Bridgestone are one of the biggest names in motorcycle tyres, and their Battlax range celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2023.
At the sportier end of the range sit the Battlax Hypersport S22 and S23: road-legal sports radials for riders who want strong grip on the road and the occasional track day.
The
S22 launched in 2019 and won Motorrad's sports tyre test in both 2019 and 2021. The
S23 arrived in 2024 as its successor.
So what does the S23 change, and should you still buy the S22?
Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 vs S23: what's the difference?
The biggest difference between the Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 and S23 is that the S23 keeps the S22's shape and construction but adds new compounds and a new tread pattern, plus Pulse Groove technology on the rear. Bridgestone say this improves edge grip, wet performance and mileage.
The Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 is a sports radial motorcycle tyre launched in 2019 as the successor to the S21. It combines Bridgestone's MS-Belt construction with a multi-layer compound structure, giving strong grip and high-speed stability.
The Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 went on sale in early 2024 as the S22's successor. It uses the same shape and MS-Belt construction as the S22, with new compounds and a redesigned tread pattern, plus Pulse Groove technology on the rear tyre.
In simple terms
Choose the Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 if you want a proven, award-winning sports tyre, or you're replacing a set that came with your bike.
Choose the Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 if you want Bridgestone's latest hypersport tyre, with improvements in edge grip, wet performance and mileage. Blackcircles would recommend the S23.
The Battlax Hypersport S22 is a sports radial motorcycle tyre for road use, launched in 2019 as the successor to the Battlax Hypersport S21.
Bridgestone gave the S22 a new compound structure, with a harder centre compound for durability and stability under acceleration and softer outer edges for grip. The centre compound also uses more fine silica than the S21, helping grip across a wide range of temperatures.
The shoulder tread has a higher land-sea ratio than the S21 to improve wet cornering. It also uses Bridgestone's MS-Belt construction with High Tensile Super Penetrated Cord (HTSPC) technology for stability at speed.
Suzuki chose the S22 as original equipment for the Hayabusa, in 120/70 ZR17 front and 190/50 ZR17 rear sizes. Blackcircles also stock S22 variants for bikes including the Kawasaki ZX-6R 636 (2019 on) and the KTM Super Duke R (2020 on).
The Battlax Hypersport S23 is Bridgestone's latest hypersport road tyre, announced in October 2023 and on sale from early 2024. It's designed for modern sports and naked bikes, from middleweight street bikes to superbikes.
It keeps the S22's shape and MS-Belt construction, but the compounds are new. The front tyre uses two compounds, with a new compound on the outer shoulders. The rear uses three, with the new compound at the edge of the tyre.
The rear tread also gains Pulse Groove technology, which Bridgestone say improves water drainage and grip in the wet.
The S23 launched in six sizes: one front (120/70 ZR17) and five rears (160/60, 180/55, 190/50, 190/55 and 200/55 ZR17). Blackcircles now stock nine 17-inch sizes, including an S23 variant made for the 2024 Yamaha MT-09.
Do motorcycle tyres have tyre label ratings?
No. Motorcycle tyres are exempt from tyre labelling, so neither the S22 nor the S23 has fuel efficiency, wet grip or noise ratings. Instead, compare them on construction, compound and independent tests.
Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 vs S23 at a glance
Feature
Battlax Hypersport S22
Battlax Hypersport S23
Launched
2019
2024
Replaced
Battlax Hypersport S21
Battlax Hypersport S22
Construction
MS-Belt with HTSPC
Same shape and MS-Belt as S22
Compound
Multi-layer, softer edges
New compounds, new edge compound
Tread pattern
Higher shoulder land-sea ratio
New pattern, Pulse Groove rear
Sizes
1 front, 5 rear at launch
1 front, 5 rear at launch
Original equipment
Suzuki Hayabusa, Yamaha MT-10, Kawasaki H2 SX
2024 Yamaha MT-09
How much better is the S23 than the S22?
Bridgestone tested the S23 against the S22 in 120/70 ZR17 front and 190/55 ZR17 rear sizes. They used a Yamaha YZF-R1 at the Autopolis circuit in Japan and a BMW S1000RR at their proving ground. Their results, as reported by BikeSocial, were:
A 5% increase in corner speed.
A 2.4% faster dry lap time on average.
A 3% shorter braking distance in the wet.
A 4% faster lap time in the wet.
A claimed 8% increase in mileage.
These figures come from Bridgestone's own testing, and results will vary with your bike, riding style and conditions.
Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 awards
The S22 has won plenty of praise since its launch.
Motorrad's sports tyre test: overall winner in 2019 and again in 2021.
HEVEA Award 2019 for best motorcycle tyre, presented through the Europneus tyre industry portal.
BikeSocial described the S22 as the top-selling sports tyre in the UK.
Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 reviews
As the S23 is the newer tyre, it has fewer awards so far, but early reviews have been positive.
BikeSocial reviewed the S23 in December 2023 after testing it on track at Kyalami in South Africa. The reviewer rated its mid-corner side grip as the biggest improvement over the S22 and recommended it as a road tyre that can also be used on track days.
Rider magazine's reviewer rode the S23 on a range of bikes and said it exceeded the standards set by the S22.
Customer reviews comparing the Bridgestone S22 and S23
Customer feedback on Blackcircles.com is provided through DriverReviews, allowing riders to share their experiences and opinions on tyres they have already purchased. The review categories are:
customers have reviewed the Battlax Hypersport S23 as follows:
Why are Bridgestone motorcycle tyres trusted by riders?
Bridgestone's Battlax range celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2023, and the brand supplies original equipment tyres to leading motorcycle manufacturers. The S22 was chosen as original equipment for the Suzuki Hayabusa, as part of a long-term collaboration between Bridgestone and Suzuki.
Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 common tyre sizes
Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 common motorcycle models
Suzuki Hayabusa
Kawasaki ZX-6R 636 (2019 on)
KTM Super Duke R (2020 on)
Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 common motorcycle models
Bridgestone designed the S23 for everything from naked street bikes to superbikes.
Yamaha MT-09 (2024)
Honda CB750 Hornet
Yamaha YZF-R1
What is the price difference between the S22 and S23?
Prices for both tyres vary between sizes.
Mail-order prices for the Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 range from £ to £.
Mail-order prices for the Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 range from £ to £.
Where can I buy the Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 or S23?
You can buy both the Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 and S23 from Blackcircles.com. Motorcycle tyres are currently available by mail order only, so choose your size, check it matches your motorcycle's specifications and order online.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 better than the S22?
On Bridgestone's figures, yes: they claim better edge grip, wet performance and mileage. BikeSocial's reviewer also rated the S23's mid-corner grip as its biggest improvement over the S22. The S22 is still a very capable tyre.
Should I still buy the Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22?
Yes. It's a proven tyre that won Motorrad's sports tyre test in 2019 and 2021. Compare prices, and check whether the S23 is available in your size.
Which tyre has better wet grip?
Bridgestone claim the S23 has a 3% shorter wet braking distance and a 4% faster wet lap time than the S22, helped by Pulse Groove technology on the rear tread. The S22 also performed well in the wet in Motorrad's tests.
Which tyre lasts longer?
Bridgestone claim 8% more mileage from the S23. Real-world tyre life depends on your bike, riding style and conditions.
Can I use the Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 every day?
Yes. It's a road-legal sports radial, and BikeSocial described it as a fast, all-weather road tyre.
Is the S23 suitable for track days?
Yes, for occasional track days. Bridgestone position it as a road tyre that can also be used on track. If you ride mostly on track, the Battlax RS11 is more track-focused.
Can I fit an S23 with an S22 on the same bike?
Check your handbook and Bridgestone's guidance before mixing different tyre models. A matched front and rear pair is the safest choice.
Should I upgrade from the S22 to the S23?
If your S22s are due for replacement and the S23 comes in your size, the S23 is the newer choice. Check your handbook for approved sizes first.
What sizes does the Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 come in?
Blackcircles stock nine 17-inch sizes. Bridgestone's launch range was one front size (120/70 ZR17) and five rear sizes (160/60, 180/55, 190/50, 190/55 and 200/55 ZR17). Check the variant matches your motorcycle's specifications before you order.
Should I consider the Bridgestone Battlax RS11 instead?
If you ride mostly on track, the RS11 is more track-focused than the S23, according to BikeSocial. For road riding with the occasional track day, the S22 or S23 is the better fit.
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