650 GS Tyres

[BLUEJAY]

Hi Gents,
for off road use, as well as winter riding, I'd like to shrink your brains on which in your experience is the best tyre for my F650GS (19" front - 17" rear).

I was thinking of TKC 80...

Btw, for road use only I am on the second set of Tourances (12000 Km's on the front amd maybe 2k more for the rear) and very happy with them.

Thanks

 

[Mav]

Hi Bluejay

I've only got limited experience having only been riding since the summer. I started on Tourances and tried them off-road and then went to TKCs a couple weeks ago. On road, the TKCs feel pretty secure to me, I don't think they will wear as well as the Tourances, but off-road - the excelled by comparison to the Tourances. A couple times I got stuck and the TKCs just dug in and got me out. The Tourances wouldn't have come close! Also, straight line traction in slippery mud was better.

Some say that the TKCs are slippery on wet tarmac. So far, I've not had a problem - but I'm not a very aggressive rider.

Hope that helps.

Mav

 

[BLUEJAY]

I wouldn't use TOURANCES in OR.
I'd feel too much "lightness" in my pants..
They are too round shaped for gravelly and co.

 

[VAL. H.]

Hi Gents,
for off road use, as well as winter riding, I'd like to shrink your brains on which in your experience is the best tyre for my F650GS (19" front - 17" rear).

I was thinking of TKC 80...

Btw, for road use only I am on the second set of Tourances (12000 Km's on the front amd maybe 2k more for the rear) and very happy with them.

Thanks

Hi. I used a 650gs with TKC's in August at the BW off road course. they were confidence inspiering on the dirt, and worked well on the road. I didn't get to use them on wet roads as it was hot and dry all weekend.

I did find however, that at about 90mph the bike developed an interesting weave 'though easily controlable'

I'm now looking for spare wheels for my 1200 to fit TKC's for a little trail riding. I've only ever heard good reports of the TKC80's, having tryed them I have to agree they are an excelent tyre.

 

[Onepot]

Been off the site for a while so this may be too late to be of any use.
I'm on my second set of TKC80's and can't fault 'em on my Dakar, on or off road. I ride quick and smooth on the road, and chuck it into corners with plenty of confidence. The rear wears out after about 4000 miles, and obviously becomes less effective off road as the tread reduces - only noticable in mud really.
Just have to remeber they're a dual purpose compromise tyre.