Topic: KENDA tires ...good or bad?

[Spikeybike]

was wondering if anyone was running Kenda tires ... i'm thinking of getting a set cuz the price is right , but i've never even heard of Kenda ... so i'm askin around 

[Bankerdanny]

I think it depends on what you want and how you ride.

I just put a Kenda 671 on the back of my 550 (replacing the original circa 1977 Bridgestone). My bike is completely stock, so I am not looking for a canyon carver. I ride around the city  mostly with the occassional couple hundred mile trip. So for me, the Kenda, which was $54 shipped was a very cost effective way to go. I have about 100 miles of mixed riding since I installed it, including a couple hours of steady rain. It has performed just fine so far.

I have had Avon Roadriders on my last 2 bikes (an FJ1200 and a Royal Enfield Bullet 500). It is a terrific tire that I can heartily recommend as well.

[Duanob]

Kenda has been around forever in Asia for bikes and scooters. They are the cheap tire you find on bicycles but they have gotten better and are popular with the downhill MTB set. They were made in Taiwan and now I think China. I have a pair of Kenda Challengers that the PO had put on new. They are OK. Sometimes I get a weird loosey goosey feeling going from upright to leaning going into a curve but once leaned over they feel fine. I'll keep them for now. When it comes to tires you get what you pay for.

[flybox1]

i would suggest spending up to 100% more (but you wont have to), for a good set of tires
My situation, thinking i'd stay 100% stock, i went with tires similar to the OEM's back when i got my 350F.  Locally i could only find a Cheng shin front and a Kings Tire rear. while they worked fine, their durability was poor, wear was uneven, and i felt unsure with their traction.  2500 mi isnt enough.  they were cheap, i wanted to ride...newbie mistake #18
i dont know much about the kendas, but i'd think you'll want to replace them well before a good set of tires typically wears out. 
spend the money now, and spare yourself the hastle of finding a better set later on.  its just wasted money now..
you'll get more mileage and great grip out of a quality tire. i went with the avon roadriders.
i paid $165 for both, shipped + $50 mount/balance. 

[socalenduro]

I tihnk the you get what you pay for is a good way to look at it...
Kenda isnt a bad company, but they definately sell products in the lower price points....

Which is odd because the Kendas on my mountain bike cost 95 bucks each (that a bicycle tire!)

[Syscrush]

Which is odd because the Kendas on my mountain bike cost 95 bucks each (that a bicycle tire!)

Kenda makes $7 bicycle tires, too.

The motorcycle tires are probably OK for commuting and non-aggressive use, but I tend to think of tires & brakes as cheap insurance.  To me, cutting costs on that stuff is kind of penny-wise, pound-foolish.

[Spikeybike]

.... hmmmm ...  i think since i tend to ride more on the aggressive side ,, i'll just go with the Dunlop 404's   .. i've ridden on them a bunch and they're top notch , and not too expensive

[Old Scrambler]

I had Kenda and other brands in my hands to check the weight.............Kenda was very heavy.  I also had a set of Dual-Sport Kendas..............very stiff side-wall but handled well and OK miles......Sometimes the high prices are based on past reputation.

Also.........if the dealer buys tires as needed the cost is higher than if the mega order is placed at the dealer show in February.