KTM 950/990 rear tyres?

**spsduc** · 10th September 2007, 10:52

Hi guys, I would like to know what all you KTM 950/ 990 Adventure riders are running in the way of rear tyres for gravel and mild off road adventure riding.
The standard scorpions are fine for the road and I guess gravel if your careful, but are hopeless when things get a little greasy.
I am currently running a $300 TKC80 which appears to be wearing ok and hooks up not bad. I have run a Dunlop 908RR which was excellent, but Forbes & Davies don't bring these in. I had to get mine out of Aussie. These really stand up to abuse well. I used mine on the 3 day (+ 2 days getting to Cromwell from Dunedin and back) Sth Island Safari in January and it was still useable afterwards. This is a very tough tire. I really abused the hell out of it coming back over the Nevis, with no sign of tearing or shredding.
These things sell in the US for around $100 USD. Mine cost me $300 with a mate bring it back on the plane with him!
I'll attach a photo for you.
Has anyone a better solution?

Thanks in advance.

**cooneyr** · 10th September 2007, 12:58

I've read that the Michy Deserts are suppose to be a tyre that would be suitable for heavy machines like a 950/990 and are too stiff for a 650ish bike. No idea if they even have the right sizes.

Cheers R

**spsduc** · 10th September 2007, 16:02

Originally Posted by cooneyr

I've read that the Michy Deserts are suppose to be a tyre that would be suitable for heavy machines like a 950/990 and are too stiff for a 650ish bike. No idea if they even have the right sizes.

Cheers R

Thanks I'll check them out.

**mickeyboy** · 10th September 2007, 20:10

D908 RR , Mate, Forbes and Davies do have them , well they did, they gave me one to test UNREAL TYRE !!! read next Bikerider magazine. Mick

**warewolf** · 10th September 2007, 21:11

Originally Posted by cooneyr

I've read that the Michy Deserts are suppose to be a tyre that would be suitable for heavy machines like a 950/990 and are too stiff for a 650ish bike. No idea if they even have the right sizes.

I've read the opposite; the Deserts are a gun tyre for trips into central Aus on the likes of the 640 Adventure. Not available in KTM 9x0 sizes. Expensive and can be in short supply, but worth it because of its durability - just like the Dunlop D908RR.

The D908RR has a very stiff carcass/bead, to the point that some Aussie riders questioned the ability to do puncture repairs in the field with the shorter 250mm tyre levers.

I'm up for a new chunky adventure tyre - very tempted to try either of these two.

**spsduc** · 11th September 2007, 08:45

Originally Posted by mickeyboy

D908 RR , Mate, Forbes and Davies do have them , well they did, they gave me one to test UNREAL TYRE !!! read next Bikerider magazine. Mick

Thanks, I'll try my local dealer to see if Forbes have any in stock yet.

**ZReX12** · 13th September 2007, 20:24

Sounds like you've found all that's available.
I've got the standard Pirelli's on, work very well seal and firm mountain roads, no real complaints on firm gravel. But loose gravel F...k! mate any 200kg 100HP bike is a hand full in gravel, same in soft muddy shit.

I'm not that keen on running TKC's, had them on my old 650 and found them very good, but suspect they won't last on the 990 for to long.

Best thing to run in muddy shit is something 100kg lighter and $12k cheaper.

**warewolf** · 13th September 2007, 22:37

Originally Posted by warewolf

I've read the opposite; the Deserts are a gun tyre for trips into central Aus on the likes of the 640 Adventure.

Issue #17 of TBAM arrived yesterday. They have yet another review of the 640 Adventure. Recommended tyres are Michelin Baja front, Desert rear; or Dunlop K490 front D606 rear. The D606 is also rated by the yanks on advrider, but the size required by the 640 is not imported into NZ, only the two small (or is that "too small") sizes.

Originally Posted by ZReX12

Best thing to run in muddy shit is something 100kg lighter and $12k cheaper.

Like this:

The only problem is fitting it in your panniers until such time it's needed!

**K slider** · 14th September 2007, 20:18

I have done 4500 km on my Dunlop 606s

**ZReX12** · 26th September 2007, 09:49

Originally Posted by warewolf

Issue #17 of TBAM arrived yesterday. They have yet another review of the 640 Adventure. Recommended tyres are Michelin Baja front, Desert rear; or Dunlop K490 front D606 rear. The D606 is also rated by the yanks on advrider, but the size required by the 640 is not imported into NZ, only the two small (or is that "too small") sizes.

Like this:

The only problem is fitting it in your panniers until such time it's needed!

Yep, that'll work!!!!!!

**chris** · 26th September 2007, 13:49

Check out the Vee Rubber range. We've tried various versions both on road and off road and have found them to be good, plus they're not expensive!

**chris** · 26th September 2007, 13:53

Originally Posted by warewolf

The only problem is fitting it in your panniers until such time it's needed!

I'll see your muddy KTM and raise you a Suzuki...

**warewolf** · 26th September 2007, 16:00

Originally Posted by chris

Check out the Vee Rubber range. We've tried various versions both on road and off road and have found them to be good, plus they're not expensive!

Says my tyre bloke: "The kings & vee's are not available in those models from the NZ distributors."

Typical.

**chris** · 26th September 2007, 16:16

Originally Posted by warewolf

Says my tyre bloke: "The kings & vee's are not available in those models from the NZ distributors."

Typical.

For the 640? Because if so and you want an aggressive road legal adventure tyre that won't break the bank, look at the VRM 147 as it comes in 140 80 18. Call Darbi Accessories on 09 415 3565 and ask them, they're the distributors.