I did a search and skimmed through the plethora of threads on the tires but most of it seems to be regarding the rear tire and not the front. Also some of the threads are a few years old so maybe I thought there would be some new inputs as well.

I have 11,000+ miles on my 2006 KLX250S and the front original Dunlops finally needs to be replaced. On the rear I have gone through the original Dunlops, Kenda Trakmaster II(great on the trails but too slippery on the pavement) and currently have the Michelin AC10(a little better than the Trakmaster on the pavement but much worse on the trails).

Anyways, unfortunately most of my riding is on the pavement now. I only get to go on the trail a few times a year(but when I do, I do want good offroad performance). I will also ride in the rain on occasion.

For the front, the Trakmaster is out as it would probably be too spooky on the pavement. I'm not that crazy about the Michelin AC10 either. I sort of have narrowed it down to the Kenda K270, the Dunlop 606, and maybe the Bridgestone Trailwing. People seem to swear by the 606 for the rear but not so much for the front. Also the price is sky high. I don't know much about the Bridgestones. Right now I think I'm leaning towards the K270s. What do you guys think?

 

Is there a Kawasaki dealership near you? If so see if they can get the Dunlop 605 which is an OEM tire that came on the '09 KLX250.

 

I liked the K270 on road, but hated it off road. I find no difference with the Millville sticky (MX tire) on road, but on the trails it works where the K270, and original Dunlop did not. It won't last like a DS tire, but front's last a lot longer than rear's do, and I have 1 1/2 seasons on it.

 

dunlop rallye raid 908ff, nuff said.

 

If your 90% on pavement get a 90/10 pavement tire. Or 50/50 or whatever. No use wearing out wide spaced ***** when something that puts more rubber on the road will last and handle better.

 

Let me correct that.
I liked the K270 as long as the trails were dry, but on wet trails, it was scary.

 

How is the K270 in the rain?

I think I'm leaning towards the K270 since I'm stuck riding the pavement most of the time. I see that they don't have an exact fit for our bike, the 3" is a little narrower at 76mm and the 3.25 is a little wider at 83mm. Which is better and what is the upside/downside of either?

 

Go with the 3".

 

Yeah I just looked at my original dunlops and they are the 3". The owner's manual says 3" as well. I was at work and I didn't have access to either and googled it and it said that the size was 80mm which is wrong.

I'm going to order the K270s unless someone tells me they suck in the rain. I know they are good on dry pavement and acceptable on the trails.

 

I only rode in the rain a few times, but it was fine. It was quite good off road, as long as there wasn't much mud.