In the latest issue of Performance Bikes, they’ve been testing some of the latest hypersport tyres on the market.
Bridgestone’s Battlax S21 is one of our favourites, as it benefits directly from their time in MotoGP, and the Japanese firm’s unique U-EYE Technology, which allows them to optimise contact patch size and other design facets thanks to some clever tech programming wizardry.
PB’s feature took place on some typical British roads, with John McAvoy and Ben Rea both blind testing several sets of tyres on a Suzuki GSX-R1000R and then giving feedback on how they performed in several key areas.
Here’s just some of what the two riders had to say:
- Stability – “Really stable, really suited to the bike. Barely any movement on the bars under hard acceleration over bumps. Coped really well with the ripples and jumps.” – John McAvoy.
- Turn-In – “Steady turn-in off the brakes, but confident and positive. Front end felt more planted than set A (Rosso III), but hard braking with big lean seemed to push the bike wide slightly.” – Ben Rea.
- Mid-corner – “Held its line really well, no sign of understeer or oversteer. Very well behaved mid-corner. Loads of confidence. Felt the bike’s natural turning ability was able to shine.” – John McAvoy.
- Exit Grip – “Could not get the rear to budge on any of the corners that I can reliably provoke a spin at. can’t give these anything less than a 10.” – John McAvoy.
- Feel – “Overall feel from all points very good. Feel from front and rear positive in slow and fast corners.” – Ben Rea.
- Comments – “Stable, grippy, steady turning, holds a line, really well suited to the bike.” – John McAvoy.
For the full article, you’ll need to pick up the July issue of Performance Bikes, which is out now.
Find out more about the Battlax S21 here.
