Heide,Heide now (K60s)

[Stray Dog]

Ok I think I'v got it now.
I've got no interest in mud or snow.
I just need something good on the road, but with decent hard track ability.
Maybe a bit of sand, for when I hit the beach.
(Southern France and Spain)
The bike I just bought is fitted with pure road tyres. Michelin Pilot Active
I initially was going for Ankees, but liked the write up of the Scouts.


Cheers Dog

[Tramp]

your getting confused DOG..

they may call them mud and snow ..but the real reason is added silica to tyre compound so they grip better at low temperatures..all winter tyres use it..the down side which hasnt really happened is increased wear in hot weather..

I wouldnt ride the k60 in sand or mud..you`ll fall off very fast..gravel and dry trails they are okay..

ASLO THE TYRE SIZE CHANGES THE TYRE TREAD DESIGN..

and the new k60 rears have the centre band which really like wet damp grass :woohoo: :woohoo: sarcastic coment..

what you riding?

[V_King]

M+S marking is legally required on tyres in some EU countries, for winter season for all vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes.

I've got M+S heidenaus and they are much gripper than standard ones, but they wear quicker as well. I'll be happy if I get 5k out of them.

go with standard heidenaus, get them mounted and start riding, as you are thinking too much :laugh:

[Stray Dog]

your getting confused DOG.....

what you riding?

Confused....Nothing new there..
I have just bought a Transalp 700
Actually I haven't even got it yet, it arrives on Friday.
All I know at the moment is the original owner fitted road tyres.
And I defo need dualsport.
Not that I intend to do much off roading, but want to know it's capable when needed.
I had MT21's on my old DR, and had no bother on road at all
But looking for something a bit quieter, but still capable

Oh and VKing yea I always over analyse stuff.
But I have an "I told you so" sitting not far from me
So wan't to try and get it right first time... :whistle:


Dog

[Tramp]

Ah ha the old tyre dilema..well as its got a 19 front you,ll. Be restricted..depends on how many french trails you'll be riding..why k60 ? Is it cause they last well and are cheapish?

TKC seem to behave well as do mitas E09 both available in ta700 size but wont last above 5k ..its always a compramiise..road grip against trails and road wear..loads of tyre threads on adv..just google the tyres your thinking off and get 1000 different views...they all cost similar these days..and you should have bought a xl650...

[Stray Dog]

..why k60 ? Is it cause they last well and are cheapish?

Basicly, yes.
I do need good tyre wear. 5000 just ain't going to do it.
I need to get about 10k from them,
because I'm allowing that sort mileage for on my vacation this year
That's why I'm looking more towards the dualsport type rather than the knobbies.
Honestly I expect my riding will be about 90% road
And the 10% will be either forest tracks or the occasional beach.
But I know road tyres won't work in that situation.

[Tramp]

these guys offer huge range and very good price and service..

http://www.oponeo.co.uk/moto-tyre/heidenau-k60..

if you use a 130 profile rear in the scout it dosent have the centre supportive band so grips better but wears faster..the enduro front with larger spacing blocks on front isnt available in 19 just 21..

to be honest the fronts will last but rears no for 10k..and what little tread left will be no use on the beach..you need serious knobbly tyres for sand..

same thing no tyre will do both jobs and last..so chose which you want long life but no grip in sand/gravel or shorter life and grip..

the mitas E-07 have a huge life but very hard compound..maybe have a look at them..

[Stray Dog]

Thanks for all your help Tramp
I'll check out that link, see what I come up with.
I'm in no rush, Ain't even got the bike yet....
I got a whole shopping list for the MCN bike show next month.
So the tyres may have to wait till the spring.
Just trying to get all the info I can before diving in.

Cheers Dog

[xtzrick]

Why not just plan a tyre change/service into your hols?
They have bike shops & bikers in Europe, try asking on European forums, someone will help

Are you going 2 up? In which case I don't think you'll find any tyre will last the full trip.

K60s are a hard compact/gravel tyre, perfect for dry forest & stoney mountain/dessert trails while they have tread.
Are you planning on much off roading on your way back?
If "no" then you don't need full tread depth.

BTW are you touring or racing?
We've all taken bikes where they're not supposed to go on inappropriate tyres you get through, just not as fast :woohoo:

Rick

[Simon_100]

And the 10% will be either forest tracks or the occasional beach.
But I know road tyres won't work in that situation.

The K60's are ideal for Spanish condition - gravelly and stony rails being the 'norm' and in the 'deserts' the trails are covered with a sort of fine dust like talcum powder that nothing will ride through - but luckily they (almost) all have terra firma a few centimetres beneath the surface. But if it rains wo betide you, the 'talc' turn insto a slime a bit like jewellers rouge - totally gungy and almost completely unrideable and not just by me

BTW - if you ride on an actual beach you'll get fined, but don't blame me, blame the Ley de Costas Art. 68. 1

Back to a general point about K60's - earlier in this same - huge! - thread Tramp suggested his ideal compromise TKC 80 on the front wheel and K60 on the rear. Having just fitted a K60 rearwards Note that with 17 x 130 tyres you don't get the centre band) I'm thinking about the TKC option - if only the bloody K60 would hurry up and wear out!

Regs

Simon