Hello, first let me start by saying im new to the forum so if this is in the wrong area or is "one of those questions" i do apologize. anyways as the title says im looking at getting some new tires and im looking for pretty much 99% street use if anything else its going to be packed dirt or gravel and that will be very rare if ever. Im looking for something thats going to grip well on pavement.
Welcome to the forum. Tom and KLR4evr give good advice. I differ in opinion slightly for my rear tire, still trying different fronts out. I ride about 90/10 street to dirt (occasional fire roads) and use a Shinko 705 as many have said the Kenda doesn't like getting wet...not my opinion as I have no experience with them, just research, but as I ride my bike year round except for the first rain I didn't want to take any chances. I have gotten ~6k miles out of my first but I changed it a little early as the wife and I were going on a long trip and I tend to be even more cautious and conscientious about safety when riding with her. The 705 if inflated to about 35 psi sticks to the road like glue wet or dry in my experience. Just my humble input. I have heard a lot of good things about the Kendas and they are slightly cheaper (about 10$ less than the 705s on site I buy from)
My recommendation, keep doing research,check every site you can (lots of sales at different times) and then you can truly make an informed decision. Good luck and hope you catch a nice rubber fish with the can of worms that will open up. ;-)
J/k this forum has the greatest group of riders out there who freely share differing opinions respectfully. Again, welcome!
I should have mentioned that i do have the kenda's currently, and i can tell you they do not like getting wet at all. im looking for something a little bit more sticky to the road.
While I've never had an issue in the wet with the K761, I understand there are reports that it is not the best performing tire in the wet.
If that is the case for you and if it is a large concern, then you need to be looking for a pure street tire with rain siping as opposed to the large gaps and grooves that a dual -purpose tire is going to have.
Lonerider mentions the Trail Attack, which probably is about as close to a pure street tire as one is likely to find in the dual sport sizes.
And, Continental claims it has superior wet performance and long life, so it must be true.
Continental Trail Attacks perform exceptionally well in the wet on pavement, but . . . doubt anyone on this forum will buy 'em on that criterion . . . this premium tire commands a premium price.
Not a problem; each customer has his own value threshold addressing his own weighting of virtues. I share my experience and opinion, without taking responsibility for Continental's pricing policy!
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EDIT: Above post typed before Tom Schmitz' excellent comment above.
I've only ever ridden on the 761's once and I didn't care for the way they handled at all... Could just be me though since lots of people seem to love 'em!
I do run Avon Gripsters right now (though they need replaced!) and I can say they are an excellent tire on the road. I've ridden in torrential downpours and never once had them slip. They also last a long time, though mine are flat in the middle from all our straight soulless roads here... Little pricey, but not bad compared to some of the higher end tires out there.
I've only ever ridden on the 761's once and I didn't care for the way they handled at all... ...
I do run Avon Gripsters right now (though they need replaced!) and I can say they are an excellent tire on the road.....
I admit that I actually have gone down riding on the Kenda 761 but I don't blame the tire.
On an unfamiliar backroad I came over the crest of a hill, on a corner and had the road surface changing form packed gravel to wet pavement and I was going too fast. I managed to save it from going over the edge, didn't get hurt and the Pelican box saved the bike. That's the part in my signature about filling your pants.
I can't fault the tire for it. If I drive to the conditions it's been fine.
Wheeee! tire threads are FUN!..arent they?
Anyway, I just got the K761s installed and only have about 20-30 miles on them.
I will be riding on wet pavement pretty much any day I ride for the next 4-5 months.
One of my neighbors is into racing and his CBRR has a front tire that has siping on it and I dont mean bigger channels ala factory but what appear to be lots of really thin sipes.
He says it works wonders on wet roads (the bike is street legal) and now Im wondering if I couldnt sipe my front K761 myself?
Some might be alarmed at my wanting to alter the factory pattern but Im talking about making very small sipes to see if it helps the tire shed water better. Crazy maybe but if what Im reading about the K761s' scary wet pavement handling is at all accurate, what do I have to lose? Id rather F up a new substandard tire and replace it than crash do to its inability to stick. Any input is helpful, thanks and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I went with Mefo Explorers. They are quiet on the hwy. still good traction when wet and alright on dirt road but not at all good in mud. Mostly I ride 15 Km on the hwy to work and around town a bit. Just make sure you maintain the correct pressure otherwise they seem to wear fast.
Worst day riding is still better than the best day at work.
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