Originally Posted by Ffvo

Hi Desert Racer, what mileage can you get from the MT60? thanks!

Originally Posted by Ffvo

Hi,
I need to change my rear tire but unfortunately in Peru there are not too many tire options for the Tenere.

The tires available are as follows:

Brand Model Size Price US$
Continental TKC80 140 137
Michelin T63 130 67
Heinedau K60 130 117
Pirelli MT60 140 103
Pirelli MT90-ST 130 93
Dunlop Trailmax 130 106

Which of the above do you think is the best multi purpose tire?
Best grip (dry and wet) and better milege?
I really like how the T63 looks and the price, but dont know if it is too "knoby"

Originally Posted by Pleiades

I have used/tried all bar the MT90 on my XTZ and I would suggest (based on the kind of use/needs you describe) steering clear on the TKC and T63; whilst good tyres, they are will not last very long at all. The high wear rate can only be really justified if you spent a large chunk of you time off road.

In my experience the MT60 doesn't last that well either but is a brilliant multi-use tyre and works well wet or dry on the road and can deal with light, dry off roading (gravel forest tracks etc.)

That leaves the Trailmax and the K60... These to me felt like opposites really in terms of performance. The Dunlop is an excellent grippy (wet or dry road) tyre, last pretty well, but is useless off the beaten track. Conversely the K60 doesn't feel sporty/grippy at all and offers little feedback; in fact they feel quite 'wooden' on the road. However, unlike the Trailmax, they can handle some off-road use and deal with most conditions well apart from mud (the rear 'balls-up'). The biggest selling point of the K60 is that they last forever, which is the compromise you pay for in the hard/wooden feel on the road. Because of their stiffness they are also a nightmare to change yourself, which is something you should consider if going on a longer trip.

Tyre choice is all subjective though. One man's meat is another man's poison. Ultimately you have to go with your instinct and just try tyres out. If they turn out good, buy another set. If you no like, then chalk it up to experience, add them to your 'never again' list and try something different. I must have tried seven or eight different brands and I'm still not really any closer to finding the Holy Grail! Some are just better than others, none are perfect at everything. Remember: there is no such thing as a true 'multipurpose' tyre!

On another point, stick to the stock tyre size at the rear if you can. Speaking from experience, all the 140s I have tried made the handling a bit twitchy on the road, don't give any more grip off-road (in fact less in some conditions), square-off quicker and generally cost more too.