Bridgestone tire rebates on fire!

[Chromedome 13]

Some you might be aware but each year about this time Bridgestone has their yearly tire rebate special. This year, $60 off a set. I have been using Rocky Mountain ATV for years partly because they take care of filling out and sending the rebate form for you. It's SO EASY. So, I just bought of a set of current, top of the line T31 sport touring tires for my VFR1200F for a net $206 after rebate. 😄

 

Here's a link to the rebate on their site: https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/l/2019-Bridgestone-Mar-Apr-Rebate-Info?il_medium=main-bridgestone-rebate&il_source=home

 

 

[HughJebolzak 40]

After some research, I just placed an order for a set of the T31's. One bloke strongly recommended the GT version for the VFR800, which I did not purchase. Has anyone else tried the GT version? Might be a better bet on the 1200.

[Chromedome 13]

I got the GT spec for mine. VFR1200F, I'm not light at 212 no gear, the 7th gen is fairly heavy and I wanted to plan for worst case weight of loaded down with bags. I dug around a lot for information on weight but couldn't find much. I will say that the guy I bought this bike from is a lifelong moto nut and was an AMA Pro privateer and he had GT's on it - helped make my decision to get them.

[Stray 120]

What makes the GT version different? Is it just a harder strip in the middle or a stiffer carcass? 

 

As as far as weight goes the 7th gen is only slightly heavier than the 800s. Maybe we should all be using the GTs? 

 

I really wish manufacturers would clarify this a bit more. If you’re on a huge touring bus like the Pan European, or a lightweight rapier like the CBR600RR it is clear which side of the fence you’re on. 

 

If you’re on a heavy middleweight like the VFR it gets trickier.  

[HughJebolzak 40]

It's a bit of a toss-up and some guidance from the manufacturer would be nice.

Stiffer sidewalls (carcass) seem to be the difference from what I gather. For heavier sport tour bikes like the Yamaha FJR, Honda ST and the like. So the 7th gen would likely be a good candidate. I like to go distance solo riding so my 5th gen would be fairly loaded up for that. But I'm a lighter guy at 160lbs. It was a toss up but I went for the non-GT version.

The write up I read was on the other VFR owner's site. The guy had an 800 VFR but he was a much larger person and heavily loaded the bike up for touring with camping involved. So distance gear plus a tent, sleeping bag and all the associated outdoor stuff. He tried both versions and much preferred the GT.

This decision might cause some sleepless nights but if you take a step back, lots of bike tires do not have a beefier version so a decision is a non-issue with them. My last bike was an FJR and I used it for long distance touring, so substantially loaded plus the wife on the back (she liked to collect rocks as souvenirs) and my tires were not the GT version of what ever brand they happened to be. The bike performed like a star.

[gloryracing 172]

The GT's, A spec or whatever the particular manufacturer uses for designation is simply an additional belt in the sidewall.  It has nothing to do with tread belts.  The additional belt stiffens the sidewall which reduces flex and heat generation on heavier bikes.

[Chromedome 13]

I believe the trick might be to take a look at some of the other manufacturers besides Bridgestone. IIRC, they give a recommendation. I'll look later today. The more I think about this each year that I buy tires during the spring rebates, the more I think that when on the fence with a heavier bike that I will ride loaded with bags like the VFR1200, how can it hurt to get the GT spec? Am I really going to feel too stiff a sidewall while out riding when the bike weighs 580 wet, I'm 220 with gear and I've got 20 lbs. of bags and luggage? No, BUT the non GT tires may indeed be a bit stressed and running hot.

 

So, my two cents.

[HughJebolzak 40]

Well I'd be running about 90 to 100 lbs lighter so hopefully I've made the right choice. They arrive today.

[Chromedome 13]

Found this quote days ago on another VFR board and this is also what tilted me towards the GT spec. "Called Michelin's US help line and they recommend the GT version on the VFR 1200 since it's load rating is a better match for the big VFR's weight than the standard PR-4's load rating."

 

 

[HughJebolzak 40]

I agree with the choice you made for your bike. Just wondering if I should have done the same for mine.

[Chromedome 13]

Judging by so many posts from so many people, you'll be fine. I wonder if Bridgestone has a useful customer support line?

[HughJebolzak 40]

Their website states; "GT spec provides good handling and stability for heavy vehicles". Pretty vague.

[HughJebolzak 40]

The VFR800i curb weight is 525 lbs

By comparison;

                        Kawasaki 250R;          375 lbs     (150 under VFR)

                        Suzuki SV650;            435lbs      (90 under VFR)

                        BMW R1200RT;          570 lbs     (45 over VFR)

                        Yamaha FJR;               645 lbs     (120 over VFR)

                        Kawasaki Concourse; 670 lbs     (145 over VFR)

                        BMW K1200GT          670 lbs     (145 over VFR)

                        Honda Goldwing       835 lbs     (310 over VFR)