Tires for klr 250.

[mtbiker_t]

This is my first time on a forum and think it's great. I've been learning a lot about my new bike.....2002 klr 250.....I've had for three days now and love it! My question is has anyone put the continental trail attacks on their bike?

[Tider Tom]

  Welcome mtbiker_t.  I have not.  Glad your enjoying your bike though.  What size are the tires for the 250?

[klr250inoc]

I just did a lot of research to replace the tires for my KLR250. I ended up with IRC GP1 - front and rear. They get great reviews.
Anyway, here's a link to a site that has a good list of tires for the KLR250.  Be careful if you purchase a wider tire than 4.60 (120mm) for the rear - you may end up having to move the muffler out and/or add chain to move the tire back.  The stock tire would slightly rub the muffler as it is.

http://home.earthlink.net/~klr250informationexchange/tires.htm

[Fubar]

i have just put a pair of new continental TKC 80 tires the front 90/90 and the rear 130/90 and they are a blast on trial and the highway

[Timmay]

While were on it I have the Dunlop K750 stock replacements. They seem O.K. for what I ride. I guess I just don't know any better. Anyone have an opinion on them? I ride probably 70 street/30 dirt roads but would sacrifice towards the dirt road side a bit. THX

[Hurricane]

I run a Dunlop 606,130/90-17.I put about six flatwashers on the upper muffler mount to space it out to not rub.Works great and will climb a slick bark tree !

[mtbiker_t]

Just got the new tires and I went with the trail attacks. I really only plan on riding the road and so far they have been great! The bike corners like it's on rails. I'll post pics soon.

[mtbiker_t]

New tires and front fender!!

[doolittle_m]

Tht right there i one VERY CLEAN and nice looking bike.

[Hurricane]

Looks great ! All the power is in the top RPM.Shift it at redline and ride it like you stole it.It will really move out if you ride it like that.Won't hurt it a bit to redline every gear and you will find the power curve is in the last thousand rpm's.Keep close check on the exhaust valves,no shims,just a boxend wrench and a flathead screwdriver !

[Timmay]

Well, I rode a klr just like mine with some trail tires on it. I don't think I can come back from that experience. Looking at some tires that are hopefully about 50-50% off road/on road. I'm just ranting out loud but... I always like the michelin name. They seem to be priced reasonably. Why are dunlop tires so pricey in comparison...any one know? I think an important feature of the tire I want is durability and I feel this is tied with the right rubber compound used. Does anybody have any knowledge on the different manufacturer's rubber? I will spend what it takes. I want a more aggressive tread ( than the current dunlop 750's/stock tire ) but I want good rubber. Thx in advance, gonna buy some soon

[handkphil]

 I just got back from 3 days of 50/50 riding on paved country roads, dirt roads, gravel roads, sandy roads and trails, and a little deep mud. My brand new Shinko 700's performed well on all surfaces. They're not as sticky on paved roads as the IRC GP-110's they replaced, but then again those are more like 90/10 or 80/20 tires. I'd recommend these Shinkos, but of course I can't say anything about their durability/mileage yet at this point.

HandKPhil

[TrailRider]

Shinko 700's look most impressive.

Not entirely different from Kenda K270's, seems to me.

I use the latter--3.25 front, 5.10 rear; exhaust offset by one washer on one bracket for clearance . . . no complaints, but . . . I try not to be an aggressive pavement rider.

[Timmay]

I looked at a 5.1 rear today and wondered if it wasn,t too wide. The 4.60 looks skinny in comparison. Anybody else run the 5.1?

[ECDLTF]

I've read that the D606 tires are good in the back for a KLR250 but that they are a little unstable in the front in loose dirt or sand.  What would make a good front tire?  I"m riding mainly offroad in Arizona.  What are the advantages of going up a tire size in the front and back?  Thank you.

[SLO-KLR]

The primary advantage to the larger tire is better traction and more flotation in sandy conditions.

[ECDLTF]

Are there any disadvantages?  What is a good front tire?  Thank you.

[wood]

Mtbiker_t,
Our bikes could be twins.  I picked up my 02 last July and it had less than 1,000 miles on it and it was as clean as yours looks to be.
Jack

[SLO-KLR]

Are there any disadvantages?  What is a good front tire?  Thank you.

The only disadvantage would be the tire is a little taller which makes the final drive ratio a little higher.  Not a big deal but for a motor with modest HP it is something to consider.  That can also be offset by a sprocket change.
For off roading I've found the Chen Shin 858 to be very reliable up front.  It's also a great tire for the rear but just doesn't last long.

[TrailRider]

The only disadvantage would be the tire is a little taller which makes the final drive ratio a little higher.  Not a big deal but for a motor with modest HP it is something to consider.  That can also be offset by a sprocket change.

Didn't notice any significant difference of the laden rolling radius between the wider and narrower tires, but . . . my 14-tooth countershaft sprocket should trump any "overdrive" effect!

Nothing wrong with going stock on KLR250 tire sizes; a narrower front may cut an edge better in some terrain; your call!  No complaints from me with the "oversize" tires on the KLR250; same size as on my KLR650.

[SilentRay1]

I've been running the Shinko 244's on the wife's Sherpa and think their a very good all around tire. Not near as knobby as a 606, but still ok in the mud. A lot better in the curves than a Kenda 270. May not be as sticky as the high priced street tires, but handle the curves, wet or dry, very well. Getting about the usual 3500k out of the rear and twice that for the front. And at about $80 a pair, their a great buy. YMMV

[ECDLTF]

I've read that KLR650 owners have had good luck with them.  You can't beat $80 for pair of tires. I'm looking for a little more aggressive tires for mostly off-road riding.  Thanks for the feedback.  Anyone run a Scorpion Pro in the front and a D606 in the rear?  I read that they were a good combination.  I looked at the D606 yesterday at Cycle Gear and they look pretty aggressive.  Thanks again.

[Timmay]

ecdltf,

I'm on a slightly different side of the dualsport spectrum. I ride about 50-50...highway/forest roads.The forest roads are unending here so I have definately flirted with the 606. I looked it over at the shop and it looks like it would be a good dirt rider for sure. Good luck with it. I'm putting some IRC GP-1s on this week replacing  the stock Dunlops. I'll give a report back on how I like the IRC GP-1s. I may eventually get something more like the 606s.  

[ECDLTF]

I'd be interested to hear about your experience with the IRC tires.  I went out for a short ride and noticed that stock tires weren't very stable in sandy washboard roads and sand.  I'm still new to riding, but it reminded me of my Continental mountain bike tires that weren't confidence inspiring on dirt roads.  Thanks for the post.

[Timmay]

News tires on the bike ...Not enough riding under the belt on them yet. I can say they are great on the road so far; as good or better than the dunlop 750's handling wise. A couple of things.......the guy at the bike shop suggested NOT getting the wider tire. Mentioned a possible loss of power because of the bigger rear tire. Stated the bike was made for a certain size tire for a reason. (not sure about this statement just throwing it out there. He seemed to know what he was talking about)  ALSO for you rookies like me don't forget about tire pressure on dirt roads vs street. I took my old dunlop 750's for a farewell ride the other day. My tires were probably over inflated and the bike felt like it was riding on ball bearings. Let some air out to soften it up and the tire hooked up way better on gravel. Food for thought.