Just got back from a Wisconsin-Colorado/New Mexico-Wisconsin trip and the Battlax handled wonderful.

Lots of thread left, ran 38 lbs in it with 3oz of Dyna beads.

radioteacher - 2011-07-29 2:10 AM Looks like the Vision wants to take the trip again! Nice picture!

Thanks Paul...That pic was taken before any miles were put on either tire. I'll try to take an updated pic with 5000+ miles on the tires.

2011 Buena Vista,CO in July

john frey - 2011-07-29 12:15 PM Thomas Witch way did you run the rear tire rotation? Is the arrow point forward or to the rear? TKS

John,    I mounted the tire with the directional arrow backwards, another controversial subject.

From what I understand the Battlax being a rear sport tire and the way the plys are molded together for acceleration. Therefore mounting it backwards on the front the plys are suppose to hold up better due to higher braking forces. My thoughts, I really don't think it would matter which way you decide to mount it. We rode in 3 hrs of hard rain, Interstate 90 was closed due to flooding around Worthington, Minnesota and not once did I feel ANY hydroplaning. The tire handled GREAT on ALL the mountain roads we rode during our trip.

Updated pic of the Bridgestone Battlax BT45 140/70/18 with 5000 plus miles, thread depth measured around 24mm, just shy of a 1/4".

The tread depth when new was  9/32"

john frey - 2011-08-08 11:23 AM Thomas It was a trick question about the direction. Back in the day we always ran the arrow backwards. We did get good life out of them. Sold a 05 bagger with a rear up front and the guy said he put 10 thousand on it before he changed it and went to another rear up front and has no problems. I just went to the darkside with the Bridgestone Potenza 019 Grid 195/55/16. I all most tuck it off the first ride was all over the road. The guy that mounted it put 40psi in it. I drop it down to 35psi and put on 180 miles yesterday and ran hard in the corners and the ruts from the semi tires in the road were not bad. I did a lot of farm back roads and there not well maintained what so ever and the bumps pot holes didn't even feel them. I have 20 pounds in the shock and am very pleased with the car tire. I will be checking out your Bridgestone Battlax BT45 140/70/18 Thanks for all the great info.

Did I pass the test? ... LOL!      Yeah, to much air and a brand new CT that needs to be broken in, I bet you were thinking WTF! ...haha!

I run 34 to 36 psi in the rear but have the air shock pumped up to 55 psi (almost 100% 2up). I gotta say I'm liking the Dunlop SP Winter Sport 175/60r/16   CT on the rear better then the Falken 195mm CT I had on before. 

IMHO the 130mm E3 front tire is a tad to narrow for our bikes. The rear Battlax 140mm on the front seems to stabilize the front better.

Nozzledog - 2011-08-09 5:10 PM I noticed these only come in bias. Any concerns about running bias on front and radial on back? Bias supposedly anren't as flexible, does it feel stiff?

Good point!  A few of us might be the first to have this combination on the Vision but not the first to have this set-up on a motorcycle.

I realize the manufacturer's don't recommend mixing radials with bias. With that said I wouldn't advise it if your strictly using motorcycle tires.

Now,having had a radial CT on the rear of the Vision and the 130mm E3 radial up front. I experienced a squishy front end feel when pushing hard into turns/twisties.

My experience with the 140mm Battlax up front has been a firmer feel and as you pointed out the bias supposedly aren't as flexible. Also the Battlax has a Dual Tread Compound (DTC) which allows for longer mileage and stability from center, while edges offer grip and performance while cornering.

Just want to toss this out there ...

This has been my experience and NOT once have I ever said to ANYONE you should have a CT on the rear and a rear motorcycle sport tire up front. We are all capable of deciding for ourselves.   

Nozzledog - 2011-08-11 10:48 AM Many front tires have dual compound construction and a 140 width as well, so what is the advantages of running a rear tire on the front?

Haven't researched the many front tires with dual compound construction and a 140mm width, will be interesting what you come up with.

I do know the 140mm rear bias Battlax has a 9/32" tread depth, compared to the 130mm front radial E3 with a 6/32" tread depth.  

Kioti - 2012-04-30 12:35 PM Any problems with fender clearance with this tire? I too am in need of a new front tire and I am already running the Dunlop 175/60r16 and like it a lot.

Haven't had any clearance issues for 11,000 miles. I do get an occasional pebble size stone kicked up from running the tire backwards.

Other then that it has been a GREAT tire riding 2up in rain and twisties.