New Front Tire Time

[willtill]

Trying to stay on the topic of my personal experience with two different front tires used on my 6, I'm adding some side by side photos of the OEM Stone with 16,643K miles (L photo) and the Bridgestone Battlax with 23,034K miles (R photo). The OEM Stone shows more center wear than that of the Ax, which exhibits off center wear due to its duel compound construction, hard center, soft off center! There's no mistaking that the Ax is more durable by virtue of its longevity. Both tires were driven on the identical roads throughout their mileage life's and the air pressure for both tires was maintained at 40 PSI. Since day one of ownership I've routinely used compression/engine braking which would be even across both tire usage. With 39,677 miles on the clock that practice has worked well for both the front tires and my front brake pads IMHO.

The photos!

Attachment 16870Attachment 16871

I love facts! They tend to diminish fiction, conjecture and the guessing game! Coming from a Industrial and Quality Background I've always had a love for "Destructive/Non-Destructive Testing" and by virtue of our sport we do that every time we ride! As both a rider and motor head I really enjoy compiling actual "hands on data" and sharing it with those who have the same interest.

Ride Safe

Bob109

Wonder what that Bridgestone Battlax would've looked like if you squeezed out the additional 1.5k on it; as you had remarked in post #9 above; in this thread?

In my experience, tires start to wear very quickly as the tread approaches end of life.

I think you've done a very good comparison and I would be in agreement that the Bridgestone Battlax is of a better value; due to the positives you have put forth; and pontificated on.

[bob109]

Wonder what that Bridgestone Battlax would've looked like if you squeezed out the additional 1.5k on it; as you had remarked in post #9 above; in this thread?

In my experience, tires start to wear very quickly as the tread approaches end of life.

I think you've done a very good comparison and I would be in agreement that the Bridgestone Battlax is of a better value; due to the positives you have put forth; and pontificated on.

Pontificated! Gee! Thanks for the flattery

[willtill]

Pontificated! Gee! Thanks for the flattery

I meant that in a good way.

[bob109]

Wonder what that Bridgestone Battlax would've looked like if you squeezed out the additional 1.5k on it; as you had remarked in post #9 above; in this thread?

Looks like your question has been answered In yabiak's post #22 he has two photos of his Ax with 25,276 miles of wear. That's 2242 miles wear beyond the 23,034 miles I received

[willtill]

.../SNIP/...
The narrower width when mounted to the rim (1/4" narrower than the OEM Stone) and the higher radius of the tread surely contributes to the improved handling/feeling.
.../SNIP/...

Higher profile as well? That's another positive; that will help a little with the lean angle (more clearance).

Looks like your question has been answered In yabiak's post #22 he has two photos of his Ax with 25,276 miles of wear. That's 2242 miles wear beyond the 23,034 miles I received

Good stuff