Introduction to the Bridgestone Battle Axe Hypersport S20 Tires
It’s been a while since I last spoke about bike updates. But today, I bring exciting news. I’ve recently acquired the Bridgestone’s Battle Axe Hypersport S20 tires. These aren’t the typical stock tires most bikers opt for, and that intrigued me. I opted for a 110-70 size for the front and a slightly unconventional 150-60 for the rear. This will be the second time I’m swapping out the tires on my bike, and I’m eager to see how these perform in comparison to the previous ones.
My Previous Tires: Continental Conti Motion
Prior to the Bridgestone’s, my ride was mounted with Continental’s Conti Motions. These are essentially sport touring tires, specifically tailored for those long rides. They boast a harder compound, which was a crucial factor for me. My bike and I have traveled great distances, and having a tire that wears out after just 7,000 miles was not an option. Impressively, the Conti Motions served me well, covering a distance of approximately 15,000 miles.
Durability and Wear
While the Continental Conti Motions have been reliable, wear is inevitable. Over time, I noticed a slight flattening down the middle of the tires. This is likely due to the consistent pressure exerted during those long, straight rides. Additionally, the edges began to show signs of wear, hinting at some loss of tread depth. Nevertheless, considering the mileage and the intense journeys we’ve had, these tires have held up commendably.
Expectations from the Bridgestone Battle Axe Hypersport S20
As I transition to the Bridgestone’s Battle Axe Hypersport S20, I have high hopes. Their reputation precedes them, and many in the biking community have spoken highly of their performance. While they don’t come in stock sizes for the rear, I believe this could be an advantage, offering better grip and enhancing the ride’s overall stability. Only time will tell how they fare in comparison to the Conti Motions. But for now, I’m all set to hit the road and experience them firsthand.
Assessing the Wear and Tear
The wear bar on my current tires serves as a crucial indicator of its condition. Remarkably, the rear tire hasn’t quite reached the wear bar yet. This resilience was something I hadn’t expected. However, the front tire exhibited a different story. Upon closer examination, I noticed that the left side of the front tire had worn down more, with certain spots almost touching the wear bar. Interestingly, this uneven wear pattern was more prominent in the front than in the rear.
Tire Specifications and Selection
When it came to the tire dimensions, I didn’t opt for the stock sizes. Instead, I chose a 150 size for the rear and a 120 for the front. While some might wonder about this decision, I had my reasons. Going for these specific sizes was an experimental approach to possibly enhance my biking experience. As I prepare to swap these out, I’m eager to discern the difference these dimensions made during my rides.
A Closer Look at the Continentals
Before I delve into my next set of tires, I felt it pertinent to discuss my experience with the Continentals. These tires served me well, even though I might have run them at slightly lower pressures than recommended. This could have contributed to their quicker wear. Nevertheless, overall, I found them to be reliable companions on the road, offering stability and a decent grip.
Anticipating the Hyper Sports
Soon, I’ll be transitioning to the Hyper Sports.
These are known for their softer compound, which should translate to a stickier feel on the road. Given that my current commutes aren’t as long, I’m less concerned about their wear rate. Even if they wear out slightly faster, the enhanced grip and overall ride experience could be a worthy trade-off. I’ll be closely monitoring their performance and intend to share a detailed review in the future.
Comparing the Continental Conti Motion to Stock Tires
The comparison between the Continental Conti Motion and stock tires is quite subtle. At first glance, I couldn’t pinpoint any glaring differences. Though they might not feel significantly grippier than stock tires, they didn’t disappoint either. The true distinction lies in their radial nature, which made them much more comfortable to ride. On freeways, with its notorious cracks and bumps, these tires handled the irregularities splendidly. This enhanced comfort is due to the tires being radials, which tend to absorb the road’s imperfections far better than stock tires.
Riding Experience: From Freeways to Twisties
Whether it’s cruising on the freeway or navigating the twisties, these tires held their ground. While I’m no expert in pushing the limits in twisty terrains, I can confidently say that the Continental Conti Motion tires performed admirably. As sport tires, they managed to provide a satisfactory ride experience even when I slightly pushed their limits. And if you’re someone who clocks in considerable miles on the freeway, these tires won’t let you down. My own experience saw them serving me for an impressive 15,000 miles, predominantly on freeways.
Value for Money and Durability
Another significant advantage of the Continental Conti Motion tires is their durability, even in varied conditions. From my ventures into the twisties to getting caught in the rain, these tires showcased their reliability time and again. Moreover, they offer great value for money. At just a bit over $200 (shipping included), they’re quite a steal considering their performance and longevity.
Looking Forward: Bridgestone Review and KTM Demo Event
I am eagerly anticipating my experience with the Bridgestone tires. Once they’re fitted and have seen some miles, I plan on sharing an in-depth review. Additionally, there’s the exciting news of a KTM demo event scheduled for later this month. I’m looking forward to potentially riding the Super Duke and sharing that experience as well. But for now, there’s much to do, including dropping off these tires for a swap. Here’s to more adventures on the road and, as always, grateful for lane splitting, especially with the current traffic situation. Until next time, ride safe!
Final Thoughts on Continental Conti Motion Tires
In the realm of motorbike tires, the Continental Conti Motion stands out for its blend of comfort, durability, and value. Their radial nature provides a smoother ride, especially on challenging terrains, while their performance in diverse conditions underscores their reliability. Clocking in an impressive 15,000 miles, their longevity is commendable, offering riders a durable option without burning a hole in their pocket. As we await insights on the Bridgestone experience and the thrill of the KTM demo event, one thing is clear: for those seeking a reliable long-distance tire, the Continental Conti Motion is a worthy contender. Stay tuned for more reviews and ride safely out there.
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