Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Kawasaki Tech
Kawasaki Tech Kawasaki Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Kawasaki riders only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 5 Aug 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: cumbria
Posts: 54
tyre for kle whats best

hi iam due new rear tyre.
i do mostly road trips with odd gravel come country lanes.
what tyres do u use.
iam still on first set and the back as only lasted just over 3000 miles ,good or bad ?

and find them slippy in the wet
any help usefull
nmc
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 5 Aug 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: ENGLAND
Posts: 23
Cannot comment on the best tyre as I am in same position with first set still on the bike. i have just over 2,500 miles on the clock and the back tyre is looking well worn, maybe another 1,000 miles if I am lucky. I am surprised at the limited life of the rear as I do not give the tyres a hard life and regularly check pressure. Is it normal to get such a poor distance out of the rear tyre?
Would also be interested in which tyre provides good grip and long life.

Neil
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 6 Aug 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: wales
Posts: 11
tyer

on my fazer a back last about 4,000 miles thast with a michelin battle aces and medium compound i think the tyers witch come on new bikes are always sort compound so they worm up really easy so they stick to the road witch makes the bike handle better so there a better first inperson when you first get on bike if i was you i would get a med to hard compound tyer they will last you about 6 or 7000 on the kle with is gr8 if your on a low in come like me (student)
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 6 Aug 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: NSW, Australia
Posts: 62
Mitas E07 from personal experience, good reports on Pirelli Scorpions. $ are different. Mitas E07 cheap, predictable and great wearing (6000miles+ for rear)

Cheers
Ian
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 7 Aug 2008
royzx7r's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Liverpool UK
Posts: 225
Avon Distanzas for me, A bit more road bias then the Dunlops.

Very pleased.


regards
Roy
__________________
"Whats in that thing??", An R1 owner said.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 26 Aug 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Melbourne / Oz
Posts: 180
I ve got the Avon Distanzias last month. Unfortunately I came off the bike 2 days ago in a round about in France.
The road was wet, I did not go very fast, but the rear wheel lost grip and slided away.
So I can't recommend the Distanzias in wet conditions.

Cheers,

Frank
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 26 Aug 2008
g4wod_john's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Bristol UK
Posts: 30
Pirelli Scorpions

Hi I have Pirelli Scorpions on my kle and I am not light, done about 1000 miles on the set and back seems fine, handling in the wet seems good and a lot better than the stock rear tyre.

hope this helps
John

Bristol
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 28 Aug 2008
royzx7r's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Liverpool UK
Posts: 225
I think it may have been just bad luck frank, Ive never had any problems in the wet on my avons, they grip miles better then the stock dunlops.

Hope your ok and your bike not to bashed?.



Roy
__________________
"Whats in that thing??", An R1 owner said.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 28 Aug 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Ankara / Turkey
Posts: 9
I suppose the stock tire coming with the bike was Dunlop trailmax (correct me if I'm wrong). They lasted 8000 miles. I was rather unsatisfied with its dry/wet performance. It was always slippery with it and cornering was not as fun as it should be. Now I am on enduro 3 with 9100 miles on them. They probably won't last any longer but I enjoyed the ride EXCEPT for its noise on tarmac and the vibration it delivers to the topcase. If you are not riding dirt, stay away from enduro 3.

Tire Review

Above is a link to a great tire review. My next tire set will be enduro 4 if I can find a pair somewhere.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 28 Aug 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Melbourne / Oz
Posts: 180
Roy,

Thanks, you're probably right maybe there was an oil slick on the road?

I'm fine and the bike is hardly damaged. I've got the SW-Motech crash bars on, which protected the bike well. Only problem is they are now closer on this side. I just hope the crash bars are bent and not the frame

I was quite satisfied with the Trailmax, but the rear lasted only 3K miles / front 6K miles. That's why I wouldn't go for it anymore.

Cheers,

Frank
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 28 Aug 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: cumbria
Posts: 54
hi thanks for all your feedback
thinking of the avons as the local bike shop said about them just before i asked you guys
the trailmax rear looks like a slick but the bike shop said still a little tread left
but it looks shot to me and only got 3070 miles out of it


Any info on stiffer fork springs ,any one fitted ,worth it or not
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 28 Aug 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Melbourne / Oz
Posts: 180
I fitted progressive fork springs a few months ago and it was a huge improvement.
It gets stiffer at the front and the handling is much better.
I've got Wirth springs (got them for about 50 quid new on Ebay), but I think it doesn't matter which ones you use?

I also raised the rear a little bit which was an improvement for handling and clearance.
Due to this I don't even have the problem with the side stand anymore (not safe standing).

Cheers,

Frank
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 28 Aug 2008
royzx7r's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Liverpool UK
Posts: 225
I put 0.5 bar in both shockers last night, Im out up arround ingleton(white scar caves) for a meet up with some bikers on sunday.

Will give them a road test, 10am if anyone wants to join me?



regards
Roy
__________________
"Whats in that thing??", An R1 owner said.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 28 Aug 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: N.Yorkshire
Posts: 336
I may well be up for that!

(on my KLE BTW)
__________________
Harley Davidsons,
The most effective way of turning petrol into noise without the side-effect of horsepower

Last edited by Joe C90; 28 Aug 2008 at 20:13.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Whats a good RPM to maintain?? orrin Honda Tech 9 12 Mar 2010 22:37
Whats up in the Lebanon... JoeSheffer Middle East 3 14 Nov 2007 16:58
Batteries Whats best? big t Yamaha Tech 5 2 May 2007 21:22
London tyre supplier/tyre recommendation please paulgthomson Honda Tech 1 29 Mar 2006 18:20
Yam XJ 650 - whats it like? jj Which Bike? 5 12 Mar 2003 02:04

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:25.