Summer Long Tyre Test Update 4 – The End

Summer has decided to stop, and as the damp and soggy weather approaches, it seems the right place to end the Summer Long Tyre Test.

The Africa twin has clocked the highest mileage. The Bridgestone tyres are still good, but Roger has bought himself a Suzuki GSX-S750 for the darker months and parked the Africa Twin until next spring.

Dave took off across Europe, putting 2,000 miles on a V-Strom 1050XT, and enjoyed being back on the Bridgestone A41s, but still prefers the Dunlop Meridians.

Carle has chewed through the Scorpions that are now ready to be changed. There are a lot of theories as to why tyres wear faster as the tread gets lower. The bottom line is that at 3mm, it is time to plan changing tyres.  

Dunlop Trailmax Meridian

Wet, dry, damp or drizzling, the Dunlop Meridians on the KTM1090 have been exactly the same. The feedback from the tyre never seems to alter, to the point where Dave has wondered if he could ever find the limit but decided not to try.

The Trailmax Meridians are inspiring, and when deciding which bike to use on cold and damp days, the Dunlop Trailmax Meridians put the KTM1090 top of the list.

Bridgestone Battlax A41

Roger remains resolute that Bridgestone A41s are the tyres he likes. Yes, they skip going over white lines especially in the wet, but Roger’s mind is clear on the subject.

Only a set of Bridgestone T32s might stop him from buying another set of A41s. Dave, meanwhile, is trying to convince him to try the Dunlop Meridians. And they say perpetual motion is impossible. That debate will go on and on and on.

Pirelli Scorpion

The front tyre on the KTM1290 is cooked and down to 2mm on the left and in the centre. It is time for a change. Despite the torque and power of the 1290, the rear tyre has held up well but is noticeably squaring off.

Carle puts a lot of how the rear tyre has worn down to his riding style. Dave has convinced him (he thinks) to swap to the Dunlops next. It will be interesting to see how they compare.