I got 20,000kms out of the stock Bridgestones on my Bolt, and never a problem. Swapped them out for Avon Cobra Chromes and only got around 11,000kms out of them, and I experienced the steering wobble (only when hands-free though). I've just gone back to Bridgestones today - trying the BattleCruise this time.
the Stock tires on the Bolt are very dangerous, i dropped my Rspec on a Wet road, the bike went into a skid after pressing the brakes, and that was only at 20 MPH, also if you let go of the handlebars for like 2 seconds , it will immediately cause a Death wobble, and the last thing that really annoyed me, was how the Rear tire would always Spin when coming off a light 🤦, but after buying a new set of tires, i haven't had any of those problems anymore
i thought it was just me... going around corners i felt like it was sliding/skipping sideways on gravel. but totally dry and clean roads. it killed and is killing my confidence on this bike. between that and the death wobble, im just put putting around now days. 3,500 miles so far on my 17.
I have a 2015 C spec the Commander 2 came stock on my bike and I have the same wobble problem. I was thinking my tires were the wobble problem as well but after this video I am now questioning. Did your wobble problem ever get resolved if so how?
I found if you keep them at max pressure 41lbs rear and 36lbs front, they perform just fine. Changing tires on a motorcycle can be very costly labor and material , even if you do the labor yourself. I refuse to ride on worn tires, but that would be the only reason I would change these stock ones. But thats my opinion, motorcycles are all about freedom, so do what makes you feel best.
The book calls for 33 lbs front, and 36 rear. I bumped it up to 36 lbs front and 40rear... Through trial and error and independent of any advice, I came to almost exactly the same conclusion as yourself. The bike handled deftly with more positive response. Cool;)
I have a 2014 Bolt R Spec......Whats the largest rear tire size i can go without any bike modifications? I currently have on a 150, but i would like to go bigger. Thanks !
Front end does shimmy . Sure its the tire ? You can put a larger rear tire on which looks much better . Also not a fan of riding any bike in the rain ....no tire gives you non slippage
Hmm, I've got a 2014 Bolt with the Bridgestones - and I've noticed the wobble at 5000 miles... but I have to say they seem to be just fine in the rain and otherwise... but then, I'm a noob to road bikes - this is my first one. Always road dirt bikes and duel purpose before... good vid. And you're the second one to recommend the Michelin's
Respectfully, I must disagree. I am not writing this for any reason, other than my experience is absolutely factual as I say it here. I had a layoff of riding for a few years. When I came back to it, I got the 'Bolt.' Because of the long layoff, I had to re orient my sensitivity to motorcycles in general. I want to upgrade the tires to a better quality, but I have not experienced Any of the issues stated in the video. Not the hint of a front end shimmy in any corner, and I have laid my basic stock Bolt so far over while checking it's boundaries, I managed to scrape the pegs, (not intentional, it just leaned that far). I have accelerated through my turns, and fell NO instability. I did take one hand off, and very lightly touched the the right handlebar, not to steer, but if any unusual vibration, I'ld be the quicker to respond with one hand on. I tested it to see if it tracked in any other direction. I did other questionable test, but the Bolt is fine, no tracking, no shimmy in turns or otherwise. You are correct, the front end should not shimmy, but instead of thinking it is the tire, maybe your front end needs to be checked.. *** EDIT: I don't know your skill level but, it may be your riding technique. Part of what I put the bike through was to accelerate rapidly to third gear, then a sudden slamming stop, with no skid. I had No shimmy and that was with the stock tire. I am going to change the tires, but with regard to your, your review and what you claim I have not remotely experienced. Shimmy? Maybe the tire was out of alignment. Just sayin.. it may have some issues not considered.
I had the same problem with the wobble on the stock front tire, plus the tires wore out at only 7k miles but never had traction problems. I put the commanders on and no more wobble. I put 5k miles on the Michelin's and so far they still look new
Mike B hi mike I have a 2014 bolt r spec. If I let go of my hands even for a 1 mm the front starts to Wable. I just watch this video I am near the computer should I order these commander two tires for the front and back?
Yeah, The Michelin's a great tire for a lot more money. I've had no issue with the stock tire and ride in beaucoup rain in Seattle with an aggressive riding style, i.e., foot pegs are really scraped. This guy may have issues with watching the tire pressure. That alone will cause major handling issues. I keep mine 33/36lbs, f/r.
![Best Motorcycle Tires 2024 [Don’t BUY One Before Watching This]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_Dv1HyZ3BYA/mqdefault.jpg)
I got 20,000kms out of the stock Bridgestones on my Bolt, and never a problem. Swapped them out for Avon Cobra Chromes and only got around 11,000kms out of them, and I experienced the steering wobble (only when hands-free though). I've just gone back to Bridgestones today - trying the BattleCruise this time.
Nice. I blacked out all the shiny look at me bits on my bolt. 👍
the Stock tires on the Bolt are very dangerous, i dropped my Rspec on a Wet road, the bike went into a skid after pressing the brakes, and that was only at 20 MPH, also if you let go of the handlebars for like 2 seconds , it will immediately cause a Death wobble, and the last thing that really annoyed me, was how the Rear tire would always Spin when coming off a light 🤦, but after buying a new set of tires, i haven't had any of those problems anymore
i thought it was just me...
going around corners i felt like it was sliding/skipping sideways on gravel.
but totally dry and clean roads.
it killed and is killing my confidence on this bike.
between that and the death wobble, im just put putting around now days. 3,500 miles so far on my 17.
Panic Farts just recently got my bolt I was feeling my back tires going flat as I was cornering. But it was just fine.
I put 15,000 miles on the stock Bridgestone tires and never had a problem whatsoever. I guess it depends on riding style and or road conditions.
How they handle films of water bud?
I just noticed that these tires ( stock ) on the bolt suck. I accelerated on a wet road, just as I would when it’s dry, and it was slippery!
I have a 2015 C spec the Commander 2 came stock on my bike and I have the same wobble problem. I was thinking my tires were the wobble problem as well but after this video I am now questioning. Did your wobble problem ever get resolved if so how?
It's not the tires - it's the ball bearings in the headstock. Change to tapered roller bearings and no more headshake/shimmy.
the stock tires do suck.
How much would that cost? I am thinking of buying one in the c-spec 60th anniversary edition
I found if you keep them at max pressure 41lbs rear and 36lbs front, they perform just fine. Changing tires on a motorcycle can be very costly labor and material , even if you do the labor yourself. I refuse to ride on worn tires, but that would be the only reason I would change these stock ones.
But thats my opinion, motorcycles are all about freedom, so do what makes you feel best.
The book calls for 33 lbs front, and 36 rear. I bumped it up to 36 lbs front and 40rear... Through trial and error and independent of any advice, I came to almost exactly the same conclusion as yourself. The bike handled deftly with more positive response. Cool;)
Actually Michelin's are the standard tire on the C Spec Bolt.
I have a 2014 Bolt R Spec......Whats the largest rear tire size i can go without any bike modifications? I currently have on a 150, but i would like to go bigger. Thanks !
Whats the lift or jack u use ans was it easy to slide underneath out bolt was it low enough thanks
Front end does shimmy . Sure its the tire ? You can put a larger rear tire on which looks much better . Also not a fan of riding any bike in the rain ....no tire gives you non slippage
Hmm, I've got a 2014 Bolt with the Bridgestones - and I've noticed the wobble at 5000 miles... but I have to say they seem to be just fine in the rain and otherwise... but then, I'm a noob to road bikes - this is my first one. Always road dirt bikes and duel purpose before... good vid. And you're the second one to recommend the Michelin's
Respectfully, I must disagree. I am not writing this for any reason, other than my experience is absolutely factual as I say it here.
I had a layoff of riding for a few years. When I came back to it, I got the 'Bolt.' Because of the long layoff, I had to re orient my sensitivity to motorcycles in general. I want to upgrade the tires to a better quality, but I have not experienced Any of the issues stated in the video. Not the hint of a front end shimmy in any corner, and I have laid my basic stock Bolt so far over while checking it's boundaries, I managed to scrape the pegs, (not intentional, it just leaned that far). I have accelerated through my turns, and fell NO instability. I did take one hand off, and very lightly touched the the right handlebar, not to steer, but if any unusual vibration, I'ld be the quicker to respond with one hand on. I tested it to see if it tracked in any other direction. I did other questionable test, but the Bolt is fine, no tracking, no shimmy in turns or otherwise.
You are correct, the front end should not shimmy, but instead of thinking it is the tire, maybe your front end needs to be checked..
*** EDIT: I don't know your skill level but, it may be your riding technique. Part of what I put the bike through was to accelerate rapidly to third gear, then a sudden slamming stop, with no skid. I had No shimmy and that was with the stock tire. I am going to change the tires, but with regard to your, your review and what you claim I have not remotely experienced. Shimmy? Maybe the tire was out of alignment. Just sayin.. it may have some issues not considered.
Whatever you drive. Bike, car , motorhome, Michelin is simply the best there is.
What brand and size is your windscreen
Thinking of getting a bolt so do I change the tires or the bearings and how much are tires
Change the bearings. Get whatever tires you like.
well i bought a 2020 bolt and i must say no wobble did not change a thing and i love this bike ride safe ..
I had the same problem with the wobble on the stock front tire, plus the tires wore out at only 7k miles but never had traction problems. I put the commanders on and no more wobble. I put 5k miles on the Michelin's and so far they still look new
Mike B hi mike I have a 2014 bolt r spec. If I let go of my hands even for a 1 mm the front starts to Wable. I just watch this video I am near the computer should I order these commander two tires for the front and back?
Yeah, The Michelin's a great tire for a lot more money. I've had no issue with the stock tire and ride in beaucoup rain in Seattle with an aggressive riding style, i.e., foot pegs are really scraped. This guy may have issues with watching the tire pressure. That alone will cause major handling issues. I keep mine 33/36lbs, f/r.
Neighbor's car sounded fine
Are you trying to ride you cruiser like a crotch rocket in the twisties?
Okie Rider duh