I just finished my weekend at the track on my new set of BT-16's. I LOVE THEM. I ran 120/70 up front and the 150/60 out back. If you have the thought that a 150 on the rear will take away flickability and its peventing you from buying them. FORGET IT. I cant say it enough, I LOVE THESE TIRES. I had a set of Pilot Powers 120/60 150/60 and they are a huge leap over stock rubber. I have 2 things against them PRICE and PRICE. The BT's are cheaper and have better grip. I didnt even noticed the rear tire size difference. I dont have lap time difference to give you (between the the Pilots and BT's) but I did run 1:38's all day an Grattan on the BT,s Thats only 2 seconds off of one of the faster 600's in intermediate. The track has a 3000+ foot straight where I lose all of the time to the 600's. If your looking for epoxy like grip and decent tire life the BT's are where its at.

My friend was running the go-pro all weekend so there should be some vidieo coming that I can link to. I know he stayed behind me for the warm up lap every session. I cant remember if he followed me after that. If hes got the camera pointing backwards (which he does every now and then) it will be some great shots of me closing the gap in the twisties and then getting left for dead down the straights.

Sorry thats 110/70 150/60 for the BT's -- Best tire combo so far.
120/60 150/60 for the Pilots -- Way better than the 501's
Thought Id clarify here

nice to know.

Yeah I've had the 016 with the same combo.. bought them as raceoffs from richard from racebikerentals

I think they're are def a good combo. I don't feel too great a difference w/ the flicking, but it is there. I'm actually @ the moto shop right now putting on the BT003 RS. we'll see how they go. I'll be using them mainly for the track @ Thunderhill on tuesday

My fav tires! Glad they worked for you guys.

Your the reason I tried a set Richard. Dont think Ill be switching back to the Pilots anytime soon. Im even going to try a set on the FZ.

How is the BT16 compared to the BT003RS ? thanks.

I'd rather run Pirelli than the Pilots, but my Buell had a brand new Pilot Power on the rear and I didn't want to have to buy two tires. Cost me $190 mounted to grab a front Pilot Power at a local shop, size 120/70-17. Wanted it done fast and now it looks like I'll have enough time to have ordered it from Derby Cycle which has the best prices on the Pilot Powers in the country, would have cost me somewhere around $40 to $50 less.

Will the Pirelli Corsa III tires fit on the Ninjette? I can't remember if the rear will go small enough.

How is the BT16 compared to the BT003RS ? thanks.

Very different. I much prefer the 16s. The 003RS are very squirmy and unplanted feeling. Its because of the 3 different compounds. In the middle they're very hard and the tires transmit a lot of rider input into the bike. They force you to be smoother. I already consider myself to be a fairly smooth rider, but riding the 003RSs on the limit really makes me re-think my riding style.

The 016s feel extremely well behaved in comparison.

I'd rather run Pirelli than the Pilots, but my Buell had a brand new Pilot Power on the rear and I didn't want to have to buy two tires. Cost me $190 mounted to grab a front Pilot Power at a local shop, size 120/70-17. Wanted it done fast and now it looks like I'll have enough time to have ordered it from Derby Cycle which has the best prices on the Pilot Powers in the country, would have cost me somewhere around $40 to $50 less.

Will the Pirelli Corsa III tires fit on the Ninjette? I can't remember if the rear will go small enough.

The 150 will fit, but they do look really weird. Its a wide tire and looks extremely pinched when mounted.

Very different. I much prefer the 16s. The 003RS are very squirmy and unplanted feeling. Its because of the 3 different compounds. In the middle they're very hard and the tires transmit a lot of rider input into the bike. They force you to be smoother. I already consider myself to be a fairly smooth rider, but riding the 003RSs on the limit really makes me re-think my riding style.

The 016s feel extremely well behaved in comparison.

Thanks for your reply Richard. For the street, BT-16 still is a better choice?

I'm running BT-016's in 110/70 & 150/60 on my CBR250RR this year and have fallen in love with their performance. I ran Pirelli Sport Demons previous to them. While the Sport Demons have a better commuting life, the BT-016 really give a great feel for the odd track day here and there.

When you guys went with bigger tires (compared to stock), was it at all "floppy"?

I've heard that it's not recommended to change the 110/130 setup, but I'm not really happy with the 110/130 setup. From what you guys have stated, going bigger helps out... but some local people I ride with are telling me that going bigger than the 110/130 setup isn't good and will give a "floppy" feeling.

Dont be shy. The stock size up front with the BT-16 150 rear works awesome on the track. Im sure it will be just fine for street use. No floppyness here.

When you guys went with bigger tires (compared to stock), was it at all "floppy"?

I've heard that it's not recommended to change the 110/130 setup, but I'm not really happy with the 110/130 setup. From what you guys have stated, going bigger helps out... but some local people I ride with are telling me that going bigger than the 110/130 setup isn't good and will give a "floppy" feeling.

I went to a 140 rear and stock front in the b'stones 003's and the bike handles swell :D The front 110 in the 003's does have a profile like it's really a 120 series. Imna go to a 150 rear in the 016's when these are ready to be replaced. Go for it!

To the OP... I can't compare them on a 250 Ninja but I've been through both on the cbr and I like the 016's better. The Pilot powers seemed to want to slide without much warning... just go, I fiddled about with pressures and my suspension and couldn't get them to where I was real confident in them. I can feel when the 016's are wanting to skip... they seem to have a larger happy zone and I don't have to hunt around to find it... I throw 30psi in em and go!

Pirellis do have a tendency to flop over on the sidewall when settling into a corner. I've ran their slicks and DOTs before and it used to scare the crap out of me on the race track. Just takes some getting used to.

Hmmm.. Guess I never got them that far over on my old Katana. Something to think about while I grind down the Michelins.

The 150 will fit, but they do look really weird. Its a wide tire and looks extremely pinched when mounted.

Do you have a pic showing the pinch? Thanks! (Or anyone with this setup for that matter).

I just finished my weekend at the track on my new set of BT-16's. I LOVE THEM. I ran 120/70 up front and the 150/60 out back. If you have the thought that a 150 on the rear will take away flickability and its peventing you from buying them. FORGET IT. I cant say it enough, I LOVE THESE TIRES. I had a set of Pilot Powers 120/60 150/60 and they are a huge leap over stock rubber. I have 2 things against them PRICE and PRICE. The BT's are cheaper and have better grip. I didnt even noticed the rear tire size difference. I dont have lap time difference to give you (between the the Pilots and BT's) but I did run 1:38's all day an Grattan on the BT,s Thats only 2 seconds off of one of the faster 600's in intermediate. The track has a 3000+ foot straight where I lose all of the time to the 600's. If your looking for epoxy like grip and decent tire life the BT's are where its at.

My friend was running the go-pro all weekend so there should be some vidieo coming that I can link to. I know he stayed behind me for the warm up lap every session. I cant remember if he followed me after that. If hes got the camera pointing backwards (which he does every now and then) it will be some great shots of me closing the gap in the twisties and then getting left for dead down the straights.



Im taking your word for it on these tires, I just bought a set today. Im going to get another 200 miles on the OEM tires to break the bike in , then I will change them and hit the track.

Do you have a pic showing the pinch? Thanks! (Or anyone with this setup for that matter).

Sorry, no pic. But, I would really recommend against this tire.

Sorry, no pic. But, I would really recommend against this tire.

How about the other 150's for our bikes? The BT-016s, BT-003s? Are they just as pinched? I know you run 150s but if the tire came in a 140 size, would you use 140s instead? Thanks.

As stated above the BT-16s work great. Give them a try you wont be sorry.

As stated above the BT-16s work great. Give them a try you wont be sorry.

I'm convinced. My next tires will be BT-016's with 10/70 front and 150/60 rears. :thumbup:

You wont be sorry. I love these tires. I still have a few trackdays days worth on my set. The new buzz for tires is the Power Ones. I havent had a chance to test them so I cant give you an opinion. I ran the regular Powers and perfer the BTs. Im sure the Power Ones will cost more than the BTs. Bang for the buck, I think the BTs are where its at. There are a couple guys here that race the Power Ones. Richard is one of them. I took his word for it on the BTs and was completely satisfied. Ill try a set of the Power Ones next on his recomendation. Either way, both sets are a HUGE leap over the stock rubber.

Just had the BT-16s mounted up. I only rode around the block but it sure feels more stable with the new rubber. I will post up how they perform on the track as soon as I can get to one.

Yo guys I just put a BT016 150/60 on the rear of my ninja and it feels pretty decent from what I can tell romping around town. I'm looking forward to testing my whole setup, including this tire, at buttonwillow soon.

Side note, I've tracked with a pilot power 2ct 120/70 (normally a front tire) mounted backwards on the rear, and it was pretty dope. @22psi.

What pressure are you using on the BT016 150/60 at the track? I have mine at an arbitrary 25psi right now.

Cramped pic of the 016 150/60 tire. Still gotta break mine in but you can kinda see where the very edges might not get used.

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=320&pictureid=3051

Yo guys I just put a BT016 150/60 on the rear of my ninja and it feels pretty decent from what I can tell romping around town. I'm looking forward to testing my whole setup, including this tire, at buttonwillow soon.

Side note, I've tracked with a pilot power 2ct 120/70 (normally a front tire) mounted backwards on the rear, and it was pretty dope. @22psi.

What pressure are you using on the BT016 150/60 at the track? I have mine at an arbitrary 25psi right now.

Cold pressures are 28 front and rear.

Ditto on the 28 cold

I've got BT003 120/70/17 on the front and am getting a BT003 150/60/17 in the rear.

Does anyone think there may be a problem with rubbing or will this set up work?

Should I go with a 150/70/17 set up instead--any thoughts?

Dont see a problem with it.

but also I dont see a reason to need to go so big. bt003 110 front and 140 rear would be my preference and is my current set up, but that's another subject

People have had fitment issues with the 150 003's, the rim is just not wide enough without hosing up the tire profile. Get the 140's. If you really want 150's, consider the 016's instead.

People have had fitment issues with the 150 003's, the rim is just not wide enough without hosing up the tire profile. Get the 140's. If you really want 150's, consider the 016's instead.

Yup. There's just a post here recently about the 003's in 150 having a "wavy" deformation to it once installed. I would definitely go with the 140s on the 003's; plus they are closer to spec. If the BT016 had 140s, I would go with that as well.

Alex-what exactly is happening with the BT003s....

So...the BT016 150/60/17 or 150/70/17 would fit best?

Adrian, scroll through near the bottom of this thread http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=36491. Read the posts from Mike.

Sport Demon 130/70/17 would fit best. But if you are going to go with a 150, make sure it's a 60 and not a 70, and only some 150/60's will fit well. the 016's are one tire that does.

Thanks for the info----hmmmmm...decisions...decisions....

I really want a 150.....maybe the BT016 is the way to go...

Better pic
http://www.ninjette.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=320&pictureid=3203

Nice---which tire is that and what size?
Did u have to take the chain guard off? Or modify anything?
How does it ride?

Just a better view of the one I posted above for anyone who was curious about how the 150 width BT016 looks. I don't have a chain guard but, yeah, no mods to get it on.

I haven't ridden it much yet because I'm doing a bunch of junk to my bike lately but I did take it out for a spin once or twice. Feels nice and nimble for sure, predictable lean. Didn't go nuts though, gotta wear off that surface coating.

Better pic
http://www.ninjette.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=320&pictureid=3203

Man those low clipons and forks look good. What are you planning on doing to your bike? Aggressive street fighter? I can't wait to see it.

Intending to track it. I need another week or two to screw around with it. Basically I wanted something cheap, light, and stripped down to learn on and not sweat it too much if I drop it. Kind of a pick it up, shake it off, and keep going type thing.

I'll be testing it out with the BT016 at Buttonwillow early next month if my friends are down for going. See it there!

I just finished my weekend at the track on my new set of BT-16's. I LOVE THEM. I ran 120/70 up front and the 150/60 out back. If you have the thought that a 150 on the rear will take away flickability and its peventing you from buying them. FORGET IT. I cant say it enough, I LOVE THESE TIRES. I had a set of Pilot Powers 120/60 150/60 and they are a huge leap over stock rubber. I have 2 things against them PRICE and PRICE. The BT's are cheaper and have better grip. I didnt even noticed the rear tire size difference. I dont have lap time difference to give you (between the the Pilots and BT's) but I did run 1:38's all day an Grattan on the BT,s Thats only 2 seconds off of one of the faster 600's in intermediate. The track has a 3000+ foot straight where I lose all of the time to the 600's. If your looking for epoxy like grip and decent tire life the BT's are where its at.

My friend was running the go-pro all weekend so there should be some vidieo coming that I can link to. I know he stayed behind me for the warm up lap every session. I cant remember if he followed me after that. If hes got the camera pointing backwards (which he does every now and then) it will be some great shots of me closing the gap in the twisties and then getting left for dead down the straights.


If the Pilots were offered cheaper than the 16's, would you purchase them? MSS has them for $30 cheaper per set for the Pilots. Rear is not available for immediate shipping though.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/0/0/Motorcycle-Tire-Finder/Tires.aspx#&&Back=7-8-1-1-0-0-1

I would try a set of 2CT Powers if the price was the same. Ill run a set for sure this coming spring on the FZ. That being said I hear the regular Powers last longer than the BT's (means they are probably a little slicker). The 2CT's wear about the same. (Im told)
The more laps I put on the BT's while on the FZ. The more I like them. The tires grip well and even give you a warning when you push it a little too far. Never had the rear let go without a warning and the front is ROCK solid. (I really like that about them,.... ALOT)

Decided to go with the BT016's due to rescent sale options.

Very different. I much prefer the 16s. The 003RS are very squirmy and unplanted feeling. Its because of the 3 different compounds. In the middle they're very hard and the tires transmit a lot of rider input into the bike. They force you to be smoother. I already consider myself to be a fairly smooth rider, but riding the 003RSs on the limit really makes me re-think my riding style.

The 016s feel extremely well behaved in comparison.

Richard, does anybody out there run a 120 on both ends? Yes, I mean a front tire on the rear as well.

Mounting my 16's today, whats recommended tire pressures for street use,on track, i wish!

I'd say start with 28, 30 and adjust as needed.

28 on each. street
Ive been playing a little with pressure at the track and lat trackday I ran 27 front 26.5 rear. (it gets a little warmer on the 600)

I know I know, Back from the dead. What's the "ZR" and all that jazz im seeing when looking for tires. 150/60zr17? Sorry im'a noob.

I know I know, Back from the dead. What's the "ZR" and all that jazz im seeing when looking for tires. 150/60zr17?

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=46

Richard, does anybody out there run a 120 on both ends? Yes, I mean a front tire on the rear as well.

I actually tried to run a 110 on the rear for a while. Turned in very fast but less stable in some harder braking/double downshifting areas. Obviously on a 250 there aren't too many hard braking areas so it just depends on what you're willing to work with. I have heard of trying to use 125 GP tires as well, considering them in the future.

Also, everyone is talking about the BT-16's, but what about the BT-003RS? I've been using them regularly for a while and love them. Plus the price is also more tolerable than the Michelin's. If anyone has considered trying the BT-003RS I actually have a set of race takeoffs (110 front and 140 rear) for sale. Asking only $80... pm me if interested.

Thanks again Kkim! I got a feeling your going to get tired of answering my threads/posts eventually Lol

wich one would be the best in wet condition ?

Hi,

I'm thinking of getting the BT-16's too. 150/60 for the rears.

For the front, i'm deciding between 110/70 or 120/60. Anyone got any thoughts ?

Hi,

I'm thinking of getting the BT-16's too. 150/60 for the rears.

For the front, i'm deciding between 110/70 or 120/60. Anyone got any thoughts ?

Go with the Pilot Street radials.

wow 3 years later. if you are getting a deal on BT at Cycle Gear, try online for S20, newer tire and after the rebate similar price.

wow 3 years later. if you are getting a deal on BT at Cycle Gear, try online for S20, newer tire and after the rebate similar price.

Thanks, i found out BT-16 are replaced by BT-S20 and can't seem to find BT-16 anywhere either, at least in the correct size.

So thinking of BT-S20 now. Thnx.