Just completed a 48 state in 10 day run and just before I left I put a Bridgestone BattlAx BT45R 130/80-17 on the front of my 09 Ultra to compliment the already existing Michelin 205/55/16 Sport on the back. I put 8800 miles on the BattlAx in just under 10 days, riding everything from back road twisties to the canyon concrete in Arizona and the tire looks totally new. I now have 30k miles on the rear Michelin and almost 10k on the BattlAx. Couldn't be happier with the double dark combo.

For all the nay sayers, don't knock it til ya try it. The saying "Once you go Dark you'll never go back" is true in my book.

 

Cool beans....

Still loving my CT.

 

I've been double dark for about a year and I agree. I couldn't find anything negative to say about the BT45. My last one made it for over 20K. I usually get 15K from a stock front tire.

It's a very reasonably priced dual compound tire too. I've seen were people that live and ride a lot of mountain roads and ride them aggressively don't like them too much. The softer compound on the sidewalls wears out when you are on the sidewalls all the time.

For me, they are very good though. The more slab riding you do the more value you can get out of the Battleax's.

 

Thanks for the info. Been thinking bout going double dark. I'll most likely give it a try. Went double on the last Jap bike I owned, had no issues. Just had to mount the tire in reverse order.

SugsPa

 

Is that a rear tire? I searched for one but could only find a 120 front.
I have been running a G-Max for a couple of years and love it.

Great info.

 

Yeah it is a rear tire compound that works excellent on the front. Really sticky and great compliment to the CT on back.

 

AFAIK- And I have an entire thread in here on it, I was the first softail to go Dark. Others followed and became believers, but sadly, there are only a couple CT's that fit the 3" rims.
Regardless, I tried the Stones, Pirelli's, and Dunnies on the front and they all failed to live up to the traction of the CT in back.
Saw a LOT of very positive reviews on the Shinko 777's on Motorcyclesuperstore, and dropped that $82.00. For 8k, I LOVED it! TOTAL TRACTION even when wet!
Now running a REAR 777 and it's looking very longevic, same traction, smoothness, and unbeatable price.
Oddly, with our riding style, my first one still had the center tread...the SIDES were wore out; a testimony to grip.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui...&sz=w1892-h807

 

Thanks. I'll look into the Shinko's to. Probably have to do the front soon.
Rear?? I don't know when I'll ever run it down as it's wearing like iron.

FYI...I mount my own tires using Static and Beads to balance. Forgot to mention it's G-Max rear.

 

I used beads before, but switched to RideOn, since it balances dynamically AND seals flats on the go.You could hit a nail-filled board and never feel a thing from any air loss.

 

I'm going to use RideOn next tire change. I normally ride alone and there are a lot of desolate areas between Florida and California especially at 3am. For safety I carry a pump/plugs/sealant but would feel better with the RideOn.
Anyone use or look into Run Flat Tires? They wouldn't have the dynamic balancing that I would want. Just asking.

Thanks again for all the great info.