640 Rear Tire?

[juames]

Well, it's time for a new rear tire for my 640Adv. I've used TKC80's before and wasn't a big fan. Also used the Pirelli Scorpian rally and it wasn't too bad. I also ran D606, MT-21's before on other bikes. I was thinking either MT-21 or maybe a Mitas E-09 or Michelin Desert Rally.

My question is what tire size? Bike has 140's on it now. What effect would running a 130 have?

[WVhillbilly]

I have an LC4 400, running Kenda Big Blocks front and rear.
Some folks hate them, but I like them.

Good on pavement, good off road. Kinda soft, but cheap enough.

[B-Rod]

Originally Posted by juames

Well, it's time for a new rear tire for my 640Adv. I've used TKC80's before and wasn't a big fan. Also used the Pirelli Scorpian rally and it wasn't too bad. I also ran D606, MT-21's before on other bikes. I was thinking either MT-21 or maybe a Mitas E-09 or Michelin Desert Rally.

My question is what tire size? Bike has 140's on it now. What effect would running a 130 have?

I used a few Dunlop D606 rears and they come in a 130. I then got a good deal on Michelin Deserts from SW Moto tires. I liked them a lot, better than the 606 rears. They also sell the Dunlop T63 which I would have happily tried.

[bmwktmbill]

"We haven't any money so now we have to think."
"I need another fucking tire"

So.

Either...
Kenda 270 in a 130 rear size, go 3.25 on the front

or

Metzler Karoo

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...Rear-Tire.aspx

But that suggested, MT 21's are hard to beat.

Flip a coin on knobs, but the Kendas are cheap magic until you get into mud.

IMHO.

Oh yeah, gearing, smaller tire(Kenda) means higher revs for same speed as bigger tire, right?
So switch to 17T countershaft and get intermediate rev reduction.

Right or wrong? well anyway I've been running 270's with the 17T and loving it on the highway as vibes drop, off road you have long second and third gears for relaxed shifting as the throttle gets you through all the tough situations and the wheel spins easily even with the gutless BST 40 supplying the gasoline.

Again IMHO.
bill

[rz35027]

The smaller tires will allow it to turn/lean over, a little quicker, a little less cushion from the tire, more pressure on each knob (traction, depending...), gearing. Pretty subtle differences.

[gunnerbuck]

Originally Posted by juames

Well, it's time for a new rear tire for my 640Adv. I've used TKC80's before and wasn't a big fan. Also used the Pirelli Scorpian rally and it wasn't too bad. I also ran D606, MT-21's before on other bikes. I was thinking either MT-21 or maybe a Mitas E-09 or Michelin Desert Rally.

My question is what tire size? Bike has 140's on it now. What effect would running a 130 have?

Personally I feel the EO-9 to be one of the best choices for an all around rear DS tire out there... I've ran through 5 of these on my 640 including one that I ran for 8000km mostly on my back roads trip up north in 2008... These tires perform well in all types of terrain and give a good lifespan, much better than the TKC 80 ... In 2005 I paid $60 for a 130/80 x 18 and since then they have doubled in price... I prefer to run a 140 on the 640 as I like the way the bike handles with the bigger tire, it seems to give more stability...The 130 has a much lower profile so it drops the back of the bike down a bit, which is good if you have problems reaching the ground.. The problem is the 140 size only comes in the stiffer Dakar profile so it costs $40 more than a standard 130 size.. MX 1 deals with these tires and offers free Canada wide shipping...
http://www.mx1canada.com/mitas-e09-d...rear-tire.html

http://www.mx1canada.com/mitas-e09-dual-sport-tire.html

Skip using a EO 9 up front and instead go for a C-17, a much better tire for the off road side and less prone to pinch flats and rim dents...On road for an aggressive knobby front it is amazing at how well the C- 17 grips on pavement and rock... I ran one of these for most of the summer and finally had to change it out in Revelstoke on my 4000+ KM interior ride after probably 6000 km of use... I normally just run the regular C -17 up front, but for $10 more you get a stiffer Dakar version...

http://www.mx1canada.com/mitas-C17-s...ront-tire.html

[dolphins13]

Originally Posted by juames

Well, it's time for a new rear tire for my 640Adv. I've used TKC80's before and wasn't a big fan. Also used the Pirelli Scorpian rally and it wasn't too bad. I also ran D606, MT-21's before on other bikes. I was thinking either MT-21 or maybe a Mitas E-09 or Michelin Desert Rally.

My question is what tire size? Bike has 140's on it now. What effect would running a 130 have?

kenda 277 is working fine now. Gonna try shinko 244 next. They look the same but the 244's seem to be thicker? and more sturdy on edge of tire? Had m-21's and they are to much knobby for fast street riding for me. 150x17 on back tire. @ about 18lbs air in tire. Ive never had a problem in soft dirt and sand. I avoid thick mud (hate cleaning it off) so cant say how good in the mud they are. I like them for the best of both worlds (dirt and street) and and dont have to switch tires. I like hill climbing and they seem to work good enough but the m-21's worked way better. But the 21's are scary on the street for my liking.

[mancunian]

I have run both on my 640advR the MT21 is a far better tyre in my opinion especially on the dirt, 140 much better manners than smaller sizes.

[Grreatdog]

The way my bike spins up a 140 MT-21 there is no way I would consider a 130 anything on it. Mine also blew through the the last MT-21 in just 800 miles. But it was almost all hardcore offroad in rocks and tearing up gravel roads. Neither of which are very kind to tires.

[gunnerbuck]

I like the MT 21 up front but the short lifespan I got from the rears make for poor economics... The combination of riding in warm temps on shot rock roads will kill an MT 21 rear in less than 500 miles... They do perform well during their short life cycle though...

[juames]

I'm leaning towards the MT-21 based solely on price at this point. The E-09 is nearly twice the price, and not sure if it's twice as good.

[Yooper_Bob]

I am currently on my second Kings KT-963 rear tire (no...I don't own a KLR ) on my 640 Adventure.

http://www.kingstire.com/KT-963Rear.htm

I am running the 5.10/18. It is a bit narrower than the 140's I used to run, but no handling issues.

I have tried Pirelli's, Dunlops, Metzlers, but the Kings offer just as much (if not more traction), and the tire life is incredible.

I used to go thru a rear tire in 800-1,000 miles. I kid you not, the first Kings tire I put on the rear lasted an easy 2,000 miles. The fronts last even longer...and I don't have any wierd cupping that occurs on so many other fronts.

Best part is the price....

[vegastele]

Originally Posted by wvhillbilly

i have an lc4 400, running kenda big blocks front and rear.
Some folks hate them, but i like them.

Good on pavement, good off road. Kinda soft, but cheap enough.

+1

[gunnerbuck]

Originally Posted by juames

I'm leaning towards the MT-21 based solely on price at this point. The E-09 is nearly twice the price, and not sure if it's twice as good.

It looks like DSP sells them for a pretty good price compared to the places out west.... Have you tried the Michelin T 63 on the rear ? A good tire for the buck and longer lasting than the MT 21, made in the same factory as the Mitas...

[juames]

DSP carries the mt21 for around $90, and I have thought about the T63 but it doesn't come in a 140.