10/06/2026
So finally the RS12 arrived at Richmond Racing in a 180 for the RS660. I thought it best to have the consistency of using my bike to test the new tyres. Although I did have them at the track to take full advantage of the racer profile. Oh and they turn in exceptionally well, by the second session there was hardly any edge remaining on the right hand side of the tyre. The track was East fortune, so not the smoothest tarmac, but another good quality control testing environment.
So to start the day, we took the stickers off and set the tyres to the recommended tyre pressures set by Bridgestone themselves. we set the front to 30.5 PSI COLD and the to 26 PSI in the rear COLD. Doing this would be a realistic example of a rider going to track and just jumping out on track. No tyre warmers, no additional equipment.
The first session was just about getting it round and feeling how the new RS12 felt under the wee RS660. and of course using the traction control as a visual aid, if it starts flashing...that'll do DONKEY!
There was no flashing and after 2-3 laps traction control was turned down to 3 and I was away after the rider in front. First session completed and returned to the pit having felt confident during the session that the tyres had more to give.
Session 2 turned out to be a mixed bag of stuck in amongst riders that had warm tyres and myself trying to get up temperature with not much room to crack on. Remembering its a fun track day and safety is paramount. It was a steady second session with a couple of late breaking and evasive manoeuvres. But in regards to the tyres, 2 laps and I was golden and with concentration firmly set on the car park in front of me, at no point did I not feel the bike was planted and confidence inspiring. Session 3, was epic!! Having learned to find a gap in the 30 plus bikes, I was out in the second group giving me time to warm up the tyres, drop the traction control back down to 2 and set about having fun. Got a head of the second group and then had chipped away at the gap catching back up to the first group. The tyres turned effortlessly and with the front dug into the tarmac, thanks to the carbon ceramic brakes. I did not feel I was on a treaded tyre, and certainly not a road tyre. The push out the corners was sublime, no flashing of the dash and no flexing of the tyre.
So inconclusion, Is the RS12 better than the RS11...YES.
Are they good for the road and track...Definitely.
Are they worth the money....Feck Yeah.
More testing with warmers and road use still to be done, looking forward to it😊.
Bring on the miles...Bring on the smiles 😁
