Not paranoid...Tyre advice

[TheArchitect]

Since the cold set in recently I've been really edgy on my bike as I've had a number of minor twitches and lock ups. Also I recently came off my bike due to locking up front on slippery road and other factors.

This isn't paranoia from my off or lack [loss] of confidence in my riding abilities but I feel like my tyres just aren't as good as they should be. I have the Bridgestone Battlax, I think that's what they're called.

I've been riding all year round for 5+ years now, and this winter is the first time I've felt unease about going out in frosty or wet conditions. My previous bikes all had PR4s and I had never had the back end twitch or wheels lock.

I'm still riding every day but almost every day I have a moment where I feel the bike is about to go. I'm not saying I'm an expert rider but having been riding for a while now, I know what to feel for and can tell when there is lightness or if the bike does something it shouldn't.

So, are my tyres known for being poor performers in poor weather? Should I switch to PR4s? In case it matters tyres have plenty life in them, are not squared off and I commute everyday mainly inner city A roads and local traffic.
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GSXR 600 K6 - Stolen
GSXR 600 K6 - Stolen
MT09 - Almost stolen

[DrSnoosnoo]

I bought my bike with those tyres on. It was terrible to ride in the wet with them.

Swapped to avon ditchfinders storm ultra 2 mega extra. Had 3 sets of them (I think) and I'm much more comfortable on them.
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[Kaya75]

I'd vote for PR4's I ride all year round commute regardless of weather and to be honest PR's have always felt safer then anything else I've had, especially when cold.
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ybr125 Sold, GSF600 K1 Bandit (For Sale), FJR13000 gen2.

[P.]

I feel like i'm riding on wood with Bridgestones.

PR3/PR4/Michelen Pilot Power. Yaaaaah

[TheArchitect]

glad it's not all in my head then

Will be making the switch asap.
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GSXR 600 K6 - Stolen
GSXR 600 K6 - Stolen
MT09 - Almost stolen

[Rogerborg]

Battlewings on my Nazi Tractor. I replaced the front with another Battlewing because, Obey Ze Rules, I guess. I regret it. They're not great.
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[Loui5D]

[tom_e]

I had an almost brand new set of the Bridgestones on my bike when I got it, they were still almost brand new when I changed them.

Shocking pieces of shit in anything other than the lovely warm dry conditions rarely seen in the UK.

[Albigularis]

The best handling wet tyre I've tried is the Pirelli Angel ST, the PR4s seem to be just as good but they wheelspin easier from my experience.

My GSXR came with Bridgestone BT016s on it and in even slightly cold and dry conditions they were useless. In the wet they were a joke.
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Biking history so far-
Aprilia RS125 - Kawasaki ZXR400 - Triumph Street Triple R - Suzuki GSXR1000 L3 - BMW R1200GS - Kawasaki Z1000 - Kawasaki ZX10R C1H - Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Touring - Suzuki Hayabusa

[notbike]

This winter has been pretty shit for me too. Haven't touched the bike in two weeks now because I'm sick of the constant slippage. I'll wait for it to warm/dry up.

[supZ]

[Kris]

What's the mileage on your bike OP?

I'm just wondering if they're OE fitment tyres still, which are renowned for being a crap 'cheap' fitment on brand new bikes..
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NSR125RR - ZXR750H1 - ZX9R E1 - GSF600S - GSF600SK3 - VFR400-NC30 - SV1000N - ST1100-R - CBR900RR-R - GSF1200SK5 - GSF600SK1 - VFR1200FA - GSXR1000K2 - ZZR1400 D8F
www.prisonplanet.com

[chris-red]

I liked the BT01*'s but the BT02* are shit.

Another vote for PR4
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[TheArchitect]

[TheArchitect]

[Kris]

They look like T30's...

What are the pressures like?
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NSR125RR - ZXR750H1 - ZX9R E1 - GSF600S - GSF600SK3 - VFR400-NC30 - SV1000N - ST1100-R - CBR900RR-R - GSF1200SK5 - GSF600SK1 - VFR1200FA - GSXR1000K2 - ZZR1400 D8F
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[TheArchitect]

[Kris]

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=277222

T30s got a bit of a slating here before..
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NSR125RR - ZXR750H1 - ZX9R E1 - GSF600S - GSF600SK3 - VFR400-NC30 - SV1000N - ST1100-R - CBR900RR-R - GSF1200SK5 - GSF600SK1 - VFR1200FA - GSXR1000K2 - ZZR1400 D8F
www.prisonplanet.com

[Andy_Pagin]

I'm on my third set of BT023's, never given me any cause for concern.
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[TheArchitect]

Comparing pics of the tread, I'm pretty sure I have the T30s.

I'm certain they're causing me issues, perhaps down to the type of bike and types of road I ride on, who knows. But as mentioned I've never had lock ups or back end slippage on any bike and I'm having them on the regular nowadays.

Booking in for PR4s soon as poss.
____________________
GSXR 600 K6 - Stolen
GSXR 600 K6 - Stolen
MT09 - Almost stolen

[M.C]

[NutsyUk]

Machalin street pilot here for front parelli on the back... I realise theyre mixed and matched. It was down to money... They were the cheapest I had. But they have served me well do far. And Norfolk isnt known for dry good roads :p

I wouldnt risk taking a sharp bend at any real speed though... But thats just me being a new rider on a shitty little chowmain bike.
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[lilredmachine]

Aren't Battleaxes twin compound, soft on the sidewall and hard in the middle for better wear? Might explain the locking and twitching in cold/wet conditions.

I use Maxxis Supermaxx sports and have nothing but good things to say about them. They don't catch you out, have a nice stable profile and are sticky enough. They are also cheap enough to be cannon fodder on things like Busas that destroy tyres for fun. (And chains, and sprockets, and fuel, and the air around it, etc.)
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[Snowdonia Rider]

I've got Pilot Roads (first gen) on my SV, I hate them, very skitty, especially the front. I had BT021's on my GSX (heavy pogo stick) and I could rag it around even in the wet with confidence.
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[drzsta]

I've just had another set of BT023's on my bike, Great tires - this is commuting all year round.

Only time I've had a brown trouser moment was when I nailed it on the roundabout after leaving work and almost lost it after the back end stepped out, my fault more than the tyres.