Has anyone tried the Bridgestone Battlax BT46?

[Noreg]

I have the BT45 on both tyres, but the back seems somewhat unevenly worn, and on the edge of the legal limit (1.6mm is lowest allowed, it varies between 2 and 1.4 depending on where I meassure). I have no consern for being fined for the tyre, but I am worried about wet traction. Its pretty much only worn in the middle (due to low pressure for the first few thousand kilometers this season, or the tire being more worn than I though, or my rear suspension is going out? Not sure).

I was wondering if the bt46 would give me any advantadges. I sadly haven't gotten enough rain riding with the 45s but they seem great on gravel, dirt and asphalt. Not good on sand though, but I dont think I will be riding through the dessert any time soon.

The price isn't that important to me either. I just want good safe tyres that keeps the rubber side down.

Any thoughts?

[Nessism]

No personal experience but Bridgestone don't make junk. I'd compare price against the Roadriders and then choose accordingly. There is a new version Roadrider that would be my number once choice if in the market since the old ones were great and the new are supposedly even better.

[GS1150Pilot]

I'll be swapping out the Michelins on the Sportster for Bridgestone Battlecruises this year. I like Bridgestone.

[Rob S.]

Bridgestone Battleaxes were the tire of choice for many years (maybe still are?) for Cycle World Superbike shootouts.

They'd be on my 11E right now if they were designed for old tube wheels.

[Nessism]

Bridgestone Battleaxes were the tire of choice for many years (maybe still are?) for Cycle World Superbike shootouts.

They'd be on my 11E right now if they were designed for old tube wheels.

Both BT45 and 46 Battlax's are designed for narrow classic size wheels. What are you referring to?

[Rob S.]

Both BT45 and 46 Battlax's are designed for narrow classic size wheels. What are you referring to?

My mechanic told me he COULD fit Battleaxes on my '82's rims. BUT, he said neither the wheels nor the tires were really designed for each other (I did not want to fit tubeless tires on a rim designed with tubes in mind). So, Pirelli Sport Demons seemed like the way to go.

[GS1150Pilot]

Rob, they are actually LISTED for bikes of that era.

Here's the first descriptor in the catalog:
"Sport Touring Bias-Ply tires for mid-sized sport-touring bikes and older sport bikes."

Look on page 12.

https://www.bridgestonemotorcycletires.com/content/dam/motorcycle-tires/files/bridgetonemotorcycle-databook2019.pdf

[Rob S.]

Interesting. Thanks for the link.

[Nessism]

My mechanic told me he COULD fit Battleaxes on my '82's rims. BUT, he said neither the wheels nor the tires were really designed for each other (I did not want to fit tubeless tires on a rim designed with tubes in mind). So, Pirelli Sport Demons seemed like the way to go.

Both BT45's and Sport Demons are the same in terms of applicability for your bike. They are designed as tubeless tires but it's perfectly fine to run a tube inside. Your mechanic should educate himself.

[Noreg]

My mechanic told me he COULD fit Battleaxes on my '82's rims. BUT, he said neither the wheels nor the tires were really designed for each other (I did not want to fit tubeless tires on a rim designed with tubes in mind). So, Pirelli Sport Demons seemed like the way to go.

I have considered the sport demons too. But the BT45s seems to do the job sooo well, so Im not sure I want to change brand.

[GS1150Pilot]

They are great tires. I had Battlaxes on my FZ1.

[Nessism]

I've read about people getting cupping wear with BT45's. No personal experience with that though even though I used them on a couple of bikes.

[bwringer]

"BATTLAX" doesn't narrow it down; Bridgestone uses the "BATTLAX" name (always capitalized) for most of the motorcycle tires they make.

My KLR650, for example, is wearing a set of "BATTLAX Adventurecross AX41" knobbies right now, and my V-Strom is wearing a set of "BATTLAX Sport Touring T31" street buns.





Anyhoo, the BT-45 has been around for a looooong long time. The BT-46 is apparently new and I'm sure is greatly improved. Try a set, see what you think and report back! Bridgestone makes good tires.

[GS1150Pilot]

"BATTLAX" doesn't narrow it down; Bridgestone uses the "BATTLAX" name (always capitalized) for most of the motorcycle tires they make.

My KLR650, for example, is wearing a set of "BATTLAX Adventurecross AX41" knobbies right now, and my V-Strom is wearing a set of "BATTLAX Sport Touring T31" street buns.



Anyhoo, the BT-45 has been around for a looooong long time. The BT-46 is apparently new and I'm sure is greatly improved. Try a set, see what you think and report back! Bridgestone makes good tires.

OEM tires on an 03 FZ1 was the BT45, I believe.

[dorkburger]

I've read about people getting cupping wear with BT45's. No personal experience with that though even though I used them on a couple of bikes.

I do get some cupping on my 1150, but not severe. Ive generally chalked it up to the the bike's weight along with the 16" wheel. I've used the BT 45s for years. They do make it known when they worn out....