R1200GS Bridgestone Battlewings

[Hickey]

Bridgestone BattleWing tires are what came stock on my R1200GS and I've thought they were fine tires. They survived many miles of highway and interstate while still providing adequate grip on even the canyon roads of Colorado. They are admittedly not very good on gravel or dirt, but on even bad pavement they were predictable and capable of more than I was asking of them. As an added bonus, the BattleWings seem to have good longevity, mine having lasted to nearly 10,000 miles.

But they are worn and it was time to sit down and order a new set. While shopping I ran into another pleasant surprise - BattleWings are cheap. I considered several different sets like Distanzias, Tourances, and Anakees, but all were more expensive, as much as $100 per set more expensive.

The BattleWings have more than enough proven longevity, cheapness, and perfectly acceptable handling for me. So I've ordered a second helping of the same tire for a bike.  

[County Tar]

I'm on my second set of Battlewings for my Strom, same size as yours.  Good tire for the road and I can get 7,000 or so on the rear which is good for me.  They are a little squirrely on gravel, but none of the allegedly 80-20 tires are very good on gravel.  I wish I could find a true 70-30 tire, something that would perform closer to a TKC or Karoo-T but still do OK on the pavement.  I have an Continental Escape on the rear of my DR650 and that is about a perfect compromise.  However, they don't seem to be available in GS/Strom sizes.

[bikerfish1100]

Shinko 705s are rated as a 75/25 tire. Good enough for any dirt road or small stream crossings on my F8GS, something i would never have considered attempting with the stock Battlewings. under $150 a pair, get around 8K out of them, mostly road riding. A bit squirelly in mud or deep sand- but most any 75/25 tire will be.