I'm browsing motorcycle superstore to replace my rear Battlewing once again, and come across two different SKU's:

121655 - Bridgestone Battlewing (the SKU I've been ordering)
395211 - Bridgestone BW502-F (about $10 cheaper)

The 121655 does call out the V rating in the description whereas the other one doesn't, but after checking out the Bridgestone website, the F doesn't make sense.

Sooo.... I called them.

The guy I talked to said the more expensive tire is a bike-specific OEM replacement, and the other one is the standard Battlewing that is not bike specific. He said there would also be a slight difference in the bead size of the OEM to better fit the rim of the bikes it is OEM for.

Hmmm...

What gives here. Should I save a few bucks or just get the one I've been ordering (the more expensive one)?

--Jason

Yes it doesn't

I personally assumed the STOCK tire was the cheapest iteration

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I just installed a new battlewing last week from Motorcycle Superstore. I went back and checked the confirmation and it was SKU 395211 (the "F" version). Unfortunately I took it to a local shop to have the tire changed, so I did not have a chance to compare the old and new tire beads side by side. The fit seems just fine, took some pretty hard corners today almost scraping the pegs and no problems so far (only 200 miles on it).

I would be willing to bet that it's the same tire.

You are probably right. I had a similar experience with the battleaxe bt-020, there was two model numbers - one for oem an one for standard. Physically the same tire, but the oem costs more. Why? Have no idea, but because the battlewing is the oem tire for the BMW GS, I'm thinking they charge the rich guys more...


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I had similar confusion when I was researching a replacement Trailwing (original lasted 14000 miles) when I checked the Bridgestone site.

Here is what they show for the BW502's:

BW-502 Rear

TIRE SIZE REC. RIM (inch) MEAS. RIM (inch) OD (mm) TW (mm)
* 130/80R17M/C 65H TT 3.00 2.50 - 3.50 639 136
* 140/80R17M/C 69H TT 3.50 3.00 - 3.50 659 144
140/80R17M/C 69V TL 3.50 3.00 - 3.50 659 145
150/70R17M/C 69H TL 4.00 4.00 - 4.50 646 154
150/70R17M/C 69V TL 4.00 4.00 - 4.50 646 154

Trailwing TW152 is even more confusing:

TW152 Rear

TIRE SIZE
130/80R17M/C 65H TT
140/80R17M/C 69H TT
*1 150/70R17M/C 69H TL
*2 150/70R17M/C 69H TL
*3 150/70R17M/C 69V TL
*1 OE spec for Suzuki V-Storm 1000/650
*2 Both of OE spec for BMW R1150GS and universal spec
*3 OE spec for BMW R1150GS ('03)

I bolded the rear sizes for the Stroms. So, take your pick apparently as both the ones noted 1 and 2 on the TW152's appear to be the same. No mention of bead design changes.

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This was on Motorcycle Superstore's website. I forgot to specify...

Anyway, I went ahead and ordered the BW502-F; the one I was told is non-OEM and cheaper. I have a feeling it might be "H" speed rated instead of "V" like the one I've been getting, but that's OK; that's still faster than I've ever ridden!

I'll try to remember coming back with info on what I actually receive...

I noticed the same thing back in April. I got some better info, but it still doesn't tell me if the F is OK for the DL650....

Per the Bridgestone MC Tire division guy, the different letter codes are indeed for different bikes' OE. They do have some differences.

Bridgesone imports 150/70R17 BW502 in 4 specs:-

No letter code BMW R1200GS
G letter code BMW F800GS
E letter code Yamaha Super Tenere
F letter code Honda VFR1200X

They do not have a BW502 designed specifically for V-strom

Regarding weights, the OE tire that came on the DR650 is a TW152 and weighs 16.98 lbs.

The BW502 are all around 16.0-16.5 lbs, except the “G” spec, which comes on a lighter bike, BMW 800GS and therefore it is a lighter casing, that one weighs 15.5 lbs.

Bridgestone says: Since the F letter code spec is designed for a 1200cc bike, it should hold up just fine on a 650cc., maybe not the case if it were the other way around.

The tread depth is 9/32nds on the BW502, whereas the TW152 on had 8/32nds tread depth.

They have no data on one profile compared to another, or any test data where different specs are mixed.

I already bought a BW502 F for the rear (not realizing there were different versions till it was already in transit from MCS). What I'm wondering is if I should get the lighter G version for the front? Am I right in assuming the F800GS is the closest in weight to the DL 650?

Or maybe not, seeing as though the heavier old Trail Wing was OE for the BMW F650 and R1100/1200GS...

As per the dealer, the BW502-F mounted up just fine, and I sure can't tell a difference when riding; I didn't expect to. Also, it is V rated like the other SKU number I had been ordering. As long as the ~$9 price difference sticks, I'll keep buying the F version now...