The old tire question....

[URLOOZN]

Hello boys and girls! Well, I finally did it. I took an extended trip on the KLR. I went up to the dragon with some guys from work for a few days. Sorry...I RODE the KLR up to the dragon and back. You know, I didn't know I could keep it pinned for that long! And you really have to lean it hard to touch down the center stand. Didn't realize just how far until I lowered it by hand to show the kids how low it was. YIKES!!
Anyway, the other guys were on a Goldwing, a heritage classic Hardley and a new FJR. It was a refreshing change to be the 'fast guy!' I didn't bring my camera but as soon as I get some pics from the other guys I'll let the wonderful Miss Tiffany post them for me.
I basically doubled the mileage on my bike (up to 4000 miles now. If you recall, I was having electrical problems last year so didn't ride it too much.) and the rear tire is pretty much toast. I am now looking to those in the know for suggestions on tires. Depending on what ya'll suggest I may get another set of the stockers in the meantime but I really need suggestions for the Alaska trip next year. I met up with some guys who suggested Avon Distanzas. They look the part but are for tubeless rims so they won't work on the killer. I've heard mention of those Karoos too but I don't know if they would work on my rims either and they look a little more 'dirt' than I think I need for all that highway riding that will be required for the trip. The middle1000 miles or so will be dirt roads up in Alaska but the majority will be slab. I know all you GS guys will have suggestions but remember, the KLR still has tube rims.
Hmmmm......I wonder if Marchesini makes wheels in my size......

Anyway, there is my question. Let the Flame Wars begin!!

[setacwoodtic]

Anakees, all the way. Best choice I ever made on a set of tires especially for the KLR. Buying another set of stockers would be sinful at best. The anakees are pure capability and are certainly better tires than I am a rider. On pavement, wet or dry, dirt, gravel, stream crossing. Name it and it does it well. It is what should come stock on the bike that also does it all. Metzlers are next in line and after that it's just plain compromise unless you're tailoring to a specific application.


Best of luck

[setacwoodtic]

Also tubeless tires will work just fine.

[scootertrash]

I forgot what model I had, but I ran some Duro's on mine, cheap and worked rather well. I also stayed with a tube, I would go with the heavy duty tubes, Thats what I had on both of my KLR's.

[Juice]

+1 on the Duro's. They stick rather well.

http://www.dualsportridersoflouisiana.com/forums/showthread.php?t=991&highlight=duros



I forgot what model I had, but I ran some Duro's on mine, cheap and worked rather well. I also stayed with a tube, I would go with the heavy duty tubes, Thats what I had on both of my KLR's.

[weave]

I've run the stock, 2 sets of Distanzas and 3 sets of gripsters on mine.
I now have Kendra 270. The gripsters are the best all round tire I've run, good on everything but grass and mud. Much better than distanzas on gravel and just as much grip on the road. I set my bike up dirtier so I went with the k 270. Had a friend ride to and from Alsaka on a set of k 270,not as quite or smooth as the gripster, but he did the whole trip. I hear they are slippery on wet pavement.
I do have a set of nearly new gripsters I will let go for 100 bucks, if anyone is interested.
for what its worth the Kendras are cheaper than that new.

[Fitty]

Then there's always the Kenda 761. I've got some 270's now and they're fine - air 'em down for dirt and back up for pavement. But I'm going to try a set of Kenda 761's next. A little more pavement oriented.

[dewnmoon]

Was "Killboy" there taking pics? Ya might have some shots posted...

[URLOOZN]

Naw, we went during the week so no kilboy pics. Would you believe we only rode the dragon one time and one way?!? Old cruiser guys suck.
Anyway, could ya'll give me a bit more information on the tires you recommended? Like the manufacturers? I got Kenda for the 270 and 761's, I alreayd knew about the Distanzas but who makes the duro's and the anakees?

[setacwoodtic]

Duro's are just that DURO tires. The Anakees are by Michelin. GO Anakee!

http://www.durotire.com/

http://two-wheels.michelin.com/2w/front/index.jsp?codeRubrique=2092004104045&codePage=2092004104045_10092004102229&lang=EN