KINLON SM200 TYRE OPTIONS

[WillsSM]

G'day All,
I would like to fit a set of dirt friendly tyres to my 2007 Kinlon[Loncin]SM200 Motard. Current tyres are 110/70X17 front and 130/70X17 rear. I didn;t want to go to the expense of new wheels as well if possible. I'm in Sydney, Australia.

Thanks in advance
William

[CrazyCarl]

How much money you lookin' to spend?

CC

[WillsSM]

G'day CC,
As much as I need to
Seriously, I've researched and Metzeler do 110/90 X 17 and a 130/80 X 17 that should do the job. They are called Enduro 3 Sahara, dual purpose. Only hassle is the 110/90 is actually a rear tyre, but at the low speeds the Kinlon travels at i doubt it will be an issue.

I just want something that will give a little more grip on loose dirt and grass than the OEM road rubber!
Kinda like to keep the shiny side up

[CrazyCarl]

Those are great tires with a timeless tread design. The problem with putting a rear tire on the front is not so much load but the shape/profile of the tire. Front and rear tires will usually have slightly different shapes IIRC.

Was just smelling around and found these which I would consider trying for less than the Metzs. Not sure if they're available in the Oz. Also the Pirelli
scorpion ATs come in front and back 17's and are very very sticky,good in the rain and so so on dirt.

Shinko 705


http://www.bikebandit.com/shinko-705-motorcycle-tire

CC

[WillsSM]

Yeah, I spotted the Shinko's but I've no idea who imports em into Oz. I had Shinko road rubber on a Yamaha stroker a while back and they were brilliant. Very grippy.

I'll keep searchin', I'm not expecting the Metz's to be inexpensive



Will.

[kingmarty45]

Let us know which tyres you choose Will, others with the Kinlon (like me) are quite interested in how you go.

Marty.

[WillsSM]

After much procrastination, I decided on a set of Kenda K280 Enduro's. Size for the SM wheels are an issue as described, I went for a 4.60 X 17 on the front, and the correct 130/80 X 17 rear. The overall section width of the front Kenda is almost the same as the OEM road rubber, lucky if there is 7mm[smaller]of difference.
Kenda have a good reputation in the USA from what I've gleaned via the web.

I bought the last of these sizes Kenda had in Oz, though I'm sure they will order more. I'm getting them fitted on Thursday, I'll post here with my first thoughts after I ride the bike home from the bike shop!

Cheers Will

[Jimbosidecar]

Speaking of tires, anyone seen any good 18 inch tires (110.90X18) available inside China?
Regds,
Jim
www.bmwsidecar.com

[kingmarty45]

After much procrastination, I decided on a set of Kenda K280 Enduro's. Size for the SM wheels are an issue as described, I went for a 4.60 X 17 on the front, and the correct 130/80 X 17 rear. The overall section width of the front Kenda is almost the same as the OEM road rubber, lucky if there is 7mm[smaller]of difference.
Kenda have a good reputation in the USA from what I've gleaned via the web.

I bought the last of these sizes Kenda had in Oz, though I'm sure they will order more. I'm getting them fitted on Thursday, I'll post here with my first thoughts after I ride the bike home from the bike shop!

Cheers Will

Thanks Will, I look forward to hearing how they go. Also, if you don't mind me asking, how much did they set you back?

Marty

[WillsSM]

Well, had the Kenda's fitted today. Only had time for a short ride on the tarmac, initial impressions are good Price was $248 for the pair, plus fitting[I hate changin wheels and tyres]

New rubber is noticeably larger in diameter from the road tyres, has altered the final gearing by about the same as 1.5 teeth smaller rear sprocket based ob how the engine feels. A good thing IMHO as I thought the bike was undergeared, revvings it tits off at 80 km/h. Steering much lighter, though still needing a firm push on the 'bars to intiate countersteering. Feels like my TDM

Might get a chance to hit some dirt roads on the weekend, will see how it goes! I'm running 28 psi front and rear on the bitumen, probably drop them to 20 psi on the dirt, and see how it feels.

Hey Marty, did your bike come with any sort of tool kit? Mine didn't
It was used, after all