To ensure that braking performance with our three ABS bikes was not dependent on a tire advantage, we fit all three bikes with Bridgestone’s new BT-016 Pro. An evolution of the company’s excellent BT-016, the Pro uses new rubber compounds to improve mileage and wet-weather performance. While the standard BT-016 uses the company’s Three Layer Compound in the front and Five Layer Compound in the rear, both front and rear Pros use the 3LC. The company claims increased cornering and stability in dry conditions, but the real improvement is said to be in wet conditions, with all aspects of performance improved. True to that claim, our testers were able to stop hard enough in wet conditions to raise the BMW’s rear wheel off the ground.
The Bridgestones performed with consistently high levels of grip for the stopping tests at the dragstrip. The tires also provided excellent grip on the street portion of the test, with “great feel mid-corner,” according to Bradley. Additionally, the tires help with quicker turn-in on each of the bikes compared with the OEM rubber. The BT-016 Pro is available in one front size (120/70) and three rear sizes (180/55, 190/50 and 190/55), with retail pricing identical to the BT-016. For more information visit www.motorcycle-karttires.com.