Any recommendations for tires?

[Kiwi_Roy]

I learned to ride in rural New Zealand on gravel roads like those back in the 60s when there was not the wide variety of tires available so we just rode gravel on normal street tires.
Sure they are not as good as modern off road rubber so you just adapt to whatever you have.

[GeorgiaGuzzi]

Well, luckily these are not so expensive (and I can always take them away if my decisions would turned out to be totally wrong).

Oh, now I learned that even as (for example) Bates Baja 90 are ''tubeless'' tires, with spoke wheels they still are recommended to use with inner tube and chafing strips (right kind of; valves are center in Nevada's rims).

I guess that is same with all tires.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7K9U7W_U9gA

This is a good explanation of tire construction. If you run tubes bias ply tires may set your mind more at ease. However, I’ve run tubes in tubeless tires off and on for the last 5 years. I haven’t had any problems. However, that is me and my choice. Your decision is yours alone to make. Everyone has an opinion, that we will gladly share! Ultimately though, your opinion and choice is the best choice for you. 😊

[Tusayan]

Before you change tires, make sure there are no legal constraints.  Most of the posters here would not face this situation, but in e.g. Germany on most bikes you can’t change tires to an unapproved type for the make and model.  Some European countries have this issue, some have no issue at all.

[Arctic Fox]

Before you change tires, make sure there are no legal constraints.  Most of the posters here would not face this situation, but in e.g. Germany on most bikes you can’t change tires to an unapproved type for the make and model.  Some European countries have this issue, some have no issue at all.

For my understanding (in Finland) you are allowed to change your original motorcycle tire size one step wider or one step narrow.

Meaning: If your original tire is 150/70 ... then you are allowed to install/use 160/60 or 140/80 tires as well.

What comes to other possible marks, labels or certifications, I simply hope that none will sell (in EU area) any illegal tires for motorcycles.

[Arctic Fox]

For my understanding (in Finland) you are allowed to change your original motorcycle tire size one step wider or one step narrow.

Meaning: If your original tire is 150/70 ... then you are allowed to install/use 160/60 or 140/80 tires as well.

What comes to other possible marks, labels or certifications, I simply hope that none will sell (in EU area) any illegal tires for motorcycles.

Looks like that I was not right. That seems to be even tighter here. You are only allowed to install one step wider tire (but not one step more narrow).
Anyway; I'm still in game field, as Kenda K761 (front tire) would just be that (one step wider). Rear tire opposite exactly same size as original (Bates Baja 90 or Kenda K761). 

[Bert Remington]

AF -- here are some comments on Kenda K761 at Adv Rider: https://advrider.com/f/threads/tire-review-of-kenda-k761.709517/

Basically (1) run them at 32-33psi to reduce cupping and (2) be cautious on wet paved or muddy surfaces.  Otherwise riders liked them.

Before making a tire and tube purchase, I recommend you contact the manufacturer to verify compatibility with your motorcycle.

[Arctic Fox]

AF -- here are some comments on Kenda K761 at Adv Rider: https://advrider.com/f/threads/tire-review-of-kenda-k761.709517/

Basically (1) run them at 32-33psi to reduce cupping and (2) be cautious on wet paved or muddy surfaces.  Otherwise riders liked them.

Before making a tire and tube purchase, I recommend you contact the manufacturer to verify compatibility with your motorcycle.

Took some time to find those tires from Europe. There were seller in UK (but their stocks were empty). I still found all 3 tires from Germany  Shipping costs (and total costs) would be pretty ok.

Thank's for tip, I'll ask about that from both manufacturers. Lots of time. Riding season will start here just second half of May 2021. 

[Bulldog9]

Oh goody, a tire thread ;-)

Welcome. I'll split the debate though late to the discussion) and say that skill and approach certainly matter more than the tires, but matching the right tire to the use and conditions is also important. I think a dual purpose tire is your best bet, and the value leader in this regard as a well balanced and multi conditioned surfaces is the Shinko 705.

I would center your search on the 'adventure tour or dual purpose' range of tires. Sizing will be the biggest challenge.

I have a V7 Stornello, similar frame/engine/chassis, but different application. I am still at 6K miles on the OEM Golden Tyres, and they have been OK. My next tires will either be the Bridgestone A41, or Shinko 705. I'm about 70/30 street/off road use, and my off road riding will be more on dirt/gravel, so that is my priority too. I'm running tubes, so a strong heavy carcass is important due to less ability to patch while on the road.

[Tom]

Some of the guys in Kansas and Iowa should chime in.  They have a lot of gravel roads in those state.  Not unusual for them to do high mileage on gravel at high speeds.   

[Tusayan]

Looks like that I was not right. That seems to be even tighter here. You are only allowed to install one step wider tire (but not one step more narrow). Anyway; I'm still in game field, as Kenda K761 (front tire) would just be that (one step wider). Rear tire opposite exactly same size as original (Bates Baja 90 or Kenda K761).

Good that you checked.  The regulations in Germany are beyond just specifying size and certification, they require that the tire brand, model and size be approved for the bike make and model.  This means for instance that dual sport tires or anything in that direction are unlikely to be legal on a street bike in Germany or in some other European countries.  This rarely causes a problem for the owner until the bike goes for its periodic inspection but is worth understanding.

For US readers this is why when you look at a European tire manufacturers website for tire applications, you find that reasonable tires for the bike are sometimes not listed, for example sport tires of the right size not being listed for fitment on a standard. It’s because they haven’t been submitted for approval for installation on that model in some markets, not because they won’t fit or work.

[Tom]

Last time I checked only tire shops could change out tires even for motorcycle dealerships.  Is that still the same?   

[Tusayan]

Last time I checked only tire shops could change out tires even for motorcycle dealerships.  Is that still the same?   

That’s pretty much a German-only thing that’s probably not important to the OP in Finland.  Not sure where it stands now, as you say it used to be that a BMW factory owned dealer had to take BMW wheels to an approved specialist for tire installation, but in recent years I haven’t seen such a fuss so maybe it’s changed.

[Wildroamer]

I wanted to be sure to post, as I have zero tire recommendations for you...but love the pictures!
Good luck with the hunt, stay safe! Are you sure you don't live in Vermont? 😉😁

[egschade]

I run Pirelli MT-60s on my V7 Stone which work well on pavement and unimproved roads but I doubt they'd be available in your size. I found the Shinko 705s worked well on my BMW and come in a variety of sizes.

[Dirk_S]

Tires will not make much difference.The only way to get comfortable on gravel roads is to practice and wear protective gear.Ride a dirt bike off road until you are comfortable.

Disagree. I’ll never throw on 100% street tires because I do enough of those kinds of gravel/dirt roads per year that even an 80/20 is helpful with at least some aided traction. The more dirt, the more knob. Simply put.

[Dirk_S]

I miss my Shinko 705s and will definitely consider going back to them after trying out the other tires that I think could work for my usage on the V7. Currently running the MT60 combo that comes factory on the “Rough” variant. Have tested them yet too much to really make judgment, but they are more expensive. Don’t be afraid to mix tire models. I had the 705s in the back and Scorpion Trail II in front for about 6k miles. No handling issues on the street, just a bit more wash-out than preferred on gravel roads with those Scorpion Trail IIs. Just want to make sure that you pair tires together that have similar on-road / off-road percentage.

[Arctic Fox]

Are you sure you don't live in Vermont? 😉😁

Vermont? Is that in USA?

Maybe summers?


Probably not winters (same place)?


Deepest time of winter bright days looks like this (''polar nights'').


No matter what, ''riding'' is possible also at winter  :



PS: I have contacted to Kenda's European sale to get a confirmation about those tires (will fit to my bike).
      If the answers is ok, I will order those.
 

[Wildroamer]

More excellent pics, thanks!

[Bulldog9]

I miss my Shinko 705s and will definitely consider going back to them after trying out the other tires that I think could work for my usage on the V7. Currently running the MT60 combo that comes factory on the “Rough” variant. Have tested them yet too much to really make judgment, but they are more expensive. Don’t be afraid to mix tire models. I had the z705s in the back and Scorpiod Trail II in front for about 6k miles. No handling issues on the street, just a bit more wash-out than preferred on gravel roads with those Scorpion Trail IIs. Just want to make sure that you pair tires together that have similar on-road / off-road percentage.

Dirk,

Thanks for this. What did you like about the 705's over the MT60?

[Dirk_S]

Dirk,

Thanks for this. What did you like about the 705's over the MT60?

Mostly comes down to cost and performance. Again, I haven’t truly tested the MT60s as much as I have the 705 (rear only), nor have a tried all the tires I’m looking to try, so my thoughts still require some field time to solidify. The 705 looks like a true 80/20, maybe even more like a 70/30. The rubber is soft, and seemed a little easier to install. Works well on the highway. I trusted it in the rain, the front (Scorpion Trail II), not as much confidence.

I like the look of the MT60; I’m curious to see if the bigger blocks on the 705 end up doing better off-road as I suspect they might, but maybe not.
L
Old Shinko 705 on the left (more highway miles than I preferred) and new MT60 on the right:





For gravel and forest roads like what the OP is looking at, the MT60 might have the right tread design.

[Arctic Fox]

For gravel and forest roads like what the OP is looking at, the MT60 might have the right tread design.

MT 60? Did you mean Pirelli MT60 RS 130/90 B16 M/C 67H? Yes, there seemed to be one in right size 130/90-16 ... but if I'm correct that is for front tire? Not for rear tire (which I would need/look)?

Plus there are not that in size 100/90-18'' (or 110/80-18'' either).

[Dirk_S]

They don't make an MT60RS (radial) for the V7's size as well (130/80 17"), but they do have the original MT60 (bias-ply), and that's what I use in the back. So yeah - the radial in the front, bias in the back (crickets).

Regarding the Nevada's sizes, I do see that Pirelli has the 130/80 16 MT60 RS listed as front only. However, both front and rear tread sizes are so similar, if not the exact same, that I wonder why it WOULDN'T work in the back (flipping the tire around). But I admit to not having experience with tires to know all the details. Maybe it's worth asking Pirelli for their opinion?

[Arctic Fox]

They don't make an MT60RS (radial) for the V7's size as well (130/80 17"), but they do have the original MT60 (bias-ply), and that's what I use in the back. So yeah - the radial in the front, bias in the back (crickets).

Regarding the Nevada's sizes, I do see that Pirelli has the 130/80 16 MT60 RS listed as front only. However, both front and rear tread sizes are so similar, if not the exact same, that I wonder why it WOULDN'T work in the back (flipping the tire around). But I admit to not having experience with tires to know all the details. Maybe it's worth asking Pirelli for their opinion?

  Is it allowed to install front tire to rear  ?

Front tires are more round (profile), or am I mistaken? If you install front tire to rear wheel => would it be safe?
It would wear faster, or? Meaning here Pirelli MT60 RS 130/90 B16 M/C 67H TL Fr


Anyway ... for front there would be this too (as one option).
AVON AV53 TRAILRIDER  110/80 R18 58V



Add: There would be PIRELLI MT 60 RS 110/80 R18 58H  front tire.

[Dirk_S]

[quote Is it allowed to install front tire to rear  ?

Sometimes it’s fine, yes. Especially fine if the tire says it’s fine (often like “if mounting on rear wheel, turn tire so arrow points the other way”)

But, if it’s a front-only tire, then that’s where I’d be cautious and ask.

Front tires are more round (profile), or am I mistaken?

To a degree, yes, because they’re often slimmer. But keep in mind that a bias-ply tire will also have a different profile to a radial-equivalent due to construction.

It would wear faster, or?

Yeah, I imagine a front tire being used in the back would wear faster due to the force of the bike’s weight pushing the tire into the ground more.

Again, I’d email Pirelli, give them your model and wheel sizes, and see what they would say—and if not, make sure to get the ‘why not’ so you and I can be all the more wiser.

[Arctic Fox]

Again, I’d email Pirelli, give them your model and wheel sizes, and see what they would say

Done, here locally.

Load index is the same (67). Same goes with speed rate (H). But I would assume front tires are designed for different forces than rear tires? Interesting hear what they will say.

[Bulldog9]

Mostly comes down to cost and performance. Again, I haven’t truly tested the MT60s as much as I have the 705 (rear only), nor have a tried all the tires I’m looking to try, so my thoughts still require some field time to solidify. The 705 looks like a true 80/20, maybe even more like a 70/30. The rubber is soft, and seemed a little easier to install. Works well on the highway. I trusted it in the rain, the front (Scorpion Trail II), not as much confidence.

I like the look of the MT60; I’m curious to see if the bigger blocks on the 705 end up doing better off-road as I suspect they might, but maybe not.
L
Old Shinko 705 on the left (more highway miles than I preferred) and new MT60 on the right:





For gravel and forest roads like what the OP is looking at, the MT60 might have the right tread design.

I've only heard good things about the Shinko 705's, and is probably what I will go with. I hesitate only because of the issues and garbage they put out back some years ago. Shinko, Chensing, etc. Cheap and garbage. But it seems they must have turned things around.

[GeorgiaGuzzi]

Done, here locally.

Load index is the same (67). Same goes with speed rate (H). But I would assume front tires are designed for different forces than rear tires? Interesting hear what they will say.

It would appear in some cases it’s only which way the tire tread orientates. I saw this when I removed my rear tire just now. Tire size is 130/80/17.

[Dirk_S]

It would appear in some cases it’s only which way the tire tread orientates. I saw this when I removed my rear tire just now. Tire size is 130/80/17.

Right, and often the manufacturer will note on the tire that one can simply flip the tire around if they want to use it on the other wheel. But the fact that Pirelli DIDN’T note this as an option on that 130/80-16 makes me wonder if the construction is perhaps indeed unique enough to warrant an aversion for flipping to the other side. It could be they didn’t think to allow it. Could be they never tested it, or perhaps they may think that for legal matters, it may not be wise to officially allow for it..or, could be it straight up isn’t wise due to carcass construction.

[Canuck750]

For gravel / pavement I had these on my KLR650, I got about 5000Km on them with about 2/3 of that gravel / rock crush road surface. They are a very good tire in my opinion.

https://fortnine.ca/en/michelin-anakee-wild-front-tire

Northern Scandinavian roads look a lot like northern Canadian roads but your roads look to be better maintained

[Arctic Fox]

Ok, I pulled the trigger and went to buy those Kenda K761 tires to front and rear.

I never got any answer from Pirell ... except that their Finland's people informed me quickly that they had sent my question further in their organization.
I guess nobody wanted to take responsible (like some wrote earlier).

I also faced bit difficulties to find a seller (those Kenda tires). There were many in USA (who knew their businesses), but shipping costs would have been about the same as value/price of tires plus add that 26% custom taxis. Yes, I also find some sellers via Ebay.de or Amatzon.de (from Germany), but those people seemed to know very little about their tires/products. And I find some real sellers but those did not have those specified sizes (I wanted) available/in their stock. 

Finally I found one bigger motorcycle tire seller in UK. They themselves did not ship to Finland but person from there gave me contact information to another seller (London) who would do that for me. And from there I finally bought both tires. Prices were fine/in line incl. shipping charge fine too, plus doing that now (before 1.1.2021) ... I will not need pay any tax/custom costs either  .

https://www.kenda-moto.co.uk/k761/

So to front I will get that: 110/80-18 M/C 58H TL   (original size in Nevada is 100/90-18 ... I hope that will fit well)
And rear tire that: 130/90 -16 M/C 73H reinf. TL  (same size as original in Nevada)

Front tire is actually ''universal'' ... could be used both front and rear ... but at least seller said it is just fine as used in front.

Both of those Kenda tires are also tubeless but as my bike has spoke wheel, the seller recommended to use them with tubes. So I also bough inner tubes (Continental) and 'rim tape' chafing strips. Luckily those were not expensive.

As all now comes from one and same seller ... I probably saved a bit via possible shipping costs.

Time will tell how those will feel. I will go to install them right after I have taken bike from winter sleep (somewhere 2. half of May 2021). I will let you know my opinion. And thank you all who participated in this thread .