V7 Tires & gravel & mud (& handlebars?), oh my!

[Toecutter]

Ok, this weekend's camping trip with my much prettier half, on our V7s was a blast. But 50 km on gravel and dirt in a thunderstorm was fun...ish. My wife decided to take the ditch as a much more secure path, while I flat tracked the entire length.

So, seeing as how we enjoy taking the road less traveled, I have decided to forego the on-road stickiness of the wonderful Sport Demons as I am coming up on my second rear tire change, the front has 17,250 km on it and it's the perfect time to do it.

So, my first question is... does anyone have a suggestion for a decent 90/10, or even 80/20 dual sport tire? I want useful, not hipster-cool "street tracker". I need utility, while not sacrificing TOO much on-road performance. Keep in mind that the 50km of mud and gravel came at the end of 450 km of pavement, so we're not going crazy with the off-road capabilities... just need a bit more confidence when it DOES happen.

Now, my second question is... has anyone bought bars from Guzzitech? I am interested in the "Brooks bend"... so, if you have made the switch... a) are they threaded to take my CRG bar ends? And b) got any pics? If no to both, anyone made the switch to a more... scrambler-y type of bar with a bit more height and a bit more pullback?

Thank you.

[malik]

Tyres? Check out Heidenau. They have a good rep & I believe are available in our sizes.

[Dofin]

I find the bars pretty much the right shape BUT put an inexpensive set of 1 inch risers under my handle bars, gave them just enough lift to make me more/very comfortable (6ft tall 34" inseam) in a more up right position and relaxed reach.  Just enough cable lengths with some rerouting.  Something to think about, less expensive?  2015 V7 Stone

[slopokes]

shinko 705--but don't tell anyone

[Zinfan]

Can I assume if you have Sport Demons on the bike that you have tubeless rims?  If so the only tires I've found close to the size in the front are the Kenda K-761's.

[Zinfan]

Tyres? Check out Heidenau. They have a good rep & I believe are available in our sizes.

Heidenau front was too big for my tastes, made the handling very heavy.

[Toecutter]

Nope. Sport demons and tubes.

[sturgeon]

I ran a couple of sets of Heidenau K60s on my F800GS. They wear like iron, and are correspondingly hard and not hugely grippy on wet pavement. When the front wears, it has a tendency to 'wander' from side to side, at low speeds. This was a 21" front, mind you. I ran one set across Canada and back, and they still had life left. But I was tired of them so I switched to Mitas E-07s (which won't likely fit a V7 front wheel).

[jackthebiker]

I have the Kenda 761s on my 2013 V7 Stone. It came new with them on spoked wheels from Rose Farm Classics in the Chicago area. With over 4000 miles they seem to be holding up well. They are rated for 80% street and 20% off road. Have driven the bike up to 90 mph and seem to handle fine.