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

**Woodman** · 10th March 2009, 19:51

My Mitas e09 will be lucky to get to 3k , padmei didn't you put one on about the same time? How is yours wearing?

**_Shrek_** · 10th March 2009, 20:19

Originally Posted by warewolf

IRC TR-8
src=http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o20/warewolf885/mc/bikes/ktm/lc4/TR8-TKC80.jpg>

ww how do you think they would go on the 1150Gs?

cheers Shrek

**topo** · 10th March 2009, 20:27

my current E-09 has done around 1500km and i'd be supprised if it'd last another 1000 at the rate i'm going.
I still rate the mitas in terms of wear rates as the conti tkc i had previously only lasted 2000km, must add that both rears suffered some severe abuse

and would probably last a minimum of 5000km on the 640 if treated nicely.

**Woodman** · 10th March 2009, 20:29

Originally Posted by topo

my current E-09 has done around 1500km and i'd be supprised if it'd last another 1000 at the rate i'm going.
I still rate the mitas in terms of wear rates as the conti tkc i had previously only lasted 2000km, must add that both rears suffered some severe abuse

and would probably last a minimum of 5000km on the 640 if treated nicely.

Thats comforting to know, and it is a good comparison as we have similar power to weight ratios too.

**Paladin** · 10th March 2009, 20:39

Originally Posted by topo

my current E-09 has done around 1500km and i'd be supprised if it'd last another 1000 at the rate i'm going.
I still rate the mitas in terms of wear rates as the conti tkc i had previously only lasted 2000km, must add that both rears suffered some severe abuse

and would probably last a minimum of 5000km on the 640 if treated nicely.

Geez "severe abuse" must be an understatement!

**topo** · 10th March 2009, 20:50

the voices told me to

**Paladin** · 10th March 2009, 20:55

Originally Posted by topo

the voices told me to

Oh I SO know what you mean! That's exactly why I can't own a big fast road bike - I would just have to know how fast it would go!

**warewolf** · 11th March 2009, 10:01

Originally Posted by _Shrek_

ww how do you think they would go on the 1150Gs?

They'd suck, because they aren't available in the right sizes/style.

**warewolf** · 11th March 2009, 10:30

Originally Posted by topo

I still rate the mitas in terms of wear rates as the conti tkc i had previously only lasted 2000km, must add that both rears suffered some severe abuse

and would probably last a minimum of 5000km on the 640 if treated nicely.

Seriously doubt the TKC will go that far. 4000km for a TKC on mine, ridden as it should be but without being abused. By far the most $/km of all the tyres I've tried at 40% more expensive (per km) than the MT21.

The T63 is looking like it will price out the same as the MT21, but this one has had a comparatively hard life. Almost no touring on it, it's all been fairly solid adventure work. It's not particularly good at big lean angles on the tar, probably worse than the MT21; looks like it has less rubber at that contact angle.

**Kevnz** · 13th March 2009, 19:25

Looking to put some Mitas E08s on my DR650 over winter as I will be commuting/road use only. Standard tyre is 120/90-17. I can get a 130/80-17 or 140/80-17 in the Mitas. Will the 140 fit and any benefit over the 130 ? Thanks for any advise.

**NordieBoy** · 13th March 2009, 21:40

Originally Posted by Kevnz

Looking to put some Mitas E08s on my DR650 over winter as I will be commuting/road use only. Standard tyre is 120/90-17. I can get a 130/80-17 or 140/80-17 in the Mitas. Will the 140 fit and any benefit over the 130 ? Thanks for any advise.

It'll fit but no advantage. Go the 130.

**Paladin** · 13th March 2009, 22:24

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

It'll fit but no advantage. Go the 130.

Why go 130 over 140?

**NordieBoy** · 14th March 2009, 07:13

Originally Posted by Paladin

Why go 130 over 140?

Trying to keep the width ratios as close to stock as possible.
With a wider rear it takes longer to turn/lean whereas the front is still the same.
So the rear becomes a slower cornering tyre compared to the front and the bike starts to feel weird.

Of course some tyres will feel fine in 140 or even 150 section.

**Kevnz** · 14th March 2009, 07:35

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

Trying to keep the width ratios as close to stock as possible.
With a wider rear it takes longer to turn/lean whereas the front is still the same.
So the rear becomes a slower cornering tyre compared to the front and the bike starts to feel weird.

Of course some tyres will feel fine in 140 or even 150 section.

Thanks for that.I did read somewhere about longer to turn/lean and it makes sense keeping the ratios as close to stock as possible. Must say I'm impressed with how far you can lean down the DR into corners and feel quite confident doing it. I love it as a commuter bike due to the great visability in traffic and amazed at some of the gaps I have squeezed through, its also good to be able to take the back roads when you want to.Cheers guys,will put my order in today.

**Paladin** · 14th March 2009, 08:39

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

Trying to keep the width ratios as close to stock as possible.
With a wider rear it takes longer to turn/lean whereas the front is still the same.
So the rear becomes a slower cornering tyre compared to the front and the bike starts to feel weird.

Of course some tyres will feel fine in 140 or even 150 section.

Cheers Fran, appreciate the explanation - I've got lots to learn!