nklr tire choices

[Jim Hubbard]

Not trying to start another tire thread, but I'd really like some advice. After only 1700 miles, my original equipment rear tire is just about shot. I've been looking at 2 choices: The Metzeler "Enduro 3 Sahara" and the Michelin "Sirac". I've looked at every other tire on the planet, and I really like these 2. Does anyone have experience with either of these? Specifically, how well do they wear? My riding thus far probably favors the Michelin, since it's recommended for 75% street and 25% dirt, but if the Metzeler lasts a good long time then I'd probably rather have it. Another question: my original front tire is hardly worn at all compared to the rear. Should I replace it anyway just to match my new rear, or is running different tires front and rear OK? Jim Hubbard

[kcuf_oohay_666]

I had the Metzler tourance and they lasted about 9000 miles. these were the longest lasting and best handling tire I had on the KLR. the front tires will last about 3 times as long as the rear.

--- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, "Jim Hubbard" wrote: > > Specifically, how well do they wear? My riding > thus far probably favors the Michelin, since it's recommended for 75% > street and 25% dirt, but if the Metzeler lasts a good long time then > I'd probably rather have it. > > Another question: my original front tire is hardly worn at all > compared to the rear. Should I replace it anyway just to match my > new rear, or is running different tires front and rear OK? > > Jim Hubbard

[TM1669@cs.com]

I have a Metzeler Tourance rear and stock front. Works fine.

[Jim Tegler]

Howdy, I had some knobbies on the bike when I bought it used. They were too squirrelly in the corners for me. I'm a street rider primarily. I like the KLR's fit for my 6'4" frame and the simple engineering that allows me to fix stuff. Tire-wise I bought the Kenda 761s. I didn't like them that much. The front scalloped badly and I didn't find too much confidence in the corners with them. To their credit, they broke into a slide gradually rather than just letting go. I replaced them with Pirelli Scorpion ATs and they have worked for me. They last and the extra $s they cost seem like a decent place to spend. Just my thoughts. Jim A5

[Jeffrey]

Metzler Saharas are great esp. since I got mine slightly used for free. Kenda knobs come off on street. Kendas that are more street than dirt are fine. Kings tires were great cheap tires but have pretty much disappeared. My Dunlop and Kenda front tires scalloped/cupped. The scalloping has not created any real problems though. Jeffrey #3

[spike55_bmw]

Jim: I have some pictures in "MEFO Tires" photo album where I used a belt sander to round off the sharp edges on the back tire and remove the high spots down the middle from scalloping on the front. I felt a difference with the changes on the back but not the front. I started a set of Kenda 761s 4,000 miles ago and they are different than the 3 sets of MEFOs I ran for 22,000 (ran the original K750 for 3,000 miles = 29,000 total on the bike). They do squirm more on lose dirt / gravel and it takes some time to used to but they more easily break lose in the dirt and allows for some 'power-sliding' around corners. Everything is a trade off. Don R100, A6F

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Jim Tegler wrote: > > > > > Howdy, > > I had some knobbies on the bike when I bought it used. They were too squirrelly in the corners for me. I'm a street rider primarily. I like the KLR's fit for my 6'4" frame and the simple engineering that allows me to fix stuff. Tire-wise I bought the Kenda 761s. I didn't like them that much. The front scalloped badly and I didn't find too much confidence in the corners with them. To their credit, they broke into a slide gradually rather than just letting go. I replaced them with Pirelli Scorpion ATs and they have worked for me. They last and the extra $s they cost seem like a decent place to spend. > > Just my thoughts. > > Jim A5 >

[skypilot110]

did I mention my Kendas were only $20 each, I love pointing that out!

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Jeffrey" wrote: > > Metzler Saharas are great esp. since I got mine slightly used for free. > > Kenda knobs come off on street. Kendas that are more street than dirt are fine. > > Kings tires were great cheap tires but have pretty much disappeared. > > My Dunlop and Kenda front tires scalloped/cupped. > > The scalloping has not created any real problems though. > > Jeffrey #3 >

[skypilot110]

Must be winter again! OK, we do tires for December, then we can move on to oil in January and we can circle back around to WD40 by March. That way everybody gets it out of their system by spring Chris

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Jim Tegler wrote: > > Howdy, > > I had some knobbies on the bike when I bought it used. They were too squirrelly in the corners for me. I'm a street rider primarily. I like the KLR's fit for my 6'4" frame and the simple engineering that allows me to fix stuff. Tire-wise I bought the Kenda 761s. I didn't like them that much. The front scalloped badly and I didn't find too much confidence in the corners with them. To their credit, they broke into a slide gradually rather than just letting go. I replaced them with Pirelli Scorpion ATs and they have worked for me. They last and the extra $s they cost seem like a decent place to spend. > > Just my thoughts. > > Jim A5 >

[Jeffrey]

Yes for the same price I would rather have 2 Kings or 2 Kendas or 2 Deathwings or 2 Stinkos than 1 Metzeler

[spike55_bmw]

You forgot "guns" & "gun caliper" & "pistol vs revolver". Must be a newbie and missed the 'gun wars' of yore. Don R100, A6F

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "skypilot110" wrote: > > Must be winter again! > > OK, we do tires for December, then we can move on to oil in January and we can circle back around to WD40 by March. That way everybody gets it out of their system by spring > > > Chris > > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Jim Tegler wrote: > > > > Howdy, > > > > I had some knobbies on the bike when I bought it used. They were too squirrelly in the corners for me. I'm a street rider primarily. I like the KLR's fit for my 6'4" frame and the simple engineering that allows me to fix stuff. Tire-wise I bought the Kenda 761s. I didn't like them that much. The front scalloped badly and I didn't find too much confidence in the corners with them. To their credit, they broke into a slide gradually rather than just letting go. I replaced them with Pirelli Scorpion ATs and they have worked for me. They last and the extra $s they cost seem like a decent place to spend. > > > > Just my thoughts. > > > > Jim A5 > > >