Good BT020 prices +question

[cb550f]

JUst received a new set of tires from American Motorcycle Tires for $215.72 delivered. http://www.americanmototire.com/catalog/

My question is that neither of the tires have the "V" in the description, i.e.
160/70VB-17 that I have seen before. Isn't the "V" the speed rating?
On the sidewall there is a "V79" for the rear and "V56" on the front.
AMT said these are direct replacements for a 2001 LT. Sure is a good price. Any thoughts?
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1 x BRIDGESTONE BT020-M 160/70B-17 REAR (8-03080012) = $113.39
1 x BRIDGESTONE BT020-M 120/70B-17 FRONT (7-03070004) = $88.69
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Sub-Total: $202.08
GROUND SHIPPING (Code 2000 Georgia, United States ): $13.64
Total: $215.72

[mtrevelino]

I just ordered the following from Southwest moto tires:

Bridgestone BT020 120/70VB17 K1200lt 1 $104.95 $104.95
Bridgestone BT020 160/70VB17 K1200lt 1 $130.90 $130.90
Shipping: SWMT Shipping: $0.00
Sales Tax: $0.00
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Total: $235.85

I do not like your BT-020"M" tire. I am sure that others will chime in. My tires are not due to arrive until Monday. I will see what is on the side of them.

[EHutch]

Mike
+1 on swmoto tires

[mtrevelino]

Well Doug, I usually put my foot into my mouth, so no difference here. I received my tires today and they have the same rating as you have listed. I am attaching some pictures of the tag on each tire, and one of the text on the sidewall. You got a good deal on your tires.

[cb550f]

I'm just glad that you received ones with the same markings, cause I had a *little* reservation when I didn't see the "V" in the tire description. The date code on mine indicated a manufacture date of late 2007, so I should be okay.
You still got a great price on yours :).
As far as my "good deal", I think so too, but look at this: On my tires were three stickers/tags, Drag Specialties, Parts Unlimited and American Motorcycle Tire. That means there are at least 4 businesses (counting Bridgestone) that are making a profit (read markup) on these tires. Wonder what could they sell for if we bought them direct from Bridgestone or at least through only one other vendor? Thanks for the feedback!

[zaphod]

You had me worried for a minute there. I had just placed my order before seeing this. I double checked the Bridgestone site and it shows the following in their fitment guide:

BMW K1200LT/ABS 05-06 O.E. 120/70B17 160/70B17 120/70B17 Battlax BT020 "M" 160/70B17 Battlax BT020 "M"

I hope there are as good as the old radial BT020's. I had tried the new Avon's, the rear is toast after 5,000 miles.:mad: I'm pissed with Avon and really mad at myself. I slacked off and hadn't given them a visual in a while (the only defense I have is the tire held pressure so good, it only needed air every couple of months) and when I looked I was shocked at how bad they became so fast. I'm just glad I got it in time and that I still had the old BT020 around from when I put the Avon's on.

[dukey33]

On the sidewall there is a "V79" for the rear and "V56" on the front.
AMT said these are direct replacements for a 2001 LT. Sure is a good price. Any thoughts?


The V79 and V56 indicate the speed ("V") and load (79/56) ratings of the tires. You're good to go.

[meese]

BMW K1200LT/ABS 05-06 O.E. 120/70B17 160/70B17 120/70B17 Battlax BT020 "M" 160/70B17 Battlax BT020 "M"

I hope there are as good as the old radial BT020's.The Bias BT020 tires don't quite handle as well as the Radial BT020's but lasted longer for me on the LT. I never liked the rear Avon Azaros, but loved the Azaro front / BT020 Radial rear combo for great handling and excellent grip wet or dry. http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif

[DanMartin]

The V79 and V56 indicate the speed ("V") and load (79/56) ratings of the tires. You're good to go.
But don't we really want the 58v front rating? That's what mike's picture of his sticker shows. It's also what my Bias and Radial tires both show.

V79 rear and V58 front


dan