FE/FC I need a new rear tire. (501S)

[Teeszy]

Leaning towards Dunlop's MX52 or AT81 / AT81RC
but don't know which one would be advantageous to dual sporting.
Also thinking about the Maxxis Desert IT I hear so much about,
and would even consider the Sedona 907HP even though it has a funky tread pattern.

Stock tire has 0 knobbies along the center line after 800 miles,
(even sooner, I've just been pushing it) All that's left is a rounded carcass and side knobs.
I ride approx. 1/3 twisty pavement, 1/3 gravel forest service roads, and 1/3 ST trails.
Plus a little sand because I live on the coast and sometimes the trail inevitably leads me to the ocean, river or dunes lol.
I run stock tubes, no tubeless system or mousses yet in case it makes any difference in tire selection.
Hopefully y'all can help me make a good all around decision, or at least explain the pro's and cons of each. Thanks! !

-Tyler

 

[bushwa]

Love the strider, my daughter has the KTM version lol. I just put Michelin T63's front/rear on my 501S. I find them fantastic on twisty pavement and freeway at about 23 psi. To the point that I can't believe they're knobbies. I air them down to ~12 PSI for gravel/single track and they are very good in that environment as well. Don't have any experience with the one's you've asked about though, sorry.

 

[Teeszy]

Don't have any experience with the one's you've asked about though, sorry.

You showed me and everyone else a great budget tire that was overlooked by many. Appreciated

If who responds doesn't mind, please also include the tire dimensions that worked best for them, hopefully without wearing through their mud flap!

 

[robertaccio]

you will need a lot of them for that beast.

 

[ridgerunner1061]

I am partial to the MT 21's. On my 630 I got about 1000 - 1200 miles for the rear tire. I run 40% blacktop and 60% hard packed/rocky fire roads. Air pressure is between 14 and 16 psi. When the time comes I will mount them on my 501.

 

[Trenchcoat85]

you will need a lot of them for that beast.

dude, he's saying: you're gonna go through tires. 800 miles is pretty good mileage for a knobby on a 501 (600 is probably closer to normal)

with that mix of asphalt, 2-track, and single-track you ride, I would use a Pirelli MT-43 ($75) or MotOz Mountain Hybrid ($100). these are hard rubber trials tires with surprisingly good dirt traction. the pirelli will last you 2000 miles, the Mtn Hybrid maybe 3000. you do a lot more street than normal on that bike. And on the winter-wet asphalt in Cresent City, they will help keep you upright.

btw... when didja pick that thing up? nice.

good luck.

 

[Teeszy]

I thought I had found the one in this Kenda K787 Equilibrium but it only comes in 4.50x18. The MT43 is even narrower at 4.00x18. Are these tires too narrow for a 510.4cc ? Or is that just the profile to be expected of trials type rear tires...

 

[Teeszy]

you will need a lot of them for that beast.

true that.. My wife just rolls her eyes now when I talk about buying more parts for my bikes.
My mother however was shocked to hear about me tire shopping for a bike so new...
I tried to explain but then figured why bother, it's my money and at the same time my sanity.
I just don't particularly like doing tire changes (who does?) and would value a thousand plus mile tire back there.
Needs to hookup real well offroad and at 80mph+ on road. I'm still running stock sprockets and like to travel fast.
I realize wanting or expecting a tire to last AND to grip is like asking for two opposing things.
Just trying to find something awesome that possesses both longevity and performance.

 

[Trenchcoat85]

View attachment 70676
I thought I had found the one in this Kenda K787 Equilibrium but it only comes in 4.50x18. The MT43 is even narrower at 4.00x18. Are these tires too narrow for a 510.4cc ? Or is that just the profile to be expected of trials type rear tires...

width: both are fine- don't get too hung up on numbers. but if you're really worried about it, the Mountain Hybrid is huge.

none of these tires work well in the dirt if the rider is a wheel-spinner. learn throttle control and, more importantly, how to modulate power with the clutch.

If you're gonna be anywhere in the Mount Shasta area, LMK- I have a take-off Mountain Hybrid a buddy gave me (which has got 3/4 of it's life left), knowing I'm a trials tire advocate. BTW, they weigh 15.9lbs new... heaviest tire I know of. That's not necessarily a great thing.

ps- oh yeah, I forgot to mention: trials tires seem to work okay in the sand. surprisingly to me.

 

[Huskynoobee]

There's about 10 other tires I'd go with before at81. MX52 is great, but not available in 18.

 

[ptkatoomer]

View attachment 70676
I thought I had found the one in this Kenda K787 Equilibrium but it only comes in 4.50x18. The MT43 is even narrower at 4.00x18. Are these tires too narrow for a 510.4cc ? Or is that just the profile to be expected of trials type rear tires...

I've been running the equilibrium on my 500 exc and really like it off road, but then at normal off road psi of 14lbs it felt pretty squirmy on the pavement. Never tried running it higher though....

 

[Flynn]

I am surprised nobody's mentioned the Metzeler unicross yet. My rear MT21 is due for replacement and that is on the short list.

 

[Teeszy]

Nice tire Flynn, I think I like it even more than this

Pirelli Scorpion Rally

I do wonder how the Unicross wears though with those tall individual knobs I fear not too well

 

[ridgerunner1061]

I might be changing my mind on the MT21's Has anyone thought/tried the Mitas E07. I don't know if it is solely for the big adventure bikes like the 1190 but over at advrider there are some riders getting phenomenal mileage out these.