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Avon Gripster's Installed on 08

9K views 10 replies 9 participants last post by  goinssr 
#1 · (Edited)
Well I researched the best tires for my bike (Anakee/D607/Gripster), I ride almost exclusively on pavement. Well I ended up buying the Gripster, I figured I'd give them a try. I've only put about 300K on them, they seem good, maybe too early to form an accurate opinion. I bought tire spoons and replaced them myself, it was pretty easy, although I goofed around a bit getting the beads to seat properly, there were a few spots where the bead was sticking to the rim and wouldn't "pop" into place. I didn't balance them, I don't feel any wobble or anything that would make me think they should be. Is anyone else balancing their tires.
 
#2 ·
I like Gripsters too but don't like what they charge for them. There are cheaper alternatives that actually will last longer.

I balance all my tires with Dyna Beads.
 
#3 ·
I ran a rear gripster when I first got my bike. It worked very well on road and gravel but is awfull in mud. Since then I've run trackmasters but never balanced them, no real need. I'd say you would not notice the difference between an unbalanced tire on the KLR or a balanced one.
 
#4 ·
Ya but the Trackmasters are awful on the pavement. A friend has them on an XR and the bike sounds like a four x four on the hard top.
 
#6 ·
I run the Gripsters as well and really like them. I had a few clearance issues to deal with but I understand that is not a common problem. I never balanced mine either, and I have no vibration or wobbles, and at 2000 km's they seem to have no visible wear yet. I had planned on balancing them originally but never did it... Don't think I'll bother unless I pick up a vibration or they start wearing funny. I'm thinking about picking up a set of knobbies and then switching back and forth as needed.
 
#7 ·
I, too, have sung the praises of the gripster. But if you are going to go offroad at all you will be sorry. IMHO. I'm taking them off.
 
#8 ·
What about the Avon DISTANZIA? Eagle Mike mentions these are the best for commuting on pavement, but I feel like I need at least one or two fat knobs on my tires so when I get that KLR Pissed Off Tension I can simply cut through the jungle or jump my obstacles. I am not sure if the Distanzia is the right fit, plus the cost,,,,,.
 
#11 ·
I ride about 85/15 on road / off road and I run the TKC's. They are great. I was apprehensive about them at first for on road use but they put that to ease fast. I can run as fast in the turns with these than I can with most street tires. Off road they are the cat's ass.
 
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