[Flying Translator]

I have looked at some of the older tire threads, but some of the tires are no longer in production. So here goes.

I will likely spend 70% of my time on sealed highways and 30% on unsealed roads (corrugations, a little mud after rain, gravel). I DO NOT intend to ride off-road (on farms, forest trails, beach sand, etc.) I will be sticking to sealed and unsealed public roads.

A riding buddy has MotoZ Tractionator GPS tires (TRACTIONATOR GPS - Motoz ) on his Versys-X 300. I have ridden his bike and the steering is definitely slower than my bike with its OEM IRC tires (that are over half worn).

Another one could be the Dunlop Trailmax Mission ADV (Dunlop Trailmax Mission ADV Tires Review - Cycle News )

What tires do you recommend?

 

[Respen]

I'm still on the OEM tires on my '22 x300, but am looking at Continental's ContiTrailAttack 3 tires for when they wear out. I ride mainly paved roads and use the bike mainly for commuting, with plans for light touring and camping in the near future when I find the time.

 

[JT in GA]

I'm liking the heidenau k60 that were on my when I bought it ... but they are a 50/50 tire. (but with mostly sealed road riding, expect to get maybe 7-8k miles on the rear?)

I had shinko 705's on my last dual sport. They are better on road (really good actually), and not quite as good off road (but great for the road surfaces you mention). I only had that bike for ~2k miles, so can't comment on longevity other than the 2k miles didn't seem to cause any wear. (It was a CRF230M Honda ... so really light weight). Probably considered a 70/30 tire ?

A few bad opinions on the Shinko's due to bad experiences ... and quite a few good notes as well. I may put a set on my x300 when the Heidenau's wear out ... kinda leaning that direction for overall value (price/longevity/function for me)

@Itsgordo has given the Avon Trailrider's good remarks, especially for on-road ... and some light unsealed. You may want to read some of his words on them. (Definitely more street oriented, but mild "unsealed" capable maybe?)

Good luck !

 

[Flying Translator]

I don't think I have ever seen Heidenau tires here in New Zealand. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Itsgordo]

Not sure how you’d like the Avon’s in mud? Tread pattern resembles the stock IRCs. Expect similar results. Otherwise, Avon’s have more structure to them and the center 1 inch is harder rubber. I found I could break the rear ended away a little easier than stock on dirt roads, in a good way. On pavement, they’re very good. Best cold/wet traction I’ve had on any bike. Corners like a good street tire. Actually a little better, the blocks provide a little relief for those gravel on the pavement conditions, improving traction over a more solid pattern.

 

[Brockie]

I've had Mitas E-07's on my V-Strom for a few sets and like them. I intend to try them next on my X300.

They are OK on seal and far superior on dirt and gravel. Also they last very well. The other 50/50's I have tried were no better on dirt, grippier on seal, but wore out far sooner.

The new version is the E-07+ which has a more open block pattern but I will try them first as my current Mitas' have a very good grip/long life/price value.

 

[falcon.]

I have a similar use like you. I am using Metzeler tourance, and very happy (i dont like the oem ones)

 

[jimgerace7]

I have looked at some of the older tire threads, but some of the tires are no longer in production. So here goes.

I will likely spend 70% of my time on sealed highways and 30% on unsealed roads (corrugations, a little mud after rain, gravel). I DO NOT intend to ride off-road (on farms, forest trails, beach sand, etc.) I will be sticking to sealed and unsealed public roads.

A riding buddy has MotoZ Tractionator GPS tires (TRACTIONATOR GPS - Motoz ) on his Versys-X 300. I have ridden his bike and the steering is definitely slower than my bike with its OEM IRC tires (that are over half worn).

Another one could be the Dunlop Trailmax Mission ADV (Dunlop Trailmax Mission ADV Tires Review - Cycle News )

What tires do you recommend?

I have the Dunlap Trailmax Missions. I have 7K miles on them and they look like I could get another 5K both front and back. No complaints so far.

 

[Brockie]

I have heard others say good things about the Dunlop Trailmax Missions. Hmmm, maybe I could be tempted.

 

[Flying Translator]

I am gathering information about Dunlop and Shinko. The Shinko E705 100/90-19R tire is not available in New Zealand (a disadvantage of living in a small country with a tiny market). One shop quoted me $NZ249 for the front and $NZ379 for the rear Michelin Anakee Adventures (Note: $1NZ = 65 US cents), so that's $US161 for the front and $US246 for the rear (those prices include our 15% sales tax in New Zealand).
How are your local $US prices for Michelin Anakee Adventure tires? (Shit is expensive in my country. Taxes are high and wages are low.) And 91-octane petrol is $NZ3.07 a liter, which is $US7.56 per US gallon! (That's worse than California!)

 

[Respen]

How are your local $US prices for Michelin Anakee Adventure tires? (Shit is expensive in my country. Taxes are high and wages are low.) And 91-octane petrol is $NZ3.07 a liter, which is $US7.56 per US gallon! (That's worse than California!)

Coming out to $438USD for my state after taxes using Revzilla. Front is $184USD and the rear is $218USD. Aside from tax differences it looks like the combined total is about the same. Gas on the other hand is $3.99 - $4.09USD for my area.

 

[philioshell]

I am gathering information about Dunlop and Shinko. The Shinko E705 100/90-19R tire is not available in New Zealand (a disadvantage of living in a small country with a tiny market). One shop quoted me $NZ249 for the front and $NZ379 for the rear Michelin Anakee Adventures (Note: $1NZ = 65 US cents), so that's $US161 for the front and $US246 for the rear (those prices include our 15% sales tax in New Zealand).
How are your local $US prices for Michelin Anakee Adventure tires? (Shit is expensive in my country. Taxes are high and wages are low.) And 91-octane petrol is $NZ3.07 a liter, which is $US7.56 per US gallon! (That's worse than California!)

I just put Shinko 705s bias ply on my versys 300x. 99 mph rating on front. I will probably never do over 85 or 90. Rear- 130/80-17. Front- 110/18-17. Front is only 10mm taller and only 2mm more narrow with plenty of room for 10mm taller. US Dollar for both- $180 plus $12 for new rim bands. With 175 miles so far, they feel great on the twisty roads.

 

[dganey]

I have looked at some of the older tire threads, but some of the tires are no longer in production. So here goes.

I will likely spend 70% of my time on sealed highways and 30% on unsealed roads (corrugations, a little mud after rain, gravel). I DO NOT intend to ride off-road (on farms, forest trails, beach sand, etc.) I will be sticking to sealed and unsealed public roads.

A riding buddy has MotoZ Tractionator GPS tires (TRACTIONATOR GPS - Motoz ) on his Versys-X 300. I have ridden his bike and the steering is definitely slower than my bike with its OEM IRC tires (that are over half worn).

Another one could be the Dunlop Trailmax Mission ADV (Dunlop Trailmax Mission ADV Tires Review - Cycle News )

What tires do you recommend?

Dunlop Trail max Missions on my 2020. Good on-road, highway, dirt/gravel roads. High mileage tires to offset the cost.

 

[Flying Translator]

Meanwhile....
After 5,000 km, my Michelin Anakee (Skywalker!) tires are wearing very well. I am optimistic that I will get 10,000 km out of them, and I have not had any slips so far.

In the meantime, Merry Christmas to you all!

 

[Dave 300x]

Dunlop Trail max Missions on my 2020. Good on-road, highway, dirt/gravel roads. High mileage tires to offset the cost.

The Trailmax Mission tires for the X300 have been pretty much out of stock since September. I ordered a 130/80-17 on September 28 and just two days ago finally got an email saying that the tire has been shipped (west coast). I was patient because I ordered it at $169.00 free ship. So, I thought - let it ride and see what happens. The Trailmax Mission rear was the hardest to find for 3 month or more but now are showing up at many commonly used suppliers. I don't need a replacement just yet but the availability of the Trailmax Mission rear is out of stock about as much as they are in stock. Grab one now if you want one. I've got 4,000 miles on my set and they are holding up well. From X300 owners that ride mega miles per year are saying they should go past 10,000 miles. I would recommend having a spare rear tire well ahead of needing one.

 

[Bubblehead]

I put Trailmax Mission tires on after 5600 miles (Oct 2022) stock rear IRC was needing replaced. I have put 4000 miles on since then (Mar 2023) and I'm really pleased with the wear and the ride. I'm mostly riding pavement, gravel, and dirt roads. Nothing really super muddy, but so far, so good.

 

[GeoGator]

Michelin Anakee Adventure (BS name) 80% Street 20% Dirt
They are very good on the street and are supposed to last long; somewhat expensive.
The front I have is one size over, 110/80-17. I was 2000 miles from home, and it was the only tire in stock in AZ & NM.

 

[JT in GA]

Michelin Anakee Adventure (BS name) 80% Street 20% Dirt
They are very good on the street and are supposed to last long; somewhat expensive.
The front I have is one size over, 110/80-17. I was 2000 miles from home, and it was the only tire in stock in AZ & NM.
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@GeoGator - Did you put the front and rear Michelins on at the same time?

I'm thinking those would compare performance/usage wise with the Shinko 705 rear tire I have.... but if they ride better and last longer... may be a consideration for me next time I'm looking for tires. I would definitely be interested in how many miles you get on them... and how stiff the sidewall is ... in case of a tire/tube change in a remote area 😉)

(I have had very good service with car/truck/motorcycle tires by Michelin)

Happy Friday!
JT

 

[GeoGator]

@GeoGator - Did you put the front and rear Michelins on at the same time?

I'm thinking those would compare performance/usage wise with the Shinko 705 rear tire I have.... but if they ride better and last longer... may be a consideration for me next time I'm looking for tires. I would definitely be interested in how many miles you get on them... and how stiff the sidewall is ... in case of a tire/tube change in a remote area 😉)

(I have had very good service with car/truck/motorcycle tires by Michelin)

Happy Friday!
JT

Replaced both at the same time. They are very good on pavement; I suspect that they would do ok on hard packed dirt but not on any surface looser than that. The shop installed them, so I don't really know how hard that was. I'll let you know about mileage; they are supposed to last a long time.

 

[smioguf]

In my opinion, based on my little experience when selecting a tire for the Versys-X to ride on sealed and unsealed public roads, you should look for a tire with a good balance of tread design for both types of surfaces. Tires designed for sealed roads should have a smooth tread pattern, with minimal grooves and blocks, while tires designed for use on unsealed roads should have deeper grooves and larger blocks for better traction on loose surfaces. For example, I am using that gravel tire for my gravel bike. Additionally, you should consider the tire's load rating, speed rating, and sidewall construction for the best performance on both sealed and unsealed public roads. Search results such as those from Versys-X owners who have fitted emulators and kept the stock fork springs may provide additional insight.