I am close to purchasing a Versys, and am curious as to its trail riding abilities, and sourcing more aggressive tires for better dual-surface performance. I am not talking about blasting motorcross style through the trees, but casually exploring unpaved surfaces when provoked.

These guys had a decent write up on some 'dual sportish' tires:

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycles/kawasaki-versys/pirelli-tires/

I think they look pretty good, but my V will stay on the tarmac 99% of the time.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b343/hunting1/Bikes/100_2138.jpg

I am running the MT-60's and they are great, but you won't get more than 3000-miles from them. I am thinking Avon Distancias in 150/70/17 and the 120/17 for the front. Problem is most aggressive 160/60/17 are for motards and are soft. Good luck and as you can see in my aviator, mine has been down trails, but it won't take rough stuff!

I'm grooving the original tires for now... I'd go for a Maxxis Presa Detour MA-PD 150/70R17 69H/TL rear, and a Maxxis Presa M6118 120/70R17 Medium 58S TL front;
http://www.maxxis.com/products/motorcycle/product_detail.asp?id=5436
http://www.maxxis.com/products/motorcycle/product_detail.asp?id=255

Got the Corsas and they rock!! WAY more confident in messy corners.

Distanzias are the way to go IMHO, gravel OR tar. My friend has had them for about 10 months and rides approx 66/35 tar/gravel. Front lasts about 18000K's, rear about 11000K's. That's REALLY good in my mind for the exceptional grip they give on the tar. His tyres are worn right to the edge. I run the same front but use the 150 (dual purpose) rear and I can get to the edge with no slipping issues. Price is also very reasonable. I won't be changing brands anytime soon!!!

Where do you guys pick these tires up from? I hesitate asking the dealer about them simply for the $$. Are there other options?

Chaparral Racing (San Bernardino, CA)
Maxxis Presa Detour (http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Chaparral/productr.asp?pf%5Fid=368%2D1761&gift=False&HSLB=False&mscssid=F08E0C6AEA404714AE16FD30B09D9780) 150/70-17 rear ($98.99), Maxxis Presa M6118 (http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Chaparral/product_family.asp?family%5Fid=15418&gift=False&mscssid=E2684F5CFC7346FDB4E1AE7F5D206F32) (SuperMotard) 120/70-17 front ($114.85).

Ron Ayers Motorsports (http://www.ronayers.com/catalogs/tires/search.cfm) (Greenville, NC)
Avon Distanzia:
160/60-17 (623 mm OD) $124.98
150/60-17 (614 mm OD) $112.09
150/70-17 (640 mm OD) $120.29
120/70-17 $90.61
Pirelli MT 60-R Corsa: 160/60-17 $152.38, 120/70-17 $123.43.
Pirelli Scorpion Sync: 160/60-17 $128.44, 150/70-17 $127.04, 120/70-17 $109.35.

Invader...have you tried the Maxis Presa's? They look interesting.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/29/393/5426/ITEM/Pirelli-MT-60-R-Dual-Sport-Rear-Tire.aspx?SiteID=CSE_GBase&WT.mc_ID=80003&zmam=88421133&zmas=1&zmac=2&zmap=5426

I get mine from here. They have good prices, service, and stock. R&S here in Albq is supposed to have smoking prices, I will check it out on my next order.

Invader...have you tried the Maxis Presa's? They look interesting.

No I haven't yet. I grooved out my original tires for now, and removed about 2 pounds of rubber off the rear, and about 1 pound off the front. Pics soon...
I have seen great reviews about the Maxxis Presa Detour; Great traction and wear. The Presa M6118 medium compund front is also said to be hard to beat in various conditions, and would be well matched to the rear Presa Detour. I will try them at start of next season if nothing better comes up.

Where did you get that crashbar?

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b343/hunting1/Bikes/100_2138.jpg

I am running the MT-60's and they are great, but you won't get more than 3000-miles from them. I am thinking Avon Distancias in 150/70/17 and the 120/17 for the front. Problem is most aggressive 160/60/17 are for motards and are soft. Good luck and as you can see in my aviator, mine has been down trails, but it won't take rough stuff!

Happy Trails! Got the Panniers as well and they rock!:yeahsmile:

Nice! I think Im gonna get one of those...I ordered some frame sliders but they did not fit on my 2007 canadian versys....

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b343/hunting1/Bikes/100_2425.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b343/hunting1/Bikes/100_2424.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b343/hunting1/Bikes/100_2423.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b343/hunting1/Bikes/100_2138.jpg

This is the whole set up if you want to see what it looks like. As far as back to tires, who is running a 150/70/17? Any issues? I like the MT-60's but would like a rear that gets atleast 4500-5000 miles.

What A Fun Bike We Own !

MotosportXperts has the Maxxis Presa M6118 120/70 medium compound front (SuperMotard), and M6119 160/60 hard compound rear for only $75/$95. I wouldn't mind trying the set at that price, instead of with a 150/70 Presa Detour rear... They even ship to Canada via USPS;
http://www.motosportxperts.com/page/E4D/PROD/MAXXIS-STREET-TIRES/MAXXIS-M6119R-M6118F-STREET-TIRES

Happy Trails! Got the Panniers as well and they rock!:yeahsmile:

Here's a link to their Versys stuff:

http://www.happy-trail.com/category.aspx?categoryID=1024

I will have my 150/70/17 Distanzias this weekend. I will report after they are on.:clap:

I ran the Distanzias on the '94 Ducati Elefant I had and I was always impressed with the grip and mileage. After this first set goes I will probably go back to them unless you guys pave the way for something better.

Well, new Distanzias are on and I shoul;d have done this a long time ago! They handle great and by having the taller profile dropped my RPM's at 80mph down to 5850-5900 RPM. Much better!!!!! :clap:

You changed tires again?! Was it out of necessity or want??


Pics?

Necessity! I only got 2500-miles from the MT-60's. The 150/70/17 Distanzia is different than the 160/60/17. I should get 8-9000 miles from it.

I put an Anakee 150/70/17 on the rear this weekend and it is a great improvement over the OEM. Put a roadsmart on front, great combination so far (also went back to the 15T CS).

Have not gone offroad yet, but expect the anakee to do great!

Necessity! I only got 2500-miles from the MT-60's. The 150/70/17 Distanzia is different than the 160/60/17. I should get 8-9000 miles from it.

I use to run the Distanzias on my old E900 Elefant but usually got 6-7000 miles. Of course the Elefant was much heavier. Keep us posted on how they do on the V. I would like to go back to them when my originals ware out.

If the BT021s are available for the V, that'll be my next set... I have them on my VTR... Sticky on the edges and looooong wear in the center... Relatively low cost too.

I put an Anakee 150/70/17 on the rear this weekend and it is a great improvement over the OEM. Put a roadsmart on front, great combination so far (also went back to the 15T CS).

Have not gone offroad yet, but expect the anakee to do great!

That is one mean looking tire! :devil: :cheers:

What brand are those Anakee's? They look sweet.

http://news.motorbiker.org/blogs.nsf/dx/michelin-anakee-2.htm

Well, it looks like I've found my next set of tires! Those Anakees look just right!
Thanks for the post and pictures.

They look sweet, too bad no 17" front yet.

They look sweet, too bad no 17" front yet.

This is why I went the Avon Distonzias. That Anakee is a good looking tire!

Nice looking rear rubber. Is that the H or V rated spec? I heard that the H has a slightly deeper tread depth.

Correct, it is the "H" load range B.

If the BT021s are available for the V, that'll be my next set... I have them on my VTR... Sticky on the edges and looooong wear in the center... Relatively low cost too.

hey they make the bridgestone battleax BT021 150/70zr17 that will fit the V right?

Bridgestone Battlax BT021 is available in the original 120/70-17 front and 160/60-17 rear, as well as in 150/70-17.
Available for $106.29 (http://www.jcmotors.com/pm-8920-28-bridgestone-battlax-bt-021-sport-touring-replacement-rear-tire.aspx) and $86.43 (http://www.jcmotors.com/pm-8919-28-bridgestone-battlax-bt-021-sport-touring-replacement-front-tire.aspx).
Many Honda ST owners have been disappointed with them though, even compared to their OEM Dunlop D220's.
http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47106

A lot of chatter on ADV about these Shinko 705's. 130/80/17 on the front and 150/70/17 rear.

http://i898.photobucket.com/albums/ac190/guesswork3/P1010832.jpg

I had to jack up my front fender

http://i898.photobucket.com/albums/ac190/guesswork3/P1010835.jpg

http://i898.photobucket.com/albums/ac190/guesswork3/P1010829.jpg

They look great! Let us know how they work...

GW,

How did you make you bracket to raise the front fender, and did you have to change you brake hose X-over?

TKC80s?

http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/de/de/continental/motorrad/themen/motorradreifen/enduro/tkc_80/img/tkc80_uv.gif

Good day,

I mounted a set of Avon Distanzia tires last night and after a quick ride this morning I found they handle great on pave and gravel roads. I am sure they will be more than adequate for light off road runs. :D

A lot of chatter on ADV about these Shinko 705's. 130/80/17 on the front and 150/70/17 rear.


I had E705's on my KLR, and loved them. I'd love to know how they work on the Versys, and how you raised the fender to make room for them.

Dave C

"I'd love to know how they work on the Versys, and how you raised the fender to make room for them".

Jack up the front fender...
The brackets are typical hardware store brackets. they are available straight or as L bracket.
Easy to straighten or shape in a vise. The holes must be drilled at the necessary interval. The third hole spaced identical to the original two mounting holes on the fender. Important, Find the correct metric screws and lock nuts to bolt on the fender (raised aprox 3 inches higher) The new top hole will need a 1/2 inch spacer between the bracket and the fender.
I routed the brake line cross-over below the finder rather than replacing with additional length to run above.
See the pic of my bracket for better clearification. My opinion, this has worked very well.

Guesswork, thanks for the closeup pic. really helps me see what you did. Personally though I would be scared of cutting the brake line when traveling over gravel., might want to put some kind of protector over it, or move it over.

You guys have a much better choice of tyres than we have in UK. The MT60's to fit the Versys are not availabel to us. Those Shinko's look great, I will see if we can get them but I have never heard of Shinko.
I am running the Avon Distanzia's, the tyres to fit the Versys are the "SM" grade which is apparently an intermediate supermoto, softer than the standard distanzia but not a full-on supermoto sticky. I love them on tarseal roads and they are good on dry rocky trails.
The rear is wearing quickly but I have done 2200 miles and the front is down from 6mm to 5 1/2 mm. The rear is down from 9m to 5mm. Highly recommended.
I used a set of BT021's for a long trip, all on tarseal, and I rate them highly too. I wore the soft edges out before the hard center but they still gripped well in torrential rain.
Ted.

The MT60's to fit the Versys are not availabel to us.
-Pirelli MT 60-
160/60 R 17 69V TL rear: http://www.pneus-online.co.uk/public/static_popup/popup_detail_pneu_new.php?id=rk_000000000010002686&referrer=/motorcycle-tyres-PIRELLI-160-60-r17-A.html

120/70 R 17 58V TL front: http://www.pneus-online.co.uk/public/static_popup/popup_detail_pneu_new.php?id=rk_000000000010000985&referrer=/motorcycle-tyres-PIRELLI-120-70-r17-A.html

It says rear, but has to be the front: http://www.pirellityre.com/web/catalog/moto/moto_catalogoDett.page?categoria=/catalog/moto/on_off_road/enduro_street&vehicleType=MOTO (front: MT 60, rear: MT 60 RS CORSA)

I see they have my front 120/70-17 Avon Distanzia at a higher price, and my rear 150/70-17 Conti TrailAttack for even more. They also have some Shinko's, but not the 705's... Heidenau's K73 looks interesting too:

http://www.pneus-online.co.uk/public/static_popup/popup_detail_pneu_new.php?id=rk_000000000010002667&referrer=/motorcycle-tyres-160-60-r17-A.html

http://www.pneus-online.co.uk/public/static_popup/popup_detail_pneu_new.php?id=rk_000000000010045502&referrer=/motorcycle-tyres-120-70-r17-A.html

Totally agree on the brake line exposure. I have several different solutions under consideration.

Ted, if you don't mind fitting a 150/70-17 in the rear, this Heidenau K60 (http://www.pneus-online.co.uk/public/static_popup/popup_detail_pneu_new.php?id=sw_981118000003068&referrer=/motorcycle-tyres-150-70-r17-A.html) is a good dual-sport option, seems to be all the rage these days with the large ADV-Tourer crowd. (thanks for the link to pneus-online, Invader)

The only concern I'd have with the K73 is that it's labeled as a rain tire (and seems to be targeted at the super-moto crowd), probably meaning it doesn't last long if you run it hard in dry conditions. Probably no worse than a Distanzia or MT-60, though.

Gustavo

just installed the shinko e705 rear and am going on a trip over labor day weekend, will let you know how i feel about it

hunting1, what kind of engine guard is that?

Thanks Invader. That French supplier might be very useful.
I bought the Distanzia SM's and shipped them off to Spain by carrier yesterday to pick up and fit when I get there. They will have to last about 3500 miles down to Morocco and back to Northern Spain so I am crossing my fingers the rear lasts. Based on my usage of the same tyres at present, guessing the total life after 2200 miles, the front will be fine but the rear might not.
Ted.

Ted, if you don't mind fitting a 150/70-17 in the rear, this Heidenau K60 (http://www.pneus-online.co.uk/public/static_popup/popup_detail_pneu_new.php?id=sw_981118000003068&referrer=/motorcycle-tyres-150-70-r17-A.html) is a good dual-sport option, seems to be all the rage these days with the large ADV-Tourer crowd. (thanks for the link to pneus-online, Invader)

The only concern I'd have with the K73 is that it's labeled as a rain tire (and seems to be targeted at the super-moto crowd), probably meaning it doesn't last long if you run it hard in dry conditions. Probably no worse than a Distanzia or MT-60, though.

Gustavo
Thanks Gustavo. That's another one I haven't heard of. I will look into them.
I hope someone runs a set to see how they last.
Ted.

I've put about 600 miles on the shinko 705 and so far I like it.... no real noticeable handling issues, seems to be holding up ok I've got a few thousand mile trip coming up and I'll report wear after that.

Guesswork, is it necessary to raise the fender so high, or did you do that to prevent packing the fender on a muddy trail?

I just bought a 2009 V and ride a lot of gravel (or will). I'd like to mount some more aggressive tread but the tire sizes make me think I should just go with the Distanzia's. Would most 130/80-17's mount backwards on the front and clear the fender ok? Is it top clearance or side clearance that is an issue with the fender? I would prefer a tire like the Avon Gripsters if they came in the right size. I'm thinking probably 60/40 street/offroad. Or are the Distanzia's really that good that a more aggressive tread would be a waste of good street traction?

TIA for everyone's comments.

You couldn't want more grip or feel on tarmac than the Distanzia SM's give. Not as good off-road though. Depends of course what off-road you do. There is also the question of tyre life. I am expecting 3 to 3,500 miles on the rear, quite a bit more on the front, based on nearly 2500 miles so far on a set.
Ted.

[QUOTE=amain;50357]Guesswork, is it necessary to raise the fender so high, or did you do that to prevent packing the fender on a muddy trail?

I am quite certain you could not get this one under the stock fender configuration. Although something less than 3 inches could work, but like you say, i don't want it to hold a bunch of mud...

I ran the Distanzias on the '94 Ducati Elefant I had and I was always impressed with the grip and mileage. After this first set goes I will probably go back to them unless you guys pave the way for something better.
I guess those would have been "normal" Distanzia's. The ones to fit the Versys are Distanzia SM's which are Supermoto with a rubber compound part-way between normal D's and the full-on race SM's.
The tyre life will be less but the grip will be more.
Ted.

I am in the same boat as all you guys. I am looking for a tire that provides much better off road capabilities without sacrificing on-road performance too much. My question is this: how much can you vary from the stock tire sizes and how does it effect fit and function of the bike? I don't really understand the number designations used to describe the different tires sizes and there seems to be more than one system in use. Hope you experts can shed some light on this. Thanks

PS So far the Distenzias seem like the front runner so far. I have had mixed results actually finding them in stock from different online sources. The guys that have the best prices don't actually have them in stock! Story of my life.:dgi:

The general rule of thumb is that you can go up or down one size without consequence. This means that from a 120/70 you could go either 130/70, 110/70, 120/80, or 120/60. For a 120/70 tire, the tire width is 120mm and the height of the tire from the road to the rim is 70% of the width (84mm). Deviating by more than one size and you are on your own. There are also exceptions to this rule because of specific measurements of fender and chain clearances, etc. Theoretically, you can measure your clearances and mathematically figure the maximum size of your tire and see if it falls in the range of your up/down one size rule. I haven't tried that yet but hope to give it a try this week. There are some nice rear knobbies available in 17" sizes but virtually no front knobbies. I will be investigating using a rear on the front and turning it backwards (front tires brake instead of tract forward like rears.)

The Distanzias sounded ok to me until it was mentioned that they are actually supermotard tires and are softer rubber. I don't need or want that. Doesn't Kawasaki realize the Versys isn't really just a supermotard but also the perfect dual-sport so many of us have been looking for? How about having some tires made for us off-roaders? Better yet, how about selling the Versys with a 21" front wheel option?!!

That sure would open up the tire selection!

Thanks so much for the guidelines about tire sizes. That is a very clear, concise answer; not the typical stuff you get on the internet. Appreciate the help very much.

Would someone please throw up a picture of a rear wheel with a 150/70 Avon Distanzia on. I have cut through a rear 160/60 Distanzia in 4000 kms. The 120/60 front is still going strong.
I am now running a 150/70 Continental Trail Attack on the rear http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/de/en/continental/motorcycle/themes/motorcycletires/enduro/trailattack/trail_attack_en.html and the grip is fantastic.

Thanks.

Would someone please throw up a picture of a rear wheel with a 150/70 Avon Distanzia on. I have cut through a rear 160/60 Distanzia in 4000 kms. The 120/60 front is still going strong.
I am now running a 150/70 Continental Trail Attack on the rear http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/de/en/continental/motorcycle/themes/motorcycletires/enduro/trailattack/trail_attack_en.html and the grip is fantastic.

Thanks.
Here is a Distanzia photo. There is no way the rear is going to last 4000 miles. I reckon 3500 max.
Ted.

Is that a 150/70 Distanzia Ted, or the motard 160/60?
I had the soft 160/60 which is a track tyre and wears very quickly through in about 4000 kms. I agree they certainly won't last 4000 miles.
I am thinking I may try the Distanzia 150/70 next time and that's why I wanted a photo of one to compare to the 160/60.

I see the ContiTrailAttack is, or soon will be, available in a
150/70 R 17 M/C 69V TL and a
150/70 R 17 M/C 70V TL

Can someone explain to me what the difference is between these two tires?

Thanks!

They already make the 150/70 R 17 M/C 69V TL which I have on the rear. The other one that's in preparation is actually an 18": 150/70 R 18 M/C 70V TL
http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/de/en/continental/motorcycle/themes/motorcycletires/enduro/trailattack/trail_attack_en.html

Is that a 150/70 Distanzia Ted, or the motard 160/60?
I had the soft 160/60 which is a track tyre and wears very quickly through in about 4000 kms. I agree they certainly won't last 4000 miles.
I am thinking I may try the Distanzia 150/70 next time and that's why I wanted a photo of one to compare to the 160/60.
Zeph.
It's the 160/60 Supermoto, but they told me it is an "intermediate", half way between the normal distanzia and the full-on Supermotard in rubber compound.
It is the only one I can get in UK as far as I know. Certainly the 120/70 front is definitely the only 17inch front Distanzia available here, or in fact anyth other make with any degree of trail-worthiness that I have found.
I have done 2200 miles on that rear tyre now and it is down from 9mm to 5mm tread in the centre so I am "hoping" the new one will do 3500 on the Morocco trip.
Ted.

GoGary, I'm not sure but I think the 69v and 70v numbers relate to stiffness of the sidewall and the resulting loadrange for the tire. Anyone know for sure?

GoGary, I'm not sure but I think the 69v and 70v numbers relate to stiffness of the sidewall and the resulting loadrange for the tire. Anyone know for sure?

As mentioned in post 66, second tire is actually an 18".
69 is a 716 lbs load rating, and 70 is 736 lbs. V is 140 mph (240 Km/hr) speed rating.

It sounds like some of you are running Conti Trail Attack 150/70-17 on the rear.

Has anyone also run a Trail Attack on the front, say a 130/80-17? Will it clear the fender?

I have used Trail Attacks on my DL650 V-Strom. I got 7000 miles on the rear. It easily could have hit 8000 miles, but I got a puncture. The front is still going strong and should break 10000 miles easily. These are great tires.

I'm currently running Shinko E705 on the rear of the DL650, and I would love to put these on the Versys, but I don't want to deal with the front fender clearance.

I have a Conti TrailAttack 150/70 on the rear, and an Avon Distanzia 120/70 on the front. Some have installed a 130/70-17 (not a TrailAttack) on the front by raising the front fender to allow enough clearance.
Good to hear about the TrailAttack's longevity, E-nigma.

Someone heard anything about Dunlop Sportmax Mutant tires?
Tried google but can't find any decent reviews on it though.
Seems to be a interesting tire but it's a supermotard compund just like the other interesting tires (MT60 and Distanza).
I want a tire that works well on gravel roads which ain't made of chewing gum.

/ Tommi

Try this link. http://www.canyonchasers.net/reviews/tires/d616vSync.php

They test a Dunlop D616 verses the Scorpion.

Thanks for the link, the D616 and the Sportmax mutant ain't the same tire though and the D616 doesn't seem to be available here in europe.

/ Tommi

Tommi - try looking for a Dunlop D270 (http://www.dunlop-tires.com/dunlop_euen/tyre_range/motorcycles/on_road/sport_roadster/sportmax_d270/), nod a D616. Unfortunately, neither is available in a 160/60-17.

Gustavo

A lot of chatter on ADV about these Shinko 705's. 130/80/17 on the front and 150/70/17 rear.

http://i898.photobucket.com/albums/ac190/guesswork3/P1010832.jpg

I had to jack up my front fender

http://i898.photobucket.com/albums/ac190/guesswork3/P1010835.jpg

http://i898.photobucket.com/albums/ac190/guesswork3/P1010829.jpg

I thought of getting the same tire for the front I have the rear 150 and love it so far, how much taller did the front tire end up being when you mounted it? I would think it would flatten out when it is mounted and not look so tall. How much room do you have under your raised front fender?

Have you ever bottomed out your front forks if so I was wondering if there was enough clearance between the fender and the bottom triple tree?

I also raised my font fender but only went up 38mm which is about 1 1/2" that is the max that I can go and still have enough clearance between the fender and the bottom triple tree, that is with dropping the forks in the clamps 10mm so they are flush with the top of the top triple tree. I ended up with 50mm of space above the top of my 120/70-17 distanza which should give me enough space for a 19" front tire or if I cant find a rim that will work then I will try a shirko 130/80-17 on the front if it will fit.

I am going to take my front tire to a wrecker and see if I can find a rim that will match in 19", hoping that a V-Strom rim will work. I have seen that the Versys and the V-Strom use the same front break pads so hope that the disks are the same. If I cant find a used rim I was thinking of getting in touch with Excel in Utah and see if they could match the hub with one of theirs and then you could lace up any rim you wanted to it, but would like to stay with tubeless if I could don't think I will be riding the Versys that hard off road to need spokes.

Thanks for any info you can give me.
Darryl.

Tommi - try looking for a Dunlop D270 (http://www.dunlop-tires.com/dunlop_euen/tyre_range/motorcycles/on_road/sport_roadster/sportmax_d270/), nod a D616. Unfortunately, neither is available in a 160/60-17.

Gustavo

The D270 is available in europe but I don't like it's tread groove pattern, I prefer more grooves per tire area.
So I think I'm going to try the sportmax mutant or the MT60 even though they have the so called supermotard compound.
Road bikes are a whole new world to me as I'm used to ride off-road and DS bikes, the bike I had before the Versys was a KLX650 which I used tires like the MT21 on.

/ Tommi

Shinko's on and pics up

see here http://www.kawasakiversys.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3955

scroll down to #11

I had a Suzuki DR 650 before I got my Versys. I ride back roads with sport bikers. I love the upright ride of the Versys. I have been on a few gravel roads with the Versys and it scares the hell out of me with stock or street tires.

Can you tell me how your shiko 705 tires are performing so far?
Did you ever had a chance to ride a bike with anakees ?
Please let me know.
tx

just installed the shinko e705 rear and am going on a trip over labor day weekend, will let you know how i feel about it

Can you tell me how your shiko 705 tires are performing so far?
Did you ever had a chance to ride a bike with anakees ?
Please let me know.
tx

Well now I really need to get tires, I did about 400 km today and some of it was a bit of a faster ride, when I stopped for lunch one of the other rides at the Tim Hortons in Greenwood, NS pointed out I should take it easy with the tires, since the metal is starting to show through (just short of 10,000 km). Oops.

So now it comes down to picking out a tire and ordering it. I hate choices, especially with the limited front wheel sizes. So far I think it's gonna be the Distanzia 150/70 in the rear and the 120/70 fronts. I would like them to last at least as long as the stock tire.

I got an Avon Distanzia 120/70-17 front with a Conti Trail Attack 150/70-17 rear for high mileage expectancy, and for slightly more aggressive tread in front. :thumb:

Enduro Tires benchmark test (http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/de/en/continental/motorcycle/general/links/news/cta_testwinner_en.pdf)

Well I just ordered my next set of tires. The Scorpion Syncs and already I am second-guessing myself and thinking I should have ordered the Distancias with the 150/70 rear. I know I will be taking at least one really long trip and wanted to have at least some ability to go on gravel and "light" off-road trails, which I have done on the stocks anyways. So I'm guessing the syncs will do. I think I have until tomorrow to change my mind.

Did I say I hate choices.

After a set of Distanzias, I'm raising the front fender and slapping the Tourances on. While the Distanzia was a good tire, it's just too short lived and too noisy for me. But it's a good tire, you betcha.

I would like them to last at least as long as the stock tire (just short of 10,000 km)... The Scorpion Syncs and already I am second-guessing myself and thinking I should have ordered the Distanzias with the 150/70 rear. I know I will be taking at least one really long trip and wanted to have at least some ability to go on gravel and "light" off-road trails, which I have done on the stocks anyways. So I'm guessing the syncs will do. I think I have until tomorrow to change my mind.

Did I say I hate choices.

The Pirelli Scorpion Syncs are good on dry pavement, and will wear out quickly... I still think you should try a Trail Attack or Distanzia 150/70-17 rear, with a Distanzia 120/70-17 front.

After a set of Distanzias, I'm raising the front fender and slapping the Tourances on. While the Distanzia was a good tire, it's just too short lived and too noisy for me. But it's a good tire, you betcha.

Read my Morocco trip report. After the Distanzia the rear Tourance grip was almost non-existent.
Ted.

I love the scorpion sync.They are great on pavement that is wet or littered with acorns,leaves and other stuff.The threads on these tires find traction where typical sport or sport touring tires will slide a little.These tires handle well,are very stable at speed and they are smooth riding.I have tons of confidence these tires are going to find grip on less than perfect pavement.Off road they don't inspire,these are definetly street tires..I am going to get 3500-5000 miles or so on these tires.Not great mileage,but very good performance.

Just got my Scorpion Syncs installed and went on a 100 km ride, although it was a bit cool it was a fun ride. Definitely felt a lot better riding on new tires that weren't squared off, can't really comment much more yet. So far so good and I hope I won't have to buy new ones this season (judging by the way I rode so far that won't happen).

This will most likely be it for the season, I will just change the oil and clean up the bike and wait for good weather in the New Year.

Christmas here we come.