| Author | Message | ||
     Jphish |
OK - Prefer the most aggressive tire available for Uly. Did search on MT60s. The best I can deduct from the preponderance of limited information is...they last between 3-4K miles. Can anyone illuminate a bit on this ? Is that dirt / pavement combination ? Mostly pavement ? I need to have a fair idea since I'm going to have to "stash"(preorder) tires on the Panama trip for replacement. Need to stretch them at least 5K miles if possible. My experience with Syncs and Distanzias indicates they will easily survive that (famous last words?) - if MT60's dont, then likely won't consider them as an option. Thanks in advance for the feedback. j | ||
| Rotorhead |
My set of MT60's didn't last to 6k but 5k was pushing it. That was alot of heavy bags and 1 SS1000 in the mix. I think the 1000 miles of super slab in the summer cooked them to soon. I think across Mexico at lower speeds due to poor roads and traffic you may get the 5k your looking for. I'm only talking about the rear tire the front lasted till the second rear was shot. | ||
| Conchop |
I'm starting a set of PR2 Michelins. They are said to last longer and do better in rain than any other 17" tire. I've only been getting 3k out of the syncs [ great tire but it shreds with spirited rides ]. As for dirt, I'm sure they will not be good. However, they will have a cost/benefit advantage if I can double the mileage. Erik - Here is a thought. Build a GS competitor with the 18 and 19 inch wheels and their high mileage adventure touring tires and a proper gear ratio. As the Uly is already a top contender, take it to the top. | ||
| Dr_greg |
I'm starting a set of PR2 Michelins. They are said to last longer... Good choice. I went to those tires for the same reasons. Rear lasted 10K miles or deer impact, whichever comes first. | ||
| Jphish |
Ahem - the PR2's sound like a good road tire. I would likely give them a try based on affirmative ride reports from you BWB's. But I'm interested, at least for now, in MT60's. We're going to be off pavement for about 20% of the Mexico / US border to Panama leg. Sound's like maybe 5K out of the '60's if all goes well ? Squeeky. j | ||
| Etennuly |
I have 6000 on my first PR2 and loving it. I normally got 6000 per Sync. This tire still has 2000 left in it for me, maybe a little more. Very pleased. Perhaps you could send the MT60's to where the dirt begins. Run the PR2 for the rest of the trip. | ||
| Jphish |
Hmmm - now thats a thought. It begins sometime after we cross in to Mexico or the Dalton or Dempster Hwy. So much dirt...so little time. I like the pavement wear reports on the PR2s - will give them a try after I wear out the Distanzias. j | ||
| Adrian_8 |
To muck up the question....I hated the PR2s.... wore well, just handled weird...I have on the Dunlop Road Smarts, which are similar to the PRs, but handle much better..Don't fall for the Michelin name..they ain't what they used to be.. | ||
| Skyclad |
I have a set of the MT60R's. They are the supermoto compound. As fas as I know, you can not get a regular MT60 in the sizes for the Ulysses. I have about 1100 miles on them now, and have been running light the whole time. I would guess that I will be changing the rear at about 2500 miles. I will probably go with the same rear again, but not sure if I will stick with them when the time comes to replace both ends. On a slightly different subject, has anyone had any luck lately finding Avon Distanzias? It seems that everyone is out of stock on the rears. | ||
| Jphish |
Skyclad - Did you check with motorcyclesuperstore in Oregon. Got mine from them this summer in 3 days. With that kind of tread mileage... can't imagine there would be a huge demand. | ||
| Treadmarks |
I am looking at this for the rear:  And maybe this for the front:  | ||
| Jphish |
Well if anyone can find 'em...TREADMARKS can! If ya do, let us know. I actually have a set like that in my garage - but they're on my KLR. j | ||
| Cityxslicker |
the Distanzias are now my LEAST favorite tire ever. Lost the rear at 3k, I wont be revisiting them again. No it wasnt a trail road hazard, it was just bare patch riding, right down the fat middle. | ||
| Arcticktm |
I have MT60's on my KTM640 Supermoto wheels, and like them, but would be concerned about them on a bigger bike. Beside the fact that you will be putting a 160 tire on a rim intended for 180 width, the MT60's do not have much tread depth, and I would think they would have a short highway life on the Uly. I like them on the KTM for twisty pavement and dirt roads, though. They also look cool! Think I am switching from Syncs to Pilot Road 2's on the Uly this spring. I really like the Sync's handling, but the interstate portion of the WV ride toasted them way too fast. I hope the PR2's will handle at least close to the Syncs. | ||
| Jphish |
Have the Distanzia 160s on the rear now - so far so good. Not Ideal, but as you know, very few choices. With all the 17" wheeled bikes out there now, don't know why someone (Pirelli?) doesn't step up. Uly, Ducati, Tiger...and others, I would think, collectively provide sufficient market share for a 180. Oh well - Appreciate the feedback. The mileage is a problem - need 5K out of a tire to make them worth the expense. | ||
| Ozuly |
I am running a set of PR2's which had 8,000 km's on them when I got the bike 14 months ago and now I have put another 10,000 km's on them. The rear is now not legal in the middle but what the heck it's the middle of summer down here in Oz. The front still has about another 15,000 km's left. I haven't had any other tyre on this bike so can't give any comparison. They are a bit scary on the pea gravel we have here. I have had the Uly on some pretty rough stuff with these tyres and as long as you ride to the tyres it's ok. Would be awesome with the right tyre. I am looking at doing a trip around Australia soon about 19,000 km's so will probably stick with the PR2's. | ||
| Johnboy777 |
Hey Tread, If I were me, I'd run the knobby tire in the front and the A/T's in the rear - I'd prefer to have the front planted, then make generous use of the right wrist. YMMV . | ||
| Ratbuell |
I run PR2's on my S2 and have been very happy with them. I doubt I'd put them on my Uly, though - they're definitely more a "road" tread than "mixed" use. I tell ya, though - a semi-knobby like the 616 (yes, I like them!) with a dual compound? THAT would be the ideal tire, at least for me. An unfortunate amount of slabbing to and from work, mixed with the occasional muddy roostertail...seems it'd fill that particular bill pretty darned well. | ||
| Jb2607 |
Last summer rode an 08ULYX on distanzias 7000+ miles on a cross country ride. This included several off road excursions of which some were testy in both rider and ULY ability. Granted by the time I got home (and the last day was an 800 mile highspeed jaunt) the rear tire was square. The tires were used off road during the trip at anywhere from having 2000 to 4800 miles on them. They were used off road on dirt/sand/gravel/ROCK and numerous water crossings. No problem with the tires, but it should be noted the ULY would be happier geared down for more adventurous off road riding. It comes down to six or a half dozen... but I would use the distanzias without hesitation. IMHO | ||
| Jphish |
Thanks Jb ! - Thats very helpful to know. Haven't done much non pavement riding yet since most our forest roads still got that cold white stuff on 'em. Only got about 2K miles on the Distanzias now - but 4K trip to Arizona (and hopefully back) end of Feb. About 300 mi of dirt scheduled. Yeah - the X9 primary would be a good mod - but don't think I'm going to get it done before departure on this trip. Mostly Wa, Or & Ca coast to avoid the mountains (and more of that white stuff) What tire pressures were you running ? j | ||
| Wbrisett |
JB: Thanks! Yeah, next up on my list is the X9 Primary conversion and a set of tires. For me it's still a toss up between the Distanzias and the MT60s. There really doesn't seem to be a clear winner. Wayne | ||
| Jb2607 |
36/40 with nitrogen only. I always check my air pressure and NEVER had to add air on the trip. The nitrogen gave me more consistent tire pressure and some of the riding was in the HIGH heat desert southwest. | ||
| Jphish |
I dont know of any gas stations that carry nitrogen. I suppose could get some helium from the balloon people ? But seriously: sounds like a good idea - do you keep an N bottle in the garage or have a source you use in the 'market place' ?? I suppose N is fairly non reactive (inert gas) with rubber compounds ? inquiring minds... | ||
| Jb2607 |
Smoky Mtn HD/Buell mounted my distanzias and supplied the nitrogen. They charge 5.00 per tire and it is free after the initial charge. Nitrogen is used because it does not leech out (larger molecules), eliminates moisture, so you do not get the wide range in air pressure caused by heat buildup. I would reckon to guess that any local motorcycle shop has nitrogen. | ||
| Jphish |
Thanks again Jb - Have a non Buell HD dealer here in Oly Wa. I'll give 'em a call and see if they have N & would allow a Uly in the service bay. I take it you didn't 'air down' for the dirt portions of your xcountry adventure ? Jp} | ||
| Jb2607 |
Good comment Jphish, No, I did not "air down". Some of the riding was 50+ miles from civilization with no cell reception, plus if you seen any of the pics I posted I was weighted down quite a bit. But, if you read on the net about the pros and cons, nitrogen does not leech as easily as "air", no moisture, so reduces the effects of temp. change. As in the previous post, the tires were sufficient, the biggest issue is maintaining engine rpms/torque at low speed. I did a few mountain passes in Colorado that to describe nicely were rock he*l, which required a LOT of clutch to avoid stalling. The rear gave me sufficient traction as long as I kept accelerating thru the "fun" stuff. If you can find some of my previous posts with photos, look at the tire tread and where the photo is taken and then remember the trip started in North Carolina. If you want I can send the pix to your personal email so you can see the treadwear better. The pics on badweb get downsized, so you lose quality trying to enlarge them for a closer look. My email is JB2607@yahoo.com. |
