Reviews Archive

March 15th, 2009 Sport Touring Tire Review – Pt. 2

Having been reminded that it has been nearly a year since I first posted the S/T tire review, I thought I should make good on my promise and post a follow-up. You may remember that I had mounted a pair of Avon Storms on my ST1300 and put about 1700 miles on them. This wasn’t enough to draw any conclusions as to their performance or wear characteristics. Since then, I have ridden more than 15,000 miles on the ST, mostly traveling miles as I seldom commute on this bike any more, (the 650 V-Strom gets better mileage and runs happily on cheaper fuel). I should point out that I replaced the first Storm rear tire at around the 9,000 mile mark. There was still plenty of tread left but between the high concentration of freeway miles leaving a flat spot down the center and a 5,000 mile trip upcoming, I thought it prudent to replace it. The front tire was still in excellent condition and was left in place. Simply put, these tires rock! They perform every bit as good now as when they were new with the exception of wet road cornering grip up front. When new, the Storms allowed me to scoff at rain soaked roads. The front has started to deteriorate in this area only in the last few hundred miles. The tread has started to feather edge slightly, too, but not so much that it was easily photographed. In every other respect, however, these are still the best sport touring tires I’ve experienced. They inspire confidence on any surface and have proven to be long wearing. The front tire, approaching 17,000 miles, still looks like it could go another 3,000, or so. This is truly remarkable mileage from a tire that holds the road as good as these do. Alas, since the rear has developed that familiar, flat center section, I will be replacing both very soon. These flat spots are pretty much unavoidable when your travels take your heavily laden bike on mile after mile of Interstate highways in hot weather. Bottom line? Rally season is approaching and I intend to start it with new skins. Even though the prices for Avon tires have risen slightly in the last year, ($281.90 delivered from SWMotoTire – still the best price I’ve found - as opposed to $254.90 a year ago), I am leaning towards getting another set. The price difference for the Bridgestone BT021 is about double what it once was so that I would be paying right at $60 more for the Avons from the same source. Just for comparison, at the time of this posting the Michelin Pilot Road 2 mentioned in the earlier review would now run $311.90 for the pair, delivered. These tires have received some very favorable reviews but I haven’t read of anybody getting close to the mileage out of them on heavy S/T bikes that I’ve experienced with the Avons. This may lure me back into the Bridgestone camp but I’m so blown away by these Storm tires that I am just as likely swallow that steep difference. If I was assured that the 021’s would either perform as well as the Avons, even without the long wear, or vice versa, my decision would be easier.

	Wow; 17k is a lot of miles. I would expect the Brigestones to get half of that, but actually, that's comparable because you did replace the rear at 9k. I'd like to see you get a pair of BT021 for two reasons: 1) they costs a wee bit less, and 2) I use them a lot and would like to see your thoughts on them. Besides, you'll have a fresh set of new tires next year this time anyway, so even if you don't think the'yre as good as the Avons, the misery will be short-lived.
	Added by Luke on 1 Apr 2009

	After doing some research on the 021's, I have come up with dozens of personal accounts of ST1300 riders being unhappy with the mileage. Some have gotten less than 4,000 miles from a rear 021. That's fine for sticky sport bike tires but unacceptable for S/T tires. Soon, I found out the reason for the poor mileage. The 021 is not recommended for the ST1300 as it is not rated for such a portly motorcycle. Bridgestone did have to make a special F designation 020 as the OEM tire on the ST as the standard 020 had the same under built problem. This is a pity because I had just about made up my mind to go with the 021's and save $52, (stinkin' economy). I have to wonder, though, "Why offer it in the goofy 170/60 17 rear size that, AFAIK, only fits the ST1300?" Looks like I'm leaning back towards the Avons.
	Added by Tim on 1 Apr 2009