New Bridgestone 002 Street compound tyre opinion.

[I-K]

As a Bridgerock fan normally, especially the 002 race compounds I hate to have to criticise one of their products, but I cannot tell you how much I hated these tyres.
They are perhaps one of the worst road tyres I have had the displeasure of riding on. Don't get me wrong, they hang on ok, but they are just so bloody stiffly constructed. They have no bump compliance and just hammer the suspension.

Sounds like me talking about the Pilot Powers I had on the ZX6 back in 2005 when I initially had them at 34psi front and 36psi rear...

...they ended up at 29psi front, 31psi rear... then they did as they were told. Oh, and I had to back off compression by a couple of clicks at both ends, too.

Oh, and yes, this was on the street.

[Rusty]

Oh, an addendum. I had a BT020 on the back of my ZZR when I got it. It was a maaarvellous tyre (compared to the D220 that was on the front)! It was at the wear indicator at 16000km, from memory. Considering that the ZZR grounded out well before the edge of the rear tyre was reached, it actually suited the bike pretty well.

As far as comparisons go, I'd probably prefer Powers to the 002s (yes, Neil, I've had 'em before and am not a great fan), which are rather inferior grip-wise. I'd definitely prefer a Shinko front. When all's said and done, the worst thing that can be said about the Shinkos is that the rear's so wide and flat. I'll have another set at some stage.

[swabio-ACT]

Sounds like me talking about the Pilot Powers I had on the ZX6 back in 2005 when I initially had them at 34psi front and 36psi rear...

...they ended up at 29psi front, 31psi rear... then they did as they were told. Oh, and I had to back off compression by a couple of clicks at both ends, too.

Oh, and yes, this was on the street.

funny you should say that..... IIRC i ran 30 F & 32 R on my Powers for the road too, after much experimenting....

[Strika]

Both you guys are corect. I fiddled with the presures constantly while returning for the two days. I settled at 28f and 29 rear to actually make them work properly. But then they felt soooooo crappy cold. And they still felt like rocks over bumps when getting up it! Plus they disapeared off the rim in front of my eyes 3000klms all up with Kevie and my usage.

I can get 5500-6000 out of a rear racetech belting shit out of it. Whereas on the return leg on the 002 streetshitters, we were taking it pretty easy and not getting up it much.

I reckon the 002 race compound is both a better tyre and lasts longer anyway. I use my race take offs on my roadies often and do 4500 out of the remainder of a rear with the 002 Race tyre. This streetshitbox is a tyre that grips less and last less???? I'm confused!!

[swabio-ACT]

This streetshitbox is a tyre that grips less and last less???? I'm confused!!

lol... marketing genious..... lets stuff the rep of the 002 PRO's by making what is supposed to be a longer lasting road version.......but we will trick them in that it lasts less.....aaah Mmmwuaahhhhh $$$$$$$$$$$$$

[Strika]

I had my final set of 2nd hand 002 race compounds fitted up to the 9 today! I started with about 5 sets and have slowly used them up, mostly on the 6 when I had it. this lot is my last remaining pair and I figured i had better use them before they go off and the weather gets too cold and wet! they are a set which copped a fair caning at the island so I'll keep you all updated as to how long they last. What's the bet though, that I get more than 3000klms out of these!!! (And they are 2nd hand to start with!)

The 014's lasted a track day and 3000klms, so let's see if I can out do that with the 002 race compounds!!!

[petro]

I've had my Bridgestone 002 streets on for nearly a month now, and so far I still like them, did a Advanced Riding course on the weekend at Mt Cotton, and loved the way they felt when pushed quite hard.

[Rusty]

I finally scrubbed mine in properly. They feel pretty good, and the grip is excellent. Running 31psi front, 32 rear. The rear's getting a little warmer than the front, but both ball up nicely. At 33-35 they take about 10 km to warm up on my 9.

They still ride harder than Shinkos, and the front doesn't feel as confident as the Shinko 003. In all, I love the grip, but they're looking and feeling pretty soft, especially when warm. Dunno what the life of these things is going to be.

I'd rate 'em higher than Powers now, contrary to my first impression. It's amazing what 2-3 psi will do.

[petro]

I usually ride 2 up and run 33 front and 36 rear, when I did the course I ran 32 front 34 rear, they felt good, how is a tyre supossed to look when it is working properly?

[goanna_38]

I am currently running a Mick from Goodna Special. 002 on the front and 021 on the back. 70% of my riding is droning up and down the highway to work and the rest is tooling around either being an idiot or doubling the missus round to look at things. So far I am very impressed with both ends. 002 on the front tips in nice and neutrally (D model ZZR1100) and just flows through corners. Rear tyre grips surprisingly well for sports-touring (admitedly dual compound) rubber and hasn't scared the life out of me yet. If it lasts longer than 6000 k's I will be doubly impressed. Mind you I'm no boy-racer so it mightn't suit some of the keener riders on here, but for what I use the bike for I'm stoked. Of course I will retract everything if it all goes pear shaped and tips me on my ear (assuming I survive).