Riding off pavement?

[tor1150r]

I don't go hunting down dirt/gravel roads, but I do come across them from time to time and I've never had a problem navigating them with a little common sense. I took an off-road course 2 years ago and the theories certainly took the fear out of gravel roads.

There are no dual oriented tires avail for the R (that I'm aware of) but I managed to cover about 4-500 km of dirt, stones and mud on my trip last summer - riding 2-up.

The deep/sandy stuff I'll stay away from, but if you just want to take a detour, or you end up on non-pavement, the R handles fine, although at a slower pace than a GS (IMHO)!

[MIXR]

This is what I'm looking at fitting for some specific roads I have coming up. Several hundred kilometres of marble gravel, and potential slippery black soil if it rains. That, plus two runs up through the snow. Last time I went into the snow, it was damned slippery on road tyres. This time it will be dirt as well.

There isn't a lot around with suitable sizing, but I'm still hunting for other options. Haven't found anything else suitable yet, without compromising tyre and rim sizing compatibility, which I won't do. These are the only ones that seem to fit.

Don't ask 'WHY'. It's just a couple of places I've always wanted to go on the bike, and I have some leave to take after my crash bars arrive end of the month. The tyres can come off when I get back, and I'll go back to my Avons (the new Storms).

Sizes are 120/70 VR 17 (same size as original) and 160/60 VR 17 (10 mm down on width which is no big deal). They are a Pirelli Supermotard tyre (used on KTM 990 Super Duke). Correct name is the MT60 Radial Corsa. Designed for 50/50 dirt/road. Standard tyres are ZR (speed rating).

[telliott]

I was thinking of something like these, same size as those listed by MIXR- and a little more street oriented. Anyone know anything about them?

Avon AM43/44 Distanzia Dual Sport-http://www.affordablemotorcycletires.co ... tanzia.htm

[MIXR]

Yeah - The Avon Distanzia is the same sizing as the Pirelli MT60, but advertised as 90% street and 10% dirt. The large flat blocks might be an issue in the wet, but I'm having another look at them. Talking to my tyre guy this afternoon and having a look at some in the 'wrong' size. Mileage is not great according to some reports, but good according to others. Same story with all tyres I guess. You try them and see for yourself.

They might suit your needs (and mine). Avons generally run 'wide' in standard sizing, so there may be little difference between the stock 170 of other brands and the Distanzia 160.

I guess I have to be a bit realistic. A '50/50' tyre (Pirelli) will probably be nice on the dirt, but will spend a lot more time on the tarmac. Maybe the '90/10' tyre (Avon) is more suitable. Decisions, decisions!

[Hotel 179]

Mick and Stephan,

I am getting close to needing a new set of tires as the Conti Attacks haven't lasted as long as I had hoped. I was looking into a tire with a little more tread on it as I am in the process of building a house is the Blue Ridge Mountains and will have a 1300' steep, gravel driveway that leads to two a 2 mile dirt road before I see pavement. I would be interested to know what tires you have on in those pictures and did they fit on your existing wheel. Thanks!

Brady

Hello Brady,

I'm currently running Dunlop 220s....9k on the front, 3.5k on the rear (probably something to do with the grin factor keeps wearing out those rear tires.)

[MIXR]

Well - decision made for me. I'm putting on the Avon Distanzia in 120 front and 160 rear. AUD$440 compared to AUD$475 for the same size Pirelli, and probably better suited to the rides I'm planning. Not as aggressive as the Pirelli, but far better than a stock road tyre.

I still have about 2,000 kms to run down the old Avons before the newbies go on, which should coincide with the arrival of my Hornig crash bar, so an 'Enduro' R is under construction. If the road grip is ok, I'll probably leave them on until they wear out. Time to slow up a bit on the black-top anyway!

Pirelli Corsa and Avon Distanzia are the only two types of tyre that meet rim requirements that I can get here. I'll keep people posted on the fitment and performance. Here they are in 'tall and skinny' form. Very different to the Pirelli in the earlier post. (Front & Rear shown)