I didn't own my 06 as new and it probably had 75% of the rear ***** worn flat from street riding. My question is are new oem ***** greatly quieter for the beginning of their wear than my mostly flat on the centerline, howling above 35mph oem knobby?
I'm tempted to get a profile similar to my vstrom only I know I would hate being offroad with them.

Thanks.....Steve

 

Always run Dunlop D606 on my 07 KLX, no road noise but I have been through quite a few tires considering I only have 8,200 on it. Ride both on and off road, 70/30, the tires hold exceptionally well on the road, it amazes me how fast I can go and feel no loss of traction on the pavement.

I have had others to tell me to get Trials Tires for it but refuse for the same reason you are, when I need traction, I want to know I have it....a lot of old timers on here run the D606s...

 

I'm pretty sure I can hear my chain noise over my DOT Kenda knobbies...Parker Desert front and Trakmaster rear. I definitely don't hear a howl from them on pavement. I find most all the knobbies I've ever used feel a little funky for just a few miles on pavement when brand new, but it goes away quickly. I'm actually a little surprised that knobbies don't make more noise on pavement than they do.