http://www.parts-unlimited.com/products/?productId=249744 (http://www.parts-unlimited.com/products/?productId=249744)
these are the tires I'm thinking about for my XL 600R. Had them in the past (10+ years ago) but were 90% dirt use and only ridden to the trailhead from the place I'd park the truck. Is there something better I should consider for prep for 2017 rally? I will use this on paved as well as dirt. Never ridden in the hills out in SD, only in So. CA. and not in any real rocks.
I know opinions are like A.....well you know too. but I'd really only like to enjoy doing a tire swap once.... as its just me and the spoons on the garage floor. I'm not set on ordering from any particular place either....
I dont even use dot tires on my current dual sport steed. There are plenty of paved twisties and occasionally some rain on those twisties but any dot tire will be fine. Kenda k270s get the job done on lots of bikes in the hills.
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I have a new set of Dunlop D606 that I will be mounting up on the XR650L come spring in anticipation for the Spring rally if it works with my schedule. They are rated as a 90% off road 10 % on road and seem to be a tire that has a pretty good following and reputation with decent traction and wear on the black top.
Disclaimer: I'm a dirt noob and have not even wore out my OEM tires on my XRL but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express once.
I 2nd K270. I have a days worth of stuff to ride here by Bis if you are ever coming this way
Those K270s don't look too bad and it looks like a set for the XRL would only be around a hundred bucks. I will have to keep them in mind for the next go around after the D606s I have sitting on the shelf wear out.
606s are great tires too.
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looks like I'll be opting for the K270's as they seem to be the best deal for me and have a nice balanced tread design for hwy and dirt. Plus they won't break the bank getting them.
That is what I use On my KLR and have had great luck with them.
Well I should have my tires here on Weds if all goes right. Tagging along will be a new helmet.
and a pair of boots.
and a jacket.
I shouldn't be allowed to shop online too often with a credit card. reminds me of that video posted here about "how much is it going to cost to go to Baja?"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7M1bRxgl_ac&feature=youtu.be
Haha that's good. I think my chain is OK. Sounds like team Zongshen
Sent from my Commodore Pet
Quick question......for those with the kenda 270....how are they working on rain grooves. I had the shenco look a like and it made me sea sick...seemed that it always was searching for the high groove.
I have not noticed an issue with rain grooves on my KLR. Wandering on grooved pavement can be a result of many things, tires, tire pressure, bike weight and weight distribution as well as the bike and set up itself.
My .02 ....I had Kenda's on my KLR when I ran over something at about 50 mph..instant deflation & just as I realized something was wrong I'm sliding down the pavement thinking "Damn I'm glad I have all my gear on" The sidewalls of the Kenda's are so flexable (soft) the beads broke & down I went. Three months later I'm exiting Glacier National Park & I feel/hear the front tire go flat again (I'm in traffic) I get pulled over to the side of the road before anything bad happens. The difference is I have D-606's on. Which have a much stiffer sidewall. No bead break this time. I know...there are times when the soft sidewall would be beneficial. But, for me I'd rather have the security of something that will stay on the rim. Just something to think about.
Puncture + tube tires + motorcycle + highway speeds = exciting ride that rarely ends well. I have put probably 20000+ miles on K270s and for an overall knobby dual sport tire ridden in cold, rain, mud and even loaded up at interstate speeds, they do amazingly well. D606 is definately a thicker sidewall. They are not my favorite tire to mount!
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I always liked the K270 pretty well for a DRZ or KLR when I did significant highway, but now i have a brand new one sitting there and no suitable bike to put it on.
So I'll probably sell it at the rally, or if anyone wants it now let me know.
Quote from: Hank on April 12, 2017, 07:07:11 AM
I always liked the K270 pretty well for a DRZ or KLR when I did significant highway, but now i have a brand new one sitting there and no suitable bike to put it on.
So I'll probably sell it at the rally, or if anyone wants it now let me know.
what a concept....last time I had a significant pile of parts, I bought a vehicle they fit. I said I
was cleaning the basement. No stipulation was ever made about the garage.
BTW Hank--what size is it?
Hank - I need some new skin on the DRZ. PM me $$$. I'll look up what size I have on it now. Pretty sure it's the K270 already on it but burned it up doing Colorado last summer
Wacked
Put K270s front and rear on the WRR, fell in love with them in snow and mud. Had a front flat on the highway that sent me into oncoming (empty) lane last year, broke the bead immediately and lost most control. However I'm not sure any other tire would have made a difference. Just spooned on new 270s on the DR650, and the wifes CRF230. Just a good all around tire for me. Will have to see how long they last on the heavy DR. I liked the Michelin T63 on the rear of the WRR, but the front was horrible on anything other than pavement. The T63 did not wear well for me though, wore out quick.
Would be interested in what size you have Hank, if Wacked doesn't scoop it up.
Take care all, and Happy Easter.
Its a 100/90-18, which is $64 on Amazon. How about $50 if I bring it to the rally? Or give me an offer :)
If someone needs that tire before the rally, Hank can bring it to Moab and I can bring it back to RC. Just saying.
That is not KLR size. KLR has a 17 on the rear
Dang, not a size I can use. I would on Heidi's bike but just put new ones on and it took her 5 years to wear out the last set.
Hank, I'll have to pass. Really want the 4.50-18. Not sure how the 100/90 correlates.
Wacked
I cant use it as its not a 17".....
For reference here is the 100/90-18 next to a 4.00 x 18 trials tire. Real close to the same width.
(http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa178/jasonh_010/SellingTemp/20170416_181902.jpg) (http://s197.photobucket.com/user/jasonh_010/media/SellingTemp/20170416_181902.jpg.html)