?Replace Mitas E07 Dakar tires with 3500 miles before 4000 mile road trip???

[IslandTractor]

I bought a used 2014 S10 that I intend to drive cross country from Seattle to Boston this summer. No planned off roading, just scenic roads and highways. The bike has perfectly good Mitas E07 Dakar tires that are a couple years old but have only 3500 easy miles on them. As I recall the Mitas E07 are rated 50:50 on and off road. Probably won't have time on this trip to do any off pavement other than an occasional dirt road. Plenty of tread left. I'm torn whether to leave them on for the trip or to put on fresh highway tires. Major considerations would be all weather road traction and longevity. Comfort and noise might tilt the decision if close.

1) Would you switch tires?
2) To what?

Thanks

 

[Defekticon]

I bought a used 2014 S10 that I intend to drive cross country from Seattle to Boston this summer. No planned off roading, just scenic roads and highways. The bike has perfectly good Mitas E07 Dakar tires that are a couple years old but have only 3500 easy miles on them. As I recall the Mitas E07 are rated 50:50 on and off road. Probably won't have time on this trip to do any off pavement other than an occasional dirt road. Plenty of tread left. I'm torn whether to leave them on for the trip or to put on fresh highway tires. Major considerations would be all weather road traction and longevity. Comfort and noise might tilt the decision if close.

1) Would you switch tires?
2) To what?

Thanks

I'd switch to a good road/touring tire for that trip without thinking twice about it. Michelin Pilot Road 4 is what I'd pick.

 

[stomp347]

I'd switch to a good road/touring tire for that trip without thinking twice about it. Michelin Pilot Road 4 is what I'd pick.

Plus 2

 

[IslandTractor]

What size Michelin Road Pilot 4 fits the S10. I looked on Revzilla and find the standard rear tire (150/70R17M/C) but not the standard front tire (110/80R19m/c from the owner's manual). They have a 120/70 series but not the 110/80.

 

[Checkswrecks]

People are getting more than 10,000 miles on E07s, as long as the pressures are kept up and they are not running lots of curves. I've got them on mine and wouldn't hesitate to run them cross country, just like I used a set of Heidenaus on a 10,000 mile ride. (They lasted 17,000)


What is unknown and only you can judge, is how much of the tires have been worn away already by the prior owner and the time you've had the bike.

 

[snakebitten]

I realize I'm usually on an island with my outlook on many subjects, but if I was in your situation, I'd jump on that awesome Beast and head for the sunsets!
This magnificent machine, combined with ABS and Traction Control, along with my modicum of common sense, is certain to get me "there" from "here" with nary a tire related concern.

Add to that fact, you can buy tires throughout this great country. I've been in Yamaha dealerships all over the USA for oil changes and tire upgrades. Meeting those folks and sharing the stories that a Super Tenere often prompts is part of the adventure.

 

[dell835]

Gotta agree with Snake -- Run em out. Probably same chance of tire trouble as a brand new tire. Doesn't sound like you are going to be really challenging the tires why not use up what you have on there. ::026:: ::026::

 

[IslandTractor]

I've only toured on standard road tires before (previous bikes were both BMW R and RT road bikes). Is there a noticeable difference in ride using something like the E07s? Stopping? Not planning on chasing squids through the canyons so performance in typical wet/dry pavement travel is what I am trying to judge. By the way, while I have ridden the bike for half an hour, the bike is garaged in the Seattle area and I am currently on the East coast and probably won't get a chance to ride again until I set off on my journey this summer. I appreciate the fact that I can just hop on and drive into the sunrise, and that if needed there are lots of Yamaha dealers where I can make a change. Just wanted to know if it was a no brainer decision one way or the other. If it is a tie I'll probably go with what are on the bike as I know they are good tires and in good condition.

 

[WJBertrand]

The correct front size for the Super -T can be found in the PR-4 "trail" line as apposed to the "road" line. They look identical to the PR4 road so the trail designation is a bit misleading as to their intended use.

 

[IslandTractor]

The correct front size for the Super -T can be found in the PR-4 "trail" line as apposed to the "road" line. They look identical to the PR4 road so the trail designation is a bit misleading as to their intended use.

Thanks. I'll look into that.

 

[scott123007]

Well, if it's any consolation, as some on this forum know, I'm a huge PR4 fan. They're expensive but probably the best street tire you can put on the Tenere, and they're pretty darn good off road too. The problem is, for all that great traction, the mileage suffers. I get between 5 and 6k out of mine, but that is about a 40/40/20 of touring, fairly aggressive street riding, and off road.
So for the same situation you're about to encounter, I'm installing an E-07 on my bike. I want a good handling tire that will cover at least 12,000 touring miles without worrying about replacement. The K-60 and E-07 are the two no-brainers for the rear but the E-07 is more confidence inspiring. Of course you can use their matching fronts, but you don't have to. Virtually any front tire will go the distance, but the best handling front I have found that goes well with an E-07 rear, is the Shinko 705. Other rear tires might go the distance in a touring situation, but it's a gamble.

If you do end up going with PR4's , be advised that the compound is a little softer for the trails than the regular 4's. Of course, you can only get a Trail for the front as it's the only way they make the 19 inchers, but you can get a regular 150 rear for slightly longer wear.

 

[trimannn]

Ride the Mitas till they wear out. I put a set on before my trip to Alaska last year and 9988 miles later they were still in good shape. I took the stock battle wings off and couldn't tell the difference in the ride and/or noise. I don't think I'll ever put another tire on it. My two cents which is all it's worth.

 

[IslandTractor]

Well, it sounds like the majority are encouraging just going with the E07s and based on your combined experience I will plan to do that. No reason to waste good tires and shell out cash that I could otherwise spend on good beer and BBQ. Thanks again to all.

 

[Boondocker]

Well, this is encouraging. I'm just as huge a fan of the Mitas E07 Dakar, having ridden them in every condition, the most challenging of which is 2-up on BDR roads. I now have 14,000 miles on the front, and while it's in decent shape, I've decided to get new tires for a trip from Las Vegas to Olympic NP, Washington, via the volcanos. This is 2-up touring trip with <gasp> no dirt roads and no camping planned. So I'm going to go completely out of character and get a set of road tires - PR4 trail front, PR4 rear because I think they would be excellent tires for this trip will involve lots of twisty and potentially wet roads. Being a desert rat, wet roads are not my forte. I'll probably like them because, if I'm being honest, the vast majority of my miles are paved. I secretly hope they wear out fast so I can get back to the Mitas E07 Dakars.

Well, if it's any consolation, as some on this forum know, I'm a huge PR4 fan. They're expensive but probably the best street tire you can put on the Tenere, and they're pretty darn good off road too. The problem is, for all that great traction, the mileage suffers. I get between 5 and 6k out of mine, but that is about a 40/40/20 of touring, fairly aggressive street riding, and off road.
So for the same situation you're about to encounter, I'm installing an E-07 on my bike. I want a good handling tire that will cover at least 12,000 touring miles without worrying about replacement. The K-60 and E-07 are the two no-brainers for the rear but the E-07 is more confidence inspiring. Of course you can use their matching fronts, but you don't have to. Virtually any front tire will go the distance, but the best handling front I have found that goes well with an E-07 rear, is the Shinko 705. Other rear tires might go the distance in a touring situation, but it's a gamble.

If you do end up going with PR4's , be advised that the compound is a little softer for the trails than the regular 4's. Of course, you can only get a Trail for the front as it's the only way they make the 19 inchers, but you can get a regular 150 rear for slightly longer wear.

 

[verboten1]

I've only toured on standard road tires before (previous bikes were both BMW R and RT road bikes). Is there a noticeable difference in ride using something like the E07s? Stopping? Not planning on chasing squids through the canyons so performance in typical wet/dry pavement travel is what I am trying to judge. By the way, while I have ridden the bike for half an hour, the bike is garaged in the Seattle area and I am currently on the East coast and probably won't get a chance to ride again until I set off on my journey this summer. I appreciate the fact that I can just hop on and drive into the sunrise, and that if needed there are lots of Yamaha dealers where I can make a change. Just wanted to know if it was a no brainer decision one way or the other. If it is a tie I'll probably go with what are on the bike as I know they are good tires and in good condition.

I put mine on prior to my multiple trips last year. 1 2500 mile trip loaded 2 up, and one trip with my hooligan buddies tearing up the SE on dirt and Twisties. The E07 is a wonderful tire.

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[Fatallybitten]

I was faced with the same decision except my E07 Dakars have 10,000 kms (6,000 miles) and I am about to leave on a 6,000 km (3,500 mile) trip that will be mostly pavement. I even have a Nomar tire changer and set of new road tires in the garage. I could change the tires myself in an hour but I have decided to leave the E07's on and will spoon on a fresh set of E07's when I return in preparation for an off-road trip this summer. Like others, I find the E07's provide lots of grip on wet or dry pavement and, of course, are great off road. I doubt the road tires will ever get used.

 

[bigbob]

Last Saturday I replaced my rear e07 at 14,407 miles because it was squared off. Left the front on and figure it is good for another 5k. Ride it.

I do run 40 front and rear on the road. Love those tires.


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[True Grip]

Self proclaimed tire snob here. Always start a trip with new tires even if it's a set of shinko's. I will remount tires
occasionally to ride locally. I get rid of tires when they don't feel good to me and pay no attention to how much
tread is left. Dirt bike tires only last several weekends for others they last several years. Cost more to be a tire snob
but I like the riding better.

 

[snakebitten]

True Grip

A Tire Man after my own heart! lol

I LOVE fresh tires. And I don't like the ones that yield incredible life spans. Something just doesn't add up inside me.
My perfect tire is one that is soft and knurly enough to BITE off road and be sticky (again, soft) on tarmac, but hard enough to last exactly 4000 miles.
(Oil change interval)

So far I have erred on the soft-bite side and live with less than 4000. So I'm going to try the Shinko and see if it is too far the other side. Still can't believe a knobby can last 4000 miles on The Biggest Dirt Bike In The World. But sounds like it might!

 

[Liteitup]

Self proclaimed tire snob here. Always start a trip with new tires even if it's a set of shinko's. I will remount tires
occasionally to ride locally. I get rid of tires when they don't feel good to me and pay no attention to how much
tread is left. Dirt bike tires only last several weekends for others they last several years. Cost more to be a tire snob
but I like the riding better.

Same here. Last thing I want to worry about on a trip is if the tires will make it.