[OutlandMoto]

I’m sure this has been covered here, but I’m wondering if any of you have put a 140 R17 tire on the 2022 KLR650?

I’m having trouble finding a 130 R17 tire I like, but the one I want comes in 140 R17.

 

[Belldriver]

There is no real need for a radial tyre.130/80-17 without "R" lasts almost as long.

 

[OutlandMoto]

There is no real need for a radial tyre.130/80-17 without "R" lasts almost as long.

I completely agree. But the “R” refers to the radius, being that the KLR has a 17” rear wheel.

What I’d like to know is if anyone has put a 140 width tire on the 2022 KLR650, which comes stock with a 130 rear tire. And if so, did they experience any issues?

 

[Klrian]

I think the R refers to it being a radial tire. If it was the radius it would be 8 1/2.

 

[klr4evr]

Which tire are you looking at? In previous gen’s the 140 width did fit with little clearance left. You may be breaking new ground here in regard to the 2022 with it’s new swing arm.

 

[OutlandMoto]

Which tire are you looking at? In previous gen’s the 140 width did fit with little clearance left. You may be breaking new ground here in regard to the 2022 with it’s new swing arm.

Thanks for addressing the question. I was looking at the Dunlop Trailmax Mission tire. I have a set on another bike and really like them. It’s available in 140/80 B17. 130 seems to be hard to find.

 

[OutlandMoto]

I think the R refers to it being a radial tire. If it was the radius it would be 8 1/2.

Right. My mistake. I mean a 17 inch wheel. Sorry. It’s Saturday and my brain isn’t function at peak performance. 🤣🤣

 

[pdwestman]

The KLR650 uses an under-narrow 2.5 inch rear rim for the existing 130 wide tire. It really should have been built with a 3.0 inch rim (as far back as 1987). The narrow rim prevents even the 130 wide tires from laying down a full Foot-Print.

When one installs a 140 wide tire which is intended to be mounted on a 3.5-4.0 inch rim it will actually have even LESS foot-print on the ground than your existing 130 tire. Unless you run less air pressure than is good for the Carcass cording of the tire.

Dunlop does make a 130/80-17 Trailmax Mission tire to fit the KLR650.

 

[OutlandMoto]

The KLR650 uses an under-narrow 2.5 inch rear rim for the existing 130 wide tire. It really should have been built with a 3.0 inch rim (as far back as 1987). The narrow rim prevents even the 130 wide tires from laying down a full Foot-Print.

When one installs a 140 wide tire which is intended to be mounted on a 3.5-4.0 inch rim it will actually have even LESS foot-print on the ground than your existing 130 tire. Unless you run less air pressure than is good for the Carcass cording of the tire.

Dunlop does make a 130/80-17 Trailmax Mission tire to fit the KLR650.

Thanks for the explanation. It is much appreciated. And yes, Dunlop does make that tire in a 130, which I would prefer. I’ve just found it out of stock just about everywhere. So I was curious if a 140 would work if I had to get it. Have a trip coming up and want to switch the tires before I go.

Thanks again. This is helpful.

 

[pdwestman]

The 140 wide dual-sport Trailmax Mission would probably clear the plastic chain guard, on the 2022 KLR650, but one could also remove the chain guard completely off the bike if you don't mind a little extra chain lube splatter under the fender, frame & backside of your saddlebags. Other people do on Gen 1 & 2's.

 

[Timlang60]

Thanks for the explanation. It is much appreciated. And yes, Dunlop does make that tire in a 130, which I would prefer. I’ve just found it out of stock just about everywhere. So I was curious if a 140 would work if I had to get it. Have a trip coming up and want to switch the tires before I go.

Thanks again. This is helpful.

I though i replied earlier, but i boloed and never hit send. Dennis Kirk has 1 on hand right now, $169.85 plus shipping. (Or, they did when I looked.) Still do!

Dunlop Trailmax Mission Tire - Dennis Kirk

With over 160,000 unique items ready to ship today, Dennis Kirk carries the largest selection of motorcycle, ATV, and snowmobile helmets, apparel, parts, and accessories.

www.denniskirk.com

I'd jump on that, like right now - it's as good a price as you'll find on that tire.

 

[Reveille]

I'm running a 130/90 knobby with zero complaints. It likes mud to. It also throws gravel 100 feet behind me. Confirmed by the guys riding behind me today...
Oh and I destroyed my 3dcycleparts windshield risers when my shock bottomed out. They broke in 50 pieces. Windshield survived, i found it in the woods about 30 feet in there. Took 15 minutes trailside to reattach using oem brackets. 50 bucks down the drain, ride break fix.

 

[Hvymax]

I ran a 150 without issue except it wearing faster due to the narrow contact patch

 

[pdwestman]

Oh and I destroyed my 3dcycleparts windshield risers when my shock bottomed out. They broke in 50 pieces. Windshield survived, i found it in the woods about 30 feet in there. Took 15 minutes trailside to reattach using oem brackets. 50 bucks down the drain, ride break fix.

I had been wondering if printed risers would be 'tough enough' in the long run, especially off-highway.
May I suggest that you might investigate these aluminum risers,

2022 KLR650 Adjustable Windshield Risers

I manufacture and sell windshield risers for the Gen 3 KLR that have 25° of easy adjustment with indexable thumb lever screws. Ram 1” ball mount are not included, but are compatible to add more mounting options. To order, email me at [email protected]

www.klrforum.com

 

[Reveille]

I spoke with TU, he assured me his new version is stronger and is standing behind his product and will warranty. Top notch guy so I'm not complaining. I'm blaming the shock more than anything. Cogent shock was ordered 3 weeks ago, just patiently waiting. I was pushing it for several miles of 2 track so the shock was beyond faded at that point. Forks work great though...

 

[KLR-Mule]

I spoke with TU, he assured me his new version is stronger and is standing behind his product and will warranty. Top notch guy so I'm not complaining. I'm blaming the shock more than anything. Cogent shock was ordered 3 weeks ago, just patiently waiting. I was pushing it for several miles of 2 track so the shock was beyond faded at that point. Forks work great though...

Out of curiosity, are you bottoming out the rear shock at the max preload setting?
I went for a long haul yesterday on preload setting 3. Noticed that the panniers weighed the bike down a bit, and had to crank it to 4. So mines just about maxed out.

 

[Reveille]

I'm at 4. I only bottomed twice in 2 days. Both were because I was being a little hooligan ish. Cogent shock was ordered last month so a couple more weeks? The stock shock fades real fast when you start pushing it off pavement. At least from experience. Square edges, round wheels and all...
Hey the forks with ddc's are good enough so there's that.

 

[KLR-Mule]

Agreed. The front forks on the 22 are very good. Rear shock is still soft (same as gen 1 & 2) and I’ve also experienced fading when running it hard off-road. Bottomed mine out a few times yesterday as well.
Let us know how the upgrade is when you get it!

 

[DPelletier]

You'll enjoy the Cogent shock; the stocker is ....well.....not good.

Dave

 

[Hvymax]

Mine would bottom on corners before I upgraded the springs.