Ordered a new Bridgestone BT-016 190/55R17 for the 14 last week from Jake Wilson...$145 with free shipping, good price. Problem is there are a half dozen variants of this tire from several OEM specific to the new BT-016 Pro and they list just BT-016, not really sure what you're getting til you get it.

I wanted the non-OEM or aftermarket variant as it is a 5 compound tire with maximum edge grip when leaned.

What I got was the new BT-016 Pro, designed for longer tire life at the expense of edge grip.....arggh!

Nowhere on the invoice does it say anything about a BT-016 Pro, I got the tire Monday and when I checked the sidewall, there it is spelled out BT-016 P-R-O.

Should I return it or run it? Anybody had one of these before? I have a road test on these somewhere, I think FastBikes tested them, have to dig it out and find out what I just bought. Word dto the wise when internet ordering, make sure what you are buying before you hit the "Accept" button.

Here, check out the link and tell me if you see the word PRO anywhere:

http://www.jakewilson.com/productDetail.do?navTitle=Motorcycle+Tires&webCatId=57&navType=type&webTypeId=459&prodFamilyId=27009&listingId=&sizeAttr=5425

Nope...not a sign of "pro" anywhere.BUT...it does mention 5LC..3 compound carcass/tread.That's what you want?Apparently,that IS the PRO tire...regardless of size?IDK...you say the PRO is a NEW tire model?3 compound tread design.Ya...I see the confusion about it now.You have the WRONG tire IMO.Strange they didn't list that PRO as separate.Did you call?

* Last updated by: blue07 on 10/12/2011 @ 1:23 PM *

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/Products/productsresults/Tyres/2011/April/apr2711-bridgestone-battlax-bt-016-pro-hypersport-test/

Here's the link to the MCN review, they apparently tried it on track and said it offers equivalent grip levels to the old BT-016 with improved longevity, cold weather performance and stability.

IDK Blue, I guess I'll give it a shot, I got 2000 miles out of a rear on the old BT-016s, I'll see how these hold up.

One noticeable difference, the 55 aspect ratio gives a larger "footprint" when leaned over compared to the 50 aspect ratio of the OEM tires. I've never run these before so it will be interesting, they are slightly larger diameter than the 50s so should give quicker turn in from the steeper rake angle.

Kruz I doubt that on the street there is going to any noticable difference

Go for it Kruz, you won't notice any difference.

Yea, you guys are probably right, I'll slip it on there and see how it works. BTW it passed the fingernail test i.e. if you press down on the tire with your fingernail and it will leave a permanent indentation, you have a soft, sticky tire.

Fingernail test is new info TY. I was taught the "booger" test. Rub tire, if ya roll a "booger", it's soft.

That'll work too.