Bridgestone SC2 and SC2Rain maxi-scooter tire test

Menus

• The special maxi-scooter tire for the BMW C650, Suzuki Burgman and Yamaha TMax
• Presentation
• Technical
• Dimensions SC2
• Dimensions SC2 Rain
• Test
• Conclusion

The special maxi-scooter tire for the BMW C650, Suzuki Burgman and Yamaha TMax

Each category of use and user has its own tire category. At Bridgestone, these are the T for touring, the S for Sport and the SC for scooters and in particular maxi-scooters. But while each novelty generally comes to replace the old model, Bridgestone surprises by presenting two evolutions of the SC radial released in 2012 with the SC2 and SC2 Rain. Two tires for the price of one? What sets them apart and what choice to make for your scooter? Comparative test in the light of several benchmark maxi-scooters such as the Suzuki Burgman, Yamaha TMax and BMW C650.

Presentation

At Bridgestone, there was first the radial SC, then the diagonal SC, the latter bringing many new sizes and in particular a version for the AK550. With the SC2, we go back to the radial, for both versions. And it is indeed a tire developed for maxi-scooters and therefore available in the sizes found on large scooters. Small exception, the SC2 is also available for the SH300, low limit of use.

A new tire almost always meets the same objective: more grip and more handling … sometimes more longevity. But this last point is rare, so much the annual average kilometer has fallen and the grip in increase is sometimes done to the detriment of longevity. With the SC2, Bridgestone announces above all better performance than the SC, better grip, improved handling for the same maximum mileage … while the SC already had high claims, being developed from the hypersport range of the manufacturer. Japanese.

Technical

Technically, we especially remember the appearance of a bigomme at the back. For those who are used to Bridgestones, the SC2 takes the profile of the S21 while the SC2 rain takes the profile of the T31. And we are talking about the profile, that is to say the outer shape of the tire since the two models are otherwise strictly identical! Same technologies, same components and chemical compounds, that Bridgestone uses in its gums: a monospiral belt (MSBelt), HTSPC, bigomme at the back with more silica in the center with nano protechet and RC polymers. As for the exact distributions, as for all manufacturers, we will not know more, the exact mixtures being part of the manufacturing secrets..

So the major difference between the two versions of the SC2 is based on the notch rate, that of the SC2 rain being supposed to provide more grip in the wet and cold than its brother, while the SC2 offers more grip than the Rain but rather in the dry. The number of tread patterns and their spacing is clearly visible when you put on the rubber tires.

With the same structure and the same compounds, this also explains that the two models do not show a difference in longevity in terms of mileage..

On the other hand, we can clearly see through the diagrams the improvements that have been made compared to the SC, with the comparative SC-SC2 and SC-SC2 rain. We see in particular that the SC2 rain offers a grip in the dry lower than the SC2.

Dimensions SC2

Before behind	No.	Cut		TT / TL
Before	1	120/70 R14 M / C	55H	TL
Before	2	120/70 R15 M / C	56 H	TL
Back	3	160/60 R14 M / C	65H	TL
Back	4	160/60 R15 M / C	67H	TL

Dimensions SC2 Rain

Before behind	No.	Cut		TT / TL
Before	1	120/70 R15 M / C	56H	TL
Back	2	160/60 R14 M / C	65H	TL
Back	3	160/60 R15 M / C	67H	TL
Back	4	130/70 R16 M / C	61S	TL
Before	5	110/70 R16 M / C	52S	TL

Afterwards, we can be told what we want. The verdict is in the trial.

Test

Suzuki Burgman 650, Yamaha TMax DX and SX, BMW 650 sport … the maxi-scooters making up the bulk of the market are waiting for us to take the back roads around Lisbon. As for the AK550, it is fitted diagonally and not in the original radial, so the SC2 is not for him. The TMax are in SC2 or SC2 Rain, which will allow you to feel the differences for an identical model in addition to the differences in behavior. Because, as an engineer reminds us, tires are often also developed according to the characteristics of the machines, sometimes in order to counterbalance a specific original behavior, in particular in terms of handling, or heaviness at the front..

By switching from the Burgman to the TMax, we can see the very superior handling of the Burgman, especially in town. Conversely, on the motorway, we measure the much greater stability of the TMax against the Burgman, the high bubble of the Burgman reinforcing a more blurred direction at high speed (above legal speeds). Once calibrated, the clear differences between models make it easier to measure the intake of each tire model.

The first point that marks, whatever the model, is the confidence building in the cold in the morning, the grip in the dry. With or without the traction control of the TMax, the ride grips the asphalt, including on many cobblestones. The go-around can be sudden and maximum and does not involve the activation of the traction control.

Having tried the Burgman with another competitor, the SC2 provides additional handling, while maintaining a round profile. The maxi scoot therefore does not fall on the angle but simply offers more maneuverability. This impression is less on the TMax which requires to be a little more abrupt. But the grip is there in both cases.

In fact, in town, the SC2 Rain turns out to be more pleasant than the SC2, because with a structure that seems to absorb bad coatings better. On the other hand, once out of town and the pace picks up whether on motorways or small roads, the SC2 is more efficient, with a greater feeling of confidence, given by the maximum angle that can be reached up to start to scrape the kickstand. But above all, the SC2 rain seems to deform noticeably during downforce and angle taking, giving less this feeling of sticking to the road in a precise way..

However, the tire is neutral, not falling on the angle if you insist a little, without causing a rapid reaction. In any case, it will not surprise and thus satisfy all drivers..

It was not raining during our test and the wet test was more like one or two accelerations on sections of track wet by a recent spray. Even the SC2 Rain announces the beginning of a slide but warns by sending the information back. And the essential is there, to show the limit without dropping out.

Conclusion

The SC2 is a real evolution compared to the SC. The choice between SC2 and SC Rain really depends on the use, not necessarily via a more all-season use for the rain or in the south for the standard SC2, but rather between urbanity and fast ride. For purely urban use, the comfort of the SC2 rain makes it preferred. For those who, on the other hand, want to do a lot of kilometers, on small roads and in predominantly dry weather, the standard SC2 offers greater driving pleasure over time..

Strong points

• maneuverability
• precision
• neutrality

Weak points

• design

Test conditions

• Itinerary: small varied roads + interurban highways with a bit of town
• Motorcycle mileage: 300 km

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