I was set to going with a more street tire but now that I have my ninja 500 I have been using my KLX for a lot of fast dirt road and farm road (lots of ruts) as well as some light trail.

If you were riding 70% pavement, 25% fast dirt road (50-70 mph) and the rest light trails what would you choose?

The really fast dirt with a lot of loose gravel, up to an inch deep, makes me think a good 50/50 or hardpack tire?

 

Kenda 270. Thats the same conditions i run my KLR in. Great tire.

 

I'd run Kenda 270's. They're cheap, still stick in most off road conditions, wear decently, and will stick on the pavement well. These 50/50 tires are all compromise deals, and you can't get perfection. You will also wear any 50/50 or more aggessive tire out somewhat quickly on pavement, so I don't think high dollar 50/50 tires are worth extra money. I think I've seen a Shinko with a similar tread pattern that probably works just as good. I think they're both patterned after the famous or infamous IRC GP-1. I ran the K-270 on my last KLR650 with very decent results. They don't replace knobbies where you need them.

 

Shinko 244.

 

Hey, I thought you were gonna get the IRC GP1? I ran across the Kenda K270 at RMATV for $50 bucks so I got it. Bought the stock sized 4.60x18 tire. Here's some pics of it next to the old stock Dunlop:

 

I still may do the gp1. I like that one a bit better than the 244 or 270 for some of the small details. I was unsure how this type of tire would perform on fast dirt compared to more of a knobby.

I guess I don't need and mud shedding but the now the worn stockers do float a bit in the gravel.

 

The only problems I've had on the trail while on the K270's had nothing to do with the traction of the tire, it was me. They were great on the trail at low pressure, have no idea about longevity on the road.
The KLX is my commuter (most of my mileage), but on the weekends, she like's to get dirty!
I'm going to try studding a pair if the current one's get me to fall.
Oh and I got the 3.25" front and 5.1" rear, me likey.

 

I'm looking for a new 50/50 rear for the KLR650 to replace the IRC GP-1 on there now. Prices on motorcycle-superstore.
Kenda K270 = $68
Shinko 244 = $54
IRC GP-1 = $128

Tread patterns look pretty similar. I'll probably go Shinko or Kenda and save the cash.

The GP-1 I'm currently wearing out has done pretty well on the dirt, but it's no knobby!

 

I always thought the GP1 wasa a softer cxompund copy of the Kenda 270. I like running the 270 in rear with a goody knobby up front. The knobby won't wash out on dirt/sandy roads. The 270 runs a bit quiter on the pavement.

 

I have read the 270 on the front is a bit squishy in the corners on slab leaving a slow response and a bit of unsettling feel but not an actual problem. I don't like the shinko 3.0 front as the speed rating is like 74. Not a lot of margin really

The GP1 seems to have just a bit better on the fine details but it is more $.

The prices are better here I think:

- American Motorcycle Tire

I also like the TR-8 tire for a more OEM style tire.

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