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lancelotvt · 08-02-2008

First some back ground info. I have used Metzler Sportec M3 tires for the last couple of sets on my Suzuki Bandit 1200. Even when they were new and still had the slick compound on them they gripped like crazy. The only downfall was I couldn't get more than 5500 to 6000 miles out of them, and for the price of them I can't afford it. So this time I'm trying the Bridgestone Battleaxe BT 021, which is supposed to be a dual compound tire and give the tire a longer life. Now I new from the start that this tire is probably not going to grip quite as well as the sportecs, but I didn't realize how much different these tires were until last evening. I Left work last evening, and was trying to do a couple of errands after work before a massive rain storm hit then I was going to meet my fiance at the local resturant for dinner and wait out the passing storm before heading home. Well I leave the parking lot and head up the street to the gas station around the corner where I usually fill up. I'm not horsing the bike, but I'm moving just a touch faster than the traffic around me. At the intersection where I was supposed to turn there is a little exit ramp type shortcut so you can bypass the traffic lights. I'm rolling up on this thing pretty quickly so I roll of the throttle and get on the brakes before I start heading in to the corner, well I was still carrying a bit more speed than I felt comfortable with for the corner and the new tires so I backed of the brakes slightly, and trail braked it slightly as I started rolling in to the corner, and the back wheel all of a sudden just locked

. No warning that it was close to locking or anything, one moment it was turning, a split second later it's locked up, and the back end comes out about 35 degrees. This is with the road dry. Thank god I'm used to riding dirt bikes and sliding the back wheel around some. I immediately started rolling gently off the back brake and the bike straightened out without snapping back too violently.

Then about 5 minutes later I got caught in a monsoon like downpour (Without my rain gear.

), and discovered that it's like driving on ice with these new tires when the roads are wet. I've never been so nervous in my life. I guess I have a bit of adjusting to do.

Sorry for the long story.

Be safe out there folks. (Especially when trying out different tires than what you're used to)

08-02-2008	#1 (permalink)
lancelotvt Wants a longer summer BTK Beginner Join Date: May 2007 Location: Vermont Posts: 92	New Tires are SLIIIIIIIIPPERY!!!! First some back ground info. I have used Metzler Sportec M3 tires for the last couple of sets on my Suzuki Bandit 1200. Even when they were new and still had the slick compound on them they gripped like crazy. The only downfall was I couldn't get more than 5500 to 6000 miles out of them, and for the price of them I can't afford it. So this time I'm trying the Bridgestone Battleaxe BT 021, which is supposed to be a dual compound tire and give the tire a longer life. Now I new from the start that this tire is probably not going to grip quite as well as the sportecs, but I didn't realize how much different these tires were until last evening. I Left work last evening, and was trying to do a couple of errands after work before a massive rain storm hit then I was going to meet my fiance at the local resturant for dinner and wait out the passing storm before heading home. Well I leave the parking lot and head up the street to the gas station around the corner where I usually fill up. I'm not horsing the bike, but I'm moving just a touch faster than the traffic around me. At the intersection where I was supposed to turn there is a little exit ramp type shortcut so you can bypass the traffic lights. I'm rolling up on this thing pretty quickly so I roll of the throttle and get on the brakes before I start heading in to the corner, well I was still carrying a bit more speed than I felt comfortable with for the corner and the new tires so I backed of the brakes slightly, and trail braked it slightly as I started rolling in to the corner, and the back wheel all of a sudden just locked . No warning that it was close to locking or anything, one moment it was turning, a split second later it's locked up, and the back end comes out about 35 degrees. This is with the road dry. Thank god I'm used to riding dirt bikes and sliding the back wheel around some. I immediately started rolling gently off the back brake and the bike straightened out without snapping back too violently. Then about 5 minutes later I got caught in a monsoon like downpour (Without my rain gear. ), and discovered that it's like driving on ice with these new tires when the roads are wet. I've never been so nervous in my life. I guess I have a bit of adjusting to do. Sorry for the long story. Be safe out there folks. (Especially when trying out different tires than what you're used to) __________________ Gary 98' Suzuki Bandit 1200S Be one with the bike. To be anything more could be painful.