Any experience with Bridgestone BT-003?

[Radicalr6]

Any experience with these tires, they seem to be more track oriented than street.

[ddgith]

There was a really good article write up I think in Sport Rider about the 003's. Said that they are great track tires, and perfect if you want to learn how to slide the rear end without high-siding all over the place.

That's the gist of it...

:skep: I don't know if I want a tire that slides like that...although I have heard good things about the Dunlop Q2.

Keep in mind, I am not saying the BT-003 is bad...I think I would put those on for track days mostly...not something I would ride with on the street necessarily.

But then, I change my mind pretty quickly too.. :) But I am kind of sold on Pirelli tires...

[JRepsol]

How about you respond to Rene about your interest, or should I say NON-interest, in the clutch cover before you go posting questions asking about tires!!!

[Radicalr6]

I see rear sliding... That sounds a lot of fun. But I do not know if I would want that on the canyons....

[heatha1488]

The BT-003 is a decent tire, but not good for mileage. Pretty much for the track I would say. Also they quite a bit more expensive.

[Repsoul]

I put some BT-003's on my blade and I think they are freakin' awesome tires. They are sticky right out of the box and I've even ridden them in the wet. Not something I would recommend long periods on anything but touring tires, but they are much improved over the 002's. The center compound is more durable than the 002's so you will get more mileage out of them. As for pricing, they aren't that expensive compared to Diablo or P/P 2ct's. Not a Michelin fan myself, and will eventually try the Diablo. Rolled with Dunlops previously and they are pretty good tires as well. I'm pretty sold on the BT-003's and will roll with these for awhile. Hope this helps.:cool:

[Thrasher]

Well if the review said they slide well and dont cause you to highside that must mean they have great feedback and thus you dont come off the throttle because you got a big suprise Thus you avoid the highside. Just my interpetation.. I'd rather know whats coming then not:D

[JohnnyComeLately]

When I started learning how to really ride a sportbike from my old 1st Sergeant (he rode a YZF, one of the best bikes of the times) back around 94-96, he explained it to me this way.

There's two types of race tires, or really tires in general.

9/10's tires and 8/10's

Metzlers, the Bridgestones mentioned (according to write up, I only ride Mezlers and Corsas), and Corsas are all 8/10s. Those last two tenths are the "sliding" you hear mentioned. It means you have about a 20% threshold between traction and road rash. You have more fudge room to slip the rear around, realize what's going on and adjust.

Dunlops are 9/10s. When you feel them give, you're JUST ABOUT done. There's very little margin between when you get that "Oh $#!^ feeling" and when you're watching your bike slide behind/ahead of you.

Which one is better? Depends on your riding style and beliefs. If you gotta have every single iota of traction possible, Dunlops. If you ride the street and want the little extra security, or you are comfortable "dirt tracking" it in a road race, Metzlers et al are your rubber posse.

Me? I prefer the extra feel before they give completely.