[HelloFrom2012Versys650]

I'm new to the X300 so sorry if these are dumb questions but are there tires available that are 100% street? I always see 80/20, 70/30 etc., but my riding will be 100% street so I was wondering if there are tires that would fit that are street optimized.
Another question, can a tubeless tire be used on a rim designed for a tubed tire? Obviously an inner tube would be used in all cases on the X300 but wasn't sure if there is a difference in the tire bead design between tube and tubeless tires. Thanks.

 

[JT in GA]

I'm new to the X300 so sorry if these are dumb questions but are there tires available that are 100% street? I always see 80/20, 70/30 etc., but my riding will be 100% street so I was wondering if there are tires that would fit that are street optimized.
Another question, can a tubeless tire be used on a rim designed for a tubed tire? Obviously an inner tube would be used in all cases on the X300 but wasn't sure if there is a difference in the tire bead design between tube and tubeless tires. Thanks.

Yes, and yes.
There are a lot of 80/20 or 90/10 tires that folks really like that allow the occasional jaunt down a dirt road, but still grip very well on the road. I think @Itsgordo rides on Avon Trailriders ... in his mostly urban commutes (around Detroit !) and has reported that he really likes them on the street, gets good wear, etc, etc (YMMV, of course!)

Front is 100/90-19 ... several street options

https://www.chapmoto.com/motorcycle-tires/?view_all&page=1&categoryid=5&filter.ef_29=100&filter.ef_22=90&filter.ef_25=19

Rear is 130/80-17 ... more options than front

https://www.chapmoto.com/motorcycle-tires/?view_all&page=1&categoryid=5&filter.ef_29=130&filter.ef_22=80&filter.ef_25=17

I've used tube and tubeless style tires with tubes ... there may be more to it ... but I haven't had any problems.

 

[Itsgordo]

I’m pretty happy all around with the Avon Trailrider. Not sure why they market them with that name. They’re much more of a street tire. Similar tread pattern to the stock rubber but very much a better tire. My usage consists of commuting 75% urban interstate, 24.5% paved surface street, a little play .5% dirt road.
I run the stock tubes in them. Rear is a radial, which really came in handy when I picked up a nail late night in a sketchy neighborhood. I made it home 20 miles on 0psi, slowly. Grip is outstanding, cornering, cold, wet all good. Much of the interstates have rain grooves here, no wandering. I actually prefer the tread pattern to a pure street design. I don’t feel I’m loosing any grip, yet there is more relief in the pattern to help with those light gravel patches better. My first rear punctured at 2k miles, front is at 18k, 2nd rear at 16k. I didn’t baby them. There’s still a fair amount of rubber left but they’re ready to change as far as handling goes. It’ll be nice to put on a fresh set but I don’t feel rushed to do so. I’ll update with after pics. Here’s the new photo

 

[HelloFrom2012Versys650]

Thanks for the very helpful info @Itsgordo and @JT in GA ! Looks like some Avon Trailrider's may be in my future!

 

[Itsgordo]

Well used. They’re not the only good choice available. I have a hard time justifying trying something else. Others have been mentioned. My local Triumph dealer distributes and mounted them up correctly on the wheels I brought in. I have to admit enjoying giving their model line a good look over while I was there. Very good looking high build quality bikes.

 

[nj-bill]

As soon as I wear out the stock tires, or when summer comes, I'm mounting these Shinko 804/805s. I've used them before and really like them as a 50/50 tire. YMMV

 

[axionsic]

mitas mc24 invader tires. imo, they are the perfect tire for the x300...they are advertised as a 70/30 by mitas, but, imo they are more like a 60/40, they have way more traction than stock tires off road and on road they are still super smooth and fluid feeling to ride....they are some of the more affordable tires also, not bargain cheapies, but not super high either, i think last i checked you could grab them on ebay for a little over a buck a piece, which isnt too bad really... especially because i am genuinely a fan regardless of price. they come in oem sizes also.