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

**warewolf** · 25th July 2009, 20:17

A note on the BF Goodrich Crossengo and the Michelin Cross AC10.

These rear tyres are damn near identical in the tread. Only a very slight difference in the shape of some of the centre blocks (triangle vs curved), otherwise all positions, shapes, brace lugs etc etc are identical. The font for the name is also the same!

So I suspect there is some kind of cross-pollination happening in the Czech Republic where they are made. I had heard the Crossengo is a knock-off of a well known Euro tyre, now I know which one!

The Crossengo only comes in a 110/100-18, but the AC10 also comes in the next size up 120/90-18 (yes oddly in a 90 not 100 profile)... and maybe more, I've only got those two sizes to hand.

**Padmei** · 26th July 2009, 13:32

So which are the cheaper option WW? Anyone used seracs? Good?

**warewolf** · 26th July 2009, 17:17

Probably BF Goodrich but XF650 commented they may not be available any more. I didn't buy my AC10s.

**Woodman** · 26th July 2009, 18:11

Originally Posted by Padmei

So which are the cheaper option WW? Anyone used seracs? Good?

Do you mean Maicelin Siracs?? If so, i had one on the xl rear. Great on road ok on gravel, but useless in mud or similar. They are similar to Anikees which the klr had when I got it. Same thing, you just gotta ride slow on anything but tar.

**Taz** · 31st July 2009, 20:47

I have done 1472kms on the KTM 525 with tha Vee Rubber VRM147 (MT21 copy) and it's shagged now

. About 2mm left. I used these on my XT600E and got 5k easily. Will have to try something else now. Maybe a pirelli MT43. Large enduro trailie guys have suggested these may be the go.

**NordieBoy** · 31st July 2009, 20:51

Originally Posted by Anthrax

I have done 1472kms on the KTM 525 with tha Vee Rubber VRM147 (MT21 copy) and it's shagged now

. About 2mm left. I used these on my XT600E and got 5k easily. Will have to try something else now. Maybe a pirelli MT43. Large enduro trailie guys have suggested these may be the go.

The MT43 is a trials tyre.
It'll grip well but you may only get 147.2km out of it.

**Taz** · 31st July 2009, 20:54

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

The MT43 is a trials tyre.
It'll grip well but you may only get 147.2km out of it.

Done your research haven't ya

The MT43 is a Dot approved trail/dual sport tyre with a trials pattern....

"Pirelli wanted to widen the scope of use and strengthen the eco-friendly, low-impact characteristic inherent to these tires. Rather than create a meat that is super gummy, flexible and wears quickly, the MT 43 Pro has a reinforced bias-ply carcass with stiffer sidewall and more durable rubber compound. Tread pattern is different with non-square knobbies and a DOT-legal 11mm depth. Higher speeds and increased heat from dual-sport and pavement use were part of the reason the carcass and rubber compound were strengthened. However, the sidewalls still flex and make an enormous difference absorbing sharp impacts."

"As has been mentioned, if you run in rocks, roots, dry pack, snotty stuff and clearly with the new MT-43 pavement, once you try one, well you will be a bit upset you didnt change over sooner."

Another review-
"I've been running one all summer, offroad and on. it's been great during dry rocky rides and holds well on the road too. but get into any sitcky gumbo style mud and be prepared to work hard to keep going the direction you want. I had read that prior to buying so I wasn't surprised. for most of the terrain around here (upstate NY - rocks, roots, gravel, with mud thrown in) it works really well. I've put about 1000 miles on it, about half off road, half dirt roads and pavement and it hasn't really worn much at all. no knob chunking, still have pretty good edges. I'll definitely buy another one."

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/392/19...re-Review.aspx

**NordieBoy** · 31st July 2009, 22:02

Originally Posted by Anthrax

Done your research haven't ya

The MT43 is a Dot approved trail/dual sport tyre with a trials pattern....

I left off the bit that said...

I'll take one of the useless things off your hands for bugger all and put it on my XR250 where I think it may be the ultimate trail ride tyre

**Taz** · 31st July 2009, 22:07

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

I left off the bit that said...

I'll take one of the useless things off your hands for bugger all and put it on my XR250 where I think it may be the ultimate trail ride tyre

Unless there's lots of mud. But NZ doesn't have muddy trail rides eh?

**warewolf** · 1st August 2009, 14:46

That's my big concern. It's well known that a trials tyre will grip better in everything except mud. Unfortunately, trail rides hereabouts have everything not excepting mud!!

For dry summer rides it might be the schizz.

**NordieBoy** · 1st August 2009, 16:16

Originally Posted by warewolf

That's my big concern. It's well known that a trials tyre will grip better in everything except mud. Unfortunately, trail rides hereabouts have everything not excepting mud!!

For dry summer rides it might be the schizz.

Summer in Hira and some really low ratios