What Is The Bridgestone Battlax T32 Tire For BMW?

The Bridgestone Battlax T32 is a premium sport touring motorcycle tire well-suited for many BMW motorcycles. As the successor to the popular Battlax T31, this tire provides impressive wet and dry handling along with options for lighter or heavier BMW bikes.

In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using the T32 on a BMW:

T32 Overview and Features

The Battlax T32 builds on the strengths of the T31 to deliver even better performance. With innovative tread design and compounds, the T32 excels in wet and dry conditions.

Key features include:

Pulse Groove Technology – Improves wet traction and water evacuation
7% shorter wet braking distance than the T31
13% larger rear contact patch than the T31
New compounds enhance grip and feel
Split tread shoulder design on the rear
Neutral, stable handling character

These features make the T32 a great match for BMWs focused on sport touring and aggressive riding on twisty roads. The precise handling inspires confidence without giving up stability.

T32 Options: Standard and GT

The Bridgestone T32 comes in two variations:

Standard T32 – Designed for lighter sport touring motorcycles like the BMW F800GT weighing under 500 pounds. Provides exceptional grip and handling for carving up curves.

T32 GT – Specifically engineered for heavier motorcycles over 500 pounds. Recommended for bikes with 1300cc+ engines like the BMW K1600. It has 10% better wear life than the T31 GT tire.

So the GT is best for big cruising BMWs, while the standard T32 fits lighter models. Both deliver improvements over previous generations in key areas like braking, traction, and longevity.

How Does the T32 Perform on BMWs?

According to test rides and owner reviews, the Bridgestone Battlax T32 excels as a BMW tire in both dry and wet conditions:

Dry Grip and Handling

The precise steering and stable handling of the T32 suit the BMW ethos perfectly. The tires feel planted and responsive when riding aggressively on winding roads. Testers report the tires are confidence-inspiring when cornering at speed.

The grip levels allow experienced riders to lean hard into turns and hold an angle. The tread compounds offer ample adhesion during corner-to-corner transitions. At the same time, the stable character prevents scary slides.

Wet Traction and Braking

In the rain, the T32’s improvements are immediately apparent. The advanced tread dispersal channels water away efficiently during wet weather riding. This results in a 7% shorter braking distance compared to the T31.

The tire maintains composure over puddled surfaces and slippery sections. The premium compounds provide reassuring grip when accelerating out of turns in the rain. Overall, the T32 gives BMW riders the control they need for riding in iffy conditions.

Which BMW Models are Compatible with the T32?

The Bridgestone Battlax T32 comes in a wide range of sizes to fit numerous BMW motorcycles. Here are some of the most common applications:

BMW F800GT
BMW F800R
BMW R1200GS
BMW R1250GS
BMW R1200R
BMW R1250R
BMW R1200RS
BMW R1250RS
BMW S1000R
BMW S1000RR
BMW S1000XR
BMW K1600GT
BMW K1600GTL
BMW K1600B

Check the specific tire sizes to confirm compatibility for your BMW model. The T32 works for many bikes focused on sport touring, adventure touring, and aggressive road riding.

Both front and rear T32 tires can be installed as OEM replacements or upgrades over stock BMW tires. Just match the sizing for a direct swap.

Real World Impressions on BMWs

Here’s what BMW riders are saying about their experience with the Bridgestone Battlax T32:

“I put a set of the T32s on my R1250RS and it made a huge difference in confidence and handling. The bike corners and brakes noticeably better in all conditions.”

“The T32s immediately felt like a significant upgrade over the old tires on my S1000R. Dry grip is phenomenal and the bike handles way better in the rain.”

“I’ve been testing the new T32 GT on my K1600GTL. The stability is excellent and they’re smooth and quiet. Grip in the wet seems much improved over the OEM tires.”

“The T32s are perfect for aggressive riding in the canyons on my S1000RR. They handle great during quick direction changes and have tons of traction when cornering hard.”

Overall, BMW owners report a sportier, more planted feel with enhanced capability in all environments. The tires allow riding the bikes closer to their handling potential.

Ideal Uses for the T32 on BMW Bikes

What are the best applications for the Bridgestone Battlax T32 on BMW motorcycles?

Sport Touring – The precise handling, comfortable profile, and long wear make the T32 an exceptional sport touring tire for BMWs. It shines for long distance rides that also involve curvy backroads.
Twisty Canyons – BMW riders wanting to carve up their favorite winding roads will appreciate the excellent grip and stability when cornering hard.
Commuting – The T32 offers a great blend of performance and longevity for riders using their BMW bike as a daily commuter.
Touring – Big miles won’t phase the T32. It has the durability for multi-day touring trips even when riding fully loaded.
Wet Weather – The redesigned tread dispersal channels excel at evacuating water. BMW riders in rainy climates will value the 7% shorter wet stopping distance.

Tips for Maximizing T32 Tire Life

To get the most miles out of your Bridgestone T32 tires on a BMW:

Maintain proper air pressure – Under-inflation accelerates wear and affects handling.
Avoid curbs and potholes – Hitting hazards knocks tires out of alignment.
Check suspension settings – Improperly adjusted suspension can lead to uneven wear.
Get regular wheel alignments – An aligned wheel ensures even distribution of wear.
Clean tires regularly – Dirt, grime, and grease compound wear.
Avoid overloaded trips – Excess weight strains the tire structure.
Stay smooth on throttle/braking – Aggressive starts/stops wears tires faster.

Sensible riding plus proper maintenance ensures you’ll maximize the longevity of the T32s.

Are the T32 Tires a Good Value?

The Bridgestone Battlax T32 provides excellent value for BMW motorcycles. Considering the performance gains in grip, handling, and braking, the price is very competitive compared to other premium sport touring tires.

Plus, the impressive wear life means you get more miles per dollar spent. The tires will last through multiple sets of wear bars if cared for properly.

While cheaper T31 or no-name tires are available, the T32’s advantages in critical areas like wet weather handling and cornering precision justify the price for most riders. Upgrading to the T32 is a worthwhile investment that pays dividends every time you ride.

Bridgestone Battlax T32 Review Summary

The Bridgestone T32 enhances BMW motorcycles for sport touring and aggressive riding. Key takeaways:

Cutting-edge tread design with Pulse Grooves excel on wet roads
Much better braking and cornering grip compared to the T31 generation
Tuned specifically for lighter or heavier BMW models
Precise turn-in and stability inspire confidence pushing the pace
Available in a wide range of sizes for most BMW bikes
Good value for the performance gains over cheaper tires

Riders report the T32 makes their BMWs handle better and allows exploiting more of the bikes’ capability. The tires transform the riding experience for the better!

So in summary, if you want to upgrade your BMW for sportier handling and assured grip in all conditions, the Bridgestone Battlax T32 should be on your shortlist. Every mile feels better on these new-generation tires.