Here in Italy (and as I understand like most of mainland Europe) during the winter I fit winter tyres to my van and to the wife's car. I have purchased an extra set of steel wheels to accomodate the winter tyres which I keep in the garage over the summer and fit in October ish and then remove in March. The winter tyres mean that you dont need snow chains, and as soon as the temp goes below 15 degrees they are more efficient, and they are brilliant in rain and on snow. Why dont the UK use these tyres?????? given that you could use them most of the year....

For the XTX (my all year round bike) I have just fitted a set of Michelin Pilot 3s which SHOULD be good all year round as they are bi-compound and they have very deep cuts which I hope will make them very suitable for the rain......of course since I had them fitted the sun shines every day......

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(Now sold on, sob) 2011 Blue XT660X with gold wheels, was 26,500 km.
Engine mods: K&N Stage 1 filter, DNA Stage 2 filter, snorkel removed, Kev fuel mod fitted.
Plus: smoked Puig screen, Yam aluminium sump guard, Yamaha / Acerbis handguards, Givi Trekker aluminium side cases, Leo Vince X3 cans plus Kev front fork mod and Fender Xtender. Just fitted Michelin Road Pilot 3 tyres.

SOLD the XTX for a Super Ten 1200. And just bought a Raptor 700 so staying on here for some tips....