Suzuki V-Strom (VStrom) Owners Club DL250, DL650, DL1000 & DL1050

Oily Rag - Dedicated to Pat, Greywolf. 26/06/45 - 04/06/18 => Tyres => Topic started by: Rhino VStrom on November 10, 2017, 00:10:24

Title: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Rhino VStrom on November 10, 2017, 00:10:24
Bridgestone comes with a successor for the popular A40 tyre. The Battlax A41. This tyre has because of the compound and structure even more stability. It will be available in January.
And I'm going to test it :icon_wink:

Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: In me shed on November 10, 2017, 12:08:55
I'd be interested in your opinion, I've got 9k on my rear so will be due a new one soon.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Paz324 on November 10, 2017, 13:26:47
Do you have any links for these press release pictures ? I can't read the information as they are.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: old git on November 10, 2017, 18:00:54
More claims from a tyre manufacturer that can't be verified. Every time there's a new tyre there are claims it does everything better than its predecessor. After 40 years of listening to this bollocks I do concede that in terms of grip modern tyres are a vast improvement on what I rode on in the seventies. I still struggle to get 3.5k from a set of tyres no matter what bike I ride. Given all the claimed incremental improvements in mileage performance over the years, why don't the tyres outlive the bike?
Over the last few years I've tried just about every popular tyre and have enjoyed superb grip and lousy mileage.
Currently well into my third set with a bit over 8k on my V-Strom.

Hate to be cynical but just another set of round black things ????
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: kwackboy on November 10, 2017, 19:16:55
It amuses me how they show the tyres off road but never like to admit that they are are useless.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Rhino VStrom on November 11, 2017, 02:10:41
Do you have any links for these press release pictures ? I can't read the information as they are.

Send me your email address. Then I send you the complete presentation.
Peter
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: porter on November 11, 2017, 09:00:16
If they still have the stiff sidewalls like the a40's they can keep them!
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Brockett on November 11, 2017, 12:21:53
That term "off road" means what?
 
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: old git on November 11, 2017, 13:38:25
It means they're suitable for getting up your drive way.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Brockett on November 11, 2017, 21:42:14
Yeah but no but yeah I doubt those tyres would easily make it up Fat Rat's field after a few days of rain.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: kwackboy on November 11, 2017, 21:56:09
What you need to do is take a run up of at least 70mph in order to make it to the top of the field (fat rats words) with road tyres fitted .  :shrug:.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Brockett on November 12, 2017, 14:21:30
er hem!! 70mph within a two mile radius  of Penboyr lol lol lol
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Roadrocket on November 13, 2017, 17:33:43
Tonight I have just had a set of A40s fitted , my second set, of A40s, having got about 9K miles from them, including some big Autobahn miles a good few times . They have worn really well, no squaring off and excellent grip .Then I read this! Oh well If the A41 is an improvement on the A40 then it will be a hell of a good tyre as I cannot fault the A40 whatsoever.  :thumb: :thumb:
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Rhino VStrom on January 05, 2018, 17:53:23
The Bridgestone A41 arrived today.  :lala:

Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Frostilicus on January 06, 2018, 20:28:01
Getting close to new tyre time for me, currently have A40's on mine - so I'll be keeping an eye on this post to see what your opinion of the A41's is.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: hookie on January 11, 2018, 21:45:00
It'll be interesting to see what price a pair can be picked up for. A pair of A40s can be had for £164 which isn't bad and may well drop a bit more when the A41s become stocked by the big companies. Like "Old Git" I'm completely cynical about claims made for new and updated tyres as well and also never get more than about 2,500 miles out of rear tyres on any bike I've had in the last 20 years.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: ZipcodeUK on January 26, 2018, 23:51:40
I'm also watching this thread closely. My original Bridgestones have nearly 9k on them.... but the previous owner really squared off the centre so it's not a nice feeling when cornering.

The a41's look a good tyre for touring and some faster mountain type conditions. So, as long as they are an improvement over the battle wings then I'd be quite keen on a set of A41's.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: paulja on March 31, 2018, 20:17:51
I can get these OE tyres to slip in the dry... I'll be putting some proper road tyres on in April as I have zero ambition to ride my Veek up a mountain.

At the end of the day tyres are what keeps you safe, especially in wet UK.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: mobytrip on April 12, 2018, 08:36:17
Just put a set on last night, very early to report but initial feel is that they have a lot of feel and turn really well. Have to see how they go. Replaced a set of Avon Storms which lasted just over 12k.
The big obvious difference is that the A41s feel a lot more compliant, the bike transmits a lot less of the harshness from the crap road surface that I have to ride over from my house to the main road, (about 3/4 mile).

Happy so far and looking forward to them being fully scrubbed but it would help if it stopped raining!
 
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: mobytrip on May 01, 2018, 15:39:16
Well had these (A41) on for about 1000 miles now, used in all weathers so time for an update:-

These are the tyre I have always been looking for!

Grip is all I could ever ask for, dry or wet, with lots of feed back and therefore confidence.
Had A40s and avons before and these feel more compliant, much better ride and I am using the same pressure in all of the tyres as stated by Suzuki.
So one happy biker  :lala:
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Frostilicus on November 05, 2018, 16:59:18
Great news Moby - I posted in January that my A40s were looking like they needed replacement, but here we are, 10 months later and they still look like the did in January, even though I've done 14k miles on them in total!
This has settled it for me - when my everlasting tyres do actually decide to give up the ghost, I'll replace them with A41s :)
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Nelson on November 07, 2018, 11:18:29
My A40's did 10,500 front and the rear did over 11,000 with plenty of tread left but squared off so naturally changed as a pair. A41's have now done 2500 miles and perform as well - can't say I detect any better performance but still very happy. Tyre fitter failed to clean off the hardened ridges left from green slime puncture preventative, so tyre slowly lost pressure, sorted now.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Frostilicus on November 30, 2018, 11:26:01
My A40s have finally been changed, a puncture on the front was the final incentive to change them - the shop have fitted a pair of A41s for me, I would have been happy with A40s to be honest, but I guess they can't get those any more.
Will report back in a few miles to see how they go, I'm hoping for more of the same really as I find these to be excellent tyres
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: paulja on January 02, 2019, 19:26:36
How are those A41 going? I'm close to new tyres and those is on the list to consider.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: mobytrip on January 03, 2019, 11:06:57
Had a good look at mine this morning as MoT due next week.
Still happy with level of grip, doesn't seem to matter if it's hot, cold, wet or dry they just grip.
Got 7k on them now and the rear is starting to square off, but I do a lot of motorway miles commuting to work.
I will replace with the same when it is time and in the past on other bikes I have never been a fan of Bridgestones but these have changed my mind.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Frostilicus on January 07, 2019, 09:23:32
I've now done just over 1k miles on the A41s and am very happy with them indeed.
They seem to perform just as well as the A40s I had on before, no trouble in heavy rain and good road holding at motorway speeds too.
Scrubbing in took me around 70 miles or so, the usual weird feeling up to that point but very well behaved now!
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Rhino VStrom on January 15, 2019, 00:03:54
The test results of 16.000km A41.
http://www.dropbox.com/s/xfj3ab9qj35j9f3/Bridgestone%20A41%20update%2016000%20okt%202018.pdf?dl=0 (http://www.dropbox.com/s/xfj3ab9qj35j9f3/Bridgestone%20A41%20update%2016000%20okt%202018.pdf?dl=0)
Sorry is in Dutch :)
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Dave L on March 05, 2019, 19:51:07
Hello,
Thanks for the article.
I have managed a mammoth 14k miles so far on my A40's and am due to take trip to Spain and France in June so will be investing in a new set of A41's.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Woodyflyer on June 01, 2019, 09:22:57
Just fitted a set of A41 to my Glee, noticed that the Suzuki handbook states 33/36 front/back while bridgestone web site recommend 36/42
Any recommendations on which ones to go for ? , Did notice when they were fitting them the carcass is really stiff compared to my RP4s
What are you running yours at ?
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Old Biker on June 01, 2019, 13:32:54
Tyre specialist who fitted my A41's said the higher pressures were correct for the new tyres, I went with his view and the bike handles fine  :old:
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: hotbulb on June 01, 2019, 17:10:32
I'm well into the second set of A41s, and when the time comes I'll probably go for them again ... I'm very happy with them. (Had the A40s previously - also liked them, better than the Anakee 3s I had on the Transalp, but I found the A40s rode a bit harshly).
I've used the Suzuki standard pressure (33/36), but I'll give the Bridgestone 36/42 a try next time I check the pressures  :fix:
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Woodyflyer on June 01, 2019, 17:53:21
Just done first 100 miles to scuff them in using the standard pressures, all fine apart from the first half mile feeling a bit different, going to try the higher pressures​ to see if the handling any different.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: mobytrip on June 12, 2019, 08:43:32
Just changed on to my second set of A41 tyres. ultimately never been a fan of Bridgestone tyres but these are really good wet or dry, hot or cold. Commute all year round and have got just over 10k miles out of the old set, the front tyre down to the wear markers and the rear although still technically legal was very squared off so swapped out as a set.
Also had them set at the higher pressures by the tyre bloke, feels okay but as had them swapped out in the middle of a downpour yesterday and still wet today its hard to tell what they feel like, but plenty of grip, (confidence),  in the wet straight away
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: mr_diver on June 12, 2019, 10:43:05
I too was not a fan of Bridgestone until I tried the BT-023 on SWMBO's GSX14.
Took a punt at some cheap A40's and they were far better than the old Battlewings that the Varadero came with years ago.
As a pure road tyre goes, they are great in the dry, confidence assuring in the wet and life span is better than most.
The 40 and 41 are the same compounds, but slightly different tread pattern to differentiate the two and the 41 comes in a wider range of sizes.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Nelson on June 26, 2019, 10:15:20
Changed front A41 slightly prematurely (she who must be obeyed says I'm always premature - not sure what she means) at just under 10,000 miles. £120 fitted, which I was happy with?
Usually change as a pair but couldn't bring myself to change rear as it's still great and only slightly squared off. Looks like it could get to 15k.

Admittedly I haven't tried other makes on my two Stroms in the past but are there better tyres out there? These seem unbelievably good to me - great feel wet or dry, excellnt life and prices seem OK?
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Dave L on June 29, 2019, 16:41:19
Hello,
I eventually changed tyres at 16K miles, front was nearly down to minimum, predictably back had squared off but still had a few miles. Fitted new A41's and just returned from a week in Spain and am very happy with the performance.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: timangus on June 30, 2019, 14:54:26
My rear A41 has done 7500 miles across Asia and looks in good order. Not as grippy as the Michelin but then its a 90/10 road tyre and the Michelin is a 80/20 and they did slip on unmade indian roads.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Jamieboy on August 11, 2019, 19:17:46
Just an observation on these tyres. I recently bought a glee with a41s on it. They've done about 5k miles with the previous owner. I set them to Bridgestone recommended pressures but felt the ride a bit harsh. I am fairly light though about 75kg. Put the pressures down to 34/38 ish and noticed this helped smooth things out so I'll keep them there, even if Bridgestone think they should be marginally higher. Seem decent overall but not done much mileage yet.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: paulja on January 31, 2020, 12:53:04
If the R5 are too pricey for you, these A41 are an excellent alternative, they don't disappoint once scrubbed in.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: snagzie on March 04, 2020, 15:41:56
What pressures do you lot use with A41's on a Veek 1000? I've just got the default 36F/42R at the moment but as it's a completely new bike to me I wouldn't know if it's worth dropping them a bit.

I've done 90 miles on the rear and 40 on the front so far so not proper scrubbed yet (the bike came with a new rear, so fitted a new front 50 miles in)

Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Peatland on March 26, 2020, 21:58:51
Hello

On my second set of A41’s and do mostly 2 up riding usually 150-250 mile round trips each time out.

F35-36 and R41-42

Had no issues with this

Robin
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: vstroman on March 29, 2020, 22:29:34
What mileage are you getting per set of tyres?
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Peatland on April 11, 2020, 03:25:43
What mileage are you getting per set of tyres?

Bike is currently on 14.5k miles and I would expect about another 2k before changing
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Nelson on November 23, 2020, 09:43:01
M and P are doing a pair of A40, s for £109 delivered at present.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: mr_diver on November 23, 2020, 13:35:07
Got myself a pair from them a couple of weeks back ready for next year.  :auto-dirtbike:
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: WeeStromer on November 24, 2020, 22:40:17
£109 a pair is great! I don't like the anakee 3s that are currently fitted to mine.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Nelson on November 25, 2020, 10:18:54
M and P were advertising a pair of A40's for £109 delivered. I bought two sets, too good to miss. My last rear came at £140 fitted from my local non-franchise bike shop.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: borrisdog on February 24, 2021, 19:05:21
Just fitted a41s on my bike. can't wait to try them out lock down permitting. :auto-dirtbike:
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: V-Twin on March 12, 2021, 17:11:37
On previous bikes, I have had Avon Storms/Dunlop Roadsmarts & Metzeler.
Never actually wore out any replacement tyres as I had up to now changed the bikes before needing to replace the tyres.
On my 2014 VStrom 650 (2nd bike) I'm still running on originals, with only 4500 miles on it.
Its the only bike that when pushing on a bit will step out a little at the rear.
So I'm presuming the tyres are too chunky, so will need to change to a more road focused tyre.
After reading the reports here it's looking like the A40 or A41s. Unless anyone has experience of Metzelers on their Strom 650.??
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Mr Nick on March 12, 2021, 17:51:48
https://www.v-strom.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=39476.0 (https://www.v-strom.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=39476.0)
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: graingerblaze on April 06, 2021, 22:36:32
I’m running the Bridgestone A41’s and on the road they are brilliant, wet or dry. So far I have done over 12k on them and still loads of tread to go, although the rear is flattening off now (too many motorway miles).

Looking to change to 50/50 now as the A41’s are useless in mud or sand. Light trails or a flat gravel road no problem, but if any real grip is needed then best to avoid. The A41’s are a true 90/10 road biased tyre,  best part is the grip and longevity.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A40 tyre
Post by: V-Twin on May 18, 2021, 17:46:22
Just a heads up for those who want.....
Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A40 Tyre Pairs

110/80-R19 (59V) + 150/70-R17 (69V)
Only - £109
https://www.bikespeeduk.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=8807
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: V-Twin on July 10, 2021, 14:03:46
Another heads up re' tyres. (Tyres)

110/80 R19 & 150/70 R17 Battlax Adventure A41
Improved grip level in rain and wet conditions.
Price: £204.00 NOW...... £194.00pr
Bikespeeduk.com
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Suzuki_mike on August 27, 2021, 13:28:36
Hello all,
I've been recommended this tyre by by local mechanic as something to help me get into a little off-roading, nothing too extreme. I'm a complete beginner when it comes to this, but did a 1 day course, then some gentle stuff down salisbury plain way, and would like to do more.
My Vstrom 650 is an XT with engine bars, belly pan etc so as set up as it could be I think, apart from the tyres which are pure road currently.
My bloke says £290 for a pair fitted.
Thoughts welcome on the tyre and the price, thank you.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: kwackboy on August 27, 2021, 17:52:21
The A41 is around a 90/10 road bias tyre. 

For light off roading, try the Michelin Anakee Adventure
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Rixington43 on August 27, 2021, 21:32:40
Another vote for the Anakee Adventure.
I've not ventured much beyond very poorly surfaced back lanes and the odd field but there really confidence inspiring and I think they feel great on road too for an 80/20.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Mr Nick on August 28, 2021, 12:32:57
A mechanic who recommends what's basically a road tyre like the A41 for offroad must be on commission or have them lying around. Or just not know what he's talking about.
You need to be more specific in what your aspirations are: proper green laning or just the odd excursion onto hard packed roads? Without knowing that, nobody can tell you what you need with any confidence. Anakee Adventures are good for that bit beyond the proper roads, whilst still being a good choice on tarmac, but supply problems might scupper that. I was after a pair but had to go with my back-up choice the other week as some sizes are just not available. Not just Michelin who are affected though.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Flanners on September 16, 2021, 15:51:23
Got A41's on my Veek, had a 1000miles round Northern France a month or so back and they were great, maybe the Traction Control helps too as first bike with this on too, no moments on wet or dry tarmac, they now have no chicken strips...with full luggage and smooth French roads. Had many forays onto RUPP type tracks and farm tracks albeit in the dry too. Having said that they came with the bike when I purchased it, they have loads of life as they have done about 2K miles; but I just opted for £109 set of A40's that M&P are still knocking out which were I think OE fitment on the '15 Veek in any case.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: 2112 on September 23, 2021, 18:29:31
Not long fitted a set to my 1200 Tiger and they have transformed the bike. Loads of grip, loads of feel and very stable. Happy  :grin:
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Barbel Mick on September 23, 2021, 19:24:25
Odd, when I was searching for information on the A41's I never saw this thread? (or I didn't go back to the earlier pages!  :dl_smiley_banghead:)
I had them fitted a couple of weeks back but only done a couple of 100 mile trips (one solo one two up), however I too, am initially impressed with them.
I contacted Bridgestone because they only gave one set of pressures for front & rear and on their web site, because I mostly carry a pillion I wanted a definitive answer, this was the reply to my e-mail..

"Dear Customer,
                        The 36/42 psi is for both solo and dual riding application. The design and development of the bike/tyre is conducted using one pressure in accordance with the tyre manufacturers regulations.  Lower pressures can be used but of course the lower one goes, the fewer miles will be achieved.  The best advise is to use 36/42 at all times

Regards

Bridgestone Customer Services"
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Froglodyte on September 23, 2021, 20:36:59
I've been using 36/42 on all of my bikes for the last 10 years. My recently sold BMW was unrideable on stock pressures.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Froglodyte on September 23, 2021, 20:44:25

It's important to be pumped

Tyre pressures are a crucial factor in determining how your bike handles and how quickly you wear out your (not exactly cheap) tyres.
There are lots of myths and misconceptions about what pressures you should run in the wet, on track days or when you're loaded with luggage. Usually you'll find someone propping up the bar who knows better than the manufacturers' recommendations. To find out how close they are to being right we talked to a genuine expert - a man who should know tyres if anyone does.

Leo Smith spent years as chief development tester at Avon tyres. He is now motorcycle product manager. He said: "We probably get asked more about tyre pressures than about any other aspect of a tyre”. There's so much bad information kicking about that people can't separate the truth from fiction."

Smith says that is largely the fault of tyre companies themselves. Several years ago, different tyre companies recommended different pressures for different tyres and different bikes. But around 10 years ago, a decision was reached between the companies to standardise pressures so that most bikes can run on the same no matter what tyres they're on. That standard is 36psi at the front and 42psi at the rear.

There are some exceptions, like some 400cc grey imports which run 29psi at the front and 36psi at the rear. Another notable exception is the Kawasaki ZX-12R - which is meant to run 42 front and rear. But if you've got a modern, mainstream bike, chances are you should be running the 36/42 standard.

That 42 figure in particular will have a lot of the gentlemen at the bar shaking their heads. But it is not a figure chosen at random. Pressures determine how your tyres deflect. The lower the pressure, the more the tyre will flex. That may make for a comfortable ride when you're cruising in a straight line, but the tyre will flex too fast at speed and make your bike unstable. The bike will feel vague going into turns and feel like it's going to tip into the corner suddenly. This is because the tyre isn't "strong" enough and it's literally buckling under you.

The bike will also feel wallowy through turns and it'll weave under acceleration. Conversely, if you over-inflate a tyre, the flex will be slower but that will make your bike more stable at high speeds. The ride comfort and the tyre's ability to absorb shocks will be lost and your wrists and backside will take the brunt of it. The bike will feel so harsh that many people will think they have a suspension problem.

Cornering won't feel as bad as when pressure is too low, but you will again lose feel and feedback from the tyres. For example, if you ride over a stone, an over-inflated tyre cannot absorb it and the tyre breaks contact with the road. Smith says the classic myth about tyre pressures is that you deflate them for wet-weather riding. He says most grip comes from the tyre's compound and the contact patch - and the shape of the tyre where it contacts the road is everything.



Tread patterns stop water from building up under the tyres - which could cause a bike to aquaplane. Smith says: "A good front tyre chucks enough water out of the way to enable the rear to get the power down. If you reduce the tyre pressure, the tread becomes compressed so it can't clear as much water." If anything, Smith recommends you increase the rear tyre by 2-3psi in the wet but leave the front as it is.

Another widely held misconception is that the psi recommendations are the maximum the tyre can take. They're not. The figure only tells at what pressures the tyres were tested at for all-round use. You could actually safely inflate a type up to around 50psi if you really wanted to, although it wouldn't do you much good.

But the biggest area for debate has to be track days. If you've ever been to one it's almost certain someone has told you you'll be best off reducing your tyre pressures. You get more grip that way, they tell you. Smith has radically different advice.
You should leave them alone, he says. "Racing tyres are of a totally different construction and stiffness to road tyres so they need less pressure to maintain the carcass shape. That's where the rumours and bad advice comes from. "If you drop the psi in road tyres you will get more movement in the tread pattern. They will heat up too much and that will eat into tyre wear. You'll almost certainly ruin a set in a day without gaining any advantage in grip."

Smith says he's known people to drop their rear tyre to just 22psi when heading for the track. His advice is to leave your tyres alone, saying a good tyre at standard pressures will give more grip than you need on a track day because you almost certainly won't be
going as fast or for as long as racers. Track surfaces offer much better grip than the road, too - another reason for leaving your tyre pressures the same for the ride to the track as for the ride around it.

Many people also ask the experts at Avon if they should increase psi to take pillion passengers. Again there's no need. The manufacturers' agreed pressures of 36/42 were arrived at after testing with pillions, luggage, cold tyres and every other combination you could think of.
One of the few cases when Smith does recommend you change your pressures is when your tyres wear. A worn tyre has lost a lot of its strength as the shape and flexibility levels have changed. That means it will handle differently to a new tyre. Try increasing the tyres by 2psi when you're down to around 40 per cent tread depth. It will only make a marginal difference, but it should improve your bike's handling a bit.

You may not have to keep changing your tyre pressures, but you do have to maintain them. Smith recommends that you check them once a week as an absolute minimum but to be extra safe, you should really check them every day because a tyre can change by as much as 3psi on its own just because of changes in the weather.
You should always measure your tyre pressures when they are cold. A few bikes are now coming with tyre pressure gauges in their under-saddle tool kits. If you haven't got one it's worth buying one. They only cost a few quid and take up about as much room as a pen. Forecourt gauges are notoriously inaccurate.

Scanned and re-printed in total from an article in MCN.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Gert on September 24, 2021, 07:26:42
If I may ask, what is the maximum pressure embossed on the front and rear tyre wall of the Bridgestone A41? I asking, as I am considering these for the K5's next replacement.
When the tyre heats up from riding, how much over the maximum psi tyre rating is allowed. My current rear tyre has a 42 psi embossed on the tyre and I inflate it to 40 psi, so with heat increased pressure, I'm below the max psi rating.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Barbel Mick on September 24, 2021, 11:34:25
Gert, it says 42psi on both my front & rear but I refer you to the reply from Bridgestone I posted yesterday. Plus the post from Froglodyte above gives the same pressures. I can only presume the tyre manufacturers know the pressure will increase during use but that is taken into the equation when they decide on the best pressures (cold)?
 
"Dear Customer,
                        The 36/42 psi is for both solo and dual riding application. The design and development of the bike/tyre is conducted using one pressure in accordance with the tyre manufacturers regulations.  Lower pressures can be used but of course the lower one goes, the fewer miles will be achieved.  The best advise is to use 36/42 at all times

Regards

Bridgestone Customer Services"
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: mr_diver on September 24, 2021, 14:48:47
I have a set of the A40's sitting in the garage waiting to be fitted to the Varadero.
the last pair lasted well on the fat girl and gave excellent feedback and grip.

Seeing as the A41 are the same compound I can't see them being any different.
I've used various brands over the last 100k miles on ADV bikes and the A40's are a firm favourite.
Anakee 2's were my favourites, but long discontinued now.

Running stock pressures (34F 38-40R) even with the rock hard Heidenau K60s the bike handled like a pig.
upping them 2-3psi made a world of difference and reduced the scalloping on the front markedly.

I tend to run 36F 43R as the bike and myself are a little on the heavy side.
that's with the last set of A40 and the current Tournace (original)

SWMBO's GSX on the other hand likes 36F and 40R - with BT-023 - change that by more than 2 psi on the rear and she's a mess in the corners.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Gert on September 24, 2021, 18:57:21
Mick, Thanks for your reply. I did take the time to read the earlier post wrt the reply from Bridgestone Customer Services. I just thought was strange that the manufacturer would equal or exceed the tyre embossed PSI warning pressure. I would suggest that you hang on to that reply from the CS. My other concern is, if in a case of either a blow-out / accident / unplanned dismount, would the insurance company not use the tyre over pressure as an excuse to welsh on an insurance claim?
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: vstroman on September 09, 2022, 23:32:12
Another vote for the Anakee Adventure.
I've not ventured much beyond very poorly surfaced back lanes and the odd field but there really confidence inspiring and I think they feel great on road too for an 80/20.

What are the Anakee Adventure like in the wet? don't suppose they'd be as good as Road 5's for example, strongly considering a sport touring tyre but I like the looks of the Anakees and they'd likely be a lot better on gravel tracks etc. also looking at Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR's.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Rixington43 on September 10, 2022, 00:26:45
I've found them very reassuring in the wet, they are on their last legs at 8.5k though and I suspect this may have been sooner if did many straight line miles.
Can't comment in relation to a more tarmac focused tyre I'm afraid but I'll definitely be booking in for another set early next year.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: vstroman on September 10, 2022, 00:59:18
8,500 is great mileage considering you are on the 1000cc bike. The 650 would likely do another few thousand.
I won't pull the trigger yet, waiting for the credit card balance to come down a bit!! thanks for the info.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: 2112 on September 16, 2022, 09:50:46
It's an interesting point about tyre pressures. My Tiger's O/E tyre pressure is supposed to be 32 psi front and 39 psi rear, despite the fact the previous model with the same size tyres ran 36 psi front & 42 psi rear. However, at these pressures it feels horrible and won't steer. A quick read on the forums and everyone is running 36 psi front and 42 psi rear. When I fitted the Bridgestone A41's I emailed the UK tyre distributor and they confirmed that 36 psi front with 42 psi rear is their recommended pressure for that model. Odd, but 36/42 it is for me and I'm loving the A41's.
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: mr_diver on September 16, 2022, 13:03:18
I've run the A40's with the same 36 front and 42 rear over a few pairs of them.

Seeing as they have the same carcass and silica/rubber compound as the A41's
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: Barbel Mick on September 16, 2022, 20:22:02
I did the same when I fitted the A41's last year. Apparently I had been running my previous BT31's at too low a pressure & got premature wear, so wanted to confirm for the A41's.
This is the reply I got  from Bridgestone.............

"Dear Customer,
                        The 36/42 psi is for both solo and dual riding application. The design and development of the bike/tyre is conducted using one pressure in accordance with the tyre manufacturers regulations.  Lower pressures can be used but of course the lower one goes, the fewer miles will be achieved.  The best advise is to use 36/42 at all times

Regards

Bridgestone Customer Services"
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: The Doctor 46 on September 16, 2022, 21:12:30
I used 36/42 today after reading this thread. It's like riding a different bike, much better.  :text-goodpost:
Title: Re: New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A41 tyre
Post by: UK_Vstrom650 on September 16, 2022, 21:28:16
I got the same from Dunlop 36/42 psi. It seems standard across tyre manufacturers