Wrong front tyre for the ST1100

[Streak]

Well I have had an interesting day when It comes to motorcycle tyres and my ST1100, 16 months ago I bought new tyres from jake Wilson in the USA, and on their reccomemdation I bought a BT023 for the rear (which has been brilliant but I need to replace it), they also recommended that I fit the BT45 Bridgestone to the front, specs below:

110/80-18 (58V) Bridgestone Battlax BT45 V-Rated Front Motorcycle Tire

I had to send the above tyre model to tyres for bikes in Brisbane as they wanted to make sure we matched the tyres up and I could not remember, so I found it emailed it off and went about my day....

I got a phone call at about 2ish from Dave from Tyres for Bikes Brisbane, concerned that I am running a tyre not suited for my bike....I was a bit shocked but he was really good and explained to me about weight of bike and type of tyre speed and the like....

I did ring Saaz to double check the information and he confirmed what Dave had said, in the mean time I got an email from Dave

Hi Graham
The correct combo on the Bridgestone Tyres I recommend would be 023’s front and rear .
A set would cost you $382 and I think they are well worth it . Let me know what you think Graham.
Dave Oliver

So what have I learned something today, double check if you don't know, and talking to the local people even though it costs more is far safer than letting someone from overseas just sell you something....

Cheers

Streak (Graham)

[alans1100]

The V rated tyre you had fitted is actually the correct tyre for the base 1100 model and is what is specified in the European manual and from what you say I gather the US model as well.

The ABS version as the higher rated tyre which is possibly due to the extra 10kg weight difference.

Since the Australian market is small by comparison the ABS tyre is supplied to both models

http://www.pan-europe.utvinternet.ie/owners_manual/specifications.htm

TYRE SIZE

Front 110/80-18 58V (DUNLOP, BRIDGESTONE, METZELER)

Front CBS/ABS/TCS Model 120/70 ZR18 (59W) (DUNLOP, BRIDGESTONE)

Rear 160/70-17 73V (DUNLOP, BRIDGESTONE)
160/70 B17 73V (METZELER)

Rear CBS/ABS/TCS Model 160/70 ZR17 (73W) (DUNLOP, BRIDGESTONE)

Also checked the PDF manual and same tyre specs.

[saaz]

While the specs of the BT45 look ok, I think that it is a bias ply tyre. So even if it was suitable it is not advisable to mix bias and radial tyres, and if you did having the bias tyre on the rear would be prudent.  Of course some have mixed up bias and radial tyres with no problems.  Particularly with the front tyre, best to be safe.