tire models recommendations and procurement
 

I just got a new rear Kenda 270 installed on my KLR650. Two days and 1000 miles later, and it is trashed. About 8 of the main center knobs got ripped off (half ripped, half melted), and it now needs to be replaced as it is a bit unsafe, and rides poorly.

I was on the Mexican toll roads, clipping along at a good rate. The tire was properly inflated (34psi), but still got ruined. I'll post pictures later.

My last tire, the IRC GP-110 rear, was much better. A great combination/comprimise of street, dirt, and wet weather traction. It's only problem was it's mileage. I could only crank 3,000 miles out of the rear. At that rate, I would be changing the tire much to quickly.

Any recommendations for a tire similar to the IRC GP-110 for a KLR650 that will last longer? Something that is not squirrly on the pavement like the Kenda 270.

Also any tips or tricks to getting the big tire sizes in foreign lands? For the last tire change in Acapulco, I had them order the tire from Mexico city. Without express shipping, it took 4 business days to arrive. Next stop in a big city will be Belize City.

--Terry

[This message has been edited by TerryMoto (edited 22 March 2004).]

I guy I toook a trip with a couple of years ago had the same experiences as you with tires. The Kenda spit knobs of after 800 miles on the interstate, and the rubber delamiated from the cord. Admittedly, this was at 75 mph+, but even so pretty disapointing. He then bought an IRC and had the same short life experience. I might look at a Michelin Sirac. You would be giving up some off road grip, but I got 10,000 miles on one on an R100GSPD. I wish I could remember the name of the shop, but in Belize City there is a small moto shop run by enthusiasts. The owner rides a Honda 954. I think it is in the Fort George district.

Andy Tiegs
www.tiegs.com

Ok, think I have a better idea of why the Kenda 270 died so quickly. The license plate on the KLR650 is mounted to low in the stock position. Mine was mounted higher than the stock position, and hadn't been a problem with any other tires. But the Kenda 270 combined with the Topes (speed bumps) of Mexico, and a loaded bike, caused the plate to hit the center knobs. Combined with my 75-95mph speeds on the Mexican toll roads, caused it's problems.

Besides the center knobs ripping off, the tire sucked for stability, and felt very squirmy. I was glad to get rid of it.

I was able to find another rear IRC GP-110 in stock at the Kawi dealer in Chetumal, Mexico, and they were able to mount it. I moved the license plate up even more (mounting it on the bottom holes of the plate). It feels great to have a tire with road stability again.

I'll aim to try the Michelin Sirac, or perhaps the Metzeler Sahara 3 next time I'm ready for a new tire.

--Terry