heidenau k60 scout

[GB]

There is this thread as well, http://www.adventurebikerider.com/forum ... e-now.html

[Niklas]

I'm getting a bit sceptic here.

Yes the K60 Scout has a centerband.
Yes the K60 (non-Scout) HAD no centerband.
But are the K60 (non-Scout) still manufactured?

Some people state that the centerband is a disadvantage and should be cut away.
Would that be smart?
NO
If you do cut out the centerband, then make sure you never enter public road again with that tyre.
They will be illegal.

And in case you have a crash, chances are that your insurance will refuse any replacement, in particular if they find out the tyre modification and the insurance in any way can link that mod to the accident.

Furthermore, I find roadholding better on the Scout version and off-road is not really compromised that much except for real mud.
Driving comfort has been increased with the scout model. That goes for the front tyre as well even though the front doesn't have the centerband.

Choosing a tyre will always be a compromise.

Consider dry tarmac, wet tarmac, winter roads, mud, sand, gravel, light bike, fully loaded big bike and 2 up, commuting, sporty driving, bendy roads, autobahn, durability, price, availability, manufactured sizes, synergy with the bike (and driver) etc. etc.

And try to find a formula for easy calculating what's best here.

I guess Heidenau saw the writing on the wall with the F8GS, the 1200 MS, the Tiger 800XC, the Versys, the Super Ténéré, the Stelvio, the Honda X, the continuation of the V-Strom, can't mentiom them all here.
These bikes don't stay off the tarmac but will eventual go exploring in demanding conditions.

I have never used the Mitas myself but can anyone out there please report on the mileage and roadholding with these tires?
I have been reading other fora that scared me away from Mitas.

Niklas

[GB]

yes the k60 has no centre band
pm mike beddows a bout the mefo super which looks very similar
he rides well on it but the ktm has a 18in rear i think they do a explorer [not super explorer ] in a 17in as well

Looking at the current picture on thier website in this thread http://www.adventurebikerider.com/forum ... e-now.html it seems the centre band is only on the 150/17?

[Niklas]

I have the centerband on the K60 Scout 140/80-17

Niklas

[minkyhead]

yes 140/150 have it 130 does not

[stephensp2]

K60s if you go onto the ride out Big Den had a go on mine with the K60s, New year ride

[Mike54]

140 does have a centre band but it's not like the 150.

I emailed heidenau to try to get an explanation of the different bands and whilst one of their tech guys replied, he didn't actually explain why there was the design difference apart from saying they felt the different band was required for heavier bikes.

I've been doing more experimenting with pressures, and find that the rear works best on tarmac at 27psi, and off tarmac at around 18-20. At anything over 30, the rear sits on the centre band only, but at 27 at least an inch of the tread either side sits on the deck. There is NO way I would run these at 30 or more on a rear.

[GB]

I agree with that Mike, on my 1200 I ran 30 instead of 36 on the rear, running 29 on the 800s rear.

[Boris]

I agree with that Mike, on my 1200 I ran 30 instead of 36 on the rear, running 29 on the 800s rear.

Did you notice much difference by dropping the pressures? I just last week changed the rear on the GSA from a TKC80 to K60 and it's currently running at 36psi. Only been off road once and that was through a field being used as a MX paddock with a couple of inches of really wet mud. Clearly it was no TKC but it did surprisingly well.

By dropping the pressures how close to a tkc does it get?

[GB]

Sorry never used TKCs so cant compare, but its better on the highway so it must be better on the dirt.