Xt-R Tyre replacements - .: XT660.com

vmax30 · # 1 03-07-06, 00:12

Just noticed my original rear Michelin Sirac on my '04 XT-r is absolutley shot after 7000km/4250 miles. These tyres are very good on dry roads, pegs on floor etc(4.5/5) Not too good on wet roads having almost lost both the front and rear on numerous occasions (2/5) and pretty average in the dirt (3/5). The front still has plenty of tread left but I cant find anywhere that sells em down here in SW France. Has anyone got any ideas for a better performing allround Tyre that I can Match up with the front Sirac still on? Ive got the feeling I'll be going through these at a ratio of 3 rears to 2 fronts or maybe even 2 rears to 1 front.

Bear in mind the Front is a 21 inch on the R.

Any advice will be aprecciated.

Thanks, Steve

CaptMoto · # 2 03-07-06, 01:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by vmax30

Just noticed my original rear Michelin Sirac on my '04 XT-r is absolutley shot after 7000km/4250 miles. These tyres are very good on dry roads, pegs on floor etc(4.5/5) Not too good on wet roads having almost lost both the front and rear on numerous occasions (2/5) and pretty average in the dirt (3/5). The front still has plenty of tread left but I cant find anywhere that sells em down here in SW France. Has anyone got any ideas for a better performing allround Tyre that I can Match up with the front Sirac still on? Ive got the feeling I'll be going through these at a ratio of 3 rears to 2 fronts or maybe even 2 rears to 1 front.

Bear in mind the Front is a 21 inch on the R.

Any advice will be aprecciated.

Thanks, Steve

I have one good suggestion for you and that is to try and get a pair of Metzler Tourance, which perform very well on the XTR, they provide decent grip in the dirt and they certainly prevail on the asphalt. So if you can find a supplier that sells them, get a pair of them

http://intobikes.co.uk/products?deta...duct&id=000477

vmax30 · # 3 03-07-06, 16:29

Yeah I was looking at those yesterday on a few review sites and they seem to be the ones to go for, Im a bit skint at the moment so do you reckon I should try a new tourance rear with my part worn front Michelin? Or is it too dodgy?

CaptMoto · # 4 03-07-06, 17:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by vmax30

Yeah I was looking at those yesterday on a few review sites and they seem to be the ones to go for, Im a bit skint at the moment so do you reckon I should try a new tourance rear with my part worn front Michelin? Or is it too dodgy?

You should use your common sense, don't expect anyone here to give you advice on your safety items, I might said ok go ahead then what if you have a spill and come back to me with complaints, am I making sense to you?

I would never compromise on safety not for myself not for others and if you really think your front tyre has had it, then change it by all means.

P.S: The rule of thumb is not to mix and match front / rear tyres of different compounds / threads, or... on your head be it.

Cheers

Buck · # 5 03-07-06, 20:05

[FONT="Book Antiqua"]You might also want to consider these, i had them on my previous XT600E and found them to be a great tyre with plenty or grip in the dry and wet,there are also some favourable reports on them on some of the off road sitesl.

http://www.onoffroad.com/Merchant2/m...AL-SPORT-TIRES

vmax30 · # 6 03-07-06, 23:10

Yep, I know the rule of thumb and i know it'd be on my head etc. I may give it a go or may splash out the extra, just seems a waste when the front has loads of life left.
Also how easy are they to change by myself? I see one of you guys did it on your xt-x which are tubeless obvously, I used to do my own on an old DT125LC I owned. And is it essential to have them profesionally balanced if I do fit them myself?
If i can do em myself I'll go for the pair probably, just im on a budget as not working at the mo as im in France learning the language for a while before starting work.

Cheers for the adivce

Buck · # 7 03-07-06, 23:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by vmax30

Yep, I know the rule of thumb and i know it'd be on my head etc. I may give it a go or may splash out the extra, just seems a waste when the front has loads of life left.
Also how easy are they to change by myself? I see one of you guys did it on your xt-x which are tubeless obvously, I used to do my own on an old DT125LC I owned. And is it essential to have them profesionally balanced if I do fit them myself?
If i can do em myself I'll go for the pair probably, just im on a budget as not working at the mo as im in France learning the language for a while before starting work.

Cheers for the adivce

I fitted my tyres my self,the xtx tyres are also tubed and after a bit of muscling with the tyre levers they went on ok (dont forget a set of rim protectors if you do give it a go)
As for balancing,you should relly get them done,hein gericke do a kit for this (stand ,weights and spacers �25 i think).Buying this will pay for its self as i normally cost me around �20 for a tyre change and balancing,Do a tyre change on a XTR should be a little easier i reckon as the tyres are a bit thiner so you shouldnt struggle getting them off.
Give it a go.