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Multi-compounds on show.<br />
IN ASSOCIATION WITH<br />
BRIDGESTONE S21<br />
FITTED TO THE DUCATI SUPERSPORT S<br />
In many ways the S21s fitted to<br />
the Duke had the easiest time<br />
of all the tyres. AHypersport<br />
tyre designed exactly for the<br />
use we put it to –fast road<br />
riding and the occasional track<br />
day, the rubber was tested less<br />
simply because of the quality<br />
of the SuperSport S’s Öhlins<br />
suspension, with its more modest<br />
power output and smooth<br />
delivery also reducing the strain.<br />
“Good suspension can really<br />
enhance atyre’s performance,”<br />
says Gary, “It’s exactly why<br />
superstock racers improve their<br />
suspension. Doing that allows<br />
them to get much more from a<br />
set of tyres. It’s all part of the<br />
grip equation. Conversely, ifyou<br />
fitted these tyres to the Z1000SX,<br />
you wouldn’t appreciate their<br />
advantage asits crude<br />
suspension would negate it.”<br />
From the off the S21sworked<br />
well on the Duke atOulton. Grip<br />
was asgood asIneeded, and<br />
their sharper profiles helped the<br />
bike turn through the chicanes<br />
very nicely. Inthe second session<br />
though, Ifelt feedback was<br />
lacking slightly. Testing the other<br />
two bikes meant the track was<br />
alot warmer by the time Igave<br />
them another go and the<br />
difference was obvious. With<br />
more heat the feel improved a<br />
hell of alot, and combined with<br />
the Ducati’s excellent chassis I’d<br />
wager itwas possible to do the<br />
best laps onthis rubber –even if<br />
the V-Twin was over 60horses<br />
down on power tothe KTM.<br />
More surprising was how well<br />
they fared along the wet roads of<br />
Leicestershire the following day. I<br />
can’t say they were aslimpet-like<br />
as the T30EVOs, but Ifelt very<br />
secure giving it some infront of<br />
the camera. Gary said Bridgestone<br />
has been specifically trying to<br />
improve the wet weather<br />
performance of the S21s, thanks<br />
to technical advances helping<br />
them to extend the mileage of<br />
the rubber to acceptable levels.<br />
Bearing this achievement in mind<br />
the tyre firm can concentrate on<br />
other aspects of the tyre’s<br />
performance to broaden its<br />
overall capabilities.<br />
The S21 loves its own reflection...<br />
What?<br />
New shoes, sir?<br />
JULY <strong>2017</strong> WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM 47
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