Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross AX41 5k Mile Tire Review | Kyle's Favorite 50/50+ Adv Tire

5K miles in and the Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross AX41 tires are still my favorite 50/50+ Adv Tire. In this review I discuss my experiences of how it has handled on a BMW R1200GS, KTM 1190 Adv R, Honda Africa Twin, Honda CB500X and show it in action on my KTM 390 Adventure. It performs well in all areas as is demonstrated in this video as well as my other AX41 videos.
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00:00 Intro
00:21 Rabaconda
00:32 Close up of Rear Tread
00:50 Dirt
01:07 Wet Roads
03:13 Mojave Sand
03:35 Rain Ride Intro / Front Tire Closeup
04:15 Bearded Grump Motoz or Nothing @TheBeardedGrump
05:50 50/50+ Tire Description
08:04 Chasing a KTM 790 in Canyon
09:00 Hill Climb
20:36 @RevZilla GetOn Adv Fest

[@scootypuffjr.]

I'm more impressed that a KTM lasted that long.

[@manybikes]

Ha! Ha! Ha!

[@1993kramer]

Now that's funny 😂

[@joealtona2532]

Good one! I got a 2023 KTM 390 Adventure SW and the stock battery died just after 150 miles.

[@anthonysimoes7307]

Meanwhile my 390 adventure here in Australia is going fine with 12,000km and still on its original tires and chain too

[@manybikes]

No way! My chains only last 5k miles or so…

[@TheBeardedGrump]

Thanks for the shout out! We're Motoz or Nothing but you're right there's not a perfect tire for every type of riding and terrain. We've had great traction and tire life from the Motoz Tractionator Adventure. With that being said we're Motoz ambassadors so it's got to be Motoz or Nothing 😁

[@manybikes]

Nice!!!

[@ParallelCamper]

This makes me wonder Greg, but I think that I will still go Motoz if the tire I need is available.

[@manybikes]

@@ParallelCamper I typically have Motoz in stock when you are ready.

[@TheBeardedGrump]

@@ParallelCamper Motoz is the best 😁 they get great traction and they last a long time. It's just a good bang for the buck for me. Deep down Kyle wants to be Motoz or Nothing. 😁😂

[@manybikes]

I am Motoz or nothing on my own bikes when not testing other tires. Motoz just work!

[@stephenmett3929]

Thanks for the review. I'm a huge fan of the AX41's. Had them on a KTM 1090 ADV R, Yamaha Tenere 700, and now on a Triumph Tiger 900 RP. I personally don't focus on mileage. I would have no heartburn over replacing these tires every 2500 to 3000 miles because they perform really well in most conditions.

[@manybikes]

They are great!

[@OneOldManRiding]

Not to take anything away from your incredibly detailed reviews, but the best thing about your reviews is how happy you sound actually riding. So many reviewers go "clinical" and sound absolutely bored to be riding their bikes! - Frank

[@manybikes]

Riding these things is the BEST PART! Then... I get to share my "feelings and experiences" with others. Just awesome!

[@Rocketvet1]

What a great day that was! We had gone up and over the Piute mountains and ended at Lake Isabella. So glad we met up there since we’d been trying to get a ride in together all weekend! Thanks for the awesome video 👍

[@manybikes]

Yes it was a great time! Let's ride together again soon!

[@dancurran3854]

Great Review on the 41's- as always... The Tire Professor!

[@manybikes]

Thanks for watching!

[@WOODZMAN]

Enjoyed the video Kyle! To much fun. The Rabaconda is sweet

[@manybikes]

100% it’s so fun flogging little bikes. The Rabaconda is awesome!

[@tahoehiker]

That's much better mileage than I expected. These do come in my DR's 120/90 17 size so I might have to reconsider my next set of tires.

[@manybikes]

For the road going dual sport rider, these are great tires. 1/2 the block height of a dirt bike knobby and therefore more stable in high speed corners.

[@Manta84adam]

Perfect video as always, thank you. It will be great to see comparison between AX41 and new Trailmax Raid from you. (Trailmax mission was a bit disappointment for real offroad - ADV 990 R)

[@manybikes]

Yes Sir! I’ve got the TrailMax Raid on the way. I saw them in person last month and they look a lot like these AX41’s … we shall see!!!

[@RollinwithRoland]

Great video and review!!!

[@manybikes]

Thanks for watching! Have fun with your new kiddo!

[@bacbladerunner]

I just did a rally in AZ and half the NMBDR on a KTM 390 ADV with AX41's. Great performance. I like to descibe them as 70/70 or 80/80 tires since they give 70%-80% of maximum possible performance in both on and off road riding. But they wear too fast for me, so I just switched to a pair of Motoz Adventure tires. I only have 100 miles (all offroad) on them, but so far I really like their performance also.

[@donewhiskey]

I just switched to the Motoz Adventure too. Looking forward to see the wear characteristics. The scrubbed in quick and feel great in corners, so far.

[@manybikes]

While I really love the AX41, the Motoz RallZ and Adv are my GOTO tires. The wear and performance are unbeatable.

[@manybikes]

They are great tires. Where did you feel they were 20% “lacking” I’m curious

[@bacbladerunner]

@manybikes I didn't really FEEL any "lacking". But a pure street tire, or pure offroad knobby, would each perform better in its own niche than even the best ADV tire can.

[@manybikes]

Totally understood

[@chriscleland7008]

Just got a set on my 390, thanks for the recommendation!

[@manybikes]

Enjoy!

[@chriscleland7008]

@@manybikes My front tire starts getting scary on the pavement at 65 mph and wobbling all over the place. In fact, anything over that speed seems suicidal. Is that normal for these tires on a 390 adventure? I didn’t hear any complaints about it from any of the reviews I watched on them. Thanks in advance for your reply.

[@manybikes]

@@chriscleland7008 other then on rain grooves, I can ride 90 mph everywhere I go with out issues on the 390z

[@chriscleland7008]

@@manybikes I really appreciate your reply, I am going to take it in to be checked out. I put them on myself, maybe not such a good idea…

[@manybikes]

@@chriscleland7008 balancing is key. I have found it to happen when crossing sideways over ledges 2” or more on the highway. Other than that … super stable

[@lj1177]

Thanks Kyle. Helpful perspective. It's time to replace the Pirelli Scorpion STRs on my Tuareg. (6000m) -cornering and braking too sketchy when I'm on loose dirt, otherwise great. I love the AX41's on my Himalayan - on that low power bike it lasts ages, and makes the little tractor feel like it's on tank treads. I'm concerned about the longevity of the rear tire if installed on the Tuareg. Which rear tire would you pair a AX41 front with to end up with a balanced set of 50/50's but with a life of 5000m? I ride the bike as a commuter on I-5 in the PNW, and to also to get to forest service roads and the BDR in the dry season. Again thank you for your work.

[@matt_kelly]

I have these on my 390 Adv and on my new 890 Adv R and they have been great in most conditions. One area where I was surprised was on gravel hard pack. It seems like the back end gets sucked into ruts as soon as the tire sees them, there is very little lateral grip. That didn't happen nearly as much on the stock TKC70 or even the TKC70 Rocks I replaced the stock tire with. It's not too surprising based on the tread pattern, but I didn't expect it to be as bad as it is, it definitely got me into trouble a few times. That being said I will still buy them, they are great otherwise.... except for the wear, but that is fine since I'm mostly off-road anyways.

[@manybikes]

Great feedback Matt. Much appreciated. I am not feeling the lack of lateral traction off road... I find them WAY better than the standard TKC70 and comparable to the rocks in many situations.

[@friesenwayne5320]

I got 6100 miles out of a set on my Rally Raid CB500X. Got a replacement set from Rocky Mountain ATV with rebate

[@manybikes]

Nice work!

[@dlcpaco]

Really impressed how the sides haven't been touched and how square it is. This rear tyre have only seen highway.

[@manybikes]

2k miles were in dirt. The rest straight line commute.

[@davidcook4707]

Agreed! Sheer joy - and humour - is thrashing a 390Adv (on AX41's) and being held up in the twistys by big `parked' adventure bikes with embarrassed riders... The price of only getting 3000 miles out of the two rear's I've been through so far has been worth it. Interestingly riding like this also `triangulates' the overly square profile of the front for even better handling!

[@manybikes]

Dude… So Freaking Fun! It’s a great little machine that is often “looked down upon” when I show up on it. Then at the end of the day it “wins its respect” So Fun.

[@Max-ye9xg]

You know when you are hungry and you see a double-double from In-N-Out that's what these tires look like to me

[@manybikes]

Ha! Ha! Ha!

[@RobRoyAdventures]

Hello Kyle, Nice ride up Marshall, next time let me know if you are interested in a hanglider or paraglider flight, I am happy to set you up. I live in SoCal and am an local HG pilot. Thank you for the review, I love your reviews, I am very interested in putting this tire on the front of on my 890 Adventure R. A few years ago, I believe your recommended 50/50 ADV tire was the Motz Tranctionator (please correct me if I am wrong). I put these on my 890 Adventure R and find them to be way too loud on the pavement, my ears are ringing after a 700 mile 3 day ride. I also feel there are not as good off road as the TKC 80’s that came with the bike. I live in HB which means I need to ride 100’s of miles to get to the dirt. What would you recommend for a rear tire that is good in the sand & mud (typical northern Baja & Socal in the winter), good for the hills, decent noise level on the tarmac (so my wife is OK to ride tandem) and would last a 50/50 round trip to Cabo and back? Thank you for any guidance you can provide . . . .

[@manybikes]

Hey Rob! I’d love to paraglide / hanglide!!! The Motoz Asv or Rallz rear are my favorite rear tires. I like the AX41, Or Anakee Wild for the front… or the Dual Venture Front. My cell: 209-596-2260

[@RobRoyAdventures]

@@manybikes I will give you a call

[@hillkiran]

AX41 is my new favorite tire.

[@hillkiran]

I put the tires on my 2019 Africa Twin. Got a flat tire near El Paso, so now I have TKC 80 rear tire and AX41 front tire.

[@manybikes]

They are great!

[@manybikes]

Bummer!!!!

[@hillkiran]

@@manybikes it was quite the ordeal, 107 degrees, and tire was too messed up to patch. Only off-road tire they had was TKC80. Otherwise I would have gotten another AX41. But the TKC 80 works

[@manybikes]

@@hillkiran WOW! Glad you made it out though. !!

[@Max-ye9xg]

What an incredible area I suspected Tehachapi was good but not this good

[@manybikes]

They are all very different and great in their own rights.

[@Max-ye9xg]

I'm working hard to get everything done I would like to go there and stay awhile

[@manybikes]

Nice!

[@Geshmaal]

I bought the AX41 for my Royal Enfield Himalayan based on your recommendation and whilst it's really great off-road and on-road in the dry, it's the slipperiest tyre I've experienced on wet roads. In particular I find if I ever have to brake hard on wet tarmac I instantly start firing up the bike's ABS and the wheels squirm about quite a bit, never experienced this before. Maybe my expectations are a bit skewed though as my prior experience with adventure tyres is Pirelli MT60s and Continental TKC70s. The AX41 is night and day vs these off-road but I don't think the drop in wet road grip is worth it considering I ride to work year-round on these tyres as well.

[@manybikes]

Hummm I had great wet weather experiences with the AX41. The BEST knobby wet weather tire thus far is the Karoo 4 - hands down. Amazing!

[@Geshmaal]

@@manybikes I do like the look of the Karoo 4 but the front tyre availability isn't great in the UK, and also they cost about 50% more than an AX41. The AX41 covers a great range of sizes and is a very good price tbh, it's not a total write-off for me but I'm keen to try something else next.

[@manybikes]

@@Geshmaal yeah, but on the wet they are the best I’ve ridden! They work. They are expensive here too. The AX41 is a fantastic tire.

[@Just_2_Wheelz]

Thanks for your review! These tires helped me to survive the entire ACT Italy that was sometimes quite a bit of a challenge for me, the tires and my cb500x. Despite some very rocky terrain no punctures, just some minor cracks. For this kind of tires I found them very good in the twisties, I would say around 85-90% compared to the scorpion rally str in dry weather. I was riding carefully on wet tarmac with ax41, so can't really compare both. I've spent 3000km on the highway and 5500km in total on the ax41, and the rear still has around 5mm of thread depth. Btw, I have the same exhaust - the arrow pro race, but I see you fitted a some sort of extension, probably to protect the panniers? Is it made by arrow or is it a diy peace?

[@manybikes]

Thanks for watching! Check out my AX41 CB500X ride: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmPNcoekn6eiac0 The muffler extension was off of Amazon... like $35 bucks. I had to make it fit and tack weld it in place. I did it to protect my plastic panniers ;)

[@Just_2_Wheelz]

@@manybikesThnx! I've already watched this video, and a couple of months later I've traded in my GS for this Honda :)

[@manybikes]

@@Just_2_Wheelz Wow! That’s a story…! And … now how do you feel about that decision. I’m dying to know!

[@Just_2_Wheelz]

@@manybikes No regrets! I had a 1997 1100 GS which was very reliable but every year it was getting older...For off road riding it was too heavy for an unexperienced rider like I am/was. When I test rode the Honda it felt so much lighter, maybe just 20% less powerfull but still surprisingly stable on the highway, even in heavy crosswinds. With this bike I've taken various off road courses, did a 3 day solo off road trip in my home country and then did my first big solo off road trip abroad which it accomplished flawlessly. And also very important for me is that if the bike falls down I can lift it on my own, even on some very nasty surfaces. I did upgrade the suspension with a fully adjustable rear shock and progressive fork springs which has made a good bike even better. Edit: it still doesn't allow this bike to be a fast off roader but it's very stable. And I absolutely don't need to be fast off road :)

[@manybikes]

@@Just_2_Wheelz FANTASTIC! What a great story. Thanks for sharing

[@reg26]

I would think after having Motoz On my last dual sport that the AX41 is a better tires for a low HP Honda CRF 300 due to The weight of the Motoz. Last dual sport was 40+ HP the Honda is only 24-26 HP? What are your thoughts

[@manybikes]

The 120 version of the Motoz is much lighter and spools up pretty nicely on the small displacement bikes. The traction of the Motoz over the AX41 on the little bikes would be the reason I would run the Motoz on a 300.

[@adrianm.1910]

I'm about to try an AX41 set. This year I rode 5000 mi on an Anakee Adventures, to probably 50% and another 5000 mi on a Karoos 4, which is almost gone in the rear. Do you recommend replacing the rear alone? Thanks for your honest reviews!

[@manybikes]

I typically swap both at the same time if I can afford it. Otherwise I end up doing a front 1/3 of the way into the 2nd rear… kinda throws things out of whack I’d you know what I mean. Sometimes the other tire is fine or I can’t afford it… so I roll with it!

[@adrianm.1910]

​@@manybikes, I hear you. I did two rears per front on street bikes and scooters, but I have yet to try on adventure bikes. Even if the rubber is not all gone, a wear pattern is already set. Thanks for the prompt reply!

[@manybikes]

@@adrianm.1910 Yes Sir! Thanks for your support

[@Max-ye9xg]

Thank God this area isn't more developed but I'm surprised it's not more developed it must get hot as hell in the summer that's why

[@manybikes]

It's pretty devloped

[@germball96]

Are these a 50 50 tyre or a 60 40? Want something abit more road friendly for my xr400? Got 10/90 on my xr atm but to aggressive for me. Would you say these or the tkc80s? Thanks.

[@manybikes]

Thanks for your inquiry. The percentages are all bogus ;) There is no uniformity. If they have knobs and are meant for Adventure bike travel, I call them a 50/50+ tire... These work really well and they are more similar to the TKC70 Rocks but I do I like them better than the TKC80.

[@germball96]

@@manybikes thanks for the reply quickly. Yeah think I'll go with the bridgestone adventure tyres then. They will probably fit my type of riding i do 🙂. They look alright tbh. Thanks.

[@aka_pierre]

Kyle, I'm on a 990 Adv R - sort of similar to your 1190 in weight. Would you run the AX41s or the Anakee Wilds in deep, very fine sand? Edit: or something else?

[@manybikes]

The depth of the tread on these tires would keep me from running them in your Sandy terrain. I’d run the Motoz RallZ rear and the Dual Venture or Anakee Wild front. Do you have a stock seat? I’ve got a brand new Luimoto seat cover and gel insert if you’d like…

[@aka_pierre]

@@manybikes I'm on a saddleman, but thank you! Your comment is making me second guess my thoughts on tires ... Maybe the pirelli scorpion rally? Only issue is I need to ride 2 hrs of road to get to the sand. I found the Motoz you are talking about but I have a gift card with RevZilla and they don't carry Motoz. :(

[@manybikes]

@@aka_pierre Revzilla will have Motoz soon… until then, I can ship you Motoz tax free and FREE shipping.

[@isacmontgomery6696]

What is the tyre size front and back you run on the 390 Adv?

[@manybikes]

I am running the 110/80-19 on the front and the 130/80-17 on the rear.

[@stephenfox728]

Thanks for this. I have them on my 390, like ‘em a lot. But.. they are really noisy, did you find that?

[@manybikes]

Thanks for watching. I hear nothing from mine! Strange that yours are loud!

[@stephenfox728]

@@manybikes hmmm. Maybe I’ll look a little closer at them, perhaps something else going on. Didn’t notice the noise so much at first, but they sound like a set of winter car tires now, with a thousand miles.

[@stephenfox728]

@@manybikes looked T the tread, it seems to me like the trailing edge of the center lugs might be wearing more than the leading edge, does that indicate anything? I think the noise seems to go away when I corner and get off the center.

[@manybikes]

@@stephenfox728 trailing edge wear is normal. It’s caused by breaking. It’s exaggerated when tires are run at low pressures.

[@stephenfox728]

@@manybikes thanks. My pressure was low, 20 psi, I should have been checking. One last question, does it seem probable to you that this would cause the road noise?

[@user-gh1qn5sw9u]

Hi, what do you think about the Anakee Wild front connection and the AX 41 rear connection?

[@manybikes]

Yeah sure, that'd be fine. But why the Wild over the AX41 front?

[@user-gh1qn5sw9u]

I have an Anakee Wild front because I took the rear one off after 2000 km... and I'm looking for an alternative to the rear, because the front is perfect@@manybikes

[@manybikes]

@@user-gh1qn5sw9u the AX41 is fantastic.

[@jimkonugres8454]

Hey Kyle, we met at Big Bear Run this year. any thoughts on Mousse Balls on a dual sport? your opinion matters, a lot of noiise out there about there. Used Tubliss but still got flats. Thanks. Jim from San Diego.

[@manybikes]

What's up! Man... great question. There are many "different options" out there. Tubliss... Bib Mousse, Mousse Balls... Everyone I know who have gone to a "non-tube" set-up have almost all gone back to heavy duty tubes. Tubes can be fixed or replaced on the trail. All of the other options get a little sketchy. I say give it a shot if you want.. but Id bet that down the line... you'll probably be back on tubes.

[@jimkonugres8454]

@@manybikes I think you may be right....trying to avoid the unavoidabele! lol. Was in Moab and got a nail in my Tubliss, a lot of good that system did me as now I had 2 chambers losing air 😕, a tube would have been a better option, THANKS for the reinforcement on this

[@manybikes]

Yes Sir! Go heavy duty all natural rubber. Avoid "bytul rubber"

[@etfireman1]

Dunlop Trailmax Raid vs these... I know I may be asking the peanut gallery here because I don't see a lot of in-depth reviews on this new Raid tire but what are your thoughts...

[@manybikes]

My TrailMax Raid tires are on the way. Should have them here next week. I saw it in person last month. I think it’ll give this AX41 a run for it’s money. We shall see!

[@NaMinesClarence]

Got some Raids sitting on my 901 Expedition #dadlyfe is my only road block at this point to try them lol

[@manybikes]

I totally get the dadlife… makes extra time even more extra ;)

[@swedbear4035]

Hey Kyle! I'm running anakee adv. on my bike after asking your advice and really happy with those for my needs! But my buddy wants something a bit more aggressive for the gravel roads, but still wants good (great) action in the twisties. He hates rain and he rides a Triumph scrambler 1200xc. What tires would you recommend him to take a deeper look at? Longevity is important, so these ax41 are out, but doesn't need 'em to last like motoz gps 😅 I've suggested trailmax missions based on your reviews and testing, good advice? The downside is that they're pricey (at least in Sweden). Safe travels, buddy!

[@manybikes]

Can you get Motoz there?

[@swedbear4035]

@@manybikes Yes!

[@manybikes]

The Motoz RallZ rear and the Dual Venture front or Anakee Wild Front or AX41Front to pair with it. Fantastic set-up. @@swedbear4035

[@swedbear4035]

@@manybikes Thanks! And you don't reckon there's too much compromise on the asphalt? He's just recently ventured off the black stuff and really likes carving as well! 😃

[@swedbear4035]

@@manybikes In what ways does the Rallz beats the Anakee wild rear in your book by the way? Seem pretty close on paper

[@glennmcguire5571]

Hi Kyle: Have you reviewed the 390 Adventure yet? Still thinking about selling my T7 and getting a 390.

[@manybikes]

Thanks for your support. I am 500 miles away from 10k mikes and I’ll do my 10k miles “long term” review in the upcoming weeks. I ride it daily and as you can see from the riding in this video the 390 doesn’t slow me down much… I did 1400 miles in 2 days a few months back and I did wish on the uphill mountain stretches or when riding into 50 mph head winds I had a little more power. While I can cruse at 80 mph all day long… those two situations it dropped down to 60 mph… pinned open in 4th to maintain highway speeds. That’s the only downfall thus far. Stay tuned!!!

[@glennmcguire5571]

Thank You! I appreciate the honest response. I ride alone and the T7 is a bear to pick up, if I can even get it off the ground.@@manybikes

[@manybikes]

Been there done that… I dropped Travis T7 a couple times

[@meltloots48]

Kyle.... What is your favourite between Dunlop Trailmax or Mitas E07Plus?

[@manybikes]

I find them very very similar. They both do well everywhere except deep sand and mud. If you’d like the E07+, I can provide them. manybikes.company.site/products/E-07-DAKAR-Tire-p583965904

[@orangelion03]

Great tire, but I got 2200 miles on one on a 1200GS, and 2000 on another on Tiger 900RP. I attribute that to my lack of throttle discipline.

[@manybikes]

Sounds like all of my other attempts as well! Tough to get this sub 50 hp bike to eat tires ;)

[@NaMinesClarence]

I wasn't a fan of these in my 1190, at least they seem to work for smaller displacement bikes.

[@manybikes]

Interesting, my 1190 are them up! Liked them, they just melted off.

[@NaMinesClarence]

That is what I didn't like haha. The Anakee Wilds seemed to last longer on that bike and retain a similar feel in grip throughout their life cycle.@@manybikes

[@Max-ye9xg]

Tires have come such a long way now that they have pads and not only nobbys if you're going to ride in the dirt you need the most Street Nobi you can get in front

[@manybikes]

Huge strides in tires!!!

[@generaldistrust]

Kyle, maybe less weight on this rear tire summons more abrasive action?

[@generaldistrust]

think about this: more weight, probability is that more rubber will be pushed against the road.. more rubber of the same tire? more weight distribution\devision.. more 'wear share', could it be?

[@manybikes]

@@generaldistrust are you calling my fat?

[@generaldistrust]

@@manybikes "..of the land!!" KIDDING! we ain't fat, we're BIG BONED!

[@manybikes]

@@generaldistrust Ha! Ha! Ha!

[@Max-ye9xg]

The guy in France going too fast you could get in an accident and it would be bad

[@manybikes]

Fast and FREE!

[@lanceg.8458]

Dude, Pirelli Rally Scorpion STR's are just junk!!!

[@manybikes]

Hummmm... the type of ride you do really dictates that. Rode them all over the black hills last month and they treated me well..

[@Max-ye9xg]

No one's paying you a reward to go fast and get in a car wreck go slow enjoy and live

[@manybikes]

Gotta ride faster than traffic to avoid those sneaking up on me ;)

[@divebobber]

Start wide and hit the apex. You're starting early and being forced out after the apex. Something I'm trying to learn myself after riding with some good riders.

[@manybikes]

Thanks for your feedback. I will practice more... Thanks for watching!