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Aggressive tires??

38K views 88 replies 41 participants last post by  vp7 
#1 ·
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.
 
#3 ·


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!
 
#6 ·
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!!!
 
#8 · (Edited)
Chaparral Racing (San Bernardino, CA)
Maxxis Presa Detour 150/70-17 rear ($98.99), Maxxis Presa M6118 (SuperMotard) 120/70-17 front ($114.85).

Ron Ayers Motorsports (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.
 
#11 · (Edited)
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.
 

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#17 · (Edited)

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#57 ·
Distanzias


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.
 
#24 ·
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!
 

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