Intended as a replacement for the BT-021 (except in OEM applications) sport-touring tire, the new Bridgestone Battlax BT-023 is designed to offer better wear characteristics and wet weather performance than its predecessor, along with the necessary grip and stability for sport riding, and the comfortable ride needed for long touring stints. A special "GT spec" version will also be available, tailored specifically for the particular demands of heavier sport-touring machinery like the Yamaha FJR1300, BMW K1300GT, and R1200RT.
The BT-023 utilizes a new rubber compound sporting increased mixtures of Silica Rich Ex in the front tire and Silica Rich in the rear, plus a special RC polymer bonding agent that is claimed to "control the change in properties of rubber in any temperature and assist Silica effect" (which we would take to mean that it helps the silica enhance wet weather grip while preventing it from overheating in the dry, helping with tread life). Both front and rear tires incorporate Bridgestone's trademark Mono Spiral Belt (MSB) in the belt packages, consisting of a single-strand high-tension steel wire continuously wound around the circumference of the tire that provides good bump absorption, consistent grip, and high speed stability.
The rear BT-023 features Bridgestone's 3LC (3 Layer Compound) construction, with the center compound offering stability and mileage, and the softer outer shoulders providing enhanced grip and bump absorption for aggressive cornering. The tread patterns were also redesigned, with the front tire sporting "V grooves" in the center for better feel under braking, "T grooves" for linear handling, and "Angle grooves" in the sides for more consistent wear and wet pavement grip. The rear tire has a similar layout, although the center has no grooves for better contact patch for improved grip, wear, and quieter ride.
The GT spec BT-023 is only available in 120/70ZR-17 front and 180/55ZR-17 rear sizes in order to fit the aforementioned heavyweight sport-touring bikes. The GT spec front tire tread has a different pattern with no V grooves in the center, and both tires get an additional belt ply to handle the increased loads imposed by the heavier bikes while still providing light handling, long wear, and good braking performance.
Bridgestone also offers a...
Bridgestone also offers a "GT spec" BT-023 that features different construction for heavyweight sport-touring bikes, with a different front tire tread pattern.
Speaking of long wear, Bridgestone is claiming an impressive "up to 30 percent" increase in mileage with the new BT-023 over the BT-021, although the fine print states that figure was obtained with a Yamaha FJR1300 ridden at normal speed limits in a "completely touring" riding style with a "maximum camber angle of 30 percent." Previous complaints we've heard (and experienced) with the BT-021 centered around the wear on the sides, not the center.
Available front sizes are 110/70ZR-17, 120/60ZR-17, 120/70ZR-17 (also in GT spec), 110/80ZR-18, and 120/70ZR-18, with prices ranging from $174.23 to $189.93. Rears will be available in 150/70ZR-17, 160/60ZR-17, 160/70ZR-17, 170/60ZR-17, 180/55ZR-17 (also in GT spec), 190/50ZR-17, 190/55ZR-17, and 160/60ZR-18 sizes, in prices ranging from $218.24 to $261.20.