Dunlop Sportmax 208 or Bridgestone BT020, Which wears best?

slightlytasty · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Karma :

I've a curvy SV650, 00 model. I need new tyres. I do 50 mile commute a day so I need reasonable wear or I'll be bankrupt. However I like a good blast too so I need respectable grip.

Best deals I've found are £135 for a pair of 208's and £150 for BT020's, delivered. Know any better deals?

Anyone used both and recommend one over the other? Which lasts longest?

All help much appreciated.
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McJamweasel · BCF Junkie Joined: 22 Mar 2002 Karma :

BT020's will be better for you, they are a dual-compound sport-touring tyre while the D208's are a pure sports tyre. Have a look at BT021's and Dunlop Roadsmart too. The BT021 should only be a couple of quid more than the 020's but they are a better tyre.
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slightlytasty · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Karma :

Cheers man, I suspected as much. I suppose an extra 15 quid is worth paying if I they definately last longer
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Own Aprilia RSV and 955i Speed Triple and 2002 FZS600, had Bandit 650, SV650S, GPZ500S, DR650

Seb · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 Jul 2007 Karma :

020s should outlast the D208s, but I'm fairly certain they are not dual compound, I'd personally pay the extra and go for some Roadsmarts or 021s, 020s are great in the dry, but vague and lacking in feel in the wet imho.
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The Tot · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Karma :

I'd say, get roadsmarts - be a guinea pig, and tell me what you think. They're touted to be better than the michelin pilot road 2's. I've been wanting to get a pair but i've still got about 1000 miles left on my BT014/020's. I got mine quoted 220 fitted and balanced. BT020's are NOT dual compound. 020's are not really THAT confidence inspiring in anything other than dry and warm conditions, although having said that, i DID do 350 miles today from near coventry to edinburgh including hoons up the A6/A7 to break the monotony of the motorways and they felt grippy enough in the mildy moist conditions.
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Seb · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 Jul 2007 Karma :

I had Roadsmarts on my ZZR before I sold it on, great tire, similar feel to the 020 in the dry although not quite as lazily stable as the 020s were on straight A roads, but in the wet they were light years ahead feeling much sharper and more precise.

It might well be me just not being a particularly good rider, but I've had slides in the wet on 020s across both the RST and the ZZR (And came pretty close to a potentially nasty off just yesterday on them), but I never had either end of the ZZR step out on me when it had roadsmarts on.

Roadsmarts = Thumbs Up

020s =

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kitty kat · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Jun 2007 Karma :

I have BT021s on my fazer, I have not noticed them to be vague in the wet, I have actually found them to be a decent long lasting tyre.
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Mr Nice Guy · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Jul 2007 Karma :

Deffo not 208's for the commute, I once felt 208's feeling slightly square after 3 days of 30 mile round trips. I could have cried.
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Fisty · Super Spammer Joined: 11 Apr 2007 Karma :

Roadsmarts FTW. Got em on the 9R fantastic commuter tyre and great in the wet.

208's I had went square in under 1000 miles, the roadsmarts are still good after 4000 miles
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fredsredhat · Traffic Copper Joined: 11 Sep 2005 Karma :

vfr800 · Spanner Monkey Joined: 28 Oct 2005 Karma :

Only had 020's and 021's on the VFR, 021's better then the 020's for wear and grip. Never got into trouble with either realy.

so 021's get my vote Thumbs Up

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Mr Nice Guy · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Jul 2007 Karma :

Zen Dog · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Aug 2004 Karma :

Heh, everyone has a different opinion it seems, me included...

020's = loved them, used them for years, good in all conditions, though they did square off a bit.

021's = Don't like them, the front scares me in the wet. Don't fill me with confidence, and i was expecting great things.

Haven't tried the Roadsmarts or anything yet.

Zen Dog
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