Offroad tires

[Luke_Foster]

Hey guys,

New to the forum and was just wanted to ask for some advice on some offroad tires for my 1986 r65. Ideally I would like some dual sport tires, however it seems they are quite hard to find in the right sizes. I also have seen people using rear tires 'reversed' as front tires, however some people say that this creates handling problems.

Anyone out there put dual sport tires on their airhead?

Thanks guys, any info would be much appreciated.

Luke.

[MrRiden]

You might have a look at a set of Dunlop K70 Gold Seal tires. A vintage tread pattern that does work fairly well, I'm told, on loose surfaces.

[Motu]

I have K70's for gravel, they do a far better job than you'd expect, and are good in hard pack too....but doubt you could go very far off road with them....farm tracks and like is all I've done. But the tread design means they are practically bald before getting to the TWI....I still have a couple of mm to the TWI, but will use then for seal only now.

I have 2 sets of wheels and fit the K70's for gravel roads. Tossing up what to fit next, I might try the Pirelli MT43 DOT trials tyres, or something like Full Bore. The Mono has the same size rims front and rear, and I use same size tyres for gravel. I don't reverse a tyre for front use, I don't see the point. The pattern is there for water dispersal, so needs to be the same when on the front. Off road they need to self clean, and a directional pattern self cleans in the same direction front or rear.

[Luke_Foster]

Cool, thanks for some ideas guys. The K70s look pretty nice. Most of my riding is on sealed roads, however I want to do some firetrail riding (well kept ones) at certain times.

Thanks again.

[Semper Gumby]

I would look at the Bridgestone TW-302.  Use a 4.10 x18 on the front turned around.  On the rear I would look at the Hidenau 110/80B18.  Heavy duty tough tire.

http://www.mefotires.com/Mefomenue_uk.htm

Mefo is another good tough German tire.  They make a Stone master Junior in a 3.50-18 size that might work on the front.  Agressive tread.

Also...

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productlist/765/

Mefo makes a 120/90-18 Explorer which is highly regarded.

[JPSpen]

I just ordered some Shinko 244's.

We'll see how they work if they ever get here...

John