Ride it or transport it? Tires...

[SWbySWesty]

When you go on your trips, I usually have the bike on the back of the van and use it as HQ since it's just trail riding. I'm toying with the idea of using my 400 as the main mode of transport to/from the mountains as well, but I worry about eating up the tires quickly.

Front: Kenda k777f enduro
Rear: Kenda k760 Trakmaster

Both are DOT approved, and say dual sport/enduro riding OK. Am I nuts to think about riding a 400 thumper over 100 miles each way loaded with the basics: tent, pad, bag, cookstuff, clothes, water. I've done it on a 600 sportbike. Will it just eat up my tires on the highway? Should I use up my sticky tires and put dual sports ones instead? (I currently have two sets of rims)

[LandCruiserPhil]

They call them dual sport tires fro a reason - just say'n

I do agree my DS tires dont get great mileage but I see it as the trade off knowing that Im covered where ever I want to travel.

[SWbySWesty]

Do you tend to inflate/deflate like on vehicle trips?

[goodtimes]

Do you tend to inflate/deflate like on vehicle trips?

Once I air down, I usually stay there until/unless there is a significant stretch of freeway. For the typical 50 - 100 mile ride home - I stay at the lower pressure. Of course, I'm on a big bike (GS), so I don't go that low to begin with (18/20psi).

Also worth noting, there is anecdotal evidence supporting the theory that the ultra-heavy duty tubes (the 4mm thick variety) don't like low pressures at high speeds. A couple of the local guys have experienced catastrophic failures at highway speeds (55mph) with these tubes when they failed to air up for the ride home. It might have just been a coincidence - or or it might not have been - but probably worth keeping in mind.

[Cody1771]

if your going to be doing lots of commuting there are tires that are known for high millage, the Heidenau K60 scouts are getting 10k miles + and they are a true 50/50 tire

[MarcFJ60]

Although those are pretty aggressive DS tires, we're only talking about 100 miles. I would be WAY too lazy to change them. But make sure you don't run them low on the highway. Low pressure + Highway + Knobbies = chunked/lost knobs.

I wouldn't even bat an eye with my tires, but my TKC/T63 combo is a more street oriented knobby. Those little long knobs on yours probably won't like the highway too much.

[Cabrito]

You're fine for that short distance.

I run DOT Knobbies all the time on my second set of rims. I'm up to about 2500 miles on a set right now. Lot's of pavement and plenty of dirt on them, and plenty of life left in them.

[SWbySWesty]

Thanks for the input, guys! Now I need to figure out how to keep my speedo attached bc my dirt rims don't allow the speedo to be used. D'oh.

[Cody1771]

Get one of this cheapo bicycle ones, $20 at Walmart, they work good if you secure them well, zap strap it along the brake line to avoid pinching during suspension travel

[Kermit]

I can get 1600 miles out of set of Maxxis IT's, they handle like poo though.

My new favorite DS tire combo is a Michelin M12 on the front, and an AC10 on the rear. The AC10 is DOT, but in AZ you don't need DOT tires if the bikes is under 400lbs. Run the AC10 because they wear fairly decent and handle well for what they are.

I don't run a speedo, use my GPS for that.

The transport it verses ride it, I dunno I find pounding slab rather boring, especially on a dirt bike. Rather transport the bike to the trailhead...then enjoy the hell out of the trail, energy and equipment are saved for the "fun part". Then at the end of the ride you have your van to crash out in.

I try to avoid slab at all cost, unless I am on a street bike.