![Reply](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/buttons/reply.gif) |
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
28 Jan 2008
|
![Lefty52's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Animal012.gif) |
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: MA. USA
Posts: 12
|
|
First post, hello! & tire recommendations
Hello to all, just joined and am happy to be here
I've just purchased an 08 DR650 and would like as much advice as possible.
The mods I'll be making are: DJ carb kit, airbox mod, Renazco seat, taller bars, windscreen(not sure which one), Pat Walsh luggage rack, Revpack luggage, skidplate, and some other small mods.
I'll be taking it across the USA in September along US Rt. 20. My goal is 300 miles a day with a 12 day trip window. I'm looking to replace the Trailwinngs with a 80% on 20% off tire. I've been doing lots of homework and would like some feedback on the following:
Kenda K761
Duro Median
Pirelli MT90 A/T
Thanks in advance, happy to be part of the gang
__________________
08 DR650
If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home. ~James Michener
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
28 Jan 2008
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Denmark
Posts: 23
|
|
Metzeler tourance! great!
greetings!
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
28 Jan 2008
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: montana usa
Posts: 547
|
|
Hello from Helena Montana
Hello from the land of the -50F windchill today. I have actualy had some good use out of the Duro's for the price, otherwise the Metzlers.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
28 Jan 2008
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
|
|
Over 500 pages .. some of it on tyres
the DR650 thread - ADVrider
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
28 Jan 2008
|
![Lefty52's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Animal012.gif) |
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: MA. USA
Posts: 12
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank Warner
|
Frank, thanks for the heads up, I've been an inmate @ advrider and thumpertalk for some time now. I've looked through most all the threads and that's where i came up with my three choices. The Metzler's are great tires but are 4th on the list.
__________________
08 DR650
If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home. ~James Michener
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
28 Jan 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
|
|
IRC GP110 (not GP1)
Mefo Explorer 99
Both tires get reasonable mileage and are good on-road.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
28 Jan 2008
|
![Lefty52's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Animal012.gif) |
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: MA. USA
Posts: 12
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lone Rider
IRC GP110 (not GP1)
Mefo Explorer 99
Both tires get reasonable mileage and are good on-road.
|
LoneRider,
Yup, I looked at the GP110, it was a toss up to the Kenda's, I'll take another look at them, thought about the Mefo's but apparently the only person to import them is constantly out of stock. Know any pace I can get them?
__________________
08 DR650
If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home. ~James Michener
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
29 Jan 2008
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: May 2006
Location: British Columbia
Posts: 10
|
|
Lefty, the Trail Wings it came with are a great 80/20 tire imho. I rode these all over the Yukon, NWT to the arctic. They are passable on dirt just not mud. Reasonable wear (7,000 rear) and no flats in 25,000k. Stick with them unless your on single track. I ride with a Mitas e9 now, but I am using it as almost a pure ditch pig.
I had good luck with trailwings on dirt roads. Good choice of bike.
__________________
To a man with imagination, a map is a window to adventure.
Sir Francis Chichester
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
29 Jan 2008
|
![Lefty52's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Animal012.gif) |
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: MA. USA
Posts: 12
|
|
I want to thank all those who offered their help on the tires thing, I've found the tires I thought I couldn't get, MEFO 99's. My Suzuki dealer found some and ordered them for me today. They weren't on the list as I thought it would take months to get them.
I'll let you all know how they hold up x-country.
__________________
08 DR650
If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home. ~James Michener
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
30 Jan 2008
|
![Lefty52's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Animal012.gif) |
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: MA. USA
Posts: 12
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
lefty,
I would consider the Mefo more a 50/50 tire, not 80/20.
I totally agree, it might just get me off the road more.
The Trailwings are great tires, especially the front, but the rear wears out very quickly.....about 3000 miles or so.
I can't say that the general consensus about the "deathwings" share your feelings. Also I plan to put 2000+ miles on the bike this summer before going x-country in Sept. Don't want to have to get tires in Iowa if I don't have to.
For a mostly paved cross country ride in the US I would go with Avon Distanzias. Try to to get the 120's not 130's, bike will handle better and will last last last!
Distanzias were one of my choices until I started reading about the MEFO's, I'm also going to try and do as much back/gravel roads as I can.
See some of my posts on my DR prep thread. Your list of mods is very impressive....you have done your homework and it shows!! An IMS tank would be nice, wider pegs.
Thanks, I will. I have to thank those who've posted on all the forums for their invaluable guidance. Wider pegs are on the "new" list, jury's still out on the IMS(weight vs fuel consumption & quality of product)
Traveling in the US, tires aren't really a problem. any dealer will fix you up on road if you get stuck.
One reason I was concerned about the MEFO's is that they are so hard to get, but if they don't work out or I need to replace them on the road, Distanzias or Pirelli MT90 A/T's will be the replacement.
Patrick ![MC Happy](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/mchappy.gif)
|
Thanks from another,
Patrick
__________________
08 DR650
If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home. ~James Michener
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
30 Jan 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: London
Posts: 301
|
|
Just hello...
Don't have much more to say at present...
__________________
Some great quote about hard core travel that nobody has said yet.[/URL]
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
30 Jan 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
|
|
Though Patrick surely knows his stuff, and I appreciate his words of wisdom, I gotta disagree a tiny bit about the Trailwings.
My 07 Vstrom650 came with them, and I never liked them. Had the same rubbers on an Africa Twin before, and didnt like them on that bike, either. And they seem to wear very quickly, too.
Felt actually much the same on both machines; unpredictable, especially in the wet, a bit like having "knobblies" on. Didnt impress in the dry, either, and the front started to shake more and more when a bit leaned over, as they wore down. I checked the air pressures many times (I normally do it 2-3 times a week) and even tried a bit different readings, but that did little to change the fundamental feeling.
Changed for Metzeler Z6's next, and Michelin Anakees after that, and boy does the Suzuki feel much better with both of these! The Z6's were just perfect for twisty roads, and very, very good to ride in the rain. Michelin may not be on quite that level (The Metz is a full-on street tyre) but it still suits my bike (and my way of riding, and where I ride) better than the original 'Stones.
The Anakees last (especially on the back) at least 2 times longer than the Trailwings have, AND they offer either more grip, or more confidence. I am able to use the back tyre's tread pattern completely on both sides (ok, maybe 1-2mm could be missing) even quite easily... something which I wouldnt have dared to try with those 'Stones (would feel Im going to crash!) The bike feels so much more stable & confidence-inspiring with the Metz or with the Michelins, than it did with the original tyres.
This is just how I felt. And Im talking street-riding now, never even tested them on the dirt properly. Surely someone with more offroad-experience might have a totally different opinion. I might sometime try the newer (Battlewing?) but the Trailwings Im done with, for my use there are so much better options available.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
30 Jan 2008
|
![Lefty52's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Animal012.gif) |
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: MA. USA
Posts: 12
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lone Rider
IRC GP110 (not GP1)
Mefo Explorer 99
Both tires get reasonable mileage and are good on-road.
|
Bad news:
MEFO's out of stock, thought they had them, and didn't. They won't be in until late March.
Good news:
Ordered GP-110's almost half the price and I can get them anywhere I travel x-country.
Thanks LoneRider
Lefty
__________________
08 DR650
If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home. ~James Michener
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
31 Jan 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
.... My feeling is the
IRC GP-1 is as good if not better....and about half the price. I just one to Baja
and back and it performed beyond my expectations and its lasted very well too. A bonus for a $50 tire. (??)
![Scooter](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/scooter.gif) Patrick
|
Did you mean 'GP110', and not 'GP1'?
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
31 Jan 2008
|
![Lefty52's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Animal012.gif) |
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: MA. USA
Posts: 12
|
|
I love it, you guys just hi-jacked my thread, way cool
I bought the GP-110's that's what I meant...............
Thanks for the help
__________________
08 DR650
If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home. ~James Michener
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
![Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.](/stuff/ripcord/ripcord-logo-250.jpg)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
![Five books by Graham Field!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|