How does BT-016 compare to stock BT-015?

Mythos

Mythos

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I have 16s on my Kaw and they are wayyyyyyyyyy better than the BT-014 which was stock. Nice and sticky on the sides. (Also went with a 190/55 height instead of 190/50 and this was as much of an improvement as the softer rubber).

So I'm just wondering how would the stock tires on the busa compare to BT-016s. See, I can't really tell too much because I am quite certain the busa turns a lot better than the 14 in the first place. I don't know how much it is the bike and how much it is the tire. 15s vs 16s: what say you?
 
The 016 is the best sport bike tire that I have ridden on to date. To date I have put about 2k miles and they look almost new. That is after an 820 mile trip down I-5 to Corbin. No flat spot in the center after that trip. I was pleasantly surprised that they held up that good.

I do think the 015 would make a better track tire. I ran the stock 015s on my first track day. I aired them down to 30 lbs and had a blast. Not one hint of slip after 5 to 6 laps on Pacific Raceways road race track. It's not the smoothest track. The 015s handled it very well.

The 016 does tend to get a bit greasy on the sides with the extra weight of the Busa. I have pushed them to that point a couple of times after I got them mounted. BA Busa has also told me about the sides getting too soft on the track.
 
^^Yeah, my 16s looked like the top 1/2" was the stickiest compound. I bet that could get like goo on a hot day cornering real hard at the track. I even noticed the second compound rolling off a little bit when the weather was warmer. Perfect for the street where you can't have it leaned over constantly, though. Mine is also holding up well it was still rond at 2000 but now it is squaring off. Too cold outside to try to corner real hard with in October. Good time for a long ride and straightline sprints.
 
I'm surprised to find anyone who would suggest the BTO15 is a better track tire than the BTO16? Not many, if anyone will notice a difference in the two tires while riding. I have spanked both and they are both very good tires. The 16 gives better side grip and a slightly longer life center. However, the 15 is an awsome tire and for the occasional track rider, the 15 is a very capable track tire.

Any tire will become greasey when it's over heated. Very hot days combined with improper tire pressure is usually the combination that creates slipage after extended use.

I personally have had no problems with the 16's loosing grip. This tire is simply amazing and I have found no other street tire with superior performance. However, I am anxious to try the new Bridgestone BTO03's! I think the 003 just may turn out to be the best tire for Street/Track currently available.

I give the 16's a big :thumbsup:
 
my stock 15 is shot and i am slowly leaning toward the 16. i have heard nothing but good reviews for the 16.
 
I like the 16's over stock 15's, stick better + steer quicker (more crowned profile). My interpretation.
 
Tufbusa said:
However, I am anxious to try the new Bridgestone BTO03's! I think the 003 just may turn out to be the best tire for Street/Track currently available.

I give the 16's a big :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

:nono:

:: Specs :: DUNLOP - SPORTMAX Q2

Dunlop Sportmax Q2 Product Review - Sportbike Tires Review - Motorcycle USA

:thumbsup:

dunlop-sportmax-q2.jpg
 
Schism said:
my stock 15 is shot and i am slowly leaning toward the 16. i have heard nothing but good reviews for the 16.
Click to expand...

I do not know what the stock busa aspect ratio is on the rear tire but if it is 190/50, consider trying the 190/55. Larger contact patch on the side and you can feel a definite improvement in turn in at any speed. The 190/55 is ~10 cm higher and it will tend to correct your speedo.

You might want to do some research and see if that will fit your rim. Just an idea for ya. The busa already turns in pretty good. It makes enough difference that the 190/55 might be too much for some.
 
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Out of curiousity what kind of mileage are you all getting with 15's?

I ran the Michelin Road Pilot 2 on my ZZR1200 and was really impressed their longevity and overall performance. I use my bikes for sport touring and don't any track so thinking about swapping my 15 for the Road Pilot 2 when they are gone. Anyone of any other opinions?
 
How do the BT16 compare with the PP2CT? That has been my fave, I recently tried the Avon Storms and they were good and seemed to have long life but they slipped on the road tar alot.
 
Mythos said:
I do not know what the stock busa aspect ratio is on the rear tire but if it is 190/50, consider trying the 190/55. Larger contact patch on the side and you can feel a definite improvement in turn in at any speed. The 190/55 is ~10 cm higher and it will tend to correct your speedo.

You might want to do some research and see if that will fit your rim. Just an idea for ya. The busa already turns in pretty good. It makes enough difference that the 190/55 might be too much for some.
Click to expand...

thanks, i was trying to figure out the difference between 50 and 55. 190/50 is the stock size and i only sqeezed 5,000 miles out of her and that was pushing it. :thumbsup:
 
I have ran the BT016s for a while now, switched over from 2ct's and wont get any other tire..unless dunlops slicks, I run 55 in the back, a lil taller but larger patch in cornering. the 16 give you great grip when warm but also last a bit, atleast more than the 003 which are great but dont last very long since I also commute. Cant go wrong with them. The 15s are nice but more of a touring tire...not as aggresive IMO..
 
The 16s are more aggresive and a better tire, also dual comp, cant go better unless you get the 003 but if you commute like me you will eat them up, the 15 are more of a touring tire imo, i run 55 in the back its taller and more patch in twisties, i switched to the 16 from 2ct and wont run any other unles maybe a slick dunlop. They stick like glue...
 
I consider the majority of my riding to be backroad burning at a pretty good pace :whistle:
That being said my 15's went bald in the middle at exactly 3k miles. And they never truly gave me a confident feeling when pushing it. I will not be using them again.
 
Takeuon said:
I consider the majority of my riding to be backroad burning at a pretty good pace :whistle:
That being said my 15's went bald in the middle at exactly 3k miles. And they never truly gave me a confident feeling when pushing it. I will not be using them again.
Click to expand...

Consider the 16's, I think you'll be impressed!
 
According to Bridgestone UK we shouldn't be using the 016's cause the 015's are designed with the Busa in mind and have a thinner tyre wall to reduce the heat build up at the high speeds that the Busa puts the tyre through... the 016's can overheat due to the thicker tyre wall, causing a sudden loss of grip... ouch

Not sure if thats likely... but i kept with the 015's.. my suzuki dealer wouldnt fit the 016's LOL

Jza
 
Jza said:
According to Bridgestone UK we shouldn't be using the 016's cause the 015's are designed with the Busa in mind and have a thinner tyre wall to reduce the heat build up at the high speeds that the Busa puts the tyre through... the 016's can overheat due to the thicker tyre wall, causing a sudden loss of grip... ouch

Not sure if thats likely... but i kept with the 015's.. my suzuki dealer wouldnt fit the 016's LOL

Jza
Click to expand...

:oh: ive been going with the 16s for a long long time....oops
 
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