W650 tires- who's riding what please.

[kobudo28]

I have a W650 that I bought after a minor boink, repaired and upgraded and it is nearly ready to ride again. I am replacing the tires so I am looking for input on tire choices from any members here who have a W.

There are limited choices for the rear in particualr because of the size. Metzler Lazers, Marathons, Dunlop 404's (seem like kind of an entry level tire to me).

What say you please?

Thanks.

[Yad]

Originally Posted by kobudo28

I have a W650 that I bought after a minor boink, repaired and upgraded and it is nearly ready to ride again. I am replacing the tires so I am looking for input on tire choices from any members here who have a W.

There are limited choices for the rear in particualr because of the size. Metzler Lazers, Marathons, Dunlop 404's (seem like kind of an entry level tire to me).

What say you please?

Thanks.

Front: Avon Supervenom (stock size)

Rear: Bridgestone Battleax BT45R, 120/90-18 (a little narrower than stock)

This was the recommendation from a few yrs ago on a W650 list. I'm happy with them, the suspension tells me to slow down well before the tires do.

[Uncle Ernie]

The W benefits greatly with a better rear shock.

I'm about to go shopping, too. My first choice is BT45. Second choice is Pirelli ( I have a set of P's on another bike and like them)

[kobudo28]

Thanks guys. The bike has Scorpions on it now and while I like the tire it is not what I would put on the W. It's not going to spend much if any time on dirt. I have a Wee and a DRZ for that.

Rear shocks, yeah, I heard they were pretty bad. I have not ridden the bike yet, but if I like it, the suspension and brakes are going to get attention right off.

[Phang]

I have Dunlop TT100 fitted front and rear, very capable despite of their classic thread patterns.

[jmlmjmjm]

I used BT45's on mine. OEM sizes. Big improvement over stock.

[Uncle Ernie]

I put a steel brake line on, but other than that, I have no complaints with the brakes. Lower bars are much nicer, though. All you have to do to use 7/8 bars is make some aluminium shims. I just just some tubing.

[kobudo28]

Put 7/8 "superbike" bars on it yesterday using shims.

[fastgabe]

hey what tires does anyone recommend for the w650 for the odd bit of gravel road?

[Tanshanomi]

(Reviving a very old thread, but I thought it would be smarter than starting a new one.)

Has anybody tried Continental ContiGo tires on a W650? If so, what did you think of them?

[Barnone]

Originally Posted by fastgabe

hey what tires does anyone recommend for the w650 for the odd bit of gravel road?

Kinda a late response (almost two years ) to a one poster but I have Avon Distanzias on my W650 for the gravel roads in the mountains of Western North Carolina and they also do quite well on the pavement. Not great on the gravel but ok.

[Speedo66]

Originally Posted by Tanshanomi

(Reviving a very old thread, but I thought it would be smarter than starting a new one.)

Has anybody tried Continental ContiGo tires on a W650? If so, what did you think of them?

Probably get more of a response here http://advrider.com/forums/showthrea...=kawasaki+w650

[Scrivens]

Genuine Dunlop K70s front and rear on my 800. 800s come factory equipped with TT100s - excellent tyre but wear out quick. I'm used to the handling on K70s as they were standard on most Brit bikes but they can be an acquired taste if you've only ever ridden radials or 'sports' tyres. They are narrower and squarer in section than a TT100 or modern tyre. K70s last OK and are very good on gravel- and they are cheap to replace. K81s - not TT100s, though they have the same tread pattern - are also good and cheap. Both grip well and are fine for the low hp output on these bikes.

[Speedo66]

I recently put a set of Bridgestone S11 Spitfires on mine. Seem like good tires, went with them based on reviews that forecasted some longevity.

Relatively inexpensive helped too.

[JBMorse]

Originally Posted by Barnone

Do you mind telling us what luggage you're using there? I like it.