690 Enduro Forum

Technical => Tires => Topic started by: Rusty Shovel on December 18, 2013, 10:46:27 am

Title: Stock Tires
Post by: Rusty Shovel on December 18, 2013, 10:46:27 am
Front Tire Aspect Ratio
90
Front Tire (Full Spec)
Pirelli MT 90/90 R21 54R
Front Tire Speed Rating
54R
Front Tire Width
90
Rear Tire Aspect Ratio
80
Rear Tire (Full Spec)
Pirelli MT 140/80 R18 70R
Rear Tire Speed Rating
70R
Rear Tire Width
140
Tire Brand
Pirelli
Title: Re: Stock Tires
Post by: Altaboy on December 21, 2013, 11:01:12 am
The stock tires seem ok. However I don't think that the rear will last very long. I am going to try a Mitas E09 next
Title: Re: Stock Tires
Post by: Ldman on January 26, 2014, 11:47:05 am
We get Metzeler Sahara 3 of the same size on the 2014 EU model
Title: Re: Stock Tires
Post by: Alabama Adventurer on April 16, 2014, 09:22:16 pm
I read an interesting review of the stock tires here http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/pirelli-mt21-rallycross-rear-tires (http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/pirelli-mt21-rallycross-rear-tires); look for 'RustyShovel'.

I am also thinking about the D908 rear.
 
Title: Re: Stock Tires
Post by: Bartlioni on September 09, 2014, 08:53:14 pm
After 1800 miles I had eaten half of that poor rear knobby off my bike.  I ride mostly on the pavement, and so I set about a quest to find the best true enduro tire.  I wound up going with the Heidenau K-60 scout tires.  Those german bastardos don't duck around.  They make a 70/30 rear and a 50/50 rear.  I went with the 50/50.  Supposed to get 9-12 thousand miles off of them.  I have 700 miles on them, and so I can't say much about that.  But I can say these babies stick to the road like glue and still do a very respectable job on trails and gravel.  Can't say I'd go muddin' with them, but with enough Jack Daniels anything is possible.  Should happenstance require a hasty redirection across a cotton field to avoid undesirable legal encounters, then I have complete faith in my K-60s to deliver me from justice.  So if you're orientation is mostly street riding with moderate dirt thrown in, or you may require a spontaneous transition to off-road conditions when the blue lights suddenly appear, then these Heidenau tires are the bomb.  I swear by 'em.
Title: Re: Stock Tires
Post by: truck11 on September 10, 2014, 07:36:50 am
On the flip side....   I almost want to try the Teraflex :-)   great big angry tire! 
http://www.mandhtires.com/Teraflex-Tires/TERAFLEX-140-80-18--M105#.VBBDRPldWOQ

(http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy7/xcflyn/DSC00372.jpg)
Title: Re: Stock Tires
Post by: mcrider on September 28, 2014, 04:25:20 pm
I've used a lot of different brands in my long riding years, never again a Teraflex.  I do not know if they have changed their rubber formula in the past 20 years, but after mounting one on a rice bike in the 80's, I said I'd NEVER own another.  That was a two six pack Saturday.
Title: Re: Stock Tires
Post by: SDMF_Reaps on September 28, 2014, 07:53:04 pm
I've also heard they are death on the highway.  They have the nickname terrorflex.  But they sure look cool!
Title: Re: Stock Tires
Post by: DaveKubler on October 03, 2014, 05:47:57 pm
MT 21 are the best tires for the 690 IMO if you want the most dirt worthiness without sacrificing performance in other areas.   They are better on and off road then the D606, and last just slightly less...    The Michelin Deserts are a death trap on gravel...and a bit squirrely on pavement. 

I will probably not run anything but MT-21 on mine ever again.  NOT expensive.....so I dont mind changing em at 2500-3000 for a rear.   (that is what I got with 50/50 surface riding on my last one )
Title: Re: Stock Tires
Post by: Wansfel on October 04, 2014, 09:58:52 am
My 2010 I picked up in September w/1,600 miles had the original M21s.  The rear was pretty well shot. After another 600 miles, I took it off and mounted a 606 a friend had left with about 15% tread left.  The MT21 rear was a slick at 2,200 miles.  690s are ruff on rear tires.  I have a new tread waiting for the 606 to terminate.  It will be interesting, a Motoz Tractionator:
(http://www.psndealer.com/powersportsdlr/images/ec0438/428-0027.jpg)
Title: Re: Stock Tires
Post by: Rusty Shovel on October 04, 2014, 03:40:43 pm
Be sure to start a new post when you have feelings one way or the other about the MotoZ's.  A buddy of mine (DrBlackbird) got a set and the jury is still out.  I nearly picked up a set myself, but I decided to try the 908's first and see whether they're over-rated.  I may go with a MotoZ up front once my MT21 becomes too scalloped to use.

The MotoZ's certainly LOOK the part!  I've heard good things...
Title: Re: Stock Tires
Post by: SDMF_Reaps on October 04, 2014, 03:42:49 pm
I went with the D908rr for both the front and rear.

The MT21s were ok, but the rear was gone in 1200 miles for me.  I think I ended up putting on another 100-300 miles or so before I got the 908s mounted.  I'm at around 5500 miles now so even guessing I can say I'm over 3500 miles on the 908s.  The rear is just now looking like the MT21 at 1200 miles.  This is with the same type of riding, in fact I'd say the 908 has had a higher percentage of highway miles on it.

On to the front.  I personally felt as though the MT21 wandered a bit on gravel more than I liked.  So that is why I decided to put a 908 on the front as well.  The 908 looks like a bit like my favorite (discontinued) K777.  Now I definitely like 908 better.  It seems to be planted better, doesn't wander and feels less likely to wash out around gravel corners.  There is one caveat however, I installed the Rally Raid Evo 2 tank set at nearly the same time so the added weight up front could have had as much of an impact on handling as the tire did.

I'll run these tires until they are discontinued as well.  In fact I already have a rear ready to mount when the other one finally wears down.
Title: Re: Stock Tires
Post by: KirkwoodRider on October 10, 2014, 11:11:48 pm
I have about 1400 miles on the original M21's and t still they look good. I run about 25 PSI and road handling is good but a bit loos off-road.
Title: Re: Stock Tires
Post by: Rockitboy on January 05, 2015, 02:38:54 pm
I run a lot of highway miles but like to play hard when I hit the dirt.. So I went thru four sets of tires last year.. 1st the stock MT21.. love how they handle the off road but they wear quickly on the street. They were very worn when I replaced them at 2000 miles. Next was the Kenda Big Block. I was not impressed. seems like it was a better road tire then the MT21 but terrible offroad. I replaced them after 2700 miles & they were quit worn. Next was the Metzeler Karoo 3. This is a much better road tire then either previous & I was pretty happy with its off road ability as well. I got 3400 miles on the 1st rear & 3600 on the 2nd rear. Both could have gone a bit farther. The front still looked fair after 7000 miles. This is the tire for me & I plan to put on another set this winter. They are also dirt cheap. A set can be had for $175.
Title: Re: Stock Tires
Post by: truck11 on April 16, 2015, 10:36:12 am
Anyone using the MotoZ tires?    What size rear tire did you get?  I see the 'largest' is 130/90
How does this compare to the 140/80
Title: Re: Stock Tires
Post by: ShakeWell on April 16, 2015, 11:15:10 am

+1 for what the heck is everybody using for tires.

Another option I've been eyeing is some Goldentyre's. I was looking at:

The GT216AA FIM DST front (http://www.adventure-spec.com/default/goldentyre-gt216-front-tyres.html)

and either the GT216 (either the HBN or THB) (http://www.adventure-spec.com/default/goldentyre-gt216-enduro-rear-tyre.html) or GT723 (http://www.adventure-spec.com/default/goldentyre-gt723-rally-raid-rear-tyre.html) for the rear.

All three are FIM road approved, used in long rally events, and seem to get good reviews. Any thoughts or experience with these?
Title: Re: Stock Tires
Post by: stopper90004 on December 04, 2015, 02:56:21 pm
Not sure if this the place to ask this question, but has anyone used the BAJA-NO-PINCH tool to change tires? I'm thinking of getting one, but not sure what the 690 axle shaft size is (20mm?) http://www.bajanopinch.com/baja-no-pinch-tire-tool/
Title: Re: Stock Tires
Post by: truck11 on December 04, 2015, 03:17:55 pm
The Goldentyre GT216 is on my list as well - Ziptyracing www.ziptyracing.com is the US importer and currently out of stock until early 2016 (I emailed them back in late October)
Seems a good combo is the GT216 up front and the Motoz in the rear.
I love the Motoz Tractionator I/T rear so far!   
Title: Re: Stock Tires
Post by: RiverRunner on December 05, 2015, 05:57:20 pm
My wife and I both got '15 690's in late Jan and early March 15.  One came with a 130/80-18 rear tire and one came with a 140/80-18.  Go figure......I don't think the 140 versus 130 really makes a big difference.

I do like the stock MT-21 tires.  Pretty good trade off between dirt and asphalt.  I'll be changing the rears here soon at about 2500 miles, going to use the same MT-21 tire.  I've used the Dunlop 606 on dual sports before.  To be honest, I'm kind of afraid of changing a 606 on a cold day on the trail.  I've run 606's on a Honda BRP and a Husky 511 - The Husky will never see 606's again - I'll change tires more often with the MT-21 - they are also much cheaper than the 606.  Don't get me wrong, the 606 has been a great tire - no flats to date and no issues whatsoever - I just don't want to deal with it on the trail/fire road/highway - you might have no problem, but I know it is difficult for me.

Note:  In cold temps when I change the 606's out at home, I put a heat pad in an emergency blanket with the tire/tire & rim - the aluminized ones - and get the tire warm - makes the job a whole lot easier.  I've never had to change or put a new tube in a 606 on the trail in cold weather - scares me even thinking about it.......That tire sidewall would be rock hard!

Good luck!
Title: Re: Stock Tires
Post by: rider_marc on January 02, 2017, 01:33:43 pm
I have this exact same memory of the Teraflex from the early 80's in Phoenix. The Husky guys loved them.



I've used a lot of different brands in my long riding years, never again a Teraflex.  I do not know if they have changed their rubber formula in the past 20 years, but after mounting one on a rice bike in the 80's, I said I'd NEVER own another.  That was a two six pack Saturday.