Bridgestone have launched two brand new tires adding some excellent options for the mostly tarmac travelling adventure rider. The joint launch of the Sport Touring BATTLAX T31 and the Adventure BATTLAX A41 took place in the spectacular area of Ouarzazate, Morocco. Located at the base of the High Atlas Mountains and the edge of the Sahara Desert, Ouarzazate was an exceptional environment to test the two new exciting products from Bridgestone’s Japanese motorcycle plant. Over two days we were treated to an extensive variety of road conditions, challenging routes and stunning scenery. However unfortunately due to the Moroccan climate we were unable to test in wet conditions.

At the outset of the presentation Bridgestone made very clear their intensions in developing the two new models. Expected improvements would be made in things like contact patch, water drainage and high speed stability but the main focus for the Bridgestone engineers was to improve “rider confidence.” Obviously there are methods to measure and illustrate the technical improvements of a tire, but the only way to measure rider confidence is to ride. Consequently, riding in a variety of conditions on an assortment of bikes was exactly what we did for two full days.

• BATTLAX Sport Touring T31

The BATTLAX T31 is the replacement for the very popular T30 which will remain available in the US but in limited sizes. The BATTLAX T31 is an excellent choice for the adventure rider that enjoys a “spirited pace” when riding twisty roads or burning up miles on high speed curvy routes. Our test ride took us through some of the curviest roads I have ever traveled and one thing that became very obvious to me was the excellent feedback of the front tire. The very predictable turn in and mid corner stability was consistent on all of the bikes I rode.

The variety of bikes included a fully dressed BMW GS 1200, Kawasaki 650 Versys, Honda VFR, Ducati Multistrada 950 and a Triumph Tiger 800. The T31 uses an all new single compound with improved silica dispersion on the front while the rear uses Bridgestone’s 3LC compound with a cap and base structure. Hard braking even on rough surfaces was very impressive thanks to the new thread design with an approximately 7 % increase in contact patch and adjusted groove angles

Speaking of grooves, Bridgestone claim water drainage and friction coefficient on wet surfaces has been significantly improved. Bridgestone also claim all the improvements they have made on the new A31 have come with no sacrifice to mileage. The T31 is available in 8 front sizes from 17”to 19” and 9 different rear wheel sizes for 17” and 18”. MSRP: Front $173.95 - $248.95 | Rear $219 - $278

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• BATTLAX Adventure A41

The BATTLAX A41 Adventure tire is the replacement for the discontinued A40. Like the A40 it is intended for the adventure rider that will ride 90% on-road and 10% off-road. The first part of the A41 test ride was an off-road route which took us to an unforgettable landscape where the view included palm trees with a backdrop of snow caped mountains. It was as though we were looking at overlapping post cards of two different places, highlighting where the desert and mountains meet. The road surface had a very hard rock base with a consistent layer of gravel and sand. The route had a good variety of corners and elevation. I was pleasantly surprised with the level of grip from the rear tire. With or without traction control I was able to manage the wheel spin and extract a lot more forward drive and acceleration then I was anticipating, even on some of the lager more powerful bikes.

Bridgestone has adopted a Monospiral Belt construction with a revised case which allows for an exceptional contact feel. The front tire instilled confidence in both slick and bumpy conditions. Unfortunately, in this area where Berbers and Nomads once inhabited, there was no mud or wet roads for us to appreciate the improvements Bridgestone has made on the A41 for wet conditions. The A41 uses 3LC compound on both front and rear with the rear having a Cap and Base layout. The second part of the A41 test was on tarmac, although for the most part, the roads were in very poor condition from the harsh windy climate and severe lack of maintenance.

These conditions did however showcase the versatility of the A41. Overall grip is great, but the most impressive attribute for me was the stability when encountering pot holes and washouts mid corner. On bikes both big and small, the front end remained planted and tracked exceptionally well. The bikes I rode with the A41 ranged from a Suzuki V- Strom 650 to a KTM 1290 with my favorite being a Honda Africa Twin. The A41 comes in 9 front sizes 15” – 21” and 11 rear sizes 17”-18”. Expect to see the BATTLAX A41 come stock on common Adventure bikes such as BMW GS1200, GS800 and the Honda Africa Twin.

In conclusion its clear Bridgestone have accomplished their goal. They have produced two tires that instill extreme rider confidence in a variety of conditions. If you’re an adventure bike rider that enjoys a sporty pace and is looking for a high level of grip and good feedback the T31 is a great choice. If your adventure travels are via bumpy or detreated roads with the occasional off-road stretch you will appreciate the stability and traction of the A41. As for the adventure rider who needs a more off-road oriented tire the Bridgestone reps tell us they are working on two new products with as much confidence inspiring technology. No details as to when we can expect a release, but we can’t wait! MSRP: Front $155 - $231 | Rear $202 - $285 Bridgestone.com

Where to Buy:

T31:        

A41:        

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