TKC70 v TKC80

[chilipepper]

After a minor altercation with the tarmac caused by a cold, muddy, uphill, T junction start in January I've just ordered a new set of TKC70's.

More to follow when they arrive and are fitted....

 

[solidstate100]

What will you be using them on, just out of interest? Just swapped my G/S to a set of Metzeler Enduro 1 and 2's which are great (TKC 80s immediately before the swap) but when the Metzelers are done I might try a set of those on mine.

 

[chilipepper]

Solidstate

On to my 1988 R100GS

To be honest it was your thread that got me looking properly, I was going to fit the Metzeler's as I hankered after the TKC70's but my size wasn't available. However I checked again today just before I ordered the Metzelers and low and behold they were available! So I've taken the plunge and ordered a set before the sell out.

 

[solidstate100]

Cool look forward to the piccies and full ride report.....!

 

[Beemerboff]

How are the Enduro 1 and 2 in the wet - last set I tried, around 7/8 years ago had probably the least wet grip of any tire I have ever used, although to be fair I have not tried TKC80s. Apart from that they were OK.

They have been re introduced to the Oz market at a price around $120- a pair less than Distanzas of Mitas now have a bit better compound and more wet grip they would be OK .

I can only get the rear 2 in 4" wide - is that what you are using in the UK?

 

[Rob Farmer]

Solidstate

On to my 1988 R100GS

To be honest it was your thread that got me looking properly, I was going to fit the Metzeler's as I hankered after the TKC70's but my size wasn't available. However I checked again today just before I ordered the Metzelers and low and behold they were available! So I've taken the plunge and ordered a set before the sell out.

Metzler Sahara 3 were designed for the paralever bikes. You get some vibes and they wear a rear out in 3-5k but are great tyres for the bike. Work well off road as well. http://www.metzeler.com/site/uk/products/tyres-catalogue/Enduro-3.html

 

[solidstate100]

How are the Enduro 1 and 2 in the wet - last set I tried, around 7/8 years ago had probably the least wet grip of any tire I have ever used, although to be fair I have not tried TKC80s. Apart from that they were OK.

They have been re introduced to the Oz market at a price around $120- a pair less than Distanzas of Mitas now have a bit better compound and more wet grip they would be OK .

I can only get the rear 2 in 4" wide - is that what you are using in the UK?

Strangely, given I am in England and all, its not actually rained while ive been out on the bike so cant say about wet grip at the moment. I dont know for a fact but would have thought the the compound is a bit more modern that when they were 1st released in the early 80's (at least I hope so) so if anyone knows that for a fact would welcome a chime in.

I ordered mine from Openeo, who were fine, and they had a 3.5 and a 4.00 listed in rears, (im on 4.00) any wider and they would rub on my rear Ohlins shock, not sure about stock shock tho.

 

[chilipepper]

teaser shot

The front arrived yesterday the rear not till next Thursday

 

[Beemerboff]

I run a 120 Distanza on the G/S and it only just touches the Ohlins when it is new. But my Gletter muffler has to come off to remove/ refit the wheel.

The 4" Enduro will be around 110 wide so it will clear the Ohlins and I might even be able to fit it without removing the can.

120 rears tend to wear out quickly on my G/S , with a very flat profile, probably because the rear rim on the G/S is really to narrow for them and they take the wrong shape, so I was looking for a narrower tire anyway, and as the $400- Distanzas are down to the wear bars in 4500 km/ two months something a bit longer lasting and cheaper would be welcome, as long as it has decent wet grip.
The old tech Mitas E07s which go back even further than the Enduros work OK on the G/S too, but last time I had them fitted at the states only stockist I paid $40- each for HD Metzler rubber tubes but got $13- King Kong vinyl which blew in 500 km, and after the blast I gave him I am probably not going to get another set of anything from him!

 

[chilipepper]

Teaser no2

Tyres fitted, however I trailered the bike to Manchester (Skygod at the ABW did me proud once again, I did take biscuits though, can't speak highly enough of them, the biscuits not Gaz as I had meetings.

I'm away from tomorrow for three weeks so the road test won't happen until end of April!

 

[Beemerboff]

Ordered a set of Metzler Enduro 1/2s to replace the Distanzas on my G/S, but for some reason the Oz agent sent my dealer a set of Sahara 3s, and they were fitted before I saw them - it was only when I questioned the $370-/185-quid bill that I discovered why.

But well pleased with the tires. The 4" back has a nice rounded profile on the 2.15 rim, turns in better than the 120 Distanza and doesn't follow bitumen humps, etc, like the wider tire. Which is what you would expect.
Turn in at the front is a bit faster than the Distanza too, but it took about two corners to get used to it.
Front feels well planted on the slippery spray seal/chip back roads I mainly ride on.
Grip and feel on unsealed gravel was excellent, comparing the tread on a new Sahara with a new Distanza you would expect them to be better on dirt -but they probably exceed expectations.

If anything I find them a bit smoother than the Distanzas, with no sign if the buzz others have found, but again probably not a fair comparison, as the Distanzas were well worn and probably out of balance - time will tell how the Saharas wear and last.

All in all an excellent tire so far and probably the best feel on dirt of all I have tried on my G/S, even with road pressures of 36R / 30F.
Hope they grip as well in the wet -----.

 

[Damien]

I can't find a TKC 70 for the rear of my g/s, (4.00X 18), only the front seems to be available. I will wait until it comes available, I would like to try something new.

 

[solidstate100]

Ordered a set of Metzler Enduro 1/2s to replace the Distanzas on my G/S, but for some reason the Oz agent sent my dealer a set of Sahara 3s, and they were fitted before I saw them - it was only when I questioned the $370-/185-quid bill that I discovered why.

Whilst im glad that you are happy the Saharas I think I would have pulled my "im not paying extra for what I didn't order" face, after all, it was their cock up!

Im still to experience any wet riding with the Enduro 1 and 2's but so far am very happy with them on tarmac, just had a few hours doing some silly hooning around the Isle of Wight on some nice fast twisty b roads plenty of broken/repaired surface etc and so far are pretty confidence inspiring. They warm up well fast, stick well, turn in quick, stable and quiet at speed.

 

[Beemerboff]

I think the problem might have been with the young lad who ordered and fits the tires,and I didnt feel like dropping him in it - he doesnt really need my help!
The friendly dealership, Garage Motorcycles, includes a cafe, is situated in good bike riding country in Strathalybn, and is a popular meeting spot for us retirees who get out two or three times midweek, so no point in making myself unpopular.

I have Annekeys on a F650 Funduro and they are excellent in the wet so even if the Sahara 3s are not I still have something to ride when rain is around.

 

[Bendy toy]

I've just put a pair of TKC-70 on my 1200. After running a worn out road tyre on the back and badly stepped slow steering Maxxis Detour (that's outlived two rears) the bike feels very light. But of course it should.
Ride is firmer than the old tyres and there is some tread vibe at medium speed. But noise and harsh ride are nothing like the TKC-80. They looked easy to fit as well.
Tarmac handling feels neutral and confidence inspiring back lane gravel has almost no effect on the bike. I'm used to it squirming about front and back. There is also less (front) road noise which was a surprise.
I've used Metzeler Tourance, Maxxis Detours, and Bridgestone Whatevers in order of goodness. But I believe the TKC70 will trump the lot. They need to bed in so will see how they develop.

 

[sagalout]

How would you say they compare to Tourance on the road, especially in the wet?

 

[oddshapedballs]

How would you say they compare to Tourance on the road, especially in the wet?

Thinking about a set of these (TKC70) to replace my nearly worn out Tourance's, I'd also be interested in how they perform in the wet and on long motorway stints.

 

[chilipepper]

I've yet to make it out on the new tyres, although an old farts, four day, old bike tour in Wales loom's at the beginning of June so I'll post a report after that.

 

[chilipepper]

Finally got some miles on the new tyres at the weekend, first impressions, when reading this please bear in mind I've gone from an old set of slightly squared off TKC80's, so for quick road riding several gaffer taped weasels would of been an improvement! Also I'm finally happy with the preload and rebound set up of my Ohlins shock and hyper pro fork springs;-

1. as the profile suggests they are very smooth and light when changing direction coming out of roundabouts (I no longer have to weight the pegs and push the opposite bar to get the bike to "flip flop quickly from side to side".

2. After just 40 miles I was getting onto the very edge of the front tyre without realising (no sudden involentary buttock clenching at all) as they are very confidence inspiring.

3. I was surprised how warm the got, the compound seems to be very much like a sports bike tyre, which might not be good for longevity, but explains why I was so happy leaning them right over.

4. Braking hard with the 320mm disc is now much more stable.

Don't get me wrong think the bike looked better on the TKC80's and for the little bit of green landing I've done I'm sure I'll look back on the 80's with great fondness, however I find the greatest joy of owning this old airhead is surprising people by it's cross country speed and handling on the road. (just like, back in the day when Fireblade pilots couldn't shake off my Africa Twin on the fast B roads in Wales) and for that reason I give these TKC70's a great big

TBC - (Long weekend touring with the old farts this weekend coming bike vary from 2015 GXR750R to a 1966 Norton & I can't think of a better bike than an Airhead to be on)

 

[Rob Farmer]

It's all very well flashing these new tyres and pontificating about the handling but when is that hideous oversized front mudguard going?