Battlewing question

[switchback]

Anyone compared the E version with the non-E version. About $40 difference in the tires but have the same load range. Can't see the benefit of the E version considering the Tiger also uses the standard tire with bike weights being similar.

 

[markjenn]

I've never seen anything official from Bridgestone, but it's been speculated that the different Battlewings vary in belts/sidewall stiffness to provide optimal handling for the different weights of bikes that spec this tire size. They have models for F800 class of bikes, the R1200GS, and the S10. The price difference is about $15/tire between the "general use" middle version and the E spec, presumably heavier-duty, S10 version. I've been spending the extra for the S10 version, but the price difference seems to be increasing, and I might just drop back and get the middle version next time.

Which Tiger you talking about? (There's the old 900/1000, the street-oriented 1050, the new 800's, and the new Explorers.) Of these, all are considerably lighter than the S10 except the new Explorer. Don't know what tire spec is on the Explorer.

- Mark

 

[switchback]

Just pulled the trigger on the E version. Bike Bandit had the best prices and had an AMA gift card (Also have an AMA discount). Ended up $20 more than the standard tires. $240 total. Liked the Tourance EXPs except the life was way way too short.

 

[tomatocity]

My first BW rear tire lasted 9,000 miles. When we replaced it we did not know about the E. The standard lasted less than 4,50 miles and I had to replace it during a trip. Cycle gear treated me very well. The next E version lasted almost 9,000 miles. I have a set of BW's in the garage with 400 miles on them. Have been experimenting with K60's and Anakee III's. Still like the BW life, handling, and price very much. They will be replacing the Anakee III is done.

 

[switchback]

A couple of differing reports on the differences of the standard vs E spec tire.

Revzilla:

Hi David,

We saw your question pop up on our website and wanted to respond to you directly with an email. I reached out to Bridgestone for help with your question. I was told the "E" Spec is a bike-specific OEM replacement, and the "G" is the standard Battlewing that is not bike specific. There is a slight difference in the bead size of the OEM spec to better fit the rim of the bike it is designed for (Super Tenere)

Thanks!

American Motorcycle Tire

Thank you very much for your inquiry. The differences are internal - reinforcements. Externally, the compounds are all the same. Typically this equates to better ride and longer mileage as the tire flexes less in critical areas.

 

[markjenn]

A couple of differing reports on the differences of the standard vs E spec tire.

Good for you for asking the questions, but I bet both these vendors are speculating rather than dealing with hard information from Bridgestone. (I just sent Bridgestone email and will post if they reply.)

I'm a little skeptical of the "bead size" variance explanation as I doubt Yamaha would make its wheels have anything other than standard rim dimensions. The progression of tire pricing between the G, F, and E spec and the usage progression (F800 > R1200GS > S10) sure seems more consistent with having something to do with the tires getting more reinforcement/plies to handle optimally with additional bike weight, rather than rim dimensions.

I'm about to order some new tires and could go either way on the E vs. non-E. Anyone in the Seattle area need tires? If someone wants to take a set off my hands at my cost, I'll order a pair of each spec and do a careful comparison.

- Mark

 

[switchback]

The funny thing is that the E version has the same load rating as the rest. Most reinforced tires have a higher rating. Also the Tiger uses the G version and is nearly identical in weight to the S10. Have read here that the other versions have less life on the S10.

 

[markjenn]

(I just sent Bridgestone email and will post if they reply.)

They replied (which is nice), but no real specifics....

========

Unfortunately, I cannot offer you specifics about the differences between the two tires.

All current Battle Wing tires are developed for specific OE applications - BMW GS (different models and or years), Triumph Tiger, and Yamaha Super Tenere. Each is developed with the bike manufacturer - with specific performance in mind. Certainly bike weight and other bike design parameters are considered and a given tire is developed to compliment the characteristics desired by the manufacturer. A different specification marking is an indication not only that the tire(s) were developed for a specific model, but also that it has been thoroughly tested on that model.

While a GS spec. tire might work well on a Tenere, as a tire manufacturer, we would not typically test a GS tire on a Tenere because they are obviously different bikes and a properly developed tire already exists for the Tenere. Our recommendation is always to use the OE tire on the appropriate bike in order to maintain the bike's performance as the manufacturer intended.

=======

- Mark

 

[switchback]

Gotta love how tire manufacturers never give you a straight answer. Playing the lawyer card I suppose. Mounted the E spec battlewings today. Nothing like a tire that can be mounted halfway by hand. Bead seated very easy as well. ::003::

 

[hANNAbONE]

just got my 3rd set of BWings 501-502 (E)

Motorcycle-Superstore had the best prices for me...