Tyre advice - KTM Supermoto

**Devil** · 7th July 2008, 10:26

Hi peoples,

Finally got myself a supermoto with the intention of being able to chuck other tyres on when I feel like it and start learning dirt/gravel road riding.

Existing tyre sizes are 120/70R17 and 160/60R17.

So far the best tyre options seems to be the Pirelli MT60 RS
http://www.cycletreads.co.nz/content...l&entryPK=2164

I also understand you can get Avon Distanzia's in that size.
Can anyone provide any feedback on these tyres?
I wont be looking at a different set of rims for this bike. I'll live with the 17" front as i'm a 99% sealed road rider (but looking to change that!).

Any other tyres suggestions welcome.

**Morcs** · 7th July 2008, 10:29

Id suggest having 2 sets of tyres. Dirt tyres are quite cheap, and when you know you are going to do adventure (or even dirt) riding, then you can get them changed for that weekend or whatever.

Otherwise, if you like to ride quickly on the road then Id suggest a hard but grippy compound - like dunlops gpr100s.

**Devil** · 7th July 2008, 10:32

Yep, will have two sets, comes with BT090's as standard.
But not looking at going offroad, just gravel/dirt and if they turn out to be a reasonable road tyre I might stick with them. Those Pirelli's are supposedly a "supermoto" compound, with extra sticky and lots of lean. Sounds like they wont last too long!

**Badcat** · 7th July 2008, 10:41

Originally Posted by Devil

Yep, will have two sets, comes with BT090's as standard.
But not looking at going offroad, just gravel/dirt and if they turn out to be a reasonable road tyre I might stick with them. Those Pirelli's are supposedly a "supermoto" compound, with extra sticky and lots of lean. Sounds like they wont last too long!

yep - i had MT60 RS on my KTM 640 supermoto - and i couldn't find a better tyre.
they are excellent wet and dry - and they lasted ok for me.
def. try them.

ken

**Devil** · 7th July 2008, 10:44

Originally Posted by Badcat

yep - i had MT60 RS on my KTM 640 supermoto - and i couldn't find a better tyre.
they are excellent wet and dry - and they lasted ok for me.
def. try them.

ken

Awesome, cheers. Pretty good on the road then?
I'll have to hurry up and sell the Triumph so I can change the rubber. Would make more sense having something like the MT60's in winter, than BT090's!

**White trash** · 7th July 2008, 11:06

Metzeler also do a dedicated Super Moto tyre.

**Devil** · 7th July 2008, 11:17

Cheers. Theirs is a bit too track focused though.

**Badcat** · 7th July 2008, 11:30

Originally Posted by Devil

Awesome, cheers. Pretty good on the road then?
I'll have to hurry up and sell the Triumph so I can change the rubber. Would make more sense having something like the MT60's in winter, than BT090's!

yep - brilliant and when they let go - they did very slowly with lots of warning...
i used to ride on wet roads on purpose with those tyres - it was the most fun!

k

**XF650** · 7th July 2008, 12:21

Mitas do EO7's that might fit your rims, at half the price of those Pirelli's.
Have seen EO7's fitted to motard wheels on a couple of DRZ400 SM's & owner's thought they were a great compromise.
Interestingly, on one the front was fitted with reversed direction, to steer better in the loose stuff.

**Quasievil** · 7th July 2008, 12:52

I have Distanzias on my KLR as I do 80% road and 20% off road, I find them fucken brilliant on road for high speed corning (yes the KLR can go fast you fuckheads) and they are ver y capable off road also, I will be buying another set, if I keep the bike long enough.
You wont have a problem, but can you get them in your size ???

**Quasievil** · 7th July 2008, 12:53

Originally Posted by XF650

Mitas do EO7's that might fit your rims, at half the price of those Pirelli's.
Have seen EO7's fitted to motard wheels on a couple of DRZ400 SM's & owner's thought they were a great compromise.
Interestingly, on one the front was fitted with reversed direction, to steer better in the loose stuff.

Eeeek, dont think much of the profile on those, would be like cornering on a tractor tyre

**Devil** · 7th July 2008, 13:27

Originally Posted by Quasievil

I have Distanzias on my KLR as I do 80% road and 20% off road, I find them fucken brilliant on road for high speed corning (yes the KLR can go fast you fuckheads) and they are ver y capable off road also, I will be buying another set, if I keep the bike long enough.
You wont have a problem, but can you get them in your size ???

They do a Distanzia Supermoto in my sizes, 120 and 160. But who stocks Avons? Are they reasonably priced?
Hrm, dilemma, Pirelli or Avon...

http://www.motostrano.com/avdisuti.html

**Badcat** · 7th July 2008, 13:37

Originally Posted by Devil

They do a Distanzia Supermoto in my sizes, 120 and 160. But who stocks Avons? Are they reasonably priced?
Hrm, dilemma, Pirelli or Avon...

http://www.motostrano.com/avdisuti.html

kerry at motohaus has these - i have a set on my 500 street tracker.
they are good - but i prefer the pirelli - they WILL be a lot cheaper though - i would say..
k

**Quasievil** · 7th July 2008, 13:45

Originally Posted by Devil

They do a Distanzia Supermoto in my sizes, 120 and 160. But who stocks Avons? Are they reasonably priced?
Hrm, dilemma, Pirelli or Avon...

http://www.motostrano.com/avdisuti.html

I paid $350 for a set, and they are great, cant fault them in any way.