I'm picking up a 690 Enduro later this week as I'm keen to do a bit more medium distance 'adventure' riding - you know the sort of thing 200-300km on the road, 2 days exploring the trails then the trip home on the road. I went for the Enduro over the Enduro R because I want the bike to be fairly civilised (decent headlight, neutral light, clock etc), the dealer seemed really keen that I should have the E probably for stock reasons and 500euros for a pair of MT21s and less of everything else seemed a bit of a rip off.

On lightweight bikes I've used Michelin comp 3&4 tyres and equivalent other makes and on GS's I've used TKCs. I've not tried TKCs on serious off road bikes but am very happy with them on the GS. I'm considering going for MT21's on the 690 simply because KTM fit them on the R but what I'm looking for is something that is safe, wears OK and is quiet on the road at road pressures but will give something like enduro tyre grip at lower pressures in slimy and muddy conditions. I know the TKC are prone to clogging in mud. The MT21s and Dunlop 90?? seem to have more widely spaced blocks. There are also the Mitas and Trelleborg options.

I know it's a compromise and I'm prepared to sacrifice a little on road performance for good off road ability but I don't want a tyre that whines louder than the exhaust at 100kph. Any information based on your experiences much appreciated.

Hi.
Have a look at the heidenau K60 or the MEFO super explorer (same tyre I believe just branded differently).
Good wear and grip off road and decent manners on.
Positive experience from me with these tyres and will be buying more soon!
Dave.

Dave, thanks for the information on the heidenau K60 and Mefo Super Explorer. They look very similar and similar to the Mitas E07 which also has the unusual block pattern for a knobbly tyre. I've read some other good reports for these tyres, especially the K60 elsewhere. The Mitas seem to be easiest to get hold of here in France and at 110 euros a set they are a fair bit cheaper than TKCs here so I might try a set or the E09s.

Has anyone out there done a direct comparison between FIM enduros tyres and these 'trail' type knobblies on the same 600cc-ish trail bike. I know the enduro tyres will wear fast and be very noisy on tarmac but I'm keen to find the best compromise for serious trail riding and reasonable road mileage without having to buy too many different sets of tyres

New Info.
FYI, the Heidenau K60 and the new MEFO super explorer are different tyres!They look the same but evidently differ somewhat. The super explorer is in the lead in the wear dept it seems and on level ground in the performance dept.
So, a couple of sets of MEFO's for me I think.
Dave.