Is this what a street tire looks like? Now yes. The Bridgestone AT41 only pretends to be made for off-road use.
Image: manufacturer
For once, we give a tire more space than the vehicles it’s made for. Did he deserve it?
Wis the work of tire developers actually given enough credit? Tires, these specialists in holding your breath, round and black, have become rubbery inconspicuous, but they have to be responsible for everything that is done to a vehicle. In the case of motorcycles, they have to transmit acceleration, braking and cornering forces when driving straight ahead as well as in an inclined position, take on damping tasks and compensate for wheel load changes, and all of this on a rather tiny contact surface with the ground, in the wet as well as in the dry. They should also last as long as possible.
What is also required of them: to look good. This applies at least to certain types of vehicles such as retro machines or travel enduros. The latter not only have to transport their crew, but also demonstrate enterprise.