Dual Sport Tires: Let's see 'em!
- Thread starter Dave Bennett
- Start date
West Coast Mags
Adventurer
TKC 80s all the way.
Bike is for sale in Expedition Vehicles.
Bike is for sale in Expedition Vehicles.
Scott Brady
Founder
I have run the TKC80, which was quite durable. I found front tire stability and traction less than acceptable. The rears lasted only 2,500 miles on the TAT, and they were essentially toast by the CA border. Though I do not expect anything to really last behind 90+ HP
Currently, I am running the Pirelli MT-60, which is a great road and mild trail tire:
I intend to give the Pirelli Scorpion Pro a try:
Currently, I am running the Pirelli MT-60, which is a great road and mild trail tire:
I intend to give the Pirelli Scorpion Pro a try:
traveltoad
Aaron S
expeditionswest said:I intend to give the Pirelli Scorpion Pro a try:
Please keep us posted as to how those work out!
HenryJ
Expedition Leader
I just installed a Maxxis M6006 130/80-18.
It is a little heavier and substantially firmer. The sidewall is considerably more rigid. The tread depth is impressive. Rolling it , the feel of the knobbys as they roll slowly on a smooth surface is about the same , perhaps slightly smoother than the stock TW31 Bridgestone tire.
This does look to be a very good choice as a match for the stock TW34 Bridgestone rear tire. For my terrain it should work well. I do like the heavier front tire with the four ply rating.
No seat time yet.
It is a little heavier and substantially firmer. The sidewall is considerably more rigid. The tread depth is impressive. Rolling it , the feel of the knobbys as they roll slowly on a smooth surface is about the same , perhaps slightly smoother than the stock TW31 Bridgestone tire.
This does look to be a very good choice as a match for the stock TW34 Bridgestone rear tire. For my terrain it should work well. I do like the heavier front tire with the four ply rating.
No seat time yet.
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Hayduke950
Observer
After some others, I've decided the 908 is the ONLY rear tire I'll run on the 950. Good traction, and it will last 3500 miles even when I'm riding normally (i.e. backing it in, powerslides, etc. 
) The one TKC80 I ran was done at 1500 miles!
For the front, I'm liking the MT21 (LOUD on pavement, though, but I mostly avoid pavement.) If I'm looking for more road miles or just longevity, the TKC80 front is acceptable.
) The one TKC80 I ran was done at 1500 miles!
For the front, I'm liking the MT21 (LOUD on pavement, though, but I mostly avoid pavement.) If I'm looking for more road miles or just longevity, the TKC80 front is acceptable.
jesusgatos
Explorer
2nd that. They're not DOT-approved, but I prefer them to the D606's on-road and off.
jl8088
Adventurer
I just bought a rear Maxxis Desert IT tire for my XR650r based on all the reviews i read. Non-DOT but still can get plenty of miles on them with an aggressive tread with no chunking. I've had them on for a week so i'll post some long term info when i hit 1000 miles.
jesusgatos
Explorer
Ridden hard, I get about 1000 miles out of a rear. 1,200-1,500 if I'm riding mellower, DS-type stuff.
traveltoad
Aaron S
After some others, I've decided the 908 is the ONLY rear tire I'll run on the 950. Good traction, and it will last 3500 miles even when I'm riding normally (i.e. backing it in, powerslides, etc.
For the front, I'm liking the MT21 (LOUD on pavement, though, but I mostly avoid pavement.) If I'm looking for more road miles or just longevity, the TKC80 front is acceptable.
I too am running the 908 on the rear of my 950. I don't seem to get more than 2k out of it though.
For the front I like the 606.
They both can be leaned right over on the street when needed too.
Hayduke950
Observer
Well- I run them for 3500 miles. They probabably should be replaced sooner . I just had a mechanic friend laugh at my rear tire a couple of days ago- he said it was "ridiculously bad". I couldn't see the air inside, so I thought it was fine. :sombrero:
goodtimes
Expedition Poseur
After some others, I've decided the 908 is the ONLY rear tire I'll run on the 950. Good traction, and it will last 3500 miles even when I'm riding normally (i.e. backing it in, powerslides, etc.
For the front, I'm liking the MT21 (LOUD on pavement, though, but I mostly avoid pavement.) If I'm looking for more road miles or just longevity, the TKC80 front is acceptable.
I have found the TKC80's to work pretty well on the 650 (52hp), but not so good on the 800 (83hp).
How is the 908 on the street? Does it balance well (at all)? Unfortunately, I spend a fair amount of time on the freeway getting to the trails (don't trailer the bike anywhere...)...I don't mind the TKCs on the street, other than the head wag I get out of the front until it gets worn in (same problem as my 650 had with the same tires)...but they just aren't as much fun [on the street] as a quazi-dirt tire like the Bridgestone turd-wing, etc.
How stiff is the 908 (read: how big of a pain is it to break down in the field)?
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Hayduke950
Observer
The 908 works ok on the street for me, but honestly I don't ride on the street a whole lot, and when I do I'm not really pushing it with the knobbies. I can say it'll slide predictably on pavement...:Wow1:
I never balance them- my wheels are octagons anyway. I find them really easy to break the bead in the field- had to do it several times. I carry small 8 in. irons.
FWIW I've heard nothing but horror stories about the 908 front. I'd stick with a TKC or 606 or MT-21 front... I've tried them all and I like them all for different reasons.