Favorite Tires for the KX500

[hughes]

KXcam22,

 So traction is the key with the 120 and not terrain.

[KXcam22]

Hughes,
  Yea thats basically it.  If you were a superhero Ward type MXer and did nothing but race MX on hardpack clay you might run a 110 hard terrain tire for faster handling, but for us normal guys I think the 120 is a better choice. Of course if you did nothing but ride in the mud you might want to go even bigger (although it is tough to find a truly bigger tire if you measure it).  My 1978 husqavarna 390 had a 17" rear with a huge heavy tire. Was the hot setup in those days but really heavy. I think thats one of the reasons the 19" rear came about, lower sidewall on the tire equals lighter weight. Cam.

[mikesmith]

The Maxxis IT is a heavy tire and you feel it when you jump.Cam,my old 390OR auto (sitting in the shed) still has a 17" Terraflex on it!

[BrianSM]

without a doubt, Pirelli Slicks (SC1's) they prolly stick the best in the dirt section too he he he he .......

[quincyman]

For the Arizona desert, the Maxxis I/T has been working very well for me.

I tossed that 19 though, the 18 offers a much better selection of tires and a better "feel" and stability in the baby head rocks

I feel kinda stupid but where do you get 18 inch rims for a KX500? Do you simply convert your 19" with a 18 Excel and the proper spokes? If so can someone tell me which spokes work and which Excel rim?

[hoopty]

quincyman, contact Jeff @ Monkeybutt Parts  I got my rim and spokes from him

[quincyman]

As soon as I finish the conversion from a 19" to an 18" I am going to run trials tires on my KX. They are my tire of choice on all my other bikes. There won't be much wheel spin just all out traction.

[Mhardee]

The Maxxis IT is a heavy tire and you feel it when you jump.Cam,my old 390OR auto (sitting in the shed) still has a 17" Terraflex on it!

Geez! I haven't heard Terraflex in years... The last one I had on my 450 Maico I had to CUT off the rim - they were a bugger to remove!

[mikesmith]

There still made (terraflex) to this day,not sure how they stand up to the old ones.

[machine]

I just put on a set of Millville's.
I felt like when riding on flat ground, the front would almost hop at high speeds.

Then I just used the pressure washer on it.
I had the bike on a stand and was spraying the tires.
There was not mud or built up dirt on them.
When the wheel begain to spen, I noticed that the bike was rocking.
As the wheel turned faster the wheel/tire was so out of balance that the bike almost fell of the stand.

I tried the same with the back tire, but it was fine.
I will be replacing it ASAP!!!

That sucks A$$!!!!!!

[hughes]

Tire or Rim problem

[Torch654]

Cam,

Thanks for the long term review on these tires. I am going to have to replace both the tires on my new-to-me K5 and I am going to get a set of the Kenda's since you have had such good luck with them.  

machine,

This advice is from 18 wheelers but I thought I would pass it on. Spin the tire 180 then have it ballenced.

Robert

[machine]

Hughes; It's a tire prob. It did not do it with the stock tires.


Torch654; I thought of that, But I've got 3/4 rides on them now and I think I'm just going to replace them with some Maxxis!
It's not a 18/19 inch rear wheel thing, as my rear wheel is not out of balance, just the front, and I think we all have the same fornt size rim?

[hughes]

I would tire to contact Kenda through their web-site about the defective tire. I got a new pair of boots out of o-neal becasue mine got a tear in the leather after two rides.

[machine]

Great idea Hughes!
I'll do that first!!!!!!
Thanks!!!!