nklr new profit potential for klr's

[Spike55]

Hope the shoulder is better. The OEMs lasted about 3K and the MEFOs will need changed out prior to the state's annual safety inspection in July. But the MEFOs (F@29psi, R@32psi) will be ready to go at 7K (the front blocks are carved with a high ridge down the middle & the rear has "street-tire" thread depth down the middle). They still seem OK but the rear-end tends walk out on a heavy lean since the contact patch changes abruptly when coming off the flat center area (going up on tippy-toes in the lean). In the dirt they still seem OK if it is soft since the less worn side lugs can dig in. They do seem to be very stout tires and I already have another set ready to put on. Since I'm also running their heavy tubes, I rarely give a thought about whether these are up for the challenge (fun-road / fun-dirt / heavy-hauling touring rain or shine). Being an old Boy Scout leader, I err on the side of being prepared, so I have my Ortleib Dry Bags on all of the time with rain gear some tools, air pump, etc (case of beer lashed down when visiting certain friends). With me and all of that junk, it probably adds 270-290 lbs. Maybe if I had the larger side-cases (more weight), I would more tire wear. I also tend to pound the throttle but I did get 58.8 MPG on a 180 mile road trip yesterday (full saddle-bags too). Don R100, A6F

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Jim" wrote: > > I'm in search of a rear tire...again. Original tires lasted around 2k > miles or so. Next set were Avon AM44/45. Those lasted about 6k miles > until the rear was gone and the front was getting choppy. Since almost > all of my riding is on the street, and what little dirt I do is on > graded roads (only place bikes are allowed up here), so for set #3 I > chose Bridgestone Battlaxes because they are kind of known for taking > abuse on the street. Unfortunately my choice of a pure street tire > didn't get me longer wear. In fact, this set barely lasted 3k miles. > Front is like new, rear is smooth. > > The only thing I can think of is that there is too much weight on the > rear of the bike for a tire this narrow, combined with high speed > highway cruising and lots of cornering are doing these tires in. > > Can the bike handle a larger rear tire? Initial thoughts are NO since > the stock size seems to barely fit in the swingarm. Next question- > what would a good, durable option be for a set of tires, something > that will last well, be decent in the rain, and handle some cornering? > I really need to change something here, and if I can't average more > than 4k miles out of a set of tires, I need to find a bike that will > take larger/more durable tires. > > Jim >

[fasteddiecopeman]

Jim, I've used Kenda K270s, 5.10 x 17 rear and 3.25 x 21 front since the OEMs died: I set pressure at 36 psi (18 psi for trails) and I get AT LEAST 16,000 kms per tire (about 10,000 miles), and I've been to Alaska carrying saddle-bags and a 'canoe sack' w/ tent, sleeping bag and mat, plus other stuff, AND a tank bag, plus, fully suited up I'm about 200 pounds. The rear I put on FRESH for that trip still has about 1/2" on the center knobs, and it has 14,600 kms on it. Once the center wears down to flat from convex, they tend to 'howl' (I wear ear plugs so it's not an issue); and the front tends to wear the knobs sort of 'scalloped', so I remove the front, reverse it, and re-install which equalizes the wear pretty well. Did that probably 6 or 7,000 kms ago. Ed

[Jon Neet]

I got 10,000 out of the original tires (actually I haven't replaced the front yet). I am trying the Duro tires.The rear has only been on for about 600 miles though.I work at a dealership and got my employee discount.Also moneys a bit tight right now, so I couldn't turn down the deal I got for the set.I bought tire irons etc and replaced the rear myself.I ride pretty conservatively and its all street.I'm getting an average of 56 mpg (high of 62.5). So I'm not flogging mine. jon [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[blocloc]

I wouldn't be surprised if the variability isn't as much an alignment factor as anything else--that has to be at least as important as air pressure. I'v got a pair of OEM's saved for someone on the road with a tire problem and I"ll give them to them to get them on their way.

----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike Grace" To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Monday, May 26, 2008 5:08 AM Subject: RE: [DSN_KLR650] Re: Are there any tires that LAST on these bikes??? >>>I don't know what you do with your tires but my 2006 KLR rear tire lasted > exactly 6000 miles, and I weigh 260 lbs. Sounds ok to me. This was 99% > street. > > > Based on this and similar comments I've read I'm thinking there could be > significant variability in the rubber in batches of Dunlops; I ride about > as > moderately as you can (59 MPH last tank and limited high speeds) and I'm > going to be hard pressed to wring 3000 miles out of the rear on my 2008. I > also wonder if there aren't widely different opinions on what 'worn' > means: > I've seen guys on tires I consider unsafe slicks who are tickled pink they > get so many miles out of them. > > > > Another plug for the MEFOs although I've never used them: I've read enough > consistent comments about their longevity there must be something to it. > > > > I've also heard good things about Kings tires (about half the price of > MEFOs) which are what I'm going to replace the stockers with - I'll report > later how they hold up. > > > > And I believe heat is a big factor: if you ride in cooler climes my guess > is > tires last longer. > > > > Finally and this is a tangent but given how tire wear is so constant and > little things can affect it I wonder if all other things being equal a > thumper wouldn't wear tires faster than a smooth v-twin or inline four > just > because the power pulses are less evenly distributed (yes, I have too much > time on my hands). > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > ------------------------------------ > > List sponsored by Dual Sport News at: www.dualsportnews.com > List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > Member Map at: http://www.frappr.com/dsnklr650Yahoo! Groups Links > > > >

[Al]

Jim, You may want to try a Dunlop 491 on the rear. It should last around 18,000 miles on the KLR with your type of riding. I am new to this list, but I did have a 2000 KLR that I rode 81,000 miles in 3 years. On the non-paved roads, like in Alaska, the 491 required taking the curves a little slower. On pavement, the 491 had good traction. http://www.epinions.com/reviews/Dunlop_491_Elite_II_Rear_Oversize_Item I got back on this list to see what people had to say about the 08 KLR. Al Jim wrote:

> > I'm in search of a rear tire...again. Original tires lasted around 2k > miles or so. Next set were Avon AM44/45. Those lasted about 6k miles > until the rear was gone and the front was getting choppy. Since almost > all of my riding is on the street, and what little dirt I do is on > graded roads (only place bikes are allowed up here), so for set #3 I > chose Bridgestone Battlaxes because they are kind of known for taking > abuse on the street. Unfortunately my choice of a pure street tire > didn't get me longer wear. In fact, this set barely lasted 3k miles. > Front is like new, rear is smooth. > > The only thing I can think of is that there is too much weight on the > rear of the bike for a tire this narrow, combined with high speed > highway cruising and lots of cornering are doing these tires in. > > Can the bike handle a larger rear tire? Initial thoughts are NO since > the stock size seems to barely fit in the swingarm. Next question- > what would a good, durable option be for a set of tires, something > that will last well, be decent in the rain, and handle some cornering? > I really need to change something here, and if I can't average more > than 4k miles out of a set of tires, I need to find a bike that will > take larger/more durable tires. > > Jim > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG. > Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.24.1/1466 - Release Date: 5/25/2008 6:49 PM >

[Jeff Saline]

On Mon, 26 May 2008 12:14:31 -0500 Al writes:

> Jim, > > You may want to try a Dunlop 491 on the rear. It should last around > 18,000 miles on the KLR with your type of riding. > > I am new to this list, but I did have a 2000 KLR that I rode 81,000 > miles in 3 years. On the non-paved roads, like in Alaska, the 491 > required taking the curves a little slower. On pavement, the 491 had > good traction. > > http://www.epinions.com/reviews/Dunlop_491_Elite_II_Rear_Oversize_Item > > > I got back on this list to see what people had to say about the 08 > KLR. > > Al

<><><><><><><><><><><><> <><><><><><><><><><><><> Al, I've heard very good reports on the K491 performance too. Never tried them myself but guys with airheads like them and some guys report over 20K out of a rear. That's on a bike with a whopping 60 hp. : ) Recently I heard on the airheads list that the 491 wasn't going to be available anymore. I don't know what the replacement is going to be. So if someone wants to try one they better hurry and find one while they are still on the shelf. Best, Jeff Saline ABC # 4412 South Dakota Airmarshal Airheads Beemer Club www.airheads.org The Beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota 75 R90/6, 03 KLR650, 79 R100RT

[Jim]

Just to clarify- some have mentioned knobby tires not taking street abuse well. The Battlaxe's are STREET tires, not DP. Here is the link to the tire I just wore through: http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/tpl/tire/product.jsp?skuId=540152&store=Main&catId=404&productId=p540351&leafCatId=40402&mmyId= I'll look into the Dunlops. I just ordered a Kenda last night, but if it doesn't last well, I'll give the Dunlops a try. I appreciate all the help people have been offering up! Jim

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Al wrote: > > Jim, > > You may want to try a Dunlop 491 on the rear. It should last around > 18,000 miles on the KLR with your type of riding. > > > > I am new to this list, but I did have a 2000 KLR that I rode 81,000 > miles in 3 years. On the non-paved roads, like in Alaska, the 491 > required taking the curves a little slower. On pavement, the 491 had > good traction. > > http://www.epinions.com/reviews/Dunlop_491_Elite_II_Rear_Oversize_Item > > > > I got back on this list to see what people had to say about the 08 KLR. > > Al > > > > Jim wrote: > > > > I'm in search of a rear tire...again. Original tires lasted around 2k > > miles or so. Next set were Avon AM44/45. Those lasted about 6k miles > > until the rear was gone and the front was getting choppy. Since almost > > all of my riding is on the street, and what little dirt I do is on > > graded roads (only place bikes are allowed up here), so for set #3 I > > chose Bridgestone Battlaxes because they are kind of known for taking > > abuse on the street. Unfortunately my choice of a pure street tire > > didn't get me longer wear. In fact, this set barely lasted 3k miles. > > Front is like new, rear is smooth. > > > > The only thing I can think of is that there is too much weight on the > > rear of the bike for a tire this narrow, combined with high speed > > highway cruising and lots of cornering are doing these tires in. > > > > Can the bike handle a larger rear tire? Initial thoughts are NO since > > the stock size seems to barely fit in the swingarm. Next question- > > what would a good, durable option be for a set of tires, something > > that will last well, be decent in the rain, and handle some cornering? > > I really need to change something here, and if I can't average more > > than 4k miles out of a set of tires, I need to find a bike that will > > take larger/more durable tires. > > > > Jim > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > > Checked by AVG. > > Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.24.1/1466 - Release Date: 5/25/2008 6:49 PM > > >

[nakedwaterskier]

I am having good luck with my rear Kenda. The factory front Dunlop cups long before it wears out but it doesn't seem to bother me much. Also, the Kings tires seem to hold up well. Both Kenda and Kings are considered lower cost. Jeffrey

[Greg May]

Hi Jim, I presently have a set of Kenda 761's mounted and are quite happy with them. They work good on road with plenty of traction especially in the dry whether the pavement is smooth, rough, clean or dirty, the rear will slide but predictably in the dry if you really push it in 1st or 2nd. Off road on gravel and woods trails, (no deep mud holes on a bike this heavy as far as I'm concerned) where I spend a good precentage of my riding the rear seems ok although it is dicey going down steep loose hills because of the lack of knobs it locks easily. The front works well on road, pretty good on gravel but skates around more then some might find comfortable. I run them both at 32psi and have never bothered airing them down although I'm sure that it would help off road. Concerning wear, they weren't installed at the same time but the rear presently has 6700 km's on it and has just reached the point that the very shallow groove that runs around the centre of the tire is just disappearing, guessing I would call it about 1/2 worn out as far as it's absolute wear goes. The front has pretty much exactly 5000 km's on it and with the exception of scalloping it shows pretty much no wear, I'm a hard front braker and can say in my case the tire will be scalloped to the point of uselessness long before it is "worn out" The original front lasted 10000 km's and should have been replaced probably a couple thousand before that. For the price if you're doing mostly on road with some gravel and dry trails in my opinion I think the 761's are a good deal....Have a great evening....Greg Jim wrote: I'm in search of a rear tire...again. Original tires lasted around 2k miles or so. Next set were Avon AM44/45. Those lasted about 6k miles until the rear was gone and the front was getting choppy. Since almost all of my riding is on the street, and what little dirt I do is on graded roads (only place bikes are allowed up here), so for set #3 I chose Bridgestone Battlaxes because they are kind of known for taking abuse on the street. Unfortunately my choice of a pure street tire didn't get me longer wear. In fact, this set barely lasted 3k miles. Front is like new, rear is smooth. The only thing I can think of is that there is too much weight on the rear of the bike for a tire this narrow, combined with high speed highway cruising and lots of cornering are doing these tires in. Can the bike handle a larger rear tire? Initial thoughts are NO since the stock size seems to barely fit in the swingarm. Next question- what would a good, durable option be for a set of tires, something that will last well, be decent in the rain, and handle some cornering? I really need to change something here, and if I can't average more than 4k miles out of a set of tires, I need to find a bike that will take larger/more durable tires. Jim --------------------------------- Instant message from any web browser! Try the new Yahoo! Canada Messenger for the Web BETA [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[mikeypep]

I tries the Kenda 761 for street only. I got about 3-4K miles til the center tread disappeared. Now its smooth in the center and has a very healthy amount of rubber left on the side. Actually the center rubber is substantial too but there's no tread! I found them pretty squirrly in cornering and not real good in the wet. Next up for me will be the Scorpion ST. I like the idea of silica in the rubber compound. By the way, I have about 4000 miles on the front Dunlop 607 and it looks like new. I'm running a used Dunlop 607 on the rear and its just fine.