When choosing motorbike tires, what do you need to pay attention to? The answer varies from person to person. For street riding, I prioritize durability, grip, and price. Thanks to their versatility and reliability, the Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tire has become my trusted companion on the street, on spirited canyoneering, and even on the track. Given my extensive experience with the S22, I was excited to try the new Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tire.
Building on the solid foundation of the S22, Bridgestone’s goal in developing the S23 was “improved handling precision, maximum stability and incredible grip, even in wet conditions” as well as The mileage is better. The S23 tire retains the same shape and MS Belt structure as the S22 but has new compounds and a new tread pattern.
Updated compounds provide increased grip thanks to the addition of carbon, and a newly developed “grip improver” helps the tire grip the road surface more easily. The S23’s front shoulders and rear edges also feature plastic components optimized for better grip at high lean angles.
Compared to the S22, the new tread pattern has a higher land-to-sea ratio (more rubber, less grooves) and higher tread stiffness, contributing to improved handling and wet/dry traction. and feedback. Bridgestone’s exclusive Pulse Groove technology has been added to the rear tire, improving drainage and traction in wet conditions.
Bridgestone testing shows faster wet and dry lap times, shorter braking distances and improved mileage for the S23 compared to the S22.
To test the new Hypersport S23s in the real world, Bridgestone held a press launch in Encinitas, California. There are many types of sportbikes, allowing me to review the tires of several motorcycles, including the Suzuki GSX-S1000, Indian FTR1200 and Buell Hammerhead 1190.
Related: Suzuki GSX-S1000 road test review
Beginning our trip on city streets and back roads on the Suzuki S23, a familiar feeling washed over me. The transition from the S22 to its successor is seamless, like greeting an old friend. As we navigated the first turns, the inherent stability that the S23 provides was immediately apparent, instilling confidence in every move and lean.
On my way to lunch in the mountain town of Julian, I put the S23s through their paces, eager to evaluate their responsiveness and grip. Despite my deliberate efforts to deflate the tires, they remained firmly attached to the road. Even when I pushed the limits, accelerating out of corners too quickly, the S23 demonstrated solid grip even with the TC light flashing, indicating rear wheel slippage.
After lunch, we descended from the mountains to the desert on the twisty roads of Banner Grade (CA Route 78), a perfect playground to test the tires’ ability to respond in twisty patterns that most riders will use. As I negotiated each curve, I found my confidence bolstered by the S23’s stability and predictability.
The final test awaited us when Keith Culver, an instructor from Yamaha Champions Riding School, led our group down Engineers Road, a narrow, unpainted road with many sudden transitions and tight technical corners. Despite the difficult terrain, I was impressed by the front tire’s ability to maintain traction during hard braking and going downhill.
On our sunny test day, we didn’t have a chance to evaluate the S23’s wet handling characteristics. We also didn’t evaluate them on the track. For what it’s worth, Yamaha Champions Riding School operates S23s on its Yamaha sports bike fleet.
Related: A Cruiser guy goes to Yamaha ChampSchool
After a full day of riding three different bikes with the Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires, I can confidently say they exceed the standards of excellence set by the S22s. They provide a firm grip, reassuring stability and outstanding handling on a wide range of roads. The ZR17 tire is available in one front size (120/70) and five rear sizes (160/60, 180/55, 190/50, 190/55 and 200/55) with a starting price of 249.49 USD.
