That TR-8 looks pretty nice. Haven't ever run across it, I'll have to check how available it is. Just because you see it on a website doesn't mean it can be bought.

 

It does not appear to be a rare beast:

IRC TR8 Battle Rally Rear Tire - Dirt Bike Motocross - Motorcycle Superstore

 

They call the GP1 a 80/20 tire and the K270 a 50/50 tire... interesting.

 

You're right, available even in Canuckistan. I'll keep it in mind for the next tire. I wouldn't want to ship a tire across the border.

What is easy to get in the USA is sometimes unobtanium in Canada.

 

Oh yeah that is interesting. I think the 270 may have a softer compound...

 

I just took a ride and broke in the new K270. 21 miles of dirt road and 7 miles of paved twisties. It did fine in the dirt. Little squirrely over 45mph, but predictable. It gripped the pavement as far as I was willing to lean it. I almost got all the nipples off it.

 

On the rear, I've found the K270 very good for the conditions you describe, which is simillar to much of my riding. I've got about 4000 miles on my first one (4.50-18), with about 1/3 the original tread depth remaining. I've pretty much always run it between 22 to 25 psi. I'm replacing it with the same tire. The place I like it least are off-camber corners on hardpack dirt roads with lots of loose, marble-like gravel on top; in those conditions, side bite is weak and a bit inconsistent. I've got no complaints about its handling on pavement.

On the front, I'm not sold on anything yet. Other than the stock D605, I've only had a K760 trackmaster II (80/100-21). It's been likewise decent in those conditions. The weak point is braking on pavement...very easy to lock up. On paved corners, it's been completely confidence inspiring for me (I don't try to push my bike on pavement like a supermoto, though). It's been on there for something like 3000 miles, and is pretty much worn out due to odd **** wear. ***** are wearing into the shape of wedges, rather than squared, likely due to the massive amount of pavement my bike sees. I'd use another K760, but I'm going to try something else first.

My new front tire about to go on is a Kenda K755 Washougal (80/100-21, normal compound, not the sticky). It is a DOT tire, at least in this size. Tread design reminds me a bid of the Pirelli Scorpian Pro, which I think gets good reviews from hardcore dirt oriented dual sporters. It's a better dirt tire than the trackmaster II, but I'll find out how it works on pavement.

 

Hmm, I am not sure the 270 (and the like will be a perfect fit if I keep bombing the dirt roads full bore. I may be better to stay with a true knobby tire. I have to think on that.

 

I tried K270s on my DR650 and hated 'em so bad I pulled 'em after 60 miles and sold them.

My favorite "compromise" tire is the Shinko 700. These tires are WAY better offroad than their appearance would suggest. I just put a new set on my DR650 and love them. If I could get a second set of wheels for my KLX cheap enough, I'd put a set on them for days when I'll be on more asphalt than dirt and save my Kenda Trackmaster II's -- fantastic on dirt but holy crap do they wear fast on pavement.

Rob

 

X2 on trackmaster great on dirt. But wear out fast. I ride 99% dirt, rocky terrain and rear tires needs replacement after only almost 1000 miles.