I'm working towards a trip to northern Canada next year and I'm sure I'll be doing a fair amount of dirt roading. There seems to be a dearth of information regarding tires suitable for dirt, but still okay for road use, and allowing a fair amount of miles before replacement. Any information and experience woudl be welome.

Thanks.

So I visited a bike shop yesterday after posting and they recomended the Dunlop Distenza (sp?). Any feedback from those who have these on their strom? Particularly for teh off road performance.

I've had good luck with Michelin Anakeesas a compromise tire that works fairly well in the dirt. I believe that the Continental TKC80 is better in the dirt, but it sure looks too squirrely for long-distance road work.

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jack <><
'07 DL650, "which may just be the most shockingly competent machine in the world today"--Cycle World
www.reverendbiker.com

TKC80s actually work fine on the road--a little slippery on wet stopping perhaps, but otherwise they don't seem a whole lot different from the Trailwings, at least not unless you're pushing the limits.

Their big weakness is that to get the road performance they use a soft compound--they don't last very long. I'm planning on having used up a set by the time I get home from the current trip.

I can't say enough good things about Metzler Torances. Long life and good grip.

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2007 Aprilia Tuono (black) 20k
2005 Suzuki V-strom (black) 53k, still going...

notice a trend?

I'm currently running the Maxxis Presa Detour tires. Great in the dirt/gravel! Great on the pavement too. Sticky rubber compound. I scrape pegs regularly with them.



Got them for $200.90 delivered to my door from SW Moto Tires.

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Tom - Motorcycle luggage rack maker

'05 Suzuki DL650
'07 DR-Z400S

Avon makes the Distanzia, but I would go with the Metzeler Tourance or the Maxxis Presa Detour.

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BRIAN

2008 WR250R 2008 CONCOURS 1400 "Dearly departed 2005 DL1000"

Tom,

You still like the Presa Detours? I sure like the look of those and the price for a set is very reasonable. I was wondering how many miles you got on them so far and if you had any new input on how you like em? I have about 5800 on my wee now and the center of the rear is starting to get low so it's time for me to start planning what I want so when the time comes I'm not in a made scramble wondering what to get.

Thanks,

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Jim M

There's a reason Helmets aren't made of bone !
DEALS GAP

2006 DL 650
1996 DR200
2008 WR250R

I just spooned on some Detours last week.
Having only run the TW's so far on the Strom, I love the Detours in the sand.
I was pleasantly surprised that they are also quieter than the TW's on the road.

I got less than 4000 miles out of the last rear TW so I am curious how long these will last me.
I am terrified to even try TKC's (but really want to) since I'll bet I can only pull 2000 miles from them they way I run thru tires.

Wow,

I must ride like a granny compared to everyone else. I just check my mileage and I'm at 6083 miles on the factory rubber. My OEM rear rubber is just now getting low. Minor flat spot in the center. I ride mostly road and road up to Deal's Gap and back with a good portion on I75.

The factory rubber did let me scrape the pegs while I was up there without even a hiccup. When I have ventured off road the rear feels "ok". It's the front that is scary. I was riding some trails out at the Merritt Island Wildlife Reserve and came across a sugar sand section, not to deep, and it drove through ok on the factory rubber but the front felt like I was running on a water balloon rather than a tire. I then came across a 100' section of railroad rocks used as filler for a low spot. The rocks were deep and the front had no feel at all. That was very scary but I was smart enough to get on the throttle and it drove on through bucking and slipping back and forth.

I just like the look of the Detours and the price is right. I was wondering how they do compared to the factory rubber and how long they last.

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Jim M

There's a reason Helmets aren't made of bone !
DEALS GAP

2006 DL 650
1996 DR200
2008 WR250R