As a regular writer for the likes of Fast Bikes, Harley-Davidson and other American V-Twin machines probably aren’t at the top of Alastair Fagan’s list of bikes to ride at a tyre launch – but they’re exactly the kinds of machines that the new Battlecruise H50 from Bridgestone is aimed at.
After being unveiled at Intermot, the tyre was officially launched in the US city of Orlando – the ideal place when you consider that more than 50% of bikes stateside are cruisers.
Admittedly lacking any real knowledge of American metal, Alastair went straight for an 883 Sportster, and later an Indian Scout.
Via his 44teeth.com website, Alastair said:
“Those of you familiar with Florida’s landscape will know sexy roads are scarce. Our route wasn’t exactly teaming with corners, which is no bad thing when you consider the complete lack of ground clearance on these things. If there’s one aspect I did learn about the H50, it was its stability without sacrificing feedback and road-tracking capabilities. Over-banding and iffy surfaces are rife on the roads around Orlando, and even the 883 was tracking superbly, never protesting at the muck beneath.
After a sore botty and fuzzy fingers, I switched off Grinder. And also switched from the 883 to an Indian Scout – another bike that’s escaped me in the past. Fast, sporty and relatively vibe-free, the pace was promptly faster and we could actually punish the tyre to an extent.”
“There were several Indian Scouts present with their OE Kendas fitted. Keen to suss the competition, I swapped the H50-shod Scout as a barometer. Instantly, the bike felt sloppy and lethargic to steer, and as soon as any meaningful lean angle was dialled in, it was akin to riding a blancmange. On swapping back to the Bridgestone H50 bike for the return jaunt, the Scout was more agile, taut, lighter on its springs and generally far sportier. I’m guessing Indian gets a good deal from Kenda on OE rubber.
Of course, the extent of my comparison ammunition is negligible to say the least, but I can say the H50 is a damn good tyre ridden in isolation – and head-to-head against the competitor at hand. This market is all about mileage, grip and handing, and it eased the latter two cruiser prerequisites in Orlando.”
You can view some more shots from the launch at 44teeth.com.
We expect the first sizes of the new Battlecruise H50 to arrive in the UK in early 2017.
