Page 1 of 1
Best tire for extended gravel riding
Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2005 2:09 pm
by tor1150r
I have been thinking about a, 2-up, cross country (Canada) tour next summer which includes a ride up to Yukon/Alaska. In order to cross the Arctic Circle, one has to traverse approx. 700 kms of gravel, one way (various types I've read, but mostly hard packed if resonably dry), then back again.
I'm having Z6's installed this winter and would change them once I reach BC, before heading north.
I'd put the Z6's back on once I hit pavement again and have the 'better -suited-for-gravel' tires shipped home.
Can anyone recommend a tire that they believe would be better suited to an extended ride on gravel?
Gravel
Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2005 3:55 pm
by Bones
I have Metzler Tourance tires on my 1200 GS. For sure, they are more stable on gravel surfaces and "fire roads/access roads" than the Z6's, in my limited experience. BUT, I am no expert on riding full size bikes on those surfaces and will readily admit, I like clean pavement over gravel and access roads any day.
You might get more info. at one of the GS sites, as those guys ride offroad with these beasts, alot.
Good luck with the trip.
Bones
Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2005 6:47 pm
by gelbe Kulter
The 120-17 & 180-17 tires that Dunlop is making for the Buell Ulysses(D616) might work.
http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/infocen ... 114&page=1
I ran Avon Distanzia tires on my SV650. They were not all that good in gravel.
Pirelli MT60R Corsa (120-17 & 160-17) tires gave excellent grip in the gravel. They are a soft compound, though and cut easily.
http://www.tiresunlimited.com/ALL%20TIR ... _mt60r.htm
Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2005 10:05 pm
by Photo
Michelin Anakees are a reasonably popular adventure touring tire for the GS crowd. Good traction on wet pavement, and they can handle their own in some moderately wet clay/muddy surfaces.
http://two-wheels.michelin.com/2w/front ... 29&lang=EN
Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2005 11:41 pm
by scottybooj
There are more important items to be concerned about than tires.
yeah, like where the heck are you going to find beer in the Arctic Circle?
Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 9:24 am
by tor1150r
Thanks guys!
I looked at the Michelin Anakees. They look perfect, but do not offer the front tire size for the R.
FGanger.....Thanks for the pics. Looks like your road tires worked for you.
I'm thinking the Mich Pilot Roads my be my best bet for the whole trip. I believe they are a harder compound than the Z6's, and may be a little more durable against punctures. Still investigating!
Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 2:17 pm
by tor1150r
Thanks. Good info and much appreciated!
Still in the planning stages. And yes.....I thought would open a FedEx account to have unused, or no-longer needed stuff sent elsewhere if need-be.
I'm planning on taking the camping gear, but may end up credit-card camping once in Yukon....a few options, and a few months left to plan.
(This is what I do in the winter while the bike is stored!)