Motorcycle Tyres – Long Term Test

Editorial Team
May 11, 2021

Motorcycle Tyres, and Motorcycle Tyre Reviews, two of the most subjective topics in motorcycling.

Every rider has their own opinion on their motorcycle tyres. They will tell you what they have experienced and how that matches what they were expecting.

When motorcycle tyres are reviewed, it is normal to take as many of the variables as possible out of the test equation.

Typically, a tyre test uses the same motorcycle, the same section of road and the same rider. After that, it is a question of hoping you can get through all the tyres you have to test before the weather changes.

The problem with that approach is that the motorcycle tyres are rarely tested using your model of motorcycle, nor is the test likely to be completed using a road near you. And of course, it isn’t you riding the bike. How you ride may be completely different to the reviewer.

Then there is the issue of everyone loving new motorcycle tyres. They make every motorcycle feel lighter and more responsive.

A thousand miles later, unless they are nasty nylon never-grips, it is likely you are not giving your motorcycle tyres a second thought.

Add in another couple of thousand miles, and they might look like a car tyre, and you are cursing them.

To remove some of this subjectivity, we decided to conduct a summer-long tyre test to make our feedback as close to the real-world experience as we can.

Motorcycle Tyres – The Test

We have taken three different motorcycles, three different tyre manufacturers and three riders with different riding styles.

Their task over the summer is to put at least three thousand miles on their chosen tyres and report back.

Our test still isn’t ideal, but by mixing things up and testing the tyres over a longer period, we’ll be able to give you a better idea of what you might expect when you buy a set.

All of the motorcycle tyres we’re testing were fitted within a few days of each other.

We all completed 60 miles/100Kms break-in period before measuring the tyres in the centre and halfway from the centre to the edge.

All the tyres were inflated to the manufacturers recommended pressures as stated in the handbook.

Dunlop Trailmax Meridian

According to the Dunlop marketing department, the Dunlop Trailmax Meridian has a new tread pattern, new compounds and what is described as Multi-Tread (MT) technology.

Dunlop state that they developed the Trailmax Meridian for adventure bikes that needed strong sports touring tyre, with the ability to take on light off-roading.

There is also the “Innovative ‘ice-ax’ tread pattern grips gravel, increases traction on unpaved roads and provides optimum water drainage, helping riders keep their cool in all conditions”.

Rayon Ply tire casing handles heat better, minimising warm-up times and achieving the more efficient use of the tread compound.
Using state of the art compounds and resin blends provide improved grip in wet conditions.
Multi-Tread (MT) technology (combining a softer shoulder and tougher centre) gives rock-solid grip and great durability.

We gave the Dunlop Trailmax Meridians to Dave to replace the OEM tyres on the KTM 1090. He is a bit of an overthinker when riding. He can’t see the point of being first to catch up to the next traffic jam or roundabout. That said, he does love fast flowing roads. Most likely to change up first. Prefers torque to maximum RPM.

Bridgestone Battlax A41

Truth be told, we have all run Bridgestone Battlax A41 tyres and found them to be good in the wet or the dry. We have all felt the slight step the Battlax’s have when crossing a white line in the wet, but it is something you quickly adapt to.

In marketing department speak, the Bridgestone Battlax A41 brings a revised construction to the party to find the right contact property in harmony with improved compound characteristics. The A41 provides the confidence and contact feel needed to tackle the most incredible roads.

You will also be pleased to know that, according to Bridgestone, through upgrading the contact patch and pressure distribution in the contact area, the A41 provides ultimate handling and grip feel.

And finally, Bridgestone reassures us that the Battlax A41’s robust construction is your guarantee of long-lasting and consistent performance, whatever the road throws your way.

The Bridgestone A41 are fitted to the Honda Africa Twin being ridden by the quandary that is Roger. On a track, you’ll find him in the top half of the intermediate group, knackering a set of track tyres in a day on his GSXR. On the road, the mild-mannered thoughtful. Roger gets on with the job but saves the late braking, and full power overtakes for the track.

Pirelli Scorpion Trail 2

Pirelli’s marketing department describes the Scorpion Trail 2 tyres with very few words. A “New Path For Adventure” seems to be the main headline. After that, there are six short bullet points, and that is your lot.

Aggressive off-road look
Sport Touring and Enduro performance blended into one product
Bi-Compound
Increased mileage
Top-level handling throughout the entire life
Improved wet performance

The Pirelli Scorpion Trail II have adorned Carle’s KTM1290. His own description of his riding style is “Prone to squaring off tyres”. Definitive when it comes to opening the throttle and takes opportunities when they present themselves. Quick overtakes, and firing the KTM out of a corner, puts a smile on his face. Spends time waiting for the rest of us to arrive.