TYRE TEST

Posted On 17 May 2024

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This entry is part 7 of 28 in the series AusMotorcyclist Issue#32

BRIDGESTONE BATTLAX T30 EVO
GREAT, BECOMES AMAZING! WORDS STUART WOODBURY

You may remember that some time ago we fitted a set of Bridge stone’s T30 sport touring tyres to a Honda VFR800X Cross runner. Well, those tyres have fared extremely well, getting around 13,000km and being consistent in performance throughout their life.

So when we heard that Bridge stone has just released the updated T30 EVO, we had to get a set and do a back to back test with the original T30s.

The T30 EVO has been developed in response to the growing number of motorcyclists who want a touring tyre that offers them the peace of mind of consistent and comfortable performance on wet and dry surfaces – yet still gives them plenty of sporty handling and fun. The technical aim for Bridge stone was therefore to maintain the T30’s superb dry performance while upgrading its wet performance – and this has been achieved with specialised new compounds.

Wet performance has been transformed by the development of these new-formula compounds that increase friction on wet surfaces. The modified compound applied to the front tyre in combination with another newly developed compound on the centre strip of the rear tyre improve wet without sacrificing dry performance. They do this over a wider temperature operating range, as well as providing more stability, particularly for heavily-loaded touring bikes.

Test data from Bridgestone proving grounds and laboratories claim that the new T30 EVO provides up to 20% more grip, slide control and traction on wet surfaces than the current T30, giving riders shorter braking distances and a greater feeling of control. We did notice the extra grip, but especially the loads of feel,combining to make for a more relaxed touring experience.

The other part of the equation is the T30 EVO tread design. Here, the rear pattern has been reengineered with sub-grooves extending to the centre strip which increases water channelling away from the contact patch, giving riders more secure traction in wet conditions.

At the same time, the curved grooves have been moved outwards to create a rib along the centre strip, adding stiffness to the tread for stability when accelerating. This change also increases the size of the contact area with the lean angle, adding more grip and enabling the rider to corner in greater safety.

While it has been hard to test these tyres in the wet because rain has been pretty infrequent, we did get out in an afternoon storm and loved the grip available. Not once did the T30 EVO feel like losing traction, again making for a more relaxed ride, because you can just get on with riding, not worrying what may or may not happen.

The new Bridgestone Battlax T30 EVO comes with a huge ten out of ten from us. If you want a sports touring tyre that behaves exactly right, look no further.