I'm looking at getting the these tires for my St1100 mainly due to the limited tires available in a 79 load rating the avon storms 3d are no longer being made and I've seen mixed reviews on the metzler 888. I weigh about 210lbs but my wife is bigger and with gear about 280 so I wanted a higher rated rear tire and a front that matched so we can rode together more, I live in the US and have some curvy areas near by and was wondering if these are a decent all around or if I should be looking at something else. Suspension is currently stock but hoping to have a hyperpro shock put on over the winter if that affects it at all.
Bridgestone Battlax Bt020-M question
- Thread starter jsitz97
- Start date
good pick, bias tires are better for heavy loads.
Keep in mind the max load rating of the ST1100 is 175kg/386lb for rider/passenger/gear/accessories. Based on your numbers you're about 100lb over that limit not including the weight of whatever cargo you bring along on the ride. I'm not sure I'd want to overload the bike to that extent, regardless of which tire you choose.
That's with the stock suspension I'm assuming and by upgrading the rear shock and fork springs the load rating would change
Uncle Phil
Site Supporter
If it is the one that is 'speced' for the K1200LT BMW I've used them for years on the rear of all my ST1100s.
That's what's on there now and there a 5 hanging up ready to be mounted when needed.
I usually run the BT 'radial' of the month on the front - BT31, BT32, etc. but in the GT variety.
That's what's on there now and there a 5 hanging up ready to be mounted when needed.
I usually run the BT 'radial' of the month on the front - BT31, BT32, etc. but in the GT variety.
I don't know enough about the frame construction to say either way, but its not as simple as putting in stiffer springs. If the frame is designed to carry a particular amount of weight, attaching stiffer springs to it isn't going to make it stronger. Stiffer springs will help with ride height, but that's a different thing than what I'm talking about. If the frame is overloaded, the tubes/welds could fatigue, and that isn't something that you want to happen while riding.
We have certainly exceeded the recommendations re payload on trips. At least 200 KG and probably a bit more. No issues on the standard shock and uprated springs in the forks. The ABS shock was on its top notch and about 3/4 on the damper.
The bike was rock steady with a top box at all speeds. Always used the latest non GT Bridgestone radials.
Upt.
Worth noting, whichever tyres I ran they would only do around 5000 miles. Whether this was increased wear down to loading I can't say.
The bike was rock steady with a top box at all speeds. Always used the latest non GT Bridgestone radials.
Upt.
Worth noting, whichever tyres I ran they would only do around 5000 miles. Whether this was increased wear down to loading I can't say.
That's good to know I was searching the threads for more info and never found anyone posting a update after they upgraded with it being over loaded. We mostly just do a couple hour ride or possibly 2 day trip and wasn't sure if that would work.
Uncle Phil
Site Supporter
The BT020 bias is the only rear I can get close to 10,000 miles out of.
Radials, as UPT points out, I am lucky to get 5,000 on a rear.
But, do you notice a difference in the ride and curve handling?
Uncle Phil
Site Supporter
Not really - but then I ride like an old man ....
diferg
Dan & Ingrid
Not really - but then I ride like an old man ....
.......There are those who would contest that statement!