New Meats Needed.

[*william*]

Well it's that time... that only happens twice a year... I get 3 paychecks in 1 month! Yahoo!

So I'm finally going to replace these awful stock tires on the KTM with some new meats. I'm leaning toward some Dunlops, as I really like the 739's that came on the YZ and my dear depared DRZ. But I can't help to wonder if 755/756's or a combo would be better. I ride So Cal high desert and local spots that have the same type terrain - yeah there's hard pack, but it's usually under a lot of sand, silt, and loose rocks. Sometimes a lot of rocks. I do fine (in terms of turning and control) when things are pretty firm, but when things loosen up I start washing out.:scream: Soooo... I'm being too longwinded here...

Anyone have experience on thier Katoom in these conditions, running the 755/756 vs. the 739's or a combo?

Thanks :)

 

[motojunkie]

I use Michelin MH2's on my 520sx, and have had great results. I ride mostly MX, but have used them in the AZ desert with great results - I'm expecting that it's similar terrain. The Michelins wear much better than Dunlops also, I've gotten almost 20 rides on the MH2's before replacement on the rear. I run them at 11.5psi and they work in all terrain. Good luck.

 

[Bob Brooks]

I agree, it's been my experience that Michelin's wear much better than Dunlop's. I can usually get a Michelin to last as long or longer than two Dunlop rears. You may want to consider looking at Michelin before you purchase.

 

[*william*]

Is the Michelin sizing different? I can't seem to find any 110/100-18's or 100/100-18 rears. What gives?

 

[scottyr]

Michelin sizes are weird. 130/80 - 18 is same as 110/100.

 

[Strick]

High desert racers tires of choice are Dunlop 755 front, Dunlop 739 (desert) rear. You will see this combo most often in our desert races series. I prefer M-12 rear. I am weening myself off of the M-12 front because of rock chunking. I do like the M-12 front better in sand when it is fresh (tall knobs), but it wears and chunks quickly. The 755 has an extremely hard case, so it rarely flats!

In sand the M-12 is a great tire. Take a look at how the nobs are placed and you will see why it work so well.

 

[bud]

I found the 755f good in sand, but below average everywhere else.

 

[zilla]

Metzlers

:) If you can find em, my desert tires of choice are Metzler Unicross front and either a Dunlop 739AT or 695AT rear.. I tried a 755/56 on the front, but IMO it has too low of a profile, hence I was constantly flatting.. Another good front is the Dunlop K139..
The 739 or 695 works well in most conditons, but if you ride in a lot of sand I'd look for a different model.. Try the Dunlop site as it has a lot of good tire application info there..

 

[380ePete]

1 vote for for Michelin S12 front/M12 rear combo. I have tried MANY combinations and this seems to work best for me in the desert. Wears well to!

 

[ktmboy]

William- I put the M-12 on the front of the 360 before the Big Bear ride, and am very impressed with both it's wear characteristics and tractability. I just mounted a new IRC on the rear today, and will report back on that when I break it in.