I have been running double dark for a number of years now and love it but.......the last two BattleAx BT45 tires have cracked and dry rotted between the treads similar to the pictures I have posted. The last one which was last year was partially covered under warranty. I got 50% back from the tire vendor.

Has anyone else had a similar problem? Are there any other options for front tires in the "Dark" genre? I am reluctant to put on another BT45 and have it split.

Note: I checked the production date on my most recent BT45, it has a 2013 date.

 

Mine was brand new this spring, but now you got me worried. I will try to check it this weekend.

 

I have had that happen to at least 2 different BT45's.


I started running the tires in the backwards orientation because of it and so far, the latest battleaxe isn't doing that.

 

So how does it handle running it backwards? Any difference to speak of? I hear about doing this and the hair on the back of my neck stands up!

 

No difference. Some say it won't shed water as well in a heavy rain. I haven't noticed any difference.

 

For what its worth, back in my Yamaha days (I was a Dark Sider back then too), one of the manufacturers recommended putting the rear tire on in reverse order when mounting it on the front. I can't remember if it was Michelin or Bridgestone, but I actually read the company's literature on it and their recommendation. I would assume it could be found with a google search for those interested.

SugsPa

 

The new Michelins get the kind of mileage you guys are talking about with no fuss. Got 20,000 on my front and rear , plenty left....................

 

After reading this thread, I set my BT45 up running in reverse direction.. Still cracks, after 15,000 miles.. it has cracks, and I need to replace it. I have thought of going back from the darkside but at nearly 500.00 for stock tires ( I get 25K out of them) I am still cringing.

Any other front tire reccomendations?

 

Mine cracked also and mine was put on in reverse with 17 thousand miles. I was told that the tire was not designed for the weight. I like being double dark when riding in rain. I’m interested in finding something different but have not yet.

 

I had no problems with the Battleaxe up front on my old bike. I only had about 13K miles on it when I got rid of that bike. For the record I ran mine frontwards direction. Need to try to find out if folks are having cracking issues with BattleAxes on the rear.... Might have nothing to do with double dark....