News New Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A42 Tire: The New Benchmark for Road-Adventure Bikes in 2027

Unveiled by the Japanese manufacturer, the all-new Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A42 is the successor to the iconic A41. Designed for riders who hit the road on large adventure bikes, this tire is packed with technologies to improve wet grip, noise comfort, and mileage.

A Booming Trail Tire Market

In Europe, demand for trail-category tires has surged by 45% over the past ten years. Enthusiasm shows no signs of waning, and the maxi-trail category dominates the motorcycle landscape. Launched in late 2017 to meet this surge in demand, the Battlax A41 will be replaced after nine years of loyal service by a redesigned version: the Battlax Adventure A42.

Developed around the concept of “the answer for road adventurers,” this tire is designed for trail bike owners who cover most of their miles on asphalt—from city streets to highways, not to mention winding mountain passes.

Designed for the top models in the category: the BMW R 1300 GS, Honda Africa Twin, and Yamaha Ténéré 700

While riders may not always be interested in the technical details of tires, choosing the right one is essential to unlocking the full potential of modern adventure bikes. With launch sizes ranging from 2027 to 2028, the Battlax A42 is aimed directly at the market leaders:

• Front (120/70R19) & Rear (170/60R17): the standard tire fitment for the iconic BMW R 1300 GS (and its Adventure version), as well as the Ducati Multistrada V4 and the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer
• Front (90/90V21) & Rear (150/70ZR18 or 150/70R17): essential for the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin, the KTM 1390 Super Adventure, the Yamaha Ténéré 700, and the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE.
• Street-legal sizes (120/70ZR17 and 160/60ZR17 planned for 2028): for mid-displacement adventure bikes like the Kawasaki Versys 650.

Wet grip, durability, and quiet ride

To outperform its predecessor, the Bridgestone Battlax A42 relies on measurable improvements from the brand’s internal tests:

• +14% wet grip: the slip rate during straight-line acceleration in the rain shows a notable 14% decrease, offering greater peace of mind on wet roads.
• Significantly increased durability: tire life has improved by +18% on the front and +25% on the rear, allowing for longer rides without having to constantly monitor tread wear.
• Rolling noise reduced by 15%: thanks to a wider contact patch, straight-line stability improves while noise levels drop by 15%—a highly appreciated comfort feature on long highway trips.

Track-derived technology adapted for the road

This improvement is based on the synergy between new chemical compounds and an optimized tread pattern:

1. Custom dual-compound technology: the front tire features a soft polymer designed to maximize grip on asphalt. The rear tire, meanwhile, uses a harder polymer focused on wear resistance. The silica and carbon content has been adjusted for both compounds.
2. Pulse Groove Technology: First introduced on the manufacturer’s sport tires (such as the Battlax S23 or T33), the integration of Pulse Groove technology improves water drainage by accelerating the flow of water beneath the tread pattern.

Availability Schedule and Sizes

Available starting January 1, 2027, the Battlax Adventure A42 will be rolled out in two phases:

(Note: The "UM" designation allows for the use of an inner tube if the tire is mounted on a dedicated rim.)

Front tire for the Bridgestone BATTLAX ADVENTURE A42