Another tire thread

[Go Big Red]

Okay, so not a thread about what tire is the best, but one about what a guy can, can't and shouldn't do.

I am getting up the guts to change my tires on a plated 91 XR600R. When I bought it, I had grand plans of using it to chase my boys around the trails of western Washington. That turned out to be a bad choice when your 6 year old is on an xr50. So I bought a CRF250X for riding with the boys.

The pig has become something of a passion. When I got it she was beat. Bt slowly I have changed bearings, sprockets, chain, cam chain, sand/paint the plastics and cleaned the heck out of it. I really love that bike.

Long story short, I want to get some dot tires on it. I will take my first plunge in changing tires and just wanted to get some lessons learned from the forum. I also wanted to know about balancing. Right now it has rim locks and I was wondering if I would be okay with taking them off and properly balancing the tires with weights. I don't ride it hard and it's main function will be taking asphalt to find some dirt roads and trails in the area. Riding hard will be reserved for the CRF.

So, fire off any comments. What tools do I need? Where do i start? What should I watch out for? Should I replace the tubes? Tips, techniques and lessons are appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Jay

[GreaseGorilla]

XR is a torquey bastardm keep the rim locks.

[algunn]

Definitely get new tubes. Watch this video. This guy makes it look easy, but with a little practice it's not too hard.

[n16ht5]

go with pirelli mt16s. or xcmh.

or dunlop d606

dual rimloks will balance you out

[n16ht5]

I have been running non-dot tires for thousands of miles.... if you don't care about Johnny law

[Go Big Red]

I have been running non-dot tires for thousands of miles.... if you don't care about Johnny law

I have kind been doing tha for a while. All she really has is a plate and I need to get at least a mirror on it to be kind of legit. The tires I have on it now are the old ones from when bought it and the are a little worn, missing nibs and crap. She does need new buns.

[Go Big Red]

go with pirelli mt16s. or xcmh.

or dunlop d606

dual rimloks will balance you out

I heard this also, but thought it was a myth. I'll go this route and get two more.

[Go Big Red]

Definitely get new tubes. Watch this video. This guy makes it look easy, but with a little practice it's not too hard.

Awesome video. Just what i needed.

[creeky]

I have been using non-DOT tires for years riding dual sports, never had anyone even look at them. However, if you are stuck on DOT, the Kenda Washougal Sticky is a great all around tire.

[Go Big Red]

I guess I am not stuck on dots. Just figured the dots would smooth out the ride a little bit. But I do need new ones since the ones i have now a pretty much shot.

On another note...back to two rim locks. Do I need to drill out another hole on the other side? I don't think my rims are set up for two.

[creeky]

You can use solid core solder to balance the wheel. Cut a length of solder equal in weight to the rimlock. Cut the solder into 2-3 equal lengths and tightly wrap the solder around 2-3 spokes opposite the rim lock

[n16ht5]

or use two rimlocks.. yes drill holes. if you are in a pinch, cut a slit in two big nuts and zip tie them opposite your rimlock onto a spoke.

I run tubliss rear and UHD tube in front with two locks. works great

[n16ht5]

good dot rear is MT43 pirelli too. my favorite for trails.

[Go Big Red]

I definately like the idea for balancing them out.

I don't know much about good dual sport, so I think I will go with some cheap kendas. Then, if I decide to go back to non dot tires, I won't be out a grip of cash.

Now I just need to find some trails around northern Virginia to explore.

[craftsman13]

I don't use rim locks and i don't balance the wheels either and eveything seems to be ok. The bike is really smooth at 70mph for a dual sport.

[bigredpig]

rim lock is always a good Idea. I run the AC10 1400 miles out of the last one. I was smoking the D606 in 300 miles.

http://www.michelinmotorcycle.com/index.cfm?event=CrossAC10

I get them for 62.99 free shipping it I get two. I need to ask TT if they will match that. they should. B

[n16ht5]

I don't use rim locks and i don't balance the wheels either and eveything seems to be ok. The bike is really smooth at 70mph for a dual sport.

try riding trails at 6psi and come back and say that

[craftsman13]

try riding trails at 6psi and come back and say that

I never go below 10psi in the rear and 14psi in the front so thats why it isn't an issue. i don't want to risk having a pinched flat and the traction isn't that much better.

[Go Big Red]

So, I am thinking about just getting MX tires since the majority of riding will be in the dirt. Which ones are the harder compound...soft terrain or hard terrain tires?

[Horri]

I never go below 10psi in the rear and 14psi in the front so thats why it isn't an issue. i don't want to risk having a pinched flat and the traction isn't that much better.

The beauty of using a rimlock or rimlocks is should you get a flat in the middle of nowhere or even 10-20 miles from home on the freeway you can still ride it home as the tire doesn't break it's seal from the rim., If it breaks the seal which happens without rimlocks in about 1 minute the bike becomes pretty much uncontrollable,,Other way around it's still rideable,,just need to be a bit more careful going into corners,,straights aren't an issue.,bit of wander but not really a problem.,Excellent training should you ever have to cope with a day of greasy clay or mud riding.,.

Edited December 12, 2011 by Horri