Introduction to the Bridgestone Adventurecross AX41S Scrambler Tire
Hello, enthusiasts! Today, we bring to you the brand new Bridgestone Adventurecross AX41S Scrambler tire, freshly mounted on an r1200gs. This isn’t just any tire – it has been meticulously crafted for the scrambler or cafe racer enthusiast. Predominantly a street tire, it’s designed to handle those occasional gravel roads with ease.
Combining Fashion with Function
Stepping closer to inspect the intricate details of this tire, known as the Battle Axe Adventure Cross Scrambler AX-41S, it becomes evident that Bridgestone isn’t merely manufacturing a tire; they’re creating an experience. This is Bridgestone’s innovative concept tire, marrying attitude, fashion design, and unparalleled performance. From the very first glance, the tire exudes a sense of style, effortlessly complementing the bike. But its aesthetic appeal is just the tip of the iceberg. Our mission today is to get this tire out on the road and rigorously test its performance. Bridgestone, in its commitment to excellence, has extensively researched contemporary cafe racers and scramblers, keeping iconic models such as the Triumph motorcycles, the Ducati Scrambler, and the BMW r9t at the forefront.
The result? They’ve ingeniously infused their sport touring technology into this tire, granting it an adventure-style tread pattern.
Tire Composition and Performance Promise
The AX-41S doesn’t compromise when it comes to technicalities. It boasts a single sport touring compound on the front and a unique sport touring compound dubbed the “3LC configuration” in the rear. This intricate composition ensures that, regardless of the conditions – be it wet or dry pavement – your bike will maintain a staunch grip on the road. Bridgestone’s promise isn’t just in its composition but in real-world performance. So, the plan for today? We’re going to venture onto the highway, cruise along the freeway, navigate those challenging back-country road twists, and finally, venture off-road to evaluate its mettle on dirt paths. So, without further ado, let’s kick-start this exhilarating journey, as we mount the BMW and put the Bridgestone Adventurecross AX41S Scrambler tire to the ultimate test. With the bike set in road mode, our first stop is the highway.
Initial Impressions of the Bridgestone Adventurecross AX41S Scrambler Tires
My curiosity is piqued, and I am eager to find out how these tires fare on twisty terrains. The initial sensations underfoot are intriguing. Riding on these, I sense a somewhat diminished contact patch compared to a conventional adventure tire. The Scrambler variant appears to exhibit a more pronounced curve in its profile, allowing it to dive smoothly into corners and offer swift, sharp responses. In comparison to the last set of tires I rode, which had a very rounded profile, the Adventurecross AX41S feels like it has a keener edge, almost urging the bike to tilt faster. The experience is invigorating, to say the least.
Historical Pit-Stop: A Trip Down Memory Lane
Pausing from the road test, I come across what appears to be the original Chaparral Motorsports establishment. Right beside it is an image of the erstwhile Ocelot Engineering, the precursor to Chaparral Motorsports. With a Suzuki dealership insignia and the distinct Ocelot Engineering branding, it’s a nostalgic sight. Redirecting my attention to the present, I eye the guard rail tracing the road ahead. The plan? To tackle fast, sweeping bends leading to a serene path called Waterman Canyon. Flanked by lush trees, this single-lane, bi-directional road promises a treat for any rider. Upon reaching the summit, we’ll loop back, and a dirt track will guide us over the ridge, eventually merging with our original path. The journey ahead beckons with excitement.
Waterman Canyon Road: A Real-World Test for the Tires
Waterman Canyon Road is our proving ground. It’s where the rubber truly meets the road, or more specifically, where the Bridgestone Adventurecross AX41S Scrambler tires confront the challenges of real-world riding. Recent downpours suggest a challenging terrain strewn with mud, sand, and rocks. True to prediction, I encounter sections where the road is carpeted with detritus.
Downshifting my gear, I marvel at the tire’s performance. Even with the road in such a state, the tires cling tenaciously, offering little to no slip. It’s commendable, especially considering these tires are fresh out of the box, yet to be fully broken in. Their wet-weather performance is particularly praiseworthy, leaving me genuinely impressed with their capabilities.
Challenging Conditions on the Road
Navigating a road littered with small gravel pieces, combined with wet patches, I experienced the tire’s first slip-out. Yet, the Bridgestone Adventurecross AX41S Scrambler tire admirably held its ground. Navigating a 10-mile-an-hour corner gave a reassuring grip. Switching gears, transitioning from the highway and byways, I moved to a newly paved road that promised fast corners and ensured a debris-free ride. The corners felt intuitive and snug, enhancing my riding experience.
Scrambling Abilities Tested
As the terrain changed, it was time to challenge the tire’s scrambling prowess. The profile of these tires, being relatively low, doesn’t allow for much deflation. Nevertheless, they managed a commendable grip. Recent rains had rendered parts of the road rutted and challenging. Despite this, the tire confidently held its own, except for a few hiccups with larger rocks, reminiscent of a mishap during a previous adventure tire test. Yet, for the majority of the terrain – especially the softer patches – the performance was unexpectedly impressive. Observing the tracks left behind, it was evident that these tires efficiently displaced the soft ground beneath, ensuring optimal traction.
Road Performance: An Overview
After a grueling three-hour test, returning to Chaparral Motorsports was a moment of reflection.
On the street, these tires proved their mettle, being incredibly responsive. Whether it was aggressive cornering or rapid exits, the tires were steadfastly anchored to the asphalt. The subsequent canyon ride, with its assortment of rocks, gravel, and mud, further attested to the tire’s resilience. Not once did they falter, even on the damp surfaces. A surprising revelation was their admirable performance on dirt roads – conditions they weren’t primarily designed for. The varying degrees of terrain, shaped by recent rains, were navigated with aplomb, either when slippery or densely packed with gravel.
Performance Synopsis
The Bridgestone Adventurecross AX41S Scrambler tires showcased remarkable performance throughout the test. Handling various terrains and conditions, they remained consistent in their responsiveness and grip, truly standing out in their class.
Notable Limitations
However, like any product, they’re not without their limitations. The only perceivable challenge these tires faced was on large rocks. Their tendency to glance off rather than firmly grip these rocky terrains became apparent. But it’s essential to contextualize this feedback: these tires aren’t primarily designed for such harsh rocky terrains. Their main domain remains the street, and it’s within this environment that they truly shine.
Conclusion: Are They Worth It?
If you’re a proud owner of a cafe racer, a scrambler, or an adventure bike that you primarily ride on the street, these Bridgestone Adventurecross AX41S Scrambler tires deserve your attention. Their design, paired with their impressive performance metrics, makes them a leading choice for riders who demand the best. They encapsulate the ideal blend of design and function, ensuring you not only ride with style but also with confidence. Given their unmatched road performance and considering their minor limitations, they offer great value and come highly recommended for the discerning rider.
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