BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

Has anybody had any experience with dual sport tires? I live in North Carolina and ride on pavement most of the time. But there are many dirt roads that lead to scenic places that I would like to explore. I know that compromises are always compromises. But reading the blurbs about some of the dual sport tires it would seem that they are not squirrel y on pavement and have traction on hard packed dirt roads.
Thanks
Oliver'
'04 R1150r
'74 Yamaha RD 350
'61 Bultaco

I have run shinko 705, worked ok 150/70, actually can go quick on pavement (only on rear) 120/70 shinko 009..On front.

Thanks for the reply. I googled them and riders really raved about them. I noticed that most of them were on 650's. Our R1150rs are heavier but that shouldn't change the performance. One guy said they became unstable above 100. I don't there anymore so that is a worery.
Oliver

I could be wrong but I always thought that the R's were more similar than different to the GS bikes....wonder what they mounted on those? FWIW, I've had my R on an occasional fire road without issue on road tires. I've done a lot of woods riding but on smaller lighter bikes and the weight of the R is a little unsettling for me but I think it's because my experiences and expectations are different more so than the capabilities of the R.

I'll probably never get the chance but I've wanted to do the Trans America Trail (Tennessee to Calif) for a lot of years now. While the R wouldn't be my first choice (because of the weight) it seems like lots of guys have done it on the GS...interesting as some sections are on the gnarly side but they seem to do fine.

Anyone try Shinko 705 on a R1150R? I'm thinking for my summer trip trying out a set.

I've 705's front and rear on my 2004 R. I've about 3K on a front and just mounted a rear last week. I think I'm gonna really like them. i get on the occasional gravel road while out exploring and the standard street rubber left me feeling a bit nervous. The tread blocks are really deep and the front is showing almost no wear. I initially felt the little bit of vibration up front but don't pay attention to it now. No rain riding yet so can't offer an opinion there. Probably soon though. Heading to the ROK Rally Thursday so should be able to give a more thorough report when I return.

Just installed a set of the new Avon Trailrider tires on my E80 Rockster, First impressions are positive, on road they are planted and instil confidence. On gravel and dirt they track and hook up well.

Phil

Anakee 3 tires are nice for whatever road type you like, NFG for mud and slime, but otherwise great all around tire.

Shinko is a yokohama designed and developed tire that is manufacture in Korea. One of the best bang for the buck out there.

I've used the Pirelli Scorpion on the Rockster with success before now.

Thanks TW, hope to hear more about them next week, please update here.
I'll be needing new tires after this weekends 49'r rally. I'll have the Angel GT's worn out and need to get my new tires for our summer trip/adventure.

swamper wrote:Thanks TW, hope to hear more about them next week, please update here.
I'll be needing new tires after this weekends 49'r rally. I'll have the Angel GT's worn out and need to get my new tires for our summer trip/adventure.

Did about 500 miles since Thursday, I really like the 705's. They seem really planted in hard curves. Did a little bit of gravel and some grass and dirt. Also purely by accident (not being observant enough) I climbed up the side of 6" concrete lane divider. Not head on but at a near parallel angle. Went up, along the top and back down without dropping the bike or something equally embarrassing. I doubt the 009's would have done as well. I think they would have slid down and planted my backside on the asphalt. Not much of a test but I think I'll be happy with 'em.

Thanks TW for the info.