Summer Long Tyre Test Update

We are part way through our Summer Long Tyre test, and apart from the KTM 1090 spitting the dummy with a leaking radiator, all is going well.

Roger is running the Bridgestone A41s, and when I asked for his feedback on the tyres so far, mainly he looked at me dumbfounded.

Bridgestone A41

“They are Bridgestone A41s, Dave. Very much my tyre of choice for the Africa Twin, although I wouldn’t mind trying a set of the new T32s. The front is A41 still has a great shape. The rear has squared slightly from a long two-up with luggage trip to the South Coast and back. Boring motorway on the way down, followed by something more bike-friendly on the way back.

What I like about the Bridgestones is their consistency. Even that little step they give when crossing white lines in the wet. The Bridgestone’s do it every time. I know it is coming. No surprises. The perfect wet-weather tyre.”

Pirelli Scorpion

Meanwhile, Carle, much to his delight, has been pushing the Pirelli Scorpions fitted to the KTM 1290.

“The Scorpions have roughed-up in a few places, on both the front and the rear, but I have a lot of confidence in them. They have never stepped out of line or caused the traction control to kick in.

The rough patches were caused by me applying too much throttle when banked over onto the softer edge rubber. If I’m cornering hard, then a positive, but neutral throttle is required. At normal lean angles, the Scorpions have no problem with all of the KTM’s throttle being applied when exiting bends.

The profile of the rear is a little square when you look at it, but I can’t feel it when riding.”

Dunlop Trailmax Meridian

And the wonderful Dunlop Trailmax Meridians – which you can read about here? The KTM 1090 is now out of the naughty corner but fighting with the Tracer 9 GT for road time. We have a visit to ProBolt in Tewkesbury coming up soon. So I think it will be time to swap the bikes around in the garage for that ride.