Dual Sport Tyres for a Versys 650

peterpan241 · Post by **peterpan241** » Sun Nov 06, 2016 12:22 am

My mate has a Versys 650 and rather fancies a set of dual sport tyres, looks rather than off road ability but says they are a funny size! Anyone had any success with this machine and tyre options please?
Thanks in anticipation

Tonibe63 · Post by **Tonibe63** » Sun Nov 06, 2016 7:15 am

I had a MK1 650 about 3 years ago and the problem then was getting a decent tyre for the 17" front wheel. I went with the Avon Distanzia which looked the part but in reality was cr@p in mud ...... on gravel you don't really need a special tyre anyway so I didn't feel the Distanzia was of much benefit. Although I didn't keep the bike for that long I did notice the rear Distanzia was squaring off within 1500 miles.
'Bart1' on here and the Versys forum ('Bart') has really used his for typical adventure riding (Spain/Morocco/Alps etc) so he will have more up to date information .... he is also very knowledgeable on the Versys.

Mike54 · Post by **Mike54** » Sun Nov 06, 2016 7:37 am

Tell hi, to stop being a ponce and stick with max road grip not looks

Gedge · Post by **Gedge** » Sun Nov 06, 2016 8:41 am

I used the Dunlop Mutant tyres on my Mk1 ...not particularly good off road but they were the only tyre I could find that didn't compromise the bikes great road manners while offering some traction on gravel

Boggs · Post by **Boggs** » Sun Nov 06, 2016 12:30 pm

I ride a Mk3 Versys 650 and im due to be changing tyres soon,i was also toying with the idea of fitting some dual purpose rubber as ive been out doing some very mild green laning this year and i really enjoyed it,from my digging,i found that a lot of folk seem to be opting for the Avon Trailblazers for this.

stridey · Post by **stridey** » Sun Nov 06, 2016 2:17 pm

Boggs wrote:I ride a Mk3 Versys 650 and im due to be changing tyres soon,i was also toying with the idea of fitting some dual purpose rubber as ive been out doing some very mild green laning this year and i really enjoyed it,from my digging,i found that a lot of folk seem to be opting for the Avon Trailblazers for this.

I think you mean TrailRiders?

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Boggs · Post by **Boggs** » Sun Nov 06, 2016 2:40 pm

lol :laugh: yes that's the ones

Bart1 · Post by **Bart1** » Sun Nov 06, 2016 2:47 pm

There is loads of choice for the rear if you go for a 150/70/17 which fits fine, it is a bit taller so alters the gearing,ground clearance etc Besides the major brands there is also brands like Mitas (e07) and heidenau k60 etc.
The front being a 17 is more problematic but as far as I know the TKC80 is the knobliest.

The other option is to fit a 19" front, then the world is your oyster......

Teflon Jnr · Post by **Teflon Jnr** » Sun Nov 06, 2016 2:50 pm

I'm fitting the trail riders at Christmas to my mk1 650 after reading all the reviews on the Versys forum and the independent review by earth roamers I'm convinced there a good choice

robson · Post by **robson** » Sun Nov 06, 2016 5:25 pm

I have tested recently new versys and my friend has old one, very capable off-road bike.
Putting DS tyres on is very good idea. Tkc80 will be good if you're road biased.