Introduction to Bridgestone Battlax BT-45
Welcome to our in-depth review of the Bridgestone Battlax BT-45. For those unfamiliar, let’s provide a visual context: here’s a glimpse of what the BT-45 looks like. To draw a comparison, let’s also recall the Avons Road Riders AM26s that we had previously used.
First Impressions and Road Experience
So, diving straight into my thoughts – I’m genuinely impressed with the BT-45. One of the immediate differences I noticed was the handling of tar snakes. In the areas I frequent, tar snakes were barely noticeable with the Bridgestones. This contrasts with the Avons, where there was significant sideways tracking upon encountering a tar snake.
This immediate distinction gave the Bridgestones a commendable edge in my books. As of now, I’ve clocked over 2,000 kilometers on these tires, bringing my total to over 40,000 kilometers. Alongside this milestone, I also indulged my bike with an oil change, filter change, and a thorough chain cleaning, resulting in a gleaming chain.
Rain Performance: A Game Changer?
The burning question for many riders: how does the Bridgestone Battlax BT-45 fare in the rain? From my experience over the past few rainy days, these tires have bolstered my confidence significantly. The Avons weren’t necessarily bad, but as they aged, I felt the front tire beginning to lose its grip. This dwindling trust led me to switch to the BT-45s. In the usual areas where rain posed a challenge, the BT-45s exhibited stellar performance. I speculate that the enhanced rain performance might be due to the softer compound on the sides, contrasting the center. In comparison, the Avons, as far as I’m informed, are a single compound. While the drainage on both tires seemed competent, the BT-45s appeared to have a slight edge, influencing my decision to opt for them.
Observations on the Bridgestone Battlax BT-45’s Design
The Bridgestone Battlax BT-45 boasts a notable amount of siping, a feature I personally find appealing. Moreover, the numerous treads oriented in a specific direction could possibly be the reason for the unease I felt during certain cornering maneuvers. The design, although narrower, ensures efficient drainage, potentially enhancing wet-weather performance. From my experience, the initial washing of these tires with soapy water, as I mentioned in my previous review, made a significant difference. This cleaning seemed to improve their performance, boosting my confidence with each ride. Now, after a couple of thousand kilometers, these tires have thoroughly been broken in. Time will tell how they perform in the ensuing thousands of kilometers.
A Concerning Discovery Post Tire Installation
During one of my routine maintenance checks, specifically while cleaning the chain and adjusting its tension, I stumbled upon a concerning discovery. Since I lack the facilities to mount and balance tires at home, I had taken my bike to a local shop to have the Bridgestone Battlax BT-45 tires installed. This particular shop was a new experience for me. While attempting to undo the castle nut, I realized, to my dismay, that it was not torqued up adequately. In fact, it felt as though a child could have easily loosened it with a small ratchet. Given that these nuts are typically torqued to 72-foot pounds, this oversight was both alarming and potentially hazardous. I intend to notify the dealership first thing tomorrow, as today is Sunday. It’s crucial for them to be informed, lest other customers face a similar, potentially dangerous situation. It was fortuitous that I discovered this oversight while performing my regular oil change and chain maintenance, which I usually conduct every 3,000 kilometers.
Noteworthy Observations on the Bridgestone Battlax BT-45 Tire
While the focus of our discussion is primarily the Bridgestone Battlax BT-45 tire, I feel the need to digress a bit. I’ve noticed an issue unrelated to the tire, but which motorbike enthusiasts might find worth noting.
Moisture Intrusion: An Unexpected Hurdle
Upon closer inspection, there seems to be a trace of moisture visible in the window of the bike. After its recent run, even with fresh oil and a new oil filter, this moisture issue persists. Taking a quick look, one can spot some white foamy residue settled in the corners. This foaminess typically becomes more evident after my routine rides from work, often requiring cleaning.
It’s not so prominent today, making it a tad challenging to capture on camera, but it’s an issue I’ve been grappling with.
Identifying the Culprit
For those speculating on potential causes, it isn’t due to a compromised head gasket. Rather, as I mentioned in one of my previous reviews, the root of this moisture intrusion might be traced back to an attempt to cut corners during the valve readjustment process. This oversight resulted in water seeping into the sump. Admittedly, trying to save some time in this manner seems to have brought about this unintended consequence, which I am now addressing.
Focus on the Bridgestone Battlax Tires
While we’ve touched on various aspects of the motorbike, the primary focus of our conversation today is the tires.
I must emphasize the significant positive experience I’ve had with the Bridgestone Battlax series.
Highly Recommended with a Caveat
Based on my personal experience and numerous rides, I can confidently recommend these tires to fellow motorbike enthusiasts. Their durability, grip, and overall performance are commendable. However, a word of advice for those considering purchasing them: if you’re getting them installed at a shop, always double-check the torque settings on your rear axle afterwards.
Trusting Professional Services: A Lesson Learned
It’s natural to assume that professionals who handle bike maintenance and modifications daily would be adept at their job. In most cases, they are. However, my recent encounter served as a lesson in the importance of diligence. I genuinely wish I had checked the torque settings earlier. Entrusting your prized possession to others comes with an inherent expectation of quality service. However, as we all know, to err is human. So, it’s always good to be cautious and verify, even when dealing with experts in the field.
Wrapping Up
To conclude, while this update might seem brief, I felt it essential to share my insights and the lessons learned. As always, I strive to keep my fellow motorbike aficionados informed, and I’ll aim to release another video review shortly. Until then, ride safely and stay tuned for more insights. Cheers to all!
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