Dual Purpose Tires! What do you use and why?

**Asymptomatic** · 02-20-2016, 06:38 AM

I am looking for dual purpose tires for a street bike that will be used in dirt and gravel often. What tires do you suggest? They will be used on 65% pavement, 35% rough roads, dirt and gravel. including a few trips from province to province.

If you have pictures or links that would be great!

**modron** · 02-20-2016, 01:16 PM

dunno what size you need but here you go. They are decent

https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm...4-82c1eb3894e5

**ShuBen** · 02-22-2016, 09:45 AM

Until now I have quite acceptable experience with the K270 Kendra on my 21/18 wheel set of my X2. But the profile is very rough. Don't know if this is street bike suitable ....

**Symon260z** · 02-22-2016, 11:31 AM

I also had some Kenda K270's-. surprisingly good, better on road than off. Now moved to knobblies as almost all my riding is off road.

**ChinaV** · 02-22-2016, 03:34 PM

Kenda K280 , K270 or Kings Tire KT-966

The Kenda K280 has pretty good grip on road, I think they're a better street tire than the K270.

**bikerdoc** · 02-23-2016, 03:24 AM

Opinions sbout tyres like bike seats can be fairly subjective...

I'm using Metzler Karoo 3's on my GS. I'm liking them a lot. The front tyre has over 20K km but I'm on my third rear Karoo 3. Seems I'm getting about 7K km on the rear. The Karoo 3 are a 50/50 tyre. Great balance IMO. Predictable both on and off road IMO.

Shinko 705 or 805's also do well as do Mitas E-07's etc. Even V-Rubber export tyres made in Thailand are finding favour with the expat riders in the land of smiles - except for use in the wet - fortunately not much of that at the moment

YMMV

**bikerdoc** · 02-23-2016, 03:32 AM

Also worth considering clearance if fitting a more off road type of tyre as it's common that clearance can be an issue around the front mud guard / Fender especially on road bikes.

**ShuBen** · 02-23-2016, 06:08 AM

The Kenda K270 is good on road and rough terrain but forget it in real mud. Then its closed instantly.
On sand must watch out a bit but give nice drift opportunities with my X2-300cc.

@Doc: I wonder how u get out 7k from the Karoo3!?
My rear one was totally done after 4.5k. The front one I have stored for now to use later again.
How many percent do you ride on offroad terrain / soft ground?

**Asymptomatic** · 02-23-2016, 10:50 AM

Thanks for the advice guys!

How can I make sure the tires wont rub with out mounting them first?

Don't they also expand a little when riding?

just in case, anyone know where I might be able to get custom mudguards made?