Tire Options???

[KXRobert]

I currently have a MT-44 Pirelli 130/80 19 on the rear of my '89 KX and the center bars are getting pretty worn from my asphault riding occasionally.  The outside tread is pretty decent, but the center is worn a good 40% from new.  I bought the bike with this tire on it, so I don't know how other tires perform.  I ride in FL, where it's mostly sandy, and I HATE riding in the sand, so the ultimate soft terrain sand/mud tire is what I need.  Does anyone have an opinion on a different tire?  The new Dunlop 773 (I think that's the number) looks pretty decent.  Also, what size should I run?  Finding a 130/80 19 is virutally impossible.  Would the 120/90 19 work well?  Also, how easy is it to install the new tire myself?  Thanks for any suggestions/help.

[Hogwylde]

I've currently got a Michelin S-12 on mine in 130/80-19.  So far, I LOVE this tire.  It still has sharp edges after running the Ironman GNCC, a weeks worth of riding harescrambles and track riding at Cooperland raceway, and several weekends on my practice track.  The S-12 is supposed to be there soft terrain tire also.  Seems to be holding up well to rocks and roots and central Indiana hard clay too.

From what I've heard, 120's are the largest standard tire you can get.  Michelin apparently sizes there tires a little differently.  There 140/80-18 being the same as Dunlop and others 120 sizes.   130's = 110's, etc.

[Paul]

I can vouch for the Michelin. Though I run an M12 (130/80X18 - best thing I ever did, drop the 19) out in the desert. There is a true 140 and it's made by IRC - I think thats who makes it. A buddie runs them on his CR500 and they are HUGE. They look like a car tire.

[Hogwylde]

There is a true 140 and it's made by IRC...

Would that be the M5B??  I've seen one of those and yes, they are huge!

I'm having a 2.5MT rim laced to a spare rear hub I have and I'm debating between the 140-18 IRC M5B and the 140-18 Michelin S-12.  How does that IRC hold up?

[Paul]

Thats the tire! He really likes it, I haven't run one because I'm happy with the M12 all the way around but it seems to last as long as my M12 does.

There is a true 140 and it's made by IRC...

Would that be the M5B??  I've seen one of those and yes, they are huge!

I'm having a 2.5MT rim laced to a spare rear hub I have and I'm debating between the 140-18 IRC M5B and the 140-18 Michelin S-12.  How does that IRC hold up?

[alan]

I am looking to buy a paddle tire. How many paddles should I get and why? Who has the best and or cheepest?

Alan

[Paul]

Alan, I JUST took delivery of a Vee Rubber 8 blade ($30) in a 5.30X18. I'll let you know on Monday how it works out. I've run 8 and 10 blade Cheng Shins and an 8 blade King Turbo. I prefer the 8 blades for most everything, they seem to turn better for me, though the 10 will climb a hill better

I am looking to buy a paddle tire. How many paddles should I get and why? Who has the best and or cheepest?

Alan

[alan]

Alan, I JUST took delivery of a Vee Rubber 8 blade ($30) in a 5.30X18. I'll let you know on Monday how it works out. I've run 8 and 10 blade Cheng Shins and an 8 blade King Turbo. I prefer the 8 blades for most everything, they seem to turn better for me, though the 10 will climb a hill better

I am looking to buy a paddle tire. How many paddles should I get and why? Who has the best and or cheepest?

Alan

Thanks, I think I have a spare wheel bought on e-bay for my  YZ490 for $100  so I wanted to try one out!

Alan

[sdkx500]

Alan I use a 8 paddle cheng shen.  Very inexpensive.  The More expensive better paddle is the hooker skat traks.  I bought the Cheng shen on the price.  The hooker is a wider tire.  Check out the paddle with nobbies in the middle.  http://www.skat-trak.com/motorcycle_main.html#

[alan]

Alan I use a 8 paddle cheng shen.  Very inexpensive.  The More expensive better paddle is the hooker skat traks.  I bought the Cheng shen on the price.  The hooker is a wider tire.  Check out the paddle with nobbies in the middle.  http://www.skat-trak.com/motorcycle_main.html#

I checked out that site, they have some really cool paddle designs. The Predator is the one with the center nobbies. I sure would like to find out if anyone has used them!

Alan

[alan]

I just talked to the guys at Scat Trac about there Predator tire design, It has paddles and knobs on it. A real enteresting concept. Has any one ever seen this tire around?  The deal is you send them a new knobby tire and the ad the paddles to it. Strange deal! I ask them how much for a 560x18 with 10 paddles in there viper design and they said it would be  about $85! There is a dealor in AZ that may have some of these tires in stock. His name is Lee 520-287-0022, if any one in Az wants to check it out.

http://www.skat-trak.com/paddletire.html