nklr trip report on kenda 657's

[propagandrew]

I'm in need of some riding pants (not rain pants, already have some). The obvious intent is protection in event of a fall. Main question is this: would dirt (mx) pants be more comfortable in the hot weather? Seems easier to find a pair that aren't solid black in the dirt section, and alot of the dirt pants are made of 600+ denier materials. Or anyone have any suggestions for mesh pants that still provide adequate protection? Thanks, Andrew

[Mark Sampson]

Main question is this: would dirt (mx) pants be more comfortable in the hot weather? Seems easier to find a pair that aren't solid black in the dirt section, and alot of the dirt pants are made of 600+ denier materials. I have used offroad (MX) riding gear many times for offroading, backroading or adventure touring in very hot weather. MX gear is very breathable and you can put your knee--shin guards--offroad boots under them and be protected. Also there are quite a few company's offering very breathable pants and jackets nowadays with at least a little protection in them. Mark Sampson www.bigdogadventures.com

[Sam Teel]

Another lister and I went for a ride today just after my nephew mounted up the Kenda 657's. He said the guys at the Harley shop where he is sales manager gave him a hard time when used the mounting gear. He did a good job though, they were mounted in the right direction and balanced well. Took 2.5 oz on the rear and .5 oz on the front. They are really, really street tires. Very little tread and a very rounded profile. We got them back on the bike in his garage about 10:30 and I took off to meet Jim in Olive Branch, Mississippi. When my nephew heard that I was leaving his house to go offroad on these near race slicks, he just shook his head. I did at least plan to air them down if needed. It was about 39 degrees and clear blue skies. I took it easy on the way down to break them in and did some slower zig zag movements to scuff off the edges a bit. They seemed better (more solid feel) than the old worn out Pirelli MT80's that were on there when I got Dave's old bike. (I think I'll name it Dob). Once I got up to interstate speeds, 70 - 80 indicated (what's that actual? Like maybe 42 - 51?) I noticed they seemed to want to move the forks side to side a bit. Just a few degrees, not a tank slapper. It was only moderately windy so I think the rounded surface contact patch is maybe less stable straight and vertical. Jim and I were going to see if we could find a couple of little lakes in the North Mississippi area near Holly Spring national forest. This would be my 3rd offroad experience if you count the 12 minutes I spent yesterday on Chow/Possum road. We stopped for lunch at a grocery/restaurant on a dirt side road. The lady saw how cold I was and told me to come around the counter and warm up by the gas heater. True Southern Comfort. Jim and I had BBQ sandwiches sitting on picnic bench in the dusty, dim storage/junk room of the grocer. Hey, it was better than the cold outside for sure. After we got off the pavement and onto the main dirt road which was just a bit wet in places and lightly covered in gravel in other places, things seemed ok. Really not much different than on the MT80's. Second and third gear, loose on the bars and just relax. We did a few miles and Jim pointed out a wetter, muddier and more rutted road that he had been on a few weeks ago. I said that I was game for it, so let's go. We turned onto it and the sliding in the slick, wet red mud began. A couple of hundred feet and I was doing more to hold up the bike than the tires. Jim stopped and said, "Man, if I'm sliding, you MUST be." I told him it was pretty bad. He slip slided out into the woods and turned around. I followed. A few seconds later, I went into a muddy trench about a foot and half deep. I felt the bike going down and the next thing I remember, I was standing next to the bike. Those moments of dismounting are just not in the memory bank. No idea how I jumped off, landed or got up. Bike was down, I was up. I noticed Jim had parked his KLR and was headed my way on foot. We lifted the bike, took a quick look to see if anything was broke (no) and I got back on. Jim had to plant his boot next to my front tire to keep it from sliding right out and then had to push from the back to get me started. (Sorry Jim, if I mud slung ya!) Back on the regular dirt road, a few deep breaths, a few kicks of the boots and wads of red mud slung from the tires and I was ok. We rode around the area for awhile and enjoyed the scenery and the clear skies. We did comment how much better this was than some of you guys who have to park the bikes for the winter. Not gloating, just glad for us. Y'all come on down! I think Jim was getting tired of going so slow to keep me in sight but he never complained. He is a better rider in the dirt by huge margin and from what I can tell, better on the street too. It's like tennis. To get better, play with folks better than yourself. Thanks Jim. With about 120 miles on the 657's, I'm pleased. I bought them for the street and the corner carving is great. I felt much more confident than before. I think I'll try to find a couple of used wheels and mount maybe some Kenda 271's (that's the cheap DS tires, right?) this spring so I can do more in the dirt. Maybe by then, I won't slow Jim so bad. Regards, Sam on Dob