Tyre choice for adventure riding? (Mixing road and off-road)

[NordieBoy]

I am a bit of a noob in regard to tyre size for my bike. KTM 990. Should be 150 on the back but I am aware the 140 will do the job. Perhaps one of you boys or girls can clear up what difference it will make to the ride or handling of the bike.
Cheers for any feedback!

What is the rim width?

If you use all of a 150 (no chicken strip) then you may find the 140 a bit skinny as it'll be a bit easier to get over to the edge.

I'm running a 120x80x17 Shinko E705 (stock is 120) and with around town use there's no chicken strip left.
Absolutely no complaints about the handling but next time it's going to be a 130.

[warewolf]

Here's a pic of the new Mitas E10 for big adventure bikes:

http://www.trelleborgtyres.co.uk/category_Trail_1.htm

That site only shows BMW sizes, 19" front & 17" rear. Doesn't bode well for the 21"/18" KTMs.

[warewolf]

KTM 990. Should be 150 on the back but I am aware the 140 will do the job. Perhaps one of you boys or girls can clear up what difference it will make to the ride or handling of the bike.

The biggest thing will probably be the 150s are radials (if OEM spec) which likely handle better on road than a cross-ply (which most of the 140s are), particularly at high speed. Narrower tyres can handle better on dry gravel as they cut into the surface more; wider tyres tend to skitter over the top more.

The 640A is spec'ed with a 140/80 but the 640E is virtually the same bike spec'ed with a 130/80 (both cross-plys). My own experience of the smaller tyre backs up many internet comments that the bike turns better with the smaller tyre.

[Night Falcon]

Wider tires are better for sand, mud, hard clay and road....especially with a bit less air as there is more tire in contact with the surface. Its all about the grip!....plus they look cooler....which is always important!!

Just sayin

[XF650]

Warewolf is right again - be very careful with this tyre.
Mine came already fitted to a DR650 rear wheel, as part of the set I bought to set up the XF with a 21" front. So for recent trip south I thought I would give it a go, by simply swapping out the std XF wheel. The Kenda looked near new and is marketed as a 50/50 dual sport.
Anyway as a gravel tyre it's actually not too bad. And it tractored through mud quite well too, as long as both wheels were in the same rut!!

Straight line on dry seal it was acceptable but corner hard and bloody hell, if your not anticipating it, the tyre wants to "flop" over. This weird sensation seems to be caused by the side knobs being very soft and flexible, even at 35psi. On gravel there is a little bit of warning, when the tyre starts to "squirell". But on seal it seemed to happen more suddenly.
On wet seal everthing seems much worse.

So that's my experience with the K270. Better riders might enjoy it but I'm going back to a Mitas.

[bart]

Warewolf is right again - be very careful with this tyre.
Mine came already fitted to a DR650 rear wheel, as part of the set I bought to set up the XF with a 21" front. So for recent trip south I thought I would give it a go, by simply swapping out the std XF wheel. The Kenda looked near new and is marketed as a 50/50 dual sport.
Anyway as a gravel tyre it's actually not too bad. And it tractored through mud quite well too, as long as both wheels were in the same rut!!

Straight line on dry seal it was acceptable but corner hard and bloody hell, if your not anticipating it, the tyre wants to "flop" over. This weird sensation seems to be caused by the side knobs being very soft and flexible, even at 35psi. On gravel there is a little bit of warning, when the tyre starts to "squirell". But on seal it seemed to happen more suddenly.
On wet seal everthing seems much worse.

So that's my experience with the K270. Better riders might enjoy it but I'm going back to a Mitas.

I agree totally. These things are great on gravel, good in mud, shit on seal. They get worse as you wear the centre strip out, as you still have big knobs on the edges.

[umopom]

Have just ordered a D908RR out of the States - cost US$190 including freight which is better than the NZ$450 I have been quoted here. Will post some feedback once I have it fitted.
Cheers
JC

Just heard that the Dunlop D908RR is going to be available in NZ in May - don't have a price yet but they look good and the reviews are positive on most aspects.
Cheers
JC

[NordieBoy]

Straight line on dry seal it was acceptable but corner hard and bloody hell, if your not anticipating it, the tyre wants to "flop" over. This weird sensation seems to be caused by the side knobs being very soft and flexible, even at 35psi. On gravel there is a little bit of warning, when the tyre starts to "squirell". But on seal it seemed to happen more suddenly.
On wet seal everthing seems much worse.

Yep. The Shinko SR244 is very similar except for no "flop" and good on the seal.

[junkmanjoe]

I just put one of these on me 950.

let me know your thoughts on the tire plzz, what are you using on the front..
thanks

JMJ

[cooneyr]

Have just ordered a D908RR out of the States - cost US$190 including freight which is better than the NZ$450 I have been quoted here. Will post some feedback once I have it fitted.
Cheers
JC

Got a link to the place you brought it from. I'm very keen to try one on the 950.

Cheers R

[cooneyr]

let me know your thoughts on the tire plzz, what are you using on the front..
thanks

JMJ

D606 and D908RR is a popular combo in the states.

[umopom]

Hi Cooneyr
Have PM'd you.
Cheers
JC

Got a link to the place you brought it from. I'm very keen to try one on the 950.

Cheers R

[cooneyr]

Thanks for the PM JC. Can't PM you back though?

Cheers R

[Digitdion]

Have just ordered a D908RR out of the States - cost US$190 including freight which is better than the NZ$450 I have been quoted here. Will post some feedback once I have it fitted.
Cheers
JC

I would love to know where you got them from as well.
Cheers!

[dino3310]

been running AC10 michys front and back.... Scary on the road first of but know theyve got a few hundy on them there bloody awesome, there very aggressive so i definately dont push them on the tar but a major improvement off road, the front still looks new but the XR loves chewing rear tyres