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I have a Kawasaki Ninja 500r with a rear tire that is worn down to 1.5mm tread depth in the middle, so I need a new one.

It's 130/70-17.

I want a tire that is the perfect balance between safety and longevity. I know softer tires have better grip, but wear out faster, and hard tires have less grip, but last longer. I'm looking for something in between.

I'm thinking I'll order the tire online and take it to the shop to have it mounted. California sales tax is 9.75% now, so I'm definitely ordering from out of state!

Any suggestions/links would be greatly appreciated!

I've had excellent results with the Bridgestone Battlax BT-45s. They have a dual compound tread. Stickier on the sides and harder in the middle. I got excellent wear out of them. The rear lasted 12.5K miles on my Nighthawk. The front is still going with more than 14K on it.

flynrider wrote:I've had excellent results with the Bridgestone Battlax BT-45s. They have a dual compound tread. Stickier on the sides and harder in the middle. I got excellent wear out of them. The rear lasted 12.5K miles on my Nighthawk. The front is still going with more than 14K on it.

Good to hear, because that's what I bought. Thanks!