XT600E what road tyre?

**Kennichi** · #1 24th March 2009

Hi

What cheap hard wearing (sort of like BT45s but BT45s are tubeless) road tyres do you guys recommend for an XT600E? , in that we need to cross Europe first which is a good 3000 miles and roads are known to annilate knobblies.

I currently have a set of Conti TK80s which are as fair as I can tell barely run in and I intend to change tyres over once I get to Turkey ,to proper knobblies and change them back to road tyres exiting Kazahkstan then change them to knobbles,

I have space for 3 rears (one already on the bike) and 2 fronts (one on the bike again)...

Or is there a tyre out there that can take both the road and the mud/sand gravel?.

X2 sets of TK80s? , will that work?.

Also I am bringing X3 tyre repair kits , in that each set has 6 patches (3 big 3 small) to give me 18 possible repairs , and 3 tubes for front and rear. My wing man is bringing the same. thus allowing a possible 22 punctures each before we are in trouble.

Is that enough?.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

**Matt Cartney** · #2 24th March 2009

I just got a Avon Distanzia rear for my XT - £58. Looks good, plenty of tread and I've read they are very hardwearing.

**discoenduro** · #3 24th March 2009

I use TKC80 and MT21. The TKC is a good all-rounder and easy to change on the rim. As you know any bike tire will change it's characteristics according to speed, wear, temperature, load, etc, particularly knobbly tires. Although I recommend the TKC, I wouldn't worry much about whether to use them or MT21s or Scorpion Rally. As you're riding along, you'll feel the behaviour of the tire and adjust your riding style automatically. Go for the best ££ deal IMHO.

Disco

**xtphreak** · #4 24th March 2009

Avon Gripsters for hard pack, gravel, assfault

TKC's for wet with some road work thrown in

**DAVSATO** · #5 24th March 2009

you can put tubes inside a tubeless tyre, no problem. you might have a problem putting tubeless tyres on your tubed rims though, its been a while since mine wore the original steel rims but i seem to remember they were imperial widths, you better check before you buy. and you might have a problem getting a good road tyre for the 21" front wheel.

if they do the right size i can recommend conti trail or road attacks, they are good tyres for the money. i have road attacks on my XT600E supermoto and trail attacks on my varadero.

**Tenere Tom** · #6 24th March 2009

I'm running Avon Road Riders - I can't fault them.

**YamaHead** · #7 24th March 2009

I know these are a bit unheard of on your side of the pond....
But I've been running IRC GP-1's on my XT550 for over 4 years....

Excellent grip in ALL conditions (including Snow).....can get 'em to last a good 5-6k miles & best of all.......they're quite reasonably priced.

**Kennichi** · #8 24th March 2009

Thanks for the help , I can get those Avons reasonably priced I think I'll take a set of those.

**Babybadger** · #9 7th April 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kennichi

Hi

What cheap hard wearing (sort of like BT45s but BT45s are tubeless) road tyres do you guys recommend for an XT600E? , in that we need to cross Europe first which is a good 3000 miles and roads are known to annilate knobblies.

I currently have a set of Conti TK80s which are as fair as I can tell barely run in and I intend to change tyres over once I get to Turkey ,to proper knobblies and change them back to road tyres exiting Kazahkstan then change them to knobbles,

I have space for 3 rears (one already on the bike) and 2 fronts (one on the bike again)...

Or is there a tyre out there that can take both the road and the mud/sand gravel?.

X2 sets of TK80s? , will that work?.

Also I am bringing X3 tyre repair kits , in that each set has 6 patches (3 big 3 small) to give me 18 possible repairs , and 3 tubes for front and rear. My wing man is bringing the same. thus allowing a possible 22 punctures each before we are in trouble.

Is that enough?.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

BT45's, They doa 21" as well......I had a set on my old transalp, and just put tubes in them, they ran superb and were unbudgable in the wet greasy roads. Amazing tyres on a big trailie and very confidence inspiring when hammering into a bend.....Don't hey go for the Metzeler me33 and 550 combo, they wear too quick and are dubious in the wet.

If you want some tread for wintery conditions, go for avon gripsters, very sure footed....Avon always use good compounds on tyres.....

**Babybadger** · #10 7th April 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt Cartney

I just got a Avon Distanzia rear for my XT - £58. Looks good, plenty of tread and I've read they are very hardwearing.

A bit scary on the limit though.......Got them on my tenere at the moment and can't wait to switch them to gripsters......

**tedmagnum** · #11 7th April 2009

For a road biast tyre, you would be hard to beat the Michilin Anakee. I had these on my XT600E and they were FABULOUS !! Very quiet and easily peg scraping if you wanted to.

Extremely confidence inspiring on the road.. wet or dry !!

They arnt great offroad but they will handle gentle offroad without bother...

You will get WAY more than 5000 out of the rear.

Your tyre is the ONLY thing holding you and your bike to the tarmac.. You lose that grip and your on your arse.. SIMPLE !

I would always always go for good quality rubber with loads of grip over price and long life (as long as they last your trip) !