Hi. Looking to put some distanzias on my SMS630. Not sure if I should use the stock 150/70 rear or the 160/60. Cam.
I won't ever use Distanzias on my 610 again, but when I did I preferred the slightly slower handling of the 160 section over cornering on the sidewalls of the 150.
I didn't like the lack of traction of the "hard" version, and I didn't like the lack of traction and the short life of the "soft" version. They were fine if the roadway was pristine and clean. They were horrible off-pavement - my Pilot Road 3's get more traction off-pavement than them. My most favorite tire ever is the Pirelli MT60, but they're not cheap, and if you commute on your bike like I do, they won't live long either.
I've been running Distanzias on my SM630 in the sumo compound and really like them. I've run the 150 in back however and I have no experience with the 160. The tires seem to warm up quick and stick even in cooler temps. I use the bike on public roads and graded dirt and they seem very versatile . No intention to run a go-cart track with my 630. Do the Pirelli MT60s even come in 17" sizes to fit?
They only come in 17's, unless I've got the wrong model number (which is likely, it's been a while). They closely resemble a dirt track tire.
Doesn't appear that they make a 17" tire in the MT60 that fits. http://www.pirelli.com/pirellityre/ww/en/motorcycle/mt_60.html
I think its the MT90 that comes in 17. I have been searching all of the ADV tire types but many don't offer a proper 17 front. The distanzias were about the best I could come up with. Cam.
I have had good luck with my pilot road 4's for dirt type roads. Work better than you would think! Fantastic on road performance in the wet! Mt60's are made of butter and you will obliterate a set on a bike like that, not to mention on road are worthless. Distanzia's last and do okay. Maybe consider the shinko 244 i think? Never tried them.
No good 17" front for the Shinko 244, it's pretty balloony. No, I'm not talking about the MT90. I'm talking about the MT60. Which does not, in fact, melt like butter, and is, in fact, freakin' awesome on-road. You didn't look very far, seeing how these are the only two sizes they make it in. 120/70 http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/5425/i/pirelli-mt-60-r-dual-sport-front-tire?WT.ac=SLIsearch 160/60 http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/5426/i/pirelli-mt-60-r-dual-sport-rear-tire?WT.ac=SLIsearch Shinko 244 4.60-17 front. Impressive offroad, too balloony and vague on road, handles like ass.
Have you run the MT60, it sure looks confidence inspiring? I am not super concerned with tire life (within reason). I wonder what would be a good rear to pair with it, scorpion trail maybe or stick with MT60?. I do mostly 90% road but there are tons of dirt paths in my city that need to be explored. The stock dunlops are death on grass and dirt (and pavement). Cam.
I got mixed up. You guys are right it was the mt90's I had tried. THOSE were the #1 worst tires I have ever run on 17" wheels. I got like 500 miles from the rear on an old xr600r. TOAST.
These have been working out good , for $114 a set to door. I have about 1300 or so miles and wearing good. http://www.cafehusky.com/threads/convert-smr-motard-to-trail.45102/#post-449114
I would use the shinkos if they made a dedicated front tire in the proper 70 profile size. I don't want to lose the nice light steering feel. I have been considering the shinko rear with a different front. Can't argue with the price. Cam.
