Monday, June 23, 2014

23 June 2014 – Gear Review 4 – Tires


I rode to Tumwater, WA from Little Rock, AR on the original street tires that came on the S10. I really don’t remember what brand they were but I had no issues on the way out and this stretch is also when we did the Iron Butt.

Before the trip I had researched possible tire options that would be better suited for the road conditions I expected to encounter on the Dalton Highway to the Arctic Circle and the road constructions on The ALCAN. The Heidenau K-60 Scout Dual Sport tire had a good reputation but I was not sure how well they would work on the several thousand highway miles we would ride once off the ALCAN. They are called a 50/50 tire because they are designed to do both equally well (off-road/highway).

I have to say I’m extremely happy with their performance. Off-road they provided the grip required without clogging the tread. This I expected. On the highway I hardly knew they were on the bike. I ran these tires hard (70-85 mph) all the way back home and all I can say is they were a little louder than the street tires but not objectionable. The only time I could feel the difference was at slow speeds coming to a stop; they would vibrate a little. I rode a lot in the rain so I was careful not to push cornering too aggressively just in case they didn’t grip as well under these conditions. They never felt like they were going to slide.

After about 5,000 miles since they were installed in Washington, the front shows hardly any wear but the back has worn down to the indicator groves. Still some life in the rear and don’t expect to replace anytime soon but when I do K-60s will go back on the bike.

 
 
 


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