The Bridgestone Battlax BT 090 PRO has made a name for itself as a legendary sport and track-oriented tire for supermotos, naked bikes, and lightweight street bikes. After over a year and 10,000km of Singapore urban and mixed road riding, here’s why this high-performance rubber still deserves a place on your shortlist—even as new sport tire competitors hit the market.
Specs, Longevity & Fitment
- Tested sizes: 120/60R17 (front), 160/60R17 (rear), both at 30 PSI
- Setups used: Suzuki DRZ400SM, Yamaha FZ16
- Mileage: Rear tire regularly lasts 10,000km, with front stretching up to 18,000–20,000km under city and mixed riding conditions
Despite being on the softer side, the BT 090 PRO surprises with solid mileage, outlasting expectations even with mixed occasional off-road use and spirited street riding.
Street & Everyday Performance
- Grip: Outstanding in the dry, with quick warm-up and unrivaled corner confidence for fast city, twisty rural routes, and even moderate track sessions
- Handling: Feels “glued” to the road, with rapid, easy lean transitions and a predictable breakaway
- Wet Weather: Water channeling via center and curved tread grooves keeps wet-road grip high—excellent for monsoon-prone climates like Singapore
Noisy or fussy? Not at all. The BT 090 PRO remains nimble and assured, helping intermediate riders lean further and build real confidence for both commuting and weekend fun.
Downsides & Limitations
- Tread life: Soft sports compound inevitably wears faster than touring or commuter tires—expect to swap rear more often
- Price: Around S$340/pair (typical in SG)—not a budget tire despite its veteran status
- Age: Still excellent, but surpassed by modern sport-touring rubber in tech and longevity for the same price
- Not for: Cold climates, very long highway commutes, or those wanting maximum mileage over grip
Value & Use Case
- Ideal for: Supermoto, naked, street sport riders who want the highest dry (and wet) grip; great for daily city speed, back roads, and occasional track use
- Who should look elsewhere: Pure tourers, heavyweight ADV riders, and those who want max value per km; newer options may provide better all-around cost efficiency
Despite age, the BT 090 PRO offers a direct, connected feel that newer tires sometimes mute for longevity’s sake. For those who value directness and pure riding joy, it’s a modern classic.
Who Should Buy the Battlax BT 090 PRO?
- Urban and supermoto riders who prioritize confidence and dry grip
- Lightweight sport and street bike owners wanting legendary stickiness
- Enthusiasts looking to step up their lean angle and feedback at safe limits, wet and dry
Final Thoughts
The Bridgestone Battlax BT 090 PRO remains a reference tire for sport handling and grip, especially on lightweight supermotos and nakeds in Southeast Asia. While not the most modern or long-lived, it’s the tire riders keep coming back to for fun, reliability, and that “just right” street performance.