Went Double Dark and loving it
Thread Starter
|
Supporter
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,309
Likes: 12
From: Monroe, NC
Went Double Dark and loving it
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
.
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
.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,437
Likes: 80
From: currently an Okie
DDark
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.
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.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 945
Likes: 121
From: Where The Bluegrass Grows
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
SugsPa
Thread Starter
|
Supporter
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,309
Likes: 12
From: Monroe, NC
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
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
Trending Topics
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 311
Likes: 1
From: Florida
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.
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.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 311
Likes: 1
From: Florida
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.
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.