Kent Equilibrium Tire Review

[hawaii-rider]

Started another thread on any feedback on this tire - and after reading as much as I could find (Jimmy Lewis was a great resource as well) - I purchased one for my '15 TE300.
Took it out this past Saturday to see how she did in our western Washington Single Track - rocks, roots, a touch of mud, some dirt etc.

I am a long term trials tire rider in the single track - for straight drive in the rocks and roots for me there is no equal, nor is there an equal to the number of seasons they last.
What they don't do so well is get ANY traction while leaned over or brake well if there is any soil involved and in order to get the sticky traction they are run at or below 5psi - and if you take low inflation that past 25 mph - not fun. Deep mud - doesn't clear out well at all so you learn to avoid, pick your way around or try to hit it as fast as you can before you spin out.

Pure knobby offroad?
My go to tire is the Michelin S12 rear for racing and anytime I am not running a trials. Last a long time, don't pinch flat very easily even when run down in the single digit PSI off road, amazing on our dirt here, wonderful when things get muddy, all I use for MX and Vintage MX and perform 'okay' off road in the rocks and roots. What it doesn't do well in is pure rocks and roots, dry or wet, it deflects and spins like any pure knob does.

So I was on the search for was the trials drive in rocks and roots, more added leaned over traction (knobby like) and braking in soil, good wear and the ability to run it around 8-10 PSI so when you get the option to get on the main jet and out of 2nd or lugging 3rd it doesn't feel like you are walking on a 1/2 filled water bed.

Purchased the Kenda Equilibrium and gave her a spin this past weekend to the tune of 21 miles of single track in western washington: rocks, roots, touch of mud, tree bits and branches from current logging activity (up hill that stuff is special), sand and just about everything else.
Keeping the tire inflated is a Tubliss run at 105/8 psi in the two chambers.

Here is the Kenda after 21 miles in the rocks and roots.


Im not a small guy, 6'3" and 250++
my 300 has no issues pulling the front end up any time I want it to and shotgun spray anyone too close behind me - power with this smoker is NOT an issue and it can light up any tire I can spoon onto the rim.

• No knobs were chunked, folded, torn and as you can see the leading edge is basically like new. As soft as the rubber is I expected to see some chunks torn/cut/gouges - there were none.
• Traction for where we rode was equal to my trials tires in the rocks and roots
• Traction was FAR SUPERIOR to a trials tire in leaned over traction, on the gas and braking with any soil involved.
• Mud patches felt like I had a good knobby with about 5 rides on it - not perfect drive like a brand new knob rear but not enough difference to make me upset I didn't have one.
• Wet sand was like a knob.
• Roots and rocks, no deflections just straight drive and no weirdness and increased unexpected heart rate increasing.
• Fire road speed - solid and planted into through 5th gear on the gas.

Summary - will see how she wears, but if it can handle 21 miles in rocks and roots with a 300 two stroke and my phat butt insuring adequate "gravitational force" is applied to the rear tire...I think I have my new do it all offload rear tire. Very happy with the traction and performance.
Here are some other shots while mounting it up, comparing it to a new S12 rear and an MT43 trials rear.
HR

 

[troy deck]

dang it why is it not DOT approved

 

[NCSteve]

Thanks for the review HR, looks good mounted and your experience with it sounds good. I'm not a trials tire guy at all, just don't work for me around here. It would seem SE and NW woods are similar, so maybe riding style? is the difference. Home turf riding includes too much rocky, gravely, hard pack fire roads for trials orsoft terrain tires. Anything Michelin, except T63, chunks and wears fast, so far. Trials tires roll around too much in turns and don't grip in wet grass track for me.
My fav tire on the 300 so far is IRC VE33 5.10, going to run it with a tubliss next. For going down state to race or riding park IRC M5B has been my go to. Tried a couple Mich and Kenda, but no joy. S12 front grips, but doesn't last, Maxxis EN or Mezt MC5 fronts doing well so far. Now considering this tire and looking forward to more comments and feedback.

 

[racemx904]

I'm definitely going GT on the front and maybe rear but I'm seriously considering the Kenda....

 

[Cosmokenney]

I'd like to know how tall it is compared to say the MotoZ MH or a standard knobby? One of the reasons I dumped the MotoZ MH was that it added what felt like two inches of height to my bike. Just too much for me.

 

[NCSteve]

Yeah, GT fatty is tempting, still considering it, but ordered another Maxxis EN 90/90 'cause I know it works for me and they went down in price.
Will probably try the Kenda when I have time and funds to spare, but for me a fresh knobby still works best in the SE.

 

[gots_a_sol]

I'd like to know how tall it is compared to say the MotoZ MH or a standard knobby? One of the reasons I dumped the MotoZ MH was that it added what felt like two inches of height to my bike. Just too much for me.

I swapped from the Mountain Hybrid to the Kenda and it is about 1/2" taller than the MH when mounted.

These tall ass tires definitely make it more difficult for my short-ish self to get on the bike (put the GT fatty on the front also)

 

[Cosmokenney]

I swapped from the Mountain Hybrid to the Kenda and it is about 1/2" taller than the MH when mounted.

These tall ass tires definitely make it more difficult for my short-ish self to get on the bike (put the GT fatty on the front also)

Thanks for the info!

 

[bikesparky]

In my opinion for both the Kenda Eq or the Motoz Mountain the rear sag needs to be increased to keep the bike's chassis in balance, this regardless if you can touch the ground or not.
When I fitted the Motoz on mine it felt very twitchy, as the KTM build Huskies do when the rear is too high.
I increased the sag a fair bit to compensate for the tyre being 20mm higher than the Michelin I took off and now it's back to where it was before the swap.

Not sure how this affects the suspension as the weight of the rider remains the same, any suspension experts want to put in their 2 cents?
I probably go back to a "normal" knobby for that reason as I also don't like the side grip.

 

[Big Timmy]

Weather patterns are changing here in SE AZ. Monsoon season is over and the creek beds are dried up. I had gone to the Sedona 887 which worked well in the rocks, dry or damp hard soil, or firmer areas up in the higher elevations, that don't get the heavy 2 track traffic. Worked especially in the damp sand or when the sand was dry in the ditches and washes. I run the GT216 AA fatty on the front too.

I decided even though I still had another spare 887 in the garage and another 120/100/18 hard pack tire that was new of another brand both sitting in the garage. but to not run either.

The 887s I had bought 2 of them in the 110/100/18 size. It worked well running Tubliss at 6 to 8 lbs. I got about 32 hours out of it and as its drying up. I was feeling excessive wheel spin so off it came. Of course this is a problem any way with the 501. Excessive wheel spin that is. But that's all good. Tires go quickly here. When I threw out my stock AT 81s that didn't work worth a darn here at about 12 to 13 hours, the rear was worn out too in 13 hours max. They were stock on my FE 501 and cost a damned sight more than what I went to, the 887 rear.

I just changed to the Sedona 907 rear in 120/90/18 size. Again I bought 2 of them. Going to the 120/90/18 its a one size wider footprint and one aspect ratio lower sidewall than the stock was or 110/100/18 size. I have 2 rides on it so far and it shows very little wear, through the same exact terrain I always ride in and this tire I'm running 6 lbs. Tubliss.

It has a crazy looking tread pattern, yes but don't let that fool you. It is an excellent tire and feels very good under hard braking and backing it into a turn. Very controllable. Good all around traction even in a ditch full of a foot of water and silt mud in that base of that water for a few hundred yards. I've done this twice now on this tire in the ditch that I've gone down into.

Over all in higher elevations and over all it climbs very well on very steep grades of very loose rock with loose soft dirt and these rocks easily can be moving around on the surface of that soft dirt on these hills. This Sedona 907 is a very good tire, I like it, I have a spare.

I'll keep track of how well it holds up and how many hours it takes to wear out. Its not readily available or able to be purchased all the time. I had to get on a mailing list from this past year from like 3 or 4 vendors at the same time just to get these Sedona 907 tires. I'm OK with that. They all had them about Sept 15th. and sent a few my way

If I want that tire, I have found out the best thing to do is buy when you can, that's why I buy 2 at a time. Plus I can stand a new one next to the one currently mounted and easily see when its shot and ready to come off.

Here is the Sedona 907 after 2 rides and about 60 miles of a little of everything. Even mud

 

[bikesparky]

I just changed to the Kenda 907 rear in 120/90/18 size.

A bit confused here???? I can't find Kenda 907 except for push bikes?? You mean Sedona 907???
Senior moment here?

 

[Big Timmy]

Yes bikesparky, that was my mistake. Gee I'm sorry you were a bit confused. Not a senior moment just a mistake, I duly noted your confusion and corrected my mistake above. Though the senior moment may have to apply while you actually looked for it and found, A "Kenda 907" for a push bike. What the heck is a push bike? Now I'm confused. LOL !! They must have all kinds of crazy things there in OZ? We don't know about.

I was just as confused and couldn't get the thought about correcting the title of this thread off my mind while doing my post. When it said "Kent Equilibrium Tire Review" So the "Kenda" brand name was right on the tip of my tongue the whole time. Even though I thought it may not be appropriate to highjack the "Kent Equilibrium" thread by adding information about the "Sedona 887 and 907" tires. I like the "Motoz" tires too and since they were mentioned in the above posts I figured it may be alright. I run a 140/80/18 "Motoz Tractionator" desert rear on my G450X and have about 50 hours on it. Its held up very well here. I have had very poor performance here out of the Michelin S12s they may work well when new but they chunk badly and are destroyed in no more than 2 rides.

I was in fact talking about the "Sedona 907" and the "Sedona 887". The other tire on the left is a "Kings" hard pack Enduro tire it can be run at very low pressures and offers excellent rim protection and lasts forever. It looks very wide and flat across the tread pattern sitting off the rim but I put an inflated tube in them during storage to open them up to make them easier to mount. The "Kings" tire has been sitting like that for awhile with a tube in it. Its spread about 3 1/2' inches right now across the beads and when they ship them the beads are nearly closed shut. So its really easy to get the rim with the Tubliss system into the new tires so it easier to mount.

The "Sedona 887" is pictured in the middle of the group of 3 tires below.

The "Sedona 907" is what I'm running on the bike right now. That's the 1 on the right with the crazy tread pattern.

This tire works well here in the rocky desert. Its going to get a ride tomorrow too. Its raining right now. So I'll see how it does in all around conditions The sand washes will be wet and the sand where there isn't water will be firm. So it should be an interesting ride as I installed this for the drier conditions of Fall

 

[GMP]

I'm running the Sedona 907 here in northeast conditions and its pretty good at under 4 PSI. I think they run small though as the 110 seems narrow on my 300 Beta. In wet, greasy, root laced single track its a bit sketchy but it sticks to rocks like a TT. Compound is sticky, sidewall stiff, and it has held up great run at 3.5 PSI for awhile now. Smooth carcass seals easy and tight w/Tubliss and does not leak down. Good tire for the $$, I need to try the 120 though. Also need to try the Shinko 520.

 

[Big Timmy]

I agree with you on the 110 feeling a bit narrow on the rear from the Sedona tires. That's why I went with a 120/90 this time. The 120/100 is just to tall to run it at less than 4psi. Unless its such a hard sidewalled tire you can hardly mount it and I have a good tire mounting stand with quite an assortment of several real good tire levers. It will waller around a bit as it gets broken in, if run with too low of pressure when it heats up.

I'm riding later on today in wet conditions. I'm just letting the cement at least in my driveway and the asphalt on the street out front to dry up. That's the best indication to me here that the water from last night and early this mornings rain has at least soaked in a bit.

I'll give the lower pressure a shot, a drop a bit in pressure that is. From the 5-6 lbs I'm running it now. I'll drop mine down to 3.5 to 4 psi and give it a try.

My Buddy wanted me to sell him my other new spare 907 I have and I told him to buy the Shinko tire he has thought about himself for his new '15 WR450F and then he can keep track of the amount of hours he gets out of it comparative to me running the 907. He needs to go to the Tubliss himself though to make the comparison even fair. Because I don't carry tire irons for him. I don't carry tire irons at all. Right now he isn't carrying tire irons either and I have been offering him 2 different new fanny pack tool bags I got stashed away so he could make up a tool kit.



Here's all I carry now below. This rear bag is directly bolted on and is the standard sized "Dirt Bike Gear.com" fender pack. Those straps aren't for keeping the pack closed, They expand way out to allow you to carry a fairly large object you may need to bring with you. Like a tube for some one who gets a flat because there bike is still running tubes. After you go back to get one for them. I have the factory tool kit in this pack, a small first aid kit, along with a folding multi plier, a folding torx key set, a Progressive suspension 300 psi. dual action hand pump, a dyna plug kit. (So far never needed as I'm running plenty of Tireslime with my Tubliss set up). and a shop rag. This stays on the bike and can't come off.



On my waist here's what I carry in a hip pouch. Its all I need. The spare set of roll off goggles and a bagged spare roll of film are a tight fit along with the other needed tool, but I keep my papers, registration, insurance card, A spare set of gloves. A standard set of goggles fits easier along with a rag or a goggle bag to wipe away my goggles I may be using. Some protein in a bag and some "hollow points" in a magazine for the wrench pictured. Just in case. So far I haven't had to use the "wrench" but I have made a few pop shots with it to scare the 2 legged Mules and Coyotes up out of the ditch I like to ride down here on the Mexico Border. Right into the waiting hands of the swarming Border Patrol Agents when I called ahead on my cell phone. Which is carried with my wallet in either one of 3 sets of my zipper pocketed riding pants. Or in the pockets now in my Scotts Enduro Jacket, I wear during colder months.

Its always a kick to clear the ditch in front of you when you encounter any wild life that may impose a danger.

A "Smith & Wesson" .40 Cal, "wrench" is the most important tool I carry along with my cell phone. I don't always get cell service here where I ride, on "Sprints" system, or even when it's in "Extended" range roaming. Lots of times I have the "No Service" signal.

So the back up "wrench" may be most important tool of all. Carrying it in a fanny pack or holster is an option but this hip pack has held up pretty well other than a few strap repairs I've made over the last 3 years with my Upholstery sewing machine. Its easy to monitor while riding, that its still right there where you need it and I can access the "wrench" with my gloves on easily using the 2 way built in zipper. I use the zipper from the single action position only opening from the front rearward. It actually has its own pocket sewed into the inside of this hip pouch to pad it and keep it from moving around. It works for me and if you ride where I do. You would be a fool to not carry a "wrench" of some sort and they are available in many brands and sizes. Take your pick.

Getting a flat down in this ditch I like to ride isn't a real happening experience either so the Tubliss is a good upgrade.

We all have different tire needs. I change with the seasons. There's one thing that doesn't change here. That's what the "Wrench" is for. My "Riding Buddy's" all do the same thing. But they are also the ones that get all the flats. There is a big difference between planning to go for a ride and being prepared to go for a ride. I try to be prepared first.

 

[hawaii-rider]

 

[Big Timmy]

YEP !! Sorry, Illegal Aliens and I'm going out right now. LOL! It's time.

 

[Norman Foley]

Back on the Equilibrium track.... I finally found mud deep and slimy enough to cause the Equilibrium grief! Our local enduro series had its last event, a very technical Sprint Enduro. In the creek sections and rocky climbs it was like cheating, but was offset by terrible performance in the deep mud. Another rider with an Equilibrium concurred. A knobby would have been a better choice that day.....

 

[Big Timmy]

Hey GMP,
You were right, 4 psi. in the "Sedona 907" works pretty good in the dampness, rain, mud and wet snotty desert conditions.

Sorry Norman, It isn't a "Kenda Equilibrium" but we are comparing tires here to what works and what doesn't. As many as 10 different tires had been mentioned in this thread before I even posted.

What knobby tire would you 2 guys have chosen over the "Kenda Equilibrium" that day? If you would have gone with a knobby?

 

[Norman Foley]

Hey GMP,
You were right, 4 psi. in the "Sedona 907" works pretty good in the dampness, rain, mud and wet snotty desert conditions.

Sorry Norman, It isn't a "Kenda Equilibrium" but we are comparing tires here to what works and what doesn't. As many as 10 different tires had been mentioned in this thread before I even posted.

What knobby tire would you 2 guys have chosen over the "Kenda Equilibrium" that day? If you would have gone with a knobby?

View attachment 61633

Post what you like Big Timmy, it's a free world!

 

[Big Timmy]

Thanks Norman,

Some of us are just trail riders and don't follow a set path. We all do ride in different circumstances. The guys standing along the Enduro trails in the area where you are. Probably are Enduro course workers (unless they are just spectating) and are guiding you to keep you on course to not miss the next checkpoint.

The guys standing along the trails where I am at, are usually guiding groups of people ( human traffickers) and carrying bundles of dope on there backs and are there, to deliberately miss the next checkpoint, which is set up on the Highways for vehicles. They don't always catch the small loads that get through.

Hence, the availability of said products all over the state of "New York".

These people I encounter along the trails will not only, "not" guide you to keep you on track but they will kill you quicker than you can say this thread now has some east to west coast "United States Wide Equilibrium".

Here it is after being hosed off and put away wet with a previous 60 miles on it at 6lbs. and now another 30 miles on it at just 4 lbs. pressure. The "Sedona 907" tire is holding up well.