KTM Capital Coast Adventure 2008

**Big Dave** · 22nd January 2008, 22:58

Of the expert off road riders that I know well - Colin is alone in his assessment of the TKCs

**warewolf** · 22nd January 2008, 23:39

Originally Posted by pete376403

What is a cheapish TKC-80 lookalike that willl last at least for the day on a 190kg bike and would be suitable for this ride?

You will struggle to destroy any road-legal knobby over the 300km of the CCA. I'm sure it could be done, hell I'd like to watch!

My favourite is the Pirelli MT21. Other alternatives are the Mitas E-09, Dunlop D606, Michelin T63. The Kenda K760 Trakmaster II is a proper knobbie, pretty cheap but would require care on wet seal. There's quite a selection if you are going that aggressive.

Originally Posted by Big Dave

Of the expert off road riders that I know well - Colin is alone in his assessment of the TKCs

Some of the people that agree with me are in your group of experts. But hey, tyres like bikes are personal preference. Clouding the issue is that some TKC80s are more equal than others. The spacing on the 19"/17" models is much more open than on the 21"/18", so they don't even work the same way across different bikes.

Financially there is no doubt, the TKC80 runs at $5.30 per 100km, the Pirelli MT21 at $3.80, the Pirelli MT90 A/T at $2.30. Relative to tread block spacing, the TKC80 should be priced between those two Pirellis.

**clint640** · 23rd January 2008, 08:00

I run a TKC80 on the front, they last about 10-12000km. I really like 'em. Given that I use about 3 rears over that mileage, $250ish for a TKC rear ain't gunna happen, so I use a $160ish Pirelli MT70 on the back. I find it a good combo for what I do & it's what I ran on the last CCA ride with no problems.

I'm not sure about Colin's calculations for my application, I destroyed an MT21rear in 2000km which = $7/100km. MT70 = $4, MT90 $ I'd agree with, but they're not much shot on gravel after they're about 1/3 worn.

Cheers
Clint

**Big Dave** · 23rd January 2008, 08:48

I don't even ask Kerry how much tyres cost anymore. I've even gotten to the stage that I just say 'whatever he thinks' and hand over the visa.

At the moment I have some sort of road metzler on the rear. the days of it being real important to me are past. Sport/touring compounds all work much the same on the back.

Even on the dirt. An off-camber left-hander strewn with marbles is just as miserable on a road tyre as it is Syncs or Tourances. Some situations just need the square edge build your own berm profile.

Anyway - the TKCs - How well they work on the seal AND off it is my criteria.

Cost per knob ya knob!

**warewolf** · 23rd January 2008, 08:52

I'd rate the front TKC80 better than the rear, for sure.

You sound even harder on rears than I am. At $250 for a TKC80 (more than I paid) the TKC80 would likely cost you $11 / 100km!!

**warewolf** · 23rd January 2008, 09:01

Originally Posted by Big Dave

the TKCs - How well they work on the seal AND off it is my criteria.

Mine too, which is why they are so disappointing. They should be better than the MT21 on the seal - they aren't. They're easily worse in the gravel, and they cost shitloads more. Why would I bother with them??

Just take it as said I don't like 'em, and probably won't run them again unless somebody else pays for 'em.

**Big Dave** · 23rd January 2008, 09:27

I could not fault the performance of the TKCs on the Tiger that did the CCA. Truly was flawless performance - other than the rear being spent in the process of AKL - CCA - AKL.

Wet dry seal mud - same with the ones on the Scrambler.
Followed Oscars pressure settings and they lasted mucho longer.

If the opportunity presents I'll have a bash at the things you say - but only because you say - I got nuffink I can point at the TKCs

**tri boy** · 23rd January 2008, 09:39

Originally Posted by Big Dave

Wet dry seal mud - same with the ones on the Scrambler.
Followed Oscars pressure settings and they lasted mucho longer.

I would appreciate the pressure setting recommendations if you can recall them Dave.
I've put a new rear, and putting a new fr TKC on Fatty for my sth island ride. It's going to involve seal/various gravel, and a bit of dirt riding.

I'm thinking ON Seal: R-32-34psi, fr 24-26psi

Gravel: Rear 25psi, Fr 22psi.

I will bang on Oscars trash can if you can't recall, but I still have anxiety moments from his displays on Sesame Street.

**Big Dave** · 23rd January 2008, 09:41

Originally Posted by tri boy

I would appreciate the pressure setting recommendations if you can recall them Dave.
I've put a new rear, and putting a new fr TKC on Fatty for my sth island ride. It's going to involve seal/various gravel, and a bit of dirt riding.

I'm thinking ON Seal: R-32-34psi, fr 24-26psi

Gravel: Rear 25psi, Fr 22psi.

I will bang on Oscars trash can if you can't recall, but I still have anxiety moments from his displays on Sesame Street.

It is a bit lost in the mists atchally. Best wake the grouch.

**clint640** · 23rd January 2008, 09:41

Originally Posted by warewolf

I'd rate the front TKC80 better than the rear, for sure.

You sound even harder on rears than I am. At $250 for a TKC80 (more than I paid) the TKC80 would likely cost you $11 / 100km!!

Yeah, trips with some of my mates can turn into a major thrash session on both gravel & tar, which shreds anything knobbly pretty quick. I don't think I'd deal to a TKC80 in 2k km though, I'd expect 4k or so.

My current MT70 is lasting really well however, the 3300km I've put on it in the last month have mostly been following Rosie at a more sedate pace.

Cheers
Clint

**warewolf** · 23rd January 2008, 10:43

Originally Posted by clint640

I don't think I'd deal to a TKC80 in 2k km though, I'd expect 4k or so.

I got 4k or (just) so. At the same rate you wore the MT21, I'd say you'd get 2250km.

Originally Posted by clint640

at a more sedate pace.

That'll do it every time. Probably doing wonders for your fuel economy, too!

**nerdneh** · 23rd January 2008, 13:09

Tyres each to their own ! I rode last CCA on V/STROM wearing Mitas E09s 20/25psi , she never once let go, but was a bit of a handful in sand & @ Devils Gate - Red Rocks. Big Dave rode with me on Scrambler- not sure wot boots. Last Morelys 6hr on KL 250 wore BFG Crossengos 15/18psi absolutely faultless on wet single trails, best DOT tyres have ever used over many years of trail riding. Cant wait for next CCA & all the company & fun it provides.

**nerdneh** · 23rd January 2008, 13:15

Originally Posted by warewolf

Mine too, which is why they are so disappointing. They should be better than the MT21 on the seal - they aren't. They're easily worse in the gravel, and they cost shitloads more. Why would I bother with them??

Just take it as said I don't like 'em, and probably won't run them again unless somebody else pays for 'em.

I agree with Warewolf & Big Dave TKC 80s overpriced & overrated , there is most certainly better options.

**warewolf** · 23rd January 2008, 14:17

Originally Posted by nerdneh

Last Morelys 6hr on KL 250 wore BFG Crossengos

So is this you? (Nordieboy photo)

I was running a Crossengo that day, too. Unfortunately the rear on the 200 is too small to fit on the 640, otherwise I'd have a ready supply of ex-race tyres that would work schweet on the adventure bike.