Summer Long Tyre Test Update 3

The Summer Long Tyre Test continues, with Roger clocking the highest mileage on the Bridgestone Battlax A41s.

Carle has taken to green lanes on his new Honda 300, saving the KTM 1290 from a few miles.

Dave, meanwhile, is making up for the lost time on the Dunlop Trailmax Meridians having lost a long-running argument with KTM over warranty claims.

With everyone now back on the road, we headed off to the Triumph Factory Café to take stock.

Dunlop Trailmax Meridian

Having missed a number of the high mileage trips with a radiator issue, the KTM 1090 has some catching up to do. Something Dave is only too happy to address.

The Dunlop Trailmax Meridians were the unknown quantity going into the Summer Long Tyre Test and have been very impressive. For large Adventure bikes, the Meridians deserve to be high on anyone’s list of replacement tyres. So asking Dave the leading question, “What would you swap them for?” elicited the answer, “Another set of Trailmax Meridians”.

Bridgestone Battlax A41

Despite the high mileage, Roger is convinced he could get another summer from the front Bridgestone Battlax.

The rear is down to 3mm tread depth in the centre and has visibly squared, but not enough to introduce a ‘step’ when tipping into corners. The grip is still there in the wet and the dry, as is the handling when pushing on.

Roger feels that the rear has enough life to get to the end of summer, especially as the Suzuki GSXS-750 has arrived. By replacing the rear Bridgestone late in autumn, the Honda Africa Twin will be good through winter and ready for another touring season next year.

When I asked him if he fancied trying a different make or model of tyre, the only thing that would tempt Roger away from the Bridgestone Battlax A41s on the Africa Twin would be the new Bridgestone T32.

Pirelli Scorpion

Meanwhile, the KTM 1290 is chewing through the Pirelli Scorpions equally at either end. So whichever tyre reaches the limit first will be the trigger to replace them both.

Nonetheless, the grip is still there, and all importantly, they remain predictable. Carle is hoping the Pirelli’s will see out the remainder of summer.

Due to tread flexing under hard braking and acceleration, there is a difference in wear on either side of the pattern blocks on both front and rear Scorpion tyres, but it has no adverse effect on handling or stability.

Carle is still thinking about what he would like to replace the Pirellis with. There is nothing wrong with the Scorpions, but what else is out there?