Description
The Bridgestone Battlax BT46R takes over from the long-serving BT45 as the go-to bias-ply rear for owners who want their classic sport or touring bike to actually handle like one.
The BT46R keeps the bias-ply construction that these older frames and suspensions were tuned around, but Bridgestone updated the compound and tread pattern so it grips better in the wet, wears more evenly, and does not feel vague at speed the way a lot of old-school rear tires can. It is a straightforward, no-drama replacement rather than a tire that asks the rider to relearn the bike.
Key specs and features:
- Bias-ply carcass construction matched to the original vintage sport and touring platforms it replaces
- Tubeless design on most sizes for simpler maintenance and easier repairs than older tube-type equivalents
- Successor to the long-running BT45, developed with a modern tread compound and profile
- Tuned tread pattern intended to improve wet and dry grip over the outgoing BT45 design
- Sidewall styling that keeps the classic look expected on a vintage-era machine
- Consistent, predictable steering response suited to relaxed sport and touring riding
- Sized 130/70-17 with a 62H load/speed rating, built as a tubeless rear tire
This 130/70-17 62H tubeless fitment suits mid-size vintage sport bikes where the factory called for a bias-ply rear, and swapping to a fresh BT46R restores handling manners that age and hardened rubber will have taken away. Verify rim width against Bridgestone’s fitment chart before mounting.
