I've just finished 21 days of adventure riding on the XTR in the Great Oz Outback ... basically Darwin to Esperance via the Great Central Road ... then a mad sprint home to Melbourne across the Nullabor (naturally observing all the appropriate speed limits)

This was done on a new set of Dunlop D606's ... but which are now well and truely absolutely stuffed

So time for new shoes ... I would normally run Heidenau K60's but to be honest I've kinda had enough of the vibes and the road noise for a while so I'm looking at more road oriented rubber ...

I didn't really have any problems with the OEM Tourances but wonder whether the Tourance Next's might provide a slightly more sporty option

Soooo ... any thoughts or experiences out there ?

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Regards
Pete

expat Kiwi - now living in Melbourne - now riding a XT660R and a XT1200Z

Sounds like an awesome trip mate. Good test for the XTR. Any bike issues along the way?

Sorry, I have no advice on the Tourance Nexts; they do look pretty slick - you really must be over dirt roads... I am however just thinking about putting on a set of D606's because I read that they we good on the dirt (compared to the crap off road performance of the Tourances I have now finally worn out) and a pretty good compromise on the tarmac too. I need a more dirt-oriented tyre so was thinking these might be a goer.

So, how'd you find them? How many km's did you rack up on them before they wore out?

Sorry about hijacking your post - hope someone can answer your q's about the Tourance Nexts.

Hi Spinner (or is it Dan)

The trusty R has almost 40,000 kms on it now and she has been on three major trips into the Outback ... the Oodnadatta Track, the Birdsville Loop and the latest little jaunt ... of course there have been many, many, many day and weekend trips out of Melbourne as well

The bike has proved completely reliable, entirely capable and absolutely fit for purpose. My riding buddy is generally mounted on a 660 Tenere and I have never had any problems following him where ever he goes ... yes follow because he does ride faster than me

The 'ole girl has been optioned with a few farkles but this year I was flush with a tax refund so the front forks were serviced by ProMecha in Melbourne and upgraded with a set of Pro Valves and then with a rush of blood to the head I also fitted a Ohlins rear spring unit. Finally due to a dead chain I upgraded the drive system with an Off-The-Road 525 kit running a 15/48 final ratio.

Between us we've tried a few tyres over the years ... generally I use the Heidenau K60's as a 50/50 option ... while offroad we've also tried Pirelli MT21's and Conti TKC80's as well as the Dunlop 606's.

The R and I didn't get along with the MT21's at all but the D606's have proved to be fairly agressive off-road option that provides acceptable and predictable, if somewhat noisy, on-road performance. I've never tried them in mud but they work well on your typical outback road and the variety of surface conditions typically encountered ... yes they will climb road ridges but everything still feels well controlled !!!

This trip was some 8,000 kms overall and due to a late change in plans the majority was completed at open road speed limits on chip seal. As indicated the rear is somewhat shagged (technical term ) but the front is ... hmmm, say ... about half worn.

With a more off-road utilisation I'd probably expect some 6,000 kms from the rear and given that it's possible to obtain D606's at fairly advantageous pricing this represents pretty good value.

Happy to answer any other specific queries you might have ...

__________________
Regards
Pete

expat Kiwi - now living in Melbourne - now riding a XT660R and a XT1200Z

Hmmm so looking at the Tourance Next Sizes ... the 90/90-21 Front isn't going to be an issue but they don't do a 130/80-17 rear !!!

The closest rear is a 140/80-17 ...

Looking at the various rim configuration options it seems the 140/80 is still fine on a 2.75" wide rim ... so the Next upgrade is still on

__________________
Regards
Pete

expat Kiwi - now living in Melbourne - now riding a XT660R and a XT1200Z

Indeed a 140/80 fits fine on the rear.

However, I've found that due to the fact the beads are "pulled-in" relative to the sidewalls/tread the centre of the tread sits up and the tyre's radius changes (as well as rolling circumference) compared with a 130/80 on the same rim.

I've discovered that this quickens up the squaring off process and causes more "falling over" in corners when the tyres are new. Ironically, but not suprisingly, the "falling-over" sensation improves as the tyre squares off.

They do work though and look a bit more "manly", but in my experience my XTZ handles better and more predictably on the standard 130/80 rear.

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Pleiades ... Thanks for that comment that's exactly the experience feedback I was looking for and does confirm a concern.

Hmmmmmmmm ... o/k so lets have a quid each way then (trust that translates around the world) ...

So 90/90-21 Tourance Next on the front and 130/80-17 Tourance on the back ....

__________________
Regards
Pete

expat Kiwi - now living in Melbourne - now riding a XT660R and a XT1200Z

Thanks Platty, for the feedback on the D606s. I reckon you are well qualified to offer that advice judging by your experiences. Glad to hear the bike is performing so well - further justification that I have made the right choice. I've reworked my forks as well (racetech springs and valves) and has made a huge difference but funds have not stretched as far as an Ohlins upgrade for the rear (but would love to do that!)

Well, MT21's were my other choice of tyre but on your sage advice I am now set on the D606's.

If one of your long rides out brings you to Brisbane, drop me a pm as I could show you a few of the choice local day (or o'night) trips out from here (although not sure the Tourance Nexts would work so well where I'd most want to take you).

Cheers... Dan

Had arranged to have tyres fitted tomorrow but couldn't wait any longer ... so called in at Pablo's today and Rick was able to squeeze me in !!!

Next on the front .. standard on the rear ... new tubes all round ...

No more tractor noise ... riding bliss

__________________
Regards
Pete

expat Kiwi - now living in Melbourne - now riding a XT660R and a XT1200Z