Bridgestone T30 now available with 140 rear

[alphonsus_imp]

Gentlemen,

I thought I'd let you all know that Bridgestone T30 tyres have just become available with a 140/70 R18 size for the rear, for the first time in my country. There are not many members here in Hungary, but this could be relevant for all European owners, and perhaps in the US too? Might be worth a try to check it out with your local suppliers.

My local tyre shop has first heard a couple months ago from Bridgestone that this new rear size is coming in April. They called me this morning to tell me it is now available. I've ordered a set and will have it fitted next week, I will report my impressions back here once I have them.

I am hoping Bridgestone will be making this available worldwide, it would be nice to have another good alternative for our bikes in stock sizes.

 

[the Ferret]

Congrats. Choices are good, especially with these weird tire sizes. Let us know how you like them. I think MotoGeezer is running a pair here in the US and has reported favorably on them.

 

[4 Paws_imp]

My tires getting worn, look forward to your report.

 

[alphonsus_imp]

Over the weekend I had my new set of tyres fitted.

I was not a fan of the stock Dunlop tyres, and decided to change them out before I got anywhere near the wear marks (10k kms / 6k miles on the odo). I was especially unhappy with the original front tyres as they had uneven wear, making handling somewhat awkward. (This might be due to the previous owner running too low pressures, but I read other members complaining about this issue.)

Anyway I narrowed down my options to Michelin PR3s and Bridgestone T30s, both of which were only available in 160 rears at the time. I decided for the T30s based on very positive reports here on the forum and Django's recommendation who went through a pair of sets. When I went to order the tyres I was surprised to find that they now had 140 rear available, although I had to wait a month to get them, I probably have the first pair in the country.

I went for a good 150km ride on Saturday to scrub in the new tyres, and I am very happy with them. There is a big improvement in the front feel and handling, as well as rear grip. After only 30-40 kms, I was turning with much more confidence than the stock Dunlops. The 140 size rears retained the same light and flickable turn in and handling that I was already used to. I know many here opine that the 160 suits the bike very well, and I might yet give them a try, but for now I'm happy to stay with the stock sizes. I rode in to work today in pouring rain and I had no loss of grip at any point, and felt confident, so my first impressions of wet performance are also good.

Overall I highly recommend these tyres, and I think it's a great development that Bridgestone decided to make them in our CB's stock sizes.

 

[the Ferret]

Nice looking tire. The 140 does provide delightfully easy handling. My only issues with the 140 size was such limited choices, and my ability to run it all the way to the edge. I worried that I could over run it. With the 160 there seems to be a bit of safety margin. I have not been able to get the 160 to the edge, although Pterodactyl has.

It's good that there is another choice in the 140 size for people to choose from.

Do you have a way to measure the tread depth on that tire?

 

[Ulvetanna_imp]

Over the weekend I had my new set of tyres fitted.

I was not a fan of the stock Dunlop tyres, and decided to change them out before I got anywhere near the wear marks (10k kms / 6k miles on the odo). I was especially unhappy with the original front tyres as they had uneven wear, making handling somewhat awkward. (This might be due to the previous owner running too low pressures, but I read other members complaining about this issue.)

Anyway I narrowed down my options to Michelin PR3s and Bridgestone T30s, both of which were only available in 160 rears at the time. I decided for the T30s based on very positive reports here on the forum and Django's recommendation who went through a pair of sets. When I went to order the tyres I was surprised to find that they now had 140 rear available, although I had to wait a month to get them, I probably have the first pair in the country.

I went for a good 150km ride on Saturday to scrub in the new tyres, and I am very happy with them. There is a big improvement in the front feel and handling, as well as rear grip. After only 30-40 kms, I was turning with much more confidence than the stock Dunlops. The 140 size rears retained the same light and flickable turn in and handling that I was already used to. I know many here opine that the 160 suits the bike very well, and I might yet give them a try, but for now I'm happy to stay with the stock sizes. I rode in to work today in pouring rain and I had no loss of grip at any point, and felt confident, so my first impressions of wet performance are also good.

Overall I highly recommend these tyres, and I think it's a great development that Bridgestone decided to make them in our CB's stock sizes.

Use the correct sizes and you will get the best handling. Good that these are now available. Now I have found the Conti Road Attack 2 CR in the 150/65 (sized specifically for our bike) I won't be trying the T30 but that would be my second choice, a very close second.

Also should mention the 150/65 is slightly shorter, drops the gearing a noticeable tad, but allows for a more effective suspension setup for that spirited sort of riding. The T30 looks like the height is going to preserve the gearing and ride height with normal settings, also a plus.

 

[Motogeezer1949_imp]

I couldn't find the 140 yet. Be installing the 160 soon. I'm sure either is fine. I really like the T30 on the front compared to the stock BS and Dunlop.

 

[Django]

alphonsus,
that would have been my choice, if I still had the CB.

 

[aschem_imp]

I found a place in the US that carries this tire: Conti Road Attack 2 CR in 150/65-18
Continental Tires 202-1487 150/65-18 Road Attack 2 Classic Race Tire

 

[Ulvetanna_imp]

I found a place in the US that carries this tire: Conti Road Attack 2 CR in 150/65-18
Continental Tires 202-1487 150/65-18 Road Attack 2 Classic Race Tire

That's a good price.

 

[Motogeezer1949_imp]

Wonder what the installed diameter is?

 

[beardyweirdy@me.com_imp]

Hey Alphonsus,

Any update on your T30 Evo's?

I'm waiting on the Dunlop Roadsmart 3's, stock arriving in August, but I can get hold of a set of T30 Evo now. Just wondered how you were finding them?