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tire choice ahead of 2017 rally?

Started by locopny, October 20, 2016, 06:50:04 PM

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locopny

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....
87 XL600R 89 CBR600R
'17 CRF1000L
When can I go riding again? Crashing sucks!

loingrader

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.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

You live more in five minutes on a bike like this going flat out than some people live in a lifetime - Burt Munro

Abercrombie

#2
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.

NDave

I 2nd K270.         I have  a days worth of stuff to ride here by Bis if you are ever coming this way

Abercrombie

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.

loingrader

606s are great tires too.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

You live more in five minutes on a bike like this going flat out than some people live in a lifetime - Burt Munro

locopny

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.
87 XL600R 89 CBR600R
'17 CRF1000L
When can I go riding again? Crashing sucks!

greatbuffalo

That is what I use On my KLR and have had great luck with them.
Did I ever tell you: " I HATE MUD!" ?

locopny

#8
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
87 XL600R 89 CBR600R
'17 CRF1000L
When can I go riding again? Crashing sucks!

Hank

Haha that's good.  I think my chain is OK.   Sounds like team Zongshen

Sent from my Commodore Pet


drdude

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.

greatbuffalo

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.
Did I ever tell you: " I HATE MUD!" ?

sleddog

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.

loingrader

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!

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

You live more in five minutes on a bike like this going flat out than some people live in a lifetime - Burt Munro

Hank

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.