Bridgestone AT 41 vs Metzeler Tourance Next 2: In the thrilling arena of adventure motorcycle tires, the Bridgestone AT 41 and Metzeler Tourance Next 2 stand as titans among the competition, heralded as the top two contenders in the market. This epic showdown between Bridgestone’s latest innovation and Metzeler’s renowned performance is not just a comparison; it’s a battle of the best, where each tire promises to elevate your riding experience to unparalleled heights.
With cutting-edge technology, superior durability, and unmatched versatility, these tires are engineered to conquer any terrain, making the choice between them a saga of its own. Gear up for an electrifying clash as we delve into the specifics of the Bridgestone AT 41 vs Metzeler Tourance Next 2, where only the finest will claim the crown of the ultimate adventure motorcycle tire.
Table of Contents
Results: Bridgestone AT 41 vs Metzeler Tourance Next 2
The results featured here are from the Motorrad Tires for GS Class Test, with 6 different tires and 3 different categories tested. The accompanying graph presents a side-by-side comparison of the Bridgestone AT 41 vs Metzeler Tourance Next 2 across various performance categories, with the AT 41serving as the benchmark at the 100% mark.
The tire size of interest is the 120/70R19 (front) and 170/60R17 (rear) tire size. The tests were conducted using a BMW R 1250 GS as the test vehicle.
Objective Dry
In the highly competitive arena of adventure motorcycle tires, the Bridgestone AT 41 and the Metzeler Tourance Next 2 stand out as the top contenders, setting the benchmark for performance, durability, and rider satisfaction. Their face-off is eagerly watched by enthusiasts and experts alike, hyping up a battle that promises to push the limits of what riders can expect from their tires on the open road.
When it comes to dry performance, both tires showcase exceptional capabilities, but with subtle differences that set them apart. The Bridgestone AT 41, with a braking distance of 47.5 meters from 100 km/h, is just a step behind the Metzeler Tourance Next 2, which brings the bike to a halt at 46.7 meters. This slight advantage in braking efficiency could be crucial in situations that demand the utmost in safety and precision.
On the track, the Metzeler Tourance Next 2 edges out slightly in speed and agility. Achieving a top lap speed of 75.8 km/h compared to the Bridgestone AT 41’s 75.1 km/h, it offers riders a tad more thrill and pace. Furthermore, the Metzeler impresses with a quicker lap time, completing the circuit in 77.82 seconds, narrowly outperforming the Bridgestone AT 41’s time of 79.1 seconds. These differences, while marginal, highlight the intense competition and the high standards both brands represent in the quest for the ultimate adventure riding experience.
Tourance Next 2 :
- +2% in dry braking
- +1% in dry handling (top speed)
- +2% in dry handling (lap time)
Subjective Dry
In the competitive landscape of adventure motorcycle tires, the Bridgestone AT 41 and Metzeler Tourance Next 2 exhibit distinct subjective performance characteristics, each tire showcasing its own advantages.
The Bridgestone AT 41 surpasses the Metzeler Tourance Next 2 in handling, scoring 9 out of 10, compared to Metzeler’s 8, suggesting a slightly smoother and more controllable ride. Conversely, Metzeler takes the lead in steering precision with a score of 18 out of 20, a notch above Bridgestone’s 17, indicating a more accurate and responsive steering input.
Handling:
- AT 41 : 9/10
- Tourance Next 2 : 8/10
Steering Percision:
- AT 41 : 17/20
- Tourance Next 2 : 18/20
The battle intensifies in the corners, where the Metzeler Tourance Next 2 boasts superior grip, scoring 19 out of 20, against Bridgestone’s 17. This trend continues with grip under acceleration, where Metzeler again outperforms Bridgestone by the same margin, offering riders enhanced stability and confidence during spirited riding. Despite this, Bridgestone regains some ground in response and contact feeling, scoring a perfect 10 out of 10, slightly better than Metzeler’s 9, providing riders with a marginally better sense of the road and tire performance.
Grip in curves:
- AT 41 : 17/10
- Tourance Next 2 : 19/10
Grip under acceleration:
- AT 41 : 17/10
- Tourance Next 2 : 19/10
Response/contact feeling:
- AT 41 : 10/10
- Tourance Next 2 : 9/10
At the limit, Metzeler demonstrates a stronger behavior with a score of 9 out of 10, surpassing Bridgestone’s 7, suggesting that Metzeler tires maintain composure and control better under extreme conditions. Similarly, in deceleration during braking, Metzeler’s performance is again superior, scoring 9 out of 10 compared to Bridgestone’s 8, indicating more effective stopping power and control during braking.
Behavior at the limit:
- AT 41 : 7/10
- Tourance Next 2 : 9/10
Deceleration during braking:
- AT 41 : 8/10
- Tourance Next 2 : 9/10
Overall, while the Bridgestone AT 41 offers exceptional handling and road feel, the Metzeler Tourance Next 2 leads in steering precision, grip (both in curves and under acceleration), behavior at the limit, and braking deceleration. With a total score of 91 out of 100 against Bridgestone’s 85, the Metzeler Tourance Next 2 emerges as the more capable performer in a variety of subjective measures, making it an attractive option for riders prioritizing precision, grip, and safety.
Total:
- AT 41 : 85/100
- Tourance Next 2 : 91/100
Wear
When evaluating the wear performance of the Bridgestone AT 41 and Metzeler Tourance Next 2 adventure motorcycle tires, several factors come into play, including their scoring on wear resistance and the actual tread depth measurements before and after a set distance.
The Metzeler Tourance Next 2 shows superior wear resistance with scores of 43 out of 50 for the front wheel and 41 out of 50 for the rear wheel, compared to the Bridgestone AT 41, which scores 36 and 34, respectively. This indicates that the Metzeler tires are more durable and maintain their integrity longer under similar riding conditions.
Looking at the original and post-ride tread depths provides a clearer picture of how these tires wear over time. Initially, the Bridgestone tires start with a front tread depth of 4.6mm and a rear depth of 7.7mm, while the Metzeler tires start with slightly lower front depth at 4mm but a higher rear depth at 8.6mm, suggesting a variation in design focus.
After 2500 kilometers, the difference becomes more pronounced. The Bridgestone front tire wears down to 2.9mm, and the rear to 3.9mm. In contrast, the Metzeler front tire wears down to 3mm, and the rear more impressively to 5.6mm. This indicates that, despite starting with a lower front tread depth, the Metzeler front tire wears down at a similar rate to the Bridgestone, losing just 1mm compared to Bridgestone’s 1.7mm. More notably, the Metzeler rear tire exhibits significantly better durability, retaining more of its tread depth with a 3mm reduction, compared to Bridgestone’s 3.8mm loss.
In summary, while both tire sets begin with comparable conditions, the Metzeler Tourance Next 2 tires demonstrate superior wear performance over time. They not only score higher in wear resistance but also maintain more of their tread depth after 2500 kilometers, especially noticeable in the rear tire. This indicates that for riders prioritizing longevity and durability, the Metzeler Tourance Next 2 tires offer a more compelling option, ensuring longer intervals between tire changes and potentially better value over the tire’s lifespan.
Tourance Next 2 :
- +8% in mileage
Summary
As a tire expert, I’ve scrutinized both the Bridgestone AT 41 and Metzeler Tourance Next 2 tires. The Bridgestone excels in handling and road feedback, offering a comfortable and intuitive ride. However, the Metzeler Tourance Next 2 outperforms in critical areas such as steering precision, grip, and durability, showcasing superior wear performance which indicates longer lifespan and better value.
Considering all factors, including performance in various conditions and longevity, the Metzeler Tourance Next 2 clearly wins this duel. Its advanced capabilities in handling diverse terrains and ensuring rider confidence through superior grip and stability make it the top choice for adventure motorcyclists. Thus, by offering a blend of performance, safety, and endurance, the Metzeler Tourance Next 2 is the definitive winner in this comparison.
Dr Edwin Pang