like them, no confidence in their cornering feel. Didn't get very many miles out of them either, around 4-5,000.
Then went to Avom Storm 2 and really liked them, dual compound, felt really good in the turns and got about 7-8,000 on them. the sides were down to the wear bars before the centers on the front which wore out before the rear. I'm now going to the Pirelli Angel GT tires. My son has them on the 2002 R and they make the bike handle great, similar to the Avon but better grip. He has had them on for about 5,000 and they still look good on the tread wear. I've come to terms with the tires on the R bikes. Get the best handling name brand tires and forget about long mileage as they all are going to give you around 6,000 miles of wear.