Tire recommendations for my first off-road (ish) adventure

Banditryder

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Listmates,

My 2019 S10ES is fitted with street tires. They're outstanding on the road, but I have an opportunity for learning some off-road skills at a W. Virginia rally in May. I do a lot of distance travelling, but I'd like to fit a set of good tires to learn some skills in rougher stuff at the rally, and to prepare for my AK trip next year. Any recommendations for a set of tires that would serve me well for day to day, allow me to have some sense of the difference in off-road rated tires vs street tires? I know there are as many opinions as there are days in recorded history, but I'm willing to wade through them to learn.

Thanks!

Tom Dempsey, Jr.
Pittsburgh, PA
 

scott123007

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I'll tell you what I tell everyone. This is a big, heavy bike that can go off road. It is more than capable to go anywhere you can take it with basic street tires. I know, because I have ridden it damn near everywhere with Pilot Road 4's. The problem with more aggressive off road tires for THAT bike, is the advantages are minimal, if any. The weight of the bike itself, takes care of virtually all of the traction issues that a lighter bike needs knobbies for. The road noise that many complain of, which becomes more exacerbated as the tires installed become more "knobby" is constant. Yes. you can wear ear plugs, but it should be for wind noise, not tire howl, LOL. Put a set of Dunlop Mission's on it {which are about the most aggressive tire I would ever consider, and that's mostly for looks because it is an Adventure bike after all) and call it a day.
 

Highwayman

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View attachment 98481I have a set like them like them a lot.

Yep, cant say enough good about these on my S10. They get me where I want off road with no drama, not sketchy on high speed commutes and can still play in the twisties way faster then a big ADV should be ripping....

The fact my last set of TMs I got 10k out of when I usually get max 4-5k out of any tire on any of my bikes was an added bonus.
 

Banditryder

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Thank you all for the comments and recommendations! Please keep them coming! In the meantime, another question: My S10 has tubeless, spoked wheels. On my last long trip I took tire irons and tools to remove the wheels and change the tires, if necessary, because having tools is always good. Also took pump and plug kit, of course. Didn't take spare tubes, because I had brain fade in getting all the other stuff ready. Question is, do I need to even take the tire changing tools and tubes, or just the plug kit and pump? Simpler question: What's the best "flat repair protocol" for tubeless tires/wheels?
 

~TABASCO~

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Thank you all for the comments and recommendations! Please keep them coming! In the meantime, another question: My S10 has tubeless, spoked wheels. On my last long trip I took tire irons and tools to remove the wheels and change the tires, if necessary, because having tools is always good. Also took pump and plug kit, of course. Didn't take spare tubes, because I had brain fade in getting all the other stuff ready. Question is, do I need to even take the tire changing tools and tubes, or just the plug kit and pump? Simpler question: What's the best "flat repair protocol" for tubeless tires/wheels?
Tires are VERY subjective to whom you choose to "listen to", and what you hope to get out of the new tires.. I have found over 40+ years on a motorcycle that many people find a tire / brand they like, enjoy and stick with that. When it comes to those folks giving a recommendation, Its typically that tire they have always run. Not an observation after trying 25 different tires.

In your case, I might suggest the MOTOZ GPS. Im running the MOTOZ Adventurers, they have been excellent, very good wear, and robust for my cross country / BDR rides. Ive probably tried 30+ different tires on the ST. They are all a bit different and certainly many fall into more of a 'specific' category. After that, it gets deep in the weeds......... LOL

I just plug the tire and take off.......... Never had an issue. Ive performed this in MANY different conditions. I typically will run the plug till the tire is changed unless there is an obvious reason to install a new one.
 
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Banditryder

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The plug and play practice (sorry, tech folks) has been my practice with street tires, as well. I certainly appreciate the comments about the wealth of ideas and experiences. I'm going to boil it down to two or three brands based on the collective knowledge and then either throw darts, flip coins, or go waaaay too deep into more research.

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Fennellg

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In my opinion you should have a shop change them on the road. I have been doing my own tires since 2005. Tires that you will be able to change on the road will have a soft side wall. Shinko come to mind. I personally like a stiff side wall and more robust tire. A good tire will last 10 to 12 k on a big trip with a little luck.
 

sheikyerbooty

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I've run street rear/ knobby front combos on various bikes over the years. (i.e tkc80 front/ tourance rear). control in the gravel, longevity on the tarmac. Perhaps just try a cheap knobby front (kenda big block/ shinko 805? for eg.) to see how you like it. I don't like hard compounds, so e07/k60 type a thing are off my list. Currently running karoo3's both ends. super impressed with tarmac performance but they wear so fast i think the bike gets shorter as i ride up the road. Goes without saying that any open tread pattern will not perform as a road tyre, esp. on cold damp tarseal...so take it easy till you get a feel for em. happy shopping!
 

Abercrombie tenere

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The unbelievable reviews on the Dunlop Trailmax mission tires caught my eye so I bought a set shortly after they were released. I finally had a chance to install them before a Copper Canyon Mexico trip last April. All I can say is wow, I'm done shopping for Super Tenere tires as they are everything they say they are. I wanted to try out the Motoz GPS or Adventure since I run Motoz on my Beta but I think I’m too happy with the Mission Trailmax to goof around trying anything else. I broke them in on the road on the way down to the Copper Canyon area and as we entered the Copper Canyon area we switched over to a couple hundred miles of very challenging steep, loose, rocky, switch back mountain two track that was slightly above my skill set. Those tires took it all in stride and are exhibiting unbelievable wear life and will be taking me back to Mexico / Baja in March.
 

Cycledude

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Wore out a set of Mitas they were decent but I likely won’t be buying another set.
Continental seems to have the best warranty in the business , if you get a flat they supposedly will pay the tow and replace the tire free of charge ! Tried to order a set a few days ago but couldn’t find a place that had both front and rear in stock.
I also like the Dunlop TrailMax Mission but couldn’t find a place that had both front and rear in stock.
 

tart

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Jun 16, 2019
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I recommend a tire to avoid, i.e. Metzeler Karoo3 due to poor mileage. They are now on sale in Finland, so maybe they have finally stopped making this crappy tire.
 

MattR

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North Hampshire UK
I’m doing a off road training course in May. The school say I must have knobblies fitted to do the course in my bike. I’ve never ridden off road so I’m guessing they need knobblies for a reason. I’ve been using Anakee wilds for a while and I’m impressed by how they work on tarmac. Far better than I expected


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