I read with interest the Tyre Survey thread, but would like to ask more specifically about the longevity of pavement oriented dual purpose tires. I will be riding across Russia next summer, east to west, as part of a RTW trip, and would like to get as far west as possible before needing new tires, preferably all the way to Europe but I don't know if that's possible. I will probably be on a KLR 650.

Only about 1000 miles of this route is unpaved so I don't believe I need a knobby. The long list of pavement oriented dual purpose tires I'm considering includes:

Avon Distancia
Avon Gripster
Continental Escape
Dunlop D607
Dunlop Trailmax
Metzler Tourance
Michelin Anakee
Michelin Sirac
Pirelli MT90 Scorpion AT and S/T

My priorities are, in order: 1. Longevity 2. Pavement performance, dry and wet 3. Off-pavement performance.

Any comments on treadwear experiences with any of these tires would be much appreciated, as would comments on performance.

Thanks.

Mike
Idaho



[This message has been edited by liketoride2 (edited 24 November 2004).]

Well, no one of mentioned tyres are not offroad. I suggest you to obtain Conti TKC 80, more orientied to offroad but still very good on asphalt, and a pair of them will survive mileage you require.
Regards,
AnteK

Mike,
I did that trip this year from the UK. I rode a KTM 640 and covered 12000 miles to Sakhalin Island via Vladivostok and 10000 miles on the return trip. I used a set of Pirelli MT90 Scorpion AT for each leg. They will go the distance for sure and fit your priorities spot on.
From Vladivostok to Moscow is around 6000 miles and you should be able to pick up a 17 inch rear there.

The TKC 80 is a better off-road tyre and I did consider it but I was not convinced it would cover the miles.

I don't think the standard rear shock on the KLR is up to the job. My WP unit lost oil on the return trip as did both the WP fork legs. I broke three spokes in the front wheel and one in the rear. I met a rider from Finland who had his after market rear shock spring shatter.

Steve

Thanks AnteK and Steve, I appreciate the input.

Mike