Aimed at the most demanding sportbike riders who also want top performance on the road, including in the wet, the new Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tire exceeds the performance of the S22 in all conditions.
Bridgestone developed a new edge compound for the S23, with the goal of improved traction and extreme lean angles. At the same time, Bridgestone claims the S23 wears as well as the S22. However, Bridgestone allows that “Results may vary depending upon proper tire and vehicle maintenance, surface conditions and riding habits.”
Tire manufacturers love to come up with creatively named terms for various features. The S23 has Pulse Groove Technology, Bridgestone tells us. What that means is there’s a new tire pattern. Bridgestone says this means “improved stability and handling feel that contributes to a maximized riding experience even in case of difficult road conditions and wet weather, granting riders enhanced grip, precision handling and, ultimately, confidence.”
Dry and wet conditions comparisons of S23 to the S22 were done in Japan, and elsewhere. The Yamaha YZF-R1 was the platform at Kawasaki-owned Autopolis in Kamitsu and a BMW S 1000 RR at Bridgestone Proving Ground in Tochigi. Although much of the testing was done on closed courses, Bridgestone says the S23 has “increased levels of exceptional dry grip performance when riding on circuits or cornering on mountain roads.”
As this is a tire for serious sportbike performance, sizes are limited to 17-inch wheels. There is a single choice for the front—the 120/70. Five sizes for the rear are available, with tire sizes ranging from 160mm wide to 200mm.
Prices have not been set for the Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires. The new rubber will be available in January 2024.
Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 Sizes
Front
• 120/70 x 17
Rear
• 160/60 x 17
• 180/55 x 17
• 190/50 x 17
• 190/55 x 17
• 200/55 x 17
