Crossing over to the Dark Side - Tyre recommendations?

[Alpha Solo]

OK So I have got to confess that I have crossed over to the Dark Side and brought a KTM 640 Adventure.

I'm picking it up on friday (cant wait!!!!)

Just wondered if a Mitas 08 would be suitable on the rear? I'm specifically thinking about the dusty butt, or would a tkc be more suitable?

Oh BTW -

Any training days / nights for the DB09 I'm keen to join up on!

[clint640]

OK So I have got to confess that I have crossed over to the Dark Side and brought a KTM 640 Adventure.

I'm picking it up on friday (cant wait!!!!)

Just wondered if a Mitas 08 would be suitable on the rear? I'm specifically thinking about the dusty butt, or would a tkc be more suitable?

Welcome to the dark side grasshopper. Use the orange force wisely and respect its awesome power

I think something like the E0-8 is a bit roady for frequent gravel use, they'll spin up too much, especially once they get a bit worn.

I'm liking the E0-7 I've got on at the mo, good in gravel & y' can corner pretty hard on the tar, the only reason I'd go for something less aggressive would be to get longer life.

TKC80 rears are too pricey for me considering how long back tyres last on the 640 but I like TKCs on the front.

Cheers
Clint

[Alpha Solo]

Cheers Clint,

I'm keen on super aggressive off road rather than road friendly, but it has to be road legal...

80's will wear out pretty quickly I agree

Any other recommendations?

[CrazyFrog]

Welcome to a whole new world of power and handling, you're gonna enjoy it.....and the 25 litre tank! I would agree, off road grip is important with this beastie, especially if you're not commuting on the bike and mainly using it for gravel/adventure playing.
If you want aggressive off road grip, go the Mitas E09, but you won't get huge road miles out of them, perhaps 5000-7000km.
Michelin T63's are okay, but keep your pressures up or they'll melt at highway speeds. Average tyre life 5000km.
Pirelli MT21's give good grip, but also wear quickly on long seal trips, 3000-5000km life.
Most of your tyre life will depend on pressure/seal work, and how much you're twisting the throttle.....too easy on the 640!
Prices are around $150 for them all depending on where you shop.

Any tech questions ask Warewolf!

[warewolf]

Nice choice!

There is a whole dirty great tyre thread stickied in this section. Any questions, get back to us!

The DB is only 1000km with 500-odd km gravel. You'd be hard pressed to wear out even a full (road legal) knobby in that distance. Last year I used a worn MT90 A/T, it had no side grip in the corners - not nice coming down off Mt Arthur in the dark, with those lovely drop-offs everywhere . A worn knobby would at least give some cornering grip.

Mitas E-07 would be as roadie as I would go.

[Alpha Solo]

[QUOTE=warewolf;1815147]Nice choice!

There is a whole dirty great tyre thread stickied in this section. Any questions, get back to us!

Doh - I must have some form of immunity to being able to see stickies!

Thanks for pointing it out !

[pampa]

Hi I'm not on the dark side (yet) but have 18'' rear as Katoom and I'm using Michelin Baja. I've done over 9000K so far an is still good it handles well on dirt and it's relatively cheap at about 150 bucks.

Cheers,
Pampa

[Alpha Solo]

Wow 9000km ! Sounds good...

As well as the Baja Michelin also make the Desert - any views on these anyone?

http://cycletreads.retail.sprint3.co...ageCode=21.998

[warewolf]

Duuuuuuuuuuude! Read the tyre thread!!

[Crisis management]

Peachie......the guys that ride the 640s have already answered your tyre question in this thread. Clint, Froggie and Colin have plenty of experience with your bike.
To summarise; Mitas E08 to E09, Pirrelli MT21 or Michelin T63s. Take your pick, go and buy one and find out how you like it, wear it out, repeat procedure until you find what works for you.

[dino3310]

What he said,
E-09s only $140 from LMS