nklr laying it down

[JSherlockHolmes@aol.com]

Hi Gang, I know this has been gone over several times, but I just couldn't help myself. I am sitting here as I write this, looking at the Dennis Kirk dirt bike catalog for tires. I have read on the list that the following tires are good dual sport selections: Kenda 270, Pirelli MT21, and IRC GP-1/GP-110. When looking at these tires and comparing the tread design with tires like the: Avon Gripster, Michelin Sirac, Pirelli MT-70, and Dunlop's Trailmax, the first group appears to be a severe knobby design. These don't appear as if they would provide good road traction in the twisties or on wet pavement. Meanwhile, the second group appears as if they would provide good road handling on the street, but not much better performance than the stock tires in the dirt. To be honest with ya'll, I'm confused. I spend most of my time on the street commuting, touring, or searching for that inviting trail to who knows where. Yet, when I find that trail, I tend to take even some of the roughest ones because they usually go to the coolest places. What do I need to put on my bike for the best performance in this scenario? I lean my bike over quite a bit on the street, and I am a little concerned about losing traction with the way the first set of knobbies look. Can you guys/girls share your experience with me and educate me on the current state of affairs for tires on the KLR? Thank you, please forgive my ignorance in this matter, tires have always confused me. Jim Sherlock

[Stuart Mumford]

>Hi Gang, >I know this has been gone over several times, but I just couldn't help >myself. I am sitting here as I write this, looking at the Dennis Kirk dirt >bike catalog for tires.

It's gonna be a compromise no matter which way you go Jim. Kenda 270's have been a good compromise for me. I think at speed on the highway they really aren't that bad, but for low speed tight corners, be careful, they will slide. On the dirt, they are so far ahead of the stock tires I think I'm on a different bike... CA Stu

[Karl Raupp]

>in the dirt. To be honest with ya'll, I'm confused. I spend most of my time >on the street commuting, touring, or searching for that inviting trail to >who >knows where. Yet, when I find that trail, I tend to take even some of the >roughest ones because they usually go to the coolest places. What do I need >to put on my bike for the best performance in this scenario?

I ride fairly conservatively on the street so I can't attest to their knee dragging properties, but look into Continental TKC-80's. Medium priced and good wear properties. I suffer the same problem as you. I do most of my mileage on the road but when I do go off road, I go OFF ROAD. Any of the road oriented tires just won't do. Karl ________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com

[JSherlockHolmes@aol.com]

I want to Thank everyone that has responded to my query about tire selection for my KLR. Through my research and Internet search I have tentatively selected the Kenda K270's. People have spoken highly of these tires, and ol' Knots enlightenment about upgrading has made some sense to me. Add that to the fact that I have found a source, at www.bobscycle.com where I can get a F/R pair for a measly $66.00. For those of you that have run, or do run, the Kenda K270's I have three questions: 1) What are your mileage statistics? 2) What are the real world handling characteristics on the street? 3) Do you know what the speed rating is? (I cruise at 65 to 85 mph on the interstate and need a tire that can handle it) Please respond to me with your info at my personal e-mail address. For the rest of you excellent helpers I have closely considered all of your advice, however, finances are tight right now and I need to get the best I can for the least price. My wife keeps a close eye on my m/c budget and I've just about run out of credit with the missus. (Hell, she's let me spend close to $500.00 this month alone on bike upgrades, so I'm not complaining). One question I do have though, is where do you get info on these "King's" I have been hearing about? Are they left overs? Are they still made? Where do I find them? Again, Thank you all for your input. I really value the willingness of this group to share its knowledge and experience. Ride Hard - Ride Safe. Jim Sherlock

[JSherlockHolmes@aol.com]

Speaking of the desert, my beloved riding grounds is now a smoldering ruin, and the fire is still spreading here at Hanford. I'm sure that before it recovers enough to once again ride on, the BLM will have it closed off forever, so I don't think I'll ever get to ride out there again. I'm really kind of bummed about it. The Arid Land Ecology Preserve is half destroyed. I was watching the CH-47 Chinook helicopters dip their tanks in the Columbia River all day today, making passes at the fire, and a fixed wing aircraft spraying fire retardant. Pretty depressing stuff. I emphathise with you. It is always a terrible shame when a beautiful area is lost. Forest burning is a natural phenomenon that the forest uses to replenish itself. Unfortunately, unreasonable restrictions on land usage have caused an overgrowth of both trees and the tinderous undergrowth, which results in fires much larger than they should be. We all know the groups responsible for this, so we don't need to point the big fingers, but damn, when are they gonna learn? But, I digress. I feel for you, and others, my friend. You were fortunate enough to live in a gorgeous area and it has been temporarily lost. I don't know if it will work, but perhaps you can get some fellow riders together to rebuild a trail or two and also replant trees and erosion protecting undergrowth. In this way, you may get your riding area back quicker, as well as shining a glowing light on the efforts of the local bike riders. Just a thought. Anyway, sorry to hear about the loss of the area. Jim Sherlock