Tyres for a 650 GS DAKAR?
 

I've been checking out various tyres and there is a lot more choice than I was expecting.


As most of my riding will be on tarmac I want to go for a 100% road tyre and not a dual purpose type. What are peoples recommendations?

If you're riding mainly in UK then a good rain tire should be considered.
You may be limited in choice with "road only" tires in your size range (21" front, 17" rear)

I would NOT go with a too wide rear tire. (bad idea for number of reasons) The very best tires for that bike are the various and excellent road biased dual sport tires:

In terms of longevity and performance, both wet and dry, it's very hard to beat the Metzeler Tourance. Expensive, yes, and it IS a road biased dual sport tire, but it will out last and out perform most all road tires you can find that fit that bike.

Excellent tire .... and will out perform ALL road tires in the rain.
(very wide and deep sipes on tread work better than road tires)

Also consider:
Avon Distanzia
Shinko E705
Michelin Anakee
Pirelli MT90 Scorpion

All similar to Tourance but none will last as long. All are good in wet and offer super sticky side grip in sporty riding at the limit. I've used them ALL on my DR650 (2), XR650L, Triumph Tiger (2) and DL1000 Vstrom (2). 250K miles in total.

As Mollydog points out, I don't believe you will find a 100% road tyre to suit the 21" front wheel on your Dakar.

I ride a Sertao (essentially the same bike as the Dakar) and find that even with full knobbies (Pirell MT21s) I can still get amazing lean angles through corners. however, when I am riding exclusively on road I fit Pirelli Scorpion Trails - absolutely brilliant grip, long wear and so much easier to 'turn in' on tight corners than the knobbies.

Right O, and much better than knobbies when riding wet roads at speed. You just don't need to slow down all that much, even on twisty mountain roads.
They grip!

On motorways the tires I listed move water (wider, deeper sipes) better than a road tire ... so less hydroplaning. In dry, as much side grip as one would practically need aside from a race track.

+1 on Anakee.
Got a set for sale but probably not worth the shipping cost :)

I have just fitted a set of TKC70s on my Sertao after running heidenau K60s for a couple of years. First impressions are good and they are more road biased than the K60.