Topic: DualSport Tires

[crakdpot]

Howdy,

I've been slowly bringing my 76 550 Super Sport back to life.
As I live rurally, the idea of installing dualsport tires appeals to me. Nothing too aggressive, but something aggressive enough to provide good footing and protection, but sticky enough to hold the pavement.

Has anyone had experience with this? I guess I kinda like the scrambler idea. I know that the frame is not super high- clearance. Not looking for a real trail bike thing, just something happy with occasionally getting it's feet dirty.

Ideas? Suggestions on tires? I was looking at Kenda K270's...is that too much?

Appreciate your wise words,
Looking forward to hearing with great anticipation.

[Stev-o]

Suggestions on tires? I was looking at Kenda K270's...is that too much?

I think the K270's would be too much, would not consider them for my 550F.

How 'bout the TKC 70's? Not sure f they have the correct size though.

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/continental-tkc-70-rocks-tires?gclid=Cj0KCQjw6-SDBhCMARIsAGbI7UjaCeEQWmfpi9PoAC9cezcPneG6ie2F_cT03Gihe2psKz4cowPchNgaAm5CEALw_wcB

[crakdpot]

Those look nice. Pricey though.

I think you're right...the K270's are a bit knobby.

I'll try to figure a good balance....on-road, off-road, quality, value.

Thanks for the input!

[crakdpot]

Maybe these...https://shinkotireusa.com/product/705-series-dual-sport-tire/211929

[BenelliSEI]

I put these Kendas on my 2008 KLR650. My son noticed they came in sizes that would fit a CB750!
We mounted them on a set of Lesters and run them tubeless. I run tubes on the KLR. Great on mixed surface roads and good on pavement too. Fair pricing too! Not sure what number/ model they are. Can check if you want?

[JBMorse]

I used to run Dunlop K70s for this. They’re not exactly dual sport, but they are an older chunky style tread. I found them great for dirt roads, but without ruining the on pavement handling.
They were pretty cheap and easy to change. I eventually switched to Avons for better on road handling and longer tread life. I was lucky to get 4k miles out of a rear K70.

Good luck! These bikes are a blast on back roads, including dirt roads.

[seanbarney41]

I know the op is talking about cb550's, but I can't help notice that lots of guys here claim the 750 is fun on a dirt road.  I have not found that to be the case.  I am guessing the guys who like cb750s on dirt are on the big/tall side and have the body leverage to control this top heavy thing?

[BenelliSEI]

I know the op is talking about cb550's, but I can't help notice that lots of guys here claim the 750 is fun on a dirt road.  I have not found that to be the case.  I am guessing the guys who like cb750s on dirt are on the big/tall side and have the body leverage to control this top heavy thing?

Sean..... they are not good. My wife and I live a mile down a gravel road, so every ride starts with some. The black K3 with the Kendas is the best ride for sure! It feels the best planted and secure. If she’s not on her KLR 650 (Dunlop Dual-Sport knobbliest), that’s her second choice. For most users, I suspect it’s more for the “scrambler” look, than anything else.....

[andy750]

I know the op is talking about cb550's, but I can't help notice that lots of guys here claim the 750 is fun on a dirt road.  I have not found that to be the case.  I am guessing the guys who like cb750s on dirt are on the big/tall side and have the body leverage to control this top heavy thing?

Somehow I always end up on dirt roads when I ride around new England. No issues on both my 750s (K2 and K4). Its lower center of gravity make it better for me than my top heavy VStrom DL1000.  I am 6`4. Im runing regular BT-45s with no issues. I did try a more aggressive tire - Kendas 761 but they werent great on the pavement.

[seanbarney41]

Andy, you are one if the main cb750 dirt riders that i have seen here.  You are a tall guy, no?

[Stev-o]

Somehow I always end up on dirt roads when I ride around new England.

Gorgeous area to ride Andy...thx for sharing the pics

[andy750]

Andy, you are one if the main cb750 dirt riders that i have seen here.  You are a tall guy, no?

I somehow always seem to end up on dirt roads. Yes Im a tall guy 6`4. I take it easy on the dirt roads. In the summer its much cooler than tarmac. A little bit slower pace as well 

[RAFster122s]

Andy the Bridgestone tires that came on my VStrom 650 do pretty well on dirt and gravel. Loose dirt and sand...needs more tread depth I think. But they do really well on asphalt. Shall I look at the sidewalls tomorrow to let you know the model and sizes the 650 runs?
Riding to church tomorrow morning... Well in few hours now...

[Dunk]

K270 are serviceable but suck both on and off road, worst of both worlds. I've used them on dual sports that came with them, before changing for better tires.

I think you should make up your mind and run a tire for whatever your primary use is. If you ride enough off road, just go with one of the better DOT knobbies like a D606 or MT21. I've never run these on a street bike, but I've been surprised how far I can lean when cloverleaf racing on my dual sports. They will walk around a bit compared to a street tire, but don't slide out. They also bite properly into sugar sand and mud off road.

I've taken my daily rider CB750 down some dirt roads and trails. It does fine with street tires (Bridgestone Spitfire), in the context of taking it slow and steady because it's a 500+ lb street bike riding on sugar sand and dirt.

[JohnK3]

Bridgestone Trail Wing tires came as standard equipment on my 2016 Suzuki DR650 (Yeah, I know, not a SOHC CB750) and they were wonderful on the street. They stopped well, and inspired confidence at the considerable lean angles the DR650 affords.
 Wanting better off road performance, I switched to Continental TKC80's. Not much improvement off road, possibly due to lack of rider skill, and wretched on pavement.
I've since fitted up Dunlap Trailmax Missions and am thrilled by their street grip. Haven't had it off road yet, but, by the look of them, they'll be stout. They also look very cool.
I'm considering them for my 71 K1...

[Don R]

 I did a few miles on fresh loose rock on my goldwing so I guess now I understand the question. Good luck with your choice.