Review: Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23

For 2024, Bridgestone has introduced a new iteration of its Battlax tires, first launched more than 40 years ago. I put the latest model, the Hypersport S23, to the test on a Suzuki GSX-S1000 and a 2024 Buell Hammerhead 1190.

Changes from the previous version are incremental, but important. A revised rubber formulation aims to increase sidewall strength and traction as lean angles increase. The rear tire’s five rubber layers include a longer-wearing center section Bridgestone claims gives 8% better wear resistance. Softer compound layers enhance traction for both “normal” turning and more aggressive riding out to the edge of the tire. A new Pulse Groove design, shaped like an elongated figure eight on the rear tire, sheds water for increased traction in wet conditions. The company also claims a 3% reduction in braking distance compared to the S22.

The review destination was the California mountain town of Julian. The GSX-S1000 had no trouble keeping up with supersports while wearing the new S23s. The tire was a top performer as Battlax tires are expected to be, with excellent grip when pushed and a neutral feel through corners through the S1000’s superbike-style flat bar.

The Buell, meanwhile, packs a healthy V-Twin exhaust bark and feels unexpectedly nimble, thanks to certain weight-saving measures. Leaving Julian, we looped south and the pace quickly escalated. The road we were on had almost zero straight stretches, and I carved through dozens of esses, elevation changes, and 180-degree hairpins, riding as aggressively as I dared on a motorcycle I didn’t own. No matter how technical the road became or what speed I went, the Battlax S23 provided superlative grip with a consistent, neutral feel at the bars, allowing me to focus on road feel and riding dynamics.

The following straightaways and broad sweepers let the Hammerhead gallop, even though I rarely got the motor above fourth gear. The Buell is clearly geared for the track and if I were to find some room to explore high rpms in fifth and sixth gear, the Battlax Hypersport S23 tires—also available in race slicks—would be a solid choice.

It was riding bliss under a golden sun, made all the better by well-sorted and eager machines wearing premium rubber. On both the sweet Suzuki and the burly Buell, the new Battlax Hypersport S23 tires were the perfect fit for some perfect southern California roads.

Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23
Fitments:
Most popular sportbikes