Hi all, I'm another convert to the XT. I've only had it a month and done about 500 miles. The back tyre is showing serious signs of wear. I didn't buy it new but it looked fine at first.( Pirelli MTR02).
I'm not a racer, just like pottering around the country lanes. What tyres would you recommend ? I would like a few more miles out of the next one.
Cheers
Tony

Try the Avon Distanzia's

http://www.avon-tyres.co.uk/motorcyc...isttyres&cat=5

Tough enough for larger capacity Supermoto bikes, the Distanzia’s distinctive tread pattern is designed to provide excellent performance in both on- and off-road conditions. It’s nimble through corners, stable on the straights, boasts top-class roadholding in the dry and the wet, features good traction in the dirt and gives excellent mileage.

And ploughing too!!

Alan I have a feeling that as agricultural as they may seem to you that deep down, you are very interested in trying a set of these, just to see what the fuss is all about. I guarantee you that if you do try them you will not regret your choice. After all more than 20 people in this forum have gone for them and have been raving about them too.

Slim could have done with a set yesterday, he could have gone across the field to avoid the van!!! Seriously, I have ridden a bike with Distanzas fitted and I didn't like them, too much front end patter, if the are meant as a dual purpose tyre the must be a compromise for the road, now, where did I put the keys to my tractor???

@AJT660 When you say front end patter do you mean the wobbles at high speed? That's what I get when going over 80 mph. I have to loosen my grip on the handlebars or the wobbles get dangerous. I didn't get this wobble problem with the original Pirelli Dragons but they wore out too quickly. I do like the grip the Distanzias give and can say I've had a few slips with Pirelli tyres but the Avons stick really well.

I'm getting another Distanzia fitted to the rear this week just because I like to keep matching tyres but when that's dusted I'll be trying some Continentals as I've heard good reports on them.

I give Pirelli Dragons 6/10. (wear too fast and lack grip. Rear squares off too quick).
Avon Distanzias 8/10 (Last 50% longer but getting the wobbles).

Patter, a judder on the front during cornering, didn't like it, but i am fussy about tyres, I loved the original pirelli mtr 01/02 combination, superb grip and stability, if I could find a set I would buy them now!!!! Infact, as most others seem to hate them, if anyone has a little used set, send them to me!!!!

But Fran.......only 20 or so out of how many members???

But seriously what is it exactly that users do not like about the original tyres that the bike came with from new?

Apart from durability I can not see a problem....................

Pressures I think is rubbish.....I happened to check mine the other day and only had 21 and 23 psi in them..................didnt seem to make too much difference.

Well Ricky since you've asked I tell you what it is about these tyres I personally don't like...


Don't forget that, with all due respect, to both you and Alan, whilst you two really are "occasional" riders of these bikes i.e. you only use them randomly for the purpose of a fun day out, which is fair enough to you, however the majority of us do use them as our commuting tool as well as leasure, but when you wake up in the middle of the winter at 5am and the roads are cold and wet you need some tyre with an almost immediate grip and one that will heat up pretty quick, which is not what the Pirelli are like.

I remember getting my bike out of the garage in those cold conditions with the original tyres and be victim of many many slip offs becase those tyres and the torquey nature of these bikes in my view are a very bad combination. Yeah they are ok once you manage to get them to temperature but they are ****e from the word go.

And you and Alan say they are great in cornering but, frankly you guys hardly go out on them unless the sun is shining and the roads are dry, so if you were to try the Pirelli's in a series of twisty roads in the miserable weather conditions same as I am forced to go out on, you two will also realize the pirelli don't cut it in the real world. The bike is too snatchy and torquey in the wet to live with the original tyres and many people have kissed tarmac in realization of this.

I've tried nearly every tyre on the market for these bikes and apart from the Avon the only other suitable tyres to me were the Maxxis although their sweet spot is short lived and they wear out like cheese on toast.

People have complained about the wobble they get from the Avon and the Maxxis but it is easily eliminated once these are set at the correct inflation pressure.