Yamaha XT600E - Tyres (70% road/30% dirt)

**kentfallen** · #1 9th January 2008

Hello All,

My very first post as a new XT600E owner (2000 model, 5,000 miles). I am carrying out a comprehensive service which includes changing a set of offroad tyres. I envisage using the bike 70% on tarmac. I was wondering which tyres I need to be looking at? I want something that grips well on tarmac and lasts a decent length of time. I have seen a tyre made by TRELLEBORG called a "Army Special" (T644), are these any good or do I need to find another more road orientated tyre? I'm afraid I'm new to this offroad stuff and am returning to bikes after a 10 year gap (1964 vintage)...

Thanking you all in anticipation...
Neil

**cyberzar** · #2 9th January 2008

Usually a Metzeler enduro 3 Sahara is a good compromise for our bikes.. also BMW use it...

**Albert Smit** · #3 15th January 2008

Metzeler is good - and also look at the Bridgestone Trail-Wing series - they last and last and last....especially on our lighter bikes.

A.

**Ilpoj** · #4 15th January 2008

This page has good tire reviews with pictures: F650 Tire Opinions FAQ

**kentfallen** · #5 15th January 2008

Ilpoj,

Thanks for that useful link, well worth a visit...

**xtphreak** · #6 18th January 2008

for mostly pavement use, I love the Avon Gripsters

great grip, insane lean angles, quiet and last forever (ok not forever, but 8-10K miles rear) as the tread is very deep.

lets just say that if they were in the correct sizes I'd have them on my 1992 TDM850.

gravel = fine
hardpack = ok
mud = Slipsters

**tedmagnum** · #7 19th January 2008

Metzeler sahara 3 for 70% tarmac, metzeler karoos for 70% dirt.

Trailwings are a pile of shite.. i hate them more than anything in life on my XT.

From my last 2 months in South America, the trailwings were a caus of depression and they offer ZERO grip on anything but hard packed gravel and dirt. Since fitting Karoos, my riding is now happy happy happy !

**Bonfireboy** · #8 21st January 2008

Ted is right about the trailwings they are rubbish off road nearly killed me in the mud and on loose gravel!!! On really hard packed dirt road I just about stayed upright but I think most road tyres would be ok on that. I am going to try the Met Sarahra 3's next.