Just did my first tire replacement this past spring. Dumped the stock Dunlops for Shinko 700’s. (My road riding increased a little due to Brandon’s policies) I have 1100 miles on them and they are holding up fairly well. I expect several thousand more miles out of them at this rate. I have some small complaints but not sure if the cost outweighs the annoyance. There’s certainly advantages to be had with the right tires, but I’m not sure if I found my ideal tire yet. Gonna research my next set a lot more.
How much difference can tires really make?
Curious as to how much of a difference switching from the factory widow-makers to better tires made in how the bike handled.
Currently, bike scares me on anything over 45 mph on pavement, and at any speed on dirt. Unpredictable, sketchy, and horrible traction. Tried different tire pressures and little change.
I have a new set of Shinko 244 tires in the garage and just waiting for an opening at the local shop.
Wondering if going to a better tire will make the bike feel much more stable and planted on road and off.
Currently, bike scares me on anything over 45 mph on pavement, and at any speed on dirt. Unpredictable, sketchy, and horrible traction. Tried different tire pressures and little change.
I have a new set of Shinko 244 tires in the garage and just waiting for an opening at the local shop.
Wondering if going to a better tire will make the bike feel much more stable and planted on road and off.
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No need. Your wife lets me use hers whenever I want.Based on your statements I would recommend selling the KLR and getting a minivan.
Much more stable, larger windshield, climate control, tire choice doesn't affect stability, etc.
I ran Shinko 244s when I first got my 09 KLR, after one set, the front tire cupped real bad and I switched to the 705s. I don't ride much off-road though so take that for what it is. I do ride a mile one way from my house to the main road on gravel. The 705s can be wiggly after a fresh grading and gavel replacement by the county. But it is that way with any tire. A friend rode his BMW on the road with the big block tires and said they worked great off-road and he was never left behind on the mountain twisties we ride on.
I've had the Shinko 244's. Kind of similar to the 700's. These are old Dual Sport tire designs. Mine did well off road, but left a lot to be desired on road. They got REALLY noisy about 1/3 into their useful lives, and they did squirm when you're cornering aggressively on pavement. Also they're sizing was odd. It was in inches I believe so it was difficult if not impossible to find the exact metric equivalent, which mean you either had to go slightly bigger or slightly smaller.Just did my first tire replacement this past spring. Dumped the stock Dunlops for Shinko 700’s. (My road riding increased a little due to Brandon’s policies) I have 1100 miles on them and they are holding up fairly well. I expect several thousand more miles out of them at this rate. I have some small complaints but not sure if the cost outweighs the annoyance. There’s certainly advantages to be had with the right tires, but I’m not sure if I found my ideal tire yet. Gonna research my next set a lot more.
If Brandon's policies is keeping you more on pavement, but still want to have very good dirt traction, nothing beats the Dunlop Trailmax Mission tires. These tires are very smooth on pavement for such aggressive ADV tires. And their profile suits the KLR's handling very well, so it turns in nicely, and has very neutral steering. And their pavement traction and feel is amazing! You can ride them as hard as you like in the corners. Off road, they are VERY good. They perform best when you air them down to 20/20...they will tolerate less if you find yourself in soft sand.
I once combined a Trailmax Mission rear with a Shinko 804 big block up front. Awesome combination for off road traction and great handling and longevity on pavement, including high speed highway. The Shinko 804 front is amazing on pavement for a knobby tire. Yeah your braking distance will be longer, but you don't get any of the Knobby penalty at the rear. Another great combination is the Continental TKC 80 front and TKC 70 Rocks at the rear. That is, if you can swallow the cost ($$$).
Agree 100%. Freshly graded and gravel layer sucks. Like riding on marbles sometimes.The 705s can be wiggly after a fresh grading and gavel replacement by the county. But it is that way with any tire.
I have 705s on my 2018 and have out 2000 miles on it (third owner). Moving from dort bikes, the KLR combined with the 705 is a pig off road, I was able to get around,. But 4x4 jeep trails that wouldn't slow down a dirt bike took effort and were uncomfortable for me on the KLR.
Regarding high speed stability, I cruise 70 and hit 80 if I have to get around town. Normally the bike is planted, but I have found that if my soft side cases are empty, I can get a loose feeling in the front end. Take the cases off, solid, fill the cases with a little weight, solid. Motorcycles are not areodynamic and anything that you do from setting sag of your rear shock, to your windshield choice, to saddlebags will have an impact on handling.
I second the thought that you try to get another rider on your bike to try to recreate. Also agree that you revisiting the uncomfortable aspect of your ride in a more controlled approach can be invaluable.
Regarding high speed stability, I cruise 70 and hit 80 if I have to get around town. Normally the bike is planted, but I have found that if my soft side cases are empty, I can get a loose feeling in the front end. Take the cases off, solid, fill the cases with a little weight, solid. Motorcycles are not areodynamic and anything that you do from setting sag of your rear shock, to your windshield choice, to saddlebags will have an impact on handling.
I second the thought that you try to get another rider on your bike to try to recreate. Also agree that you revisiting the uncomfortable aspect of your ride in a more controlled approach can be invaluable.
She said you dropped it in the parking lot.No need. Your wife lets me use hers whenever I want.
Took the bike to a local independent shop today to get the new Shinkos installed. The owner is an old high school friend of my brother and came highly recommended.
I trailered the bike there, as they couldn't promise me it would be done anytime soon, unloaded it, and the guy asked why I was getting rid of brand new factory tires. I told him about my issues with the bike feeling unstable at higher speeds and since I wanted to do more dirt riding, thought I'd see if different tires helped.
He asked if he could take it out for a spin and see how it felt for him, as he had lots of experience with the KLR. I agreed.
He came back 15 minutes later and said there was nothing wrong with the bike and it was as smooth and stable as any KLR he's been on.
He then asked if I always rode with a full-face helmet and armored jacket. Yes I do.
He said that I was basically a sheet of plywood going down the highway due to my large torso and helmet. I did mention that when I rode tucked forward, it was great.
So, he suggested getting an aftermarket wind screen that was larger to help divert the wind around me.
But, he thought the price for the bike was reasonable in the current market and that the Shinkos might help things in the dirt a bit, so I will see when I pick it up next week.
I trailered the bike there, as they couldn't promise me it would be done anytime soon, unloaded it, and the guy asked why I was getting rid of brand new factory tires. I told him about my issues with the bike feeling unstable at higher speeds and since I wanted to do more dirt riding, thought I'd see if different tires helped.
He asked if he could take it out for a spin and see how it felt for him, as he had lots of experience with the KLR. I agreed.
He came back 15 minutes later and said there was nothing wrong with the bike and it was as smooth and stable as any KLR he's been on.
He then asked if I always rode with a full-face helmet and armored jacket. Yes I do.
He said that I was basically a sheet of plywood going down the highway due to my large torso and helmet. I did mention that when I rode tucked forward, it was great.
So, he suggested getting an aftermarket wind screen that was larger to help divert the wind around me.
But, he thought the price for the bike was reasonable in the current market and that the Shinkos might help things in the dirt a bit, so I will see when I pick it up next week.
When you first posted this thread I was hoping you’d have someone else take it for a rip to see if it was the bike or you. Since it is you that is uncomfortable then don’t be hesitant to bail and sell it. Not everyone likes everything and if you’re constantly nervous that takes your mind away from other dangers. That can and probably will end in tragedy.Took the bike to a local independent shop today to get the new Shinkos installed. The owner is an old high school friend of my brother and came highly recommended.
I trailered the bike there, as they couldn't promise me it would be done anytime soon, unloaded it, and the guy asked why I was getting rid of brand new factory tires. I told him about my issues with the bike feeling unstable at higher speeds and since I wanted to do more dirt riding, thought I'd see if different tires helped.
He asked if he could take it out for a spin and see how it felt for him, as he had lots of experience with the KLR. I agreed.
He came back 15 minutes later and said there was nothing wrong with the bike and it was as smooth and stable as any KLR he's been on.
He then asked if I always rode with a full-face helmet and armored jacket. Yes I do.
He said that I was basically a sheet of plywood going down the highway due to my large torso and helmet. I did mention that when I rode tucked forward, it was great.
So, he suggested getting an aftermarket wind screen that was larger to help divert the wind around me.
But, he thought the price for the bike was reasonable in the current market and that the Shinkos might help things in the dirt a bit, so I will see when I pick it up next week.
If you decide to try a tall windshield get the V-Stream tall. If that doesn’t help nothing will.I wish it were a little wider as it blocks all head-on wind but on cold mornings I notice if the wind is at an angle(let’s say 20°) you’ll notice it.
I haven’t followed the thread closely so if you have already mentioned it I apologize but have you tried your windshield in the high position?
I bought the 3D Cycle risers, and that helped a bunch with the head on wind. The V-Stream tall is the windscreen I have picked out next.I haven’t followed the thread closely so if you have already mentioned it I apologize but have you tried your windshield in the high position?
I think the stock Dunlop is a very ok street tire, I trust it on dry pavement. The few times I’ve been in the rain
I had no bad experiences. I think it’s made to look like a gnarly do all tire but we know it’s not. It’s a street tire through and through.
I had no bad experiences. I think it’s made to look like a gnarly do all tire but we know it’s not. It’s a street tire through and through.
If by doing more dirt riding you are referring to anything tougher than gravel roads and the occasional flat hard packed trail you will quickly come to despise the bike. Being a fairly tall, top heavy bike it takes a pretty decent skillset to keep it upright on loose dirt, off camber trails, or mud.
Picking the bike up tomorrow from the shop. New tires are on and the guy said he took it for a spin and there is an improvement in how it feels on the street. I'm road tripping to Seattle Friday in my 4Runner, so won't get a chance to get back in the dirt for another week, but will definitely do so.If by doing more dirt riding you are referring to anything tougher than gravel roads and the occasional flat hard packed trail you will quickly come to despise the bike. Being a fairly tall, top heavy bike it takes a pretty decent skillset to keep it upright on loose dirt, off camber trails, or mud.
My first foray onto gravel and dirt was butt-clenching, but I had the Dunlops at 35 psi. The front tire would move over a few inches if it hit a freakin' pine cone. But, I kept it upright. The next trip, I'll adjust the air down to around 20-22 psi in the Shinkos, then see how it feels.
I know I felt an improvement with a decent knobbie upfront. there is something to be said that on gravel, with the KLR there are definitely times where velocity is your friend. the big tank full of gas makes things top heavy and at a slow speed with a crappy tire up front the gravel makes it wander at times. With a better knobbie, that will be less pronounced and you can often speed up a bit to make lateral movements far less noticeable. Also, a bit of movement is ok. at speed the bike will find its way a bit, and fighting it does not help, and is no fun. Keep at it for a few rides and I think you will see what I mean. Gravel will become more of a fun art form, and a bit of MPH will help not hurt. ride safe L6
The ride home from the shop was a 15 mile combination of around town and then 60 mph 2-lane highways.
Felt better to me as well. Riding around town is fun, and getting more comfortable with the bike. Going through the twisties the last few miles felt much easier than before. Maybe due to the softer rubber and more pronounced shoulder? No idea, but am hopeful that a ride up into the woods next week will be much more enjoyable than last time.
Felt better to me as well. Riding around town is fun, and getting more comfortable with the bike. Going through the twisties the last few miles felt much easier than before. Maybe due to the softer rubber and more pronounced shoulder? No idea, but am hopeful that a ride up into the woods next week will be much more enjoyable than last time.
Sounds like the beginnings of growing some confidence with the bike! I have no doubt that if you stick with it and give yourself time you will gain confidence as your skills grow with the bike, it just takes time. Of course it is a matter of whether or not you choose to do so, which is your choice. As others have stated before, if your not having fun at all then maybe its not for you, but if you are having fun in addition to fear, frustration, and anxiety, then maybe stick with it and see how the others change as you continue to have fun.
BTW, I think we might be in the same area. I am located in north central Idaho. I bought my 22 Adventure ABS model from Macs just over a month ago for MSRP plus freight and assembly, $9044 OTD. They didn't dick around with any attempts to mark it up beyond MSRP, the only thing they were sticklers on was not discounting the freight and assembly which I am usually able to get off the price. They also had a base model ABS in the lava red, I was originally looking for a base model nonABS in the sand color but when choosing between the two they had in the showroom I just liked the color of the adventure better, so it was the one I took home. So far I have about 1200 miles on her of about 60-40 road-offroad. I'm brand new to riding offroad so I am also working on building my skill set. The tires are adequate for OEM's and ride really nice on pavement. I've had one drop due to a front tire washout however on a nice long trail ride out to Weitas Guard Station in the North Fork area if you are familiar, the trail had some ruts and was sandy in spots - so when crossing one rut that was pretty sandy had the front wash out and went down at about 10-15 mph. I'm glad I bought the adventure model cus the bike went down on the OEM engine guard and pannier box, with no damage to the bike whatsoever. If your intended use for the bike is offroad then drops/wrecks will happen, only a matter of time. If you set your expectations appropriately and have appropriate gear it doesn't have to take away from the fun, only add to the adventure. Each time is a learning opportunity.
Let us know what you think of the new tires, I will be shopping for some once the OEM's begin to show their mileage.
BTW, I think we might be in the same area. I am located in north central Idaho. I bought my 22 Adventure ABS model from Macs just over a month ago for MSRP plus freight and assembly, $9044 OTD. They didn't dick around with any attempts to mark it up beyond MSRP, the only thing they were sticklers on was not discounting the freight and assembly which I am usually able to get off the price. They also had a base model ABS in the lava red, I was originally looking for a base model nonABS in the sand color but when choosing between the two they had in the showroom I just liked the color of the adventure better, so it was the one I took home. So far I have about 1200 miles on her of about 60-40 road-offroad. I'm brand new to riding offroad so I am also working on building my skill set. The tires are adequate for OEM's and ride really nice on pavement. I've had one drop due to a front tire washout however on a nice long trail ride out to Weitas Guard Station in the North Fork area if you are familiar, the trail had some ruts and was sandy in spots - so when crossing one rut that was pretty sandy had the front wash out and went down at about 10-15 mph. I'm glad I bought the adventure model cus the bike went down on the OEM engine guard and pannier box, with no damage to the bike whatsoever. If your intended use for the bike is offroad then drops/wrecks will happen, only a matter of time. If you set your expectations appropriately and have appropriate gear it doesn't have to take away from the fun, only add to the adventure. Each time is a learning opportunity.
Let us know what you think of the new tires, I will be shopping for some once the OEM's begin to show their mileage.
👍The next trip, I'll adjust the air down to around 20-22 psi in the Shinkos, then see how it feels
Took her out for an 80-mile ride today and did a video of the Shinko's.
Super happy with the tires and did some fairly technical trails. The tires performed awesome and I managed to not drop the bike. Had a great day and got a ton of video. Still trying to process it all and hoping to drop a video of the fun stuff on my YT channel soon.
Super happy with the tires and did some fairly technical trails. The tires performed awesome and I managed to not drop the bike. Had a great day and got a ton of video. Still trying to process it all and hoping to drop a video of the fun stuff on my YT channel soon.
Some more challenging single-track riding...
Outstanding!Took her out for an 80-mile ride today and did a video of the Shinko's.
Super happy with the tires and did some fairly technical trails. The tires performed awesome and I managed to not drop the bike. Had a great day and got a ton of video. Still trying to process it all and hoping to drop a video of the fun stuff on my YT channel soon.
21 - 40 of 50 Posts
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