Tkc80
 

Still on the original tourance tire front, and since I got a nail through the rear tire it has been replaced with a scorpion. It was the only tire available where I was, 700 km away from home, and I'm not as happy with it as the original. Have planned to switch to TKC80 though, but a year ago I heard some rumors that the tkc had lost some performance and life time after the manufacturing had moved to asia. Anyone have any info on that?

MT21 is a bit too much offroad for me and wears too much on the tarmac, but I have looked for alternatives to the tkc. For example the Michelin T63 or Metzeler Karoo. More alternatives and opinions would be welcomed.

Ok I read what you say and you have clealry stated that the MT21 is a bit too off road for your needs in which case I would strongly reccomend the Metzler Tourance's as these tyres have outperformed all other tyres that people have used for the XTR because they offer good off road as well as tarmac performance due to their perfectly designed tyre pattern which gives the best grip but also a phenomenal rolling resistance on tarmac which truly suprised me when I tested an XTR with those tyres after having tried one with the Syrac's (which are no way near as good imho)

Only recently Motonacio has fitted a set of enduro Distanzia's we don't have yet a full performance report from him so when we do we will know if the Distanzia also work well for enduro bikes (I don't see why not)

Road tyres
 

Hi, I'm new to the forum myself. Own an xtr - just changed original tyres at 6,000 miles (they had more life in them but I was about to ride to Scotland and wanted some more road focussed rubber). Have a pair of Bridgestone BT45's (I am limited by the 21 front wheel in-terms of choice). I have clocked about 3,000 miles on these and they are much more confidence inspiring on the road. I don't or have'nt just yet been off-road so road rubber makes sense.

Regards,
Tomo

Thanks. I have tried the tourances offroad and didn't think they had enough grip (but they are as you say wonderful on tarmac). I drive 50/50 on (bad) tarmac and dirt and do a lot of mileage so that's why I think the MT21 is too much of a cross tire, it wears down too quickly. Maybe should get me 2 set of tires, one for offroad and one for onroad, but changing tires twice a week sounds kind of exhausting. :D

Wouldn't be too much of a problem if you could afford a 2nd pair of rims onto which you can have the other tyres on, then you're laughing!! :laughing11::laughing11::laughing11:

Hm might just do that.

My new Tenere came fitted with the tourances, they are only just scrubbing in but intial feedback is good on the road. Agree with the ease of rolling. Even when moving the bike around on the driveway they roll very easily. I did a short off road track yesterday and found they worked well in dry hardpacked conditions.

I will see how these tyres perform and when they wear out I will look at alternatives. I have always been happy with MT 21's on other bikes and I believe michelin do a Rally Raid tyre now designed for more hard pack than the Dakar inspired Michelin Desert.

My usage in the UK will probably always be about 72/25 road/off - road so really I have to have a tyre that works for both. We have very muddy conditions in the winter though when most of the smooth tyres are useless.

I think you have to sacrifice the on road grip for the traction required in slippery conditions.

Having a second set of wheels is by far the best option but then really if you do that you may as well fit the standard wheels with off road tyres and go for super moto wheels for on road for the extra tyre choice.

Will the supermoto wheels from the XT 660 fit onto the Tenere ?
obviously I would have to change the front hub so its a twin disc up front.

A second set of wheels with gold rims would look great, especially on the white Tenere's. I hope we get the Tenere here in OZ soon.

Here is one for you: Mitas E07 or Barum ED9T. Both the same tyre. Around for a while now. Very popular in Germany, Belgium , Holland etc. Noticed it on the majority of XTs at the Tenere meet. Supposed to be equal to the Tourance in the dry but much better in the wet and not bad off road. Got a set on my Tenere now. Pick it up tomorrow and let you know how it works. Looks the business at least. Very chunky.

Rob

Cool, looking forward to see the test results. =)