I ride year-round on pavement, and year round off pavement, but I don't want to swap my tires between commuting and my weekend ride. I have been avoiding the K60 because of it's poor performance on wet pavement; that's like 1/3 of my riding. I'm on the Anakee III tires now, and am happy with them on road. Any suggestion for similar road performance but improved off road performance?
@@ToolinAround I know your comment is one year old, but anyway, it is something whole normal world is using. Try it. m to km, m to cm, or mm. It's simple. Just move comma.
@@CommieHunter7 Don't believe everything you read! The set of K60 Scout's on my DL650 V Strom do very well in the wet. That center strip "issue" is way overblown.
@@andyostertag Hi! And may I ask what is the type of riding you do? 50/50 as the tire intended or something else? And what kind of bike do you ride? I suppose it is better meant for advs or small advs but what does that even mean hehe? I ride a drz 400s btw. Thanks in advance!
@@pirmaiscalispagalma1479 70% dirt/hard pack/fire road. 30% hwy on the xr650l. Thinking of selling bike in spring to minimalize leaving me with a solitary 2017 cb500x which will have similar tire replacements when ready. For the easy off roading I do, the 500x meets my needs. Actually better on loose gravel as it is 100lbs heavier than the xr with a bit wider tires. Turning the page
Brother, you are quickly becoming my go-to guy for product reviews!! After watching this video, I put the Heidenau K60 Scouts on my BMW R1150GS Adventure -- and couldn't be happier!! Perfect all-around tire. Great on pavement -- actually much better than I expected -- and great off road. THANK YOU!!!!!
Special Thanks to our Host for Excellent, succinct reviews! - So, I have run so many different dual sport tires over the years and have pretty much always felt that spending the money on the best Dual Sport tires was analogous to extending my own life! Recently, I tried the Shinko 700 (shown by our host) both 21" and largest 18" on my highly modified XR650L w/full soft luggage & geared to it's tallest (low compression 675cc, stage 1 cam, Fox bomber/Q4, jetting, airbox, CRF450 front forks, Shock & forks professionally revalved for fast riding, big tank and so on). Running air pressure 27ib (front) 25lb (rear) worked stunningly well both on highway (plenty of controlled drift warning) and offroad in demanding terrain of all kinds save that of heavy mud (which I haven't ridden in here in Southern Oregon)... Lowering the pressure a bit more to 21lbs (front), 18lbs (rear) improved off road stability markedly... On the downside, though not by much, I have noted that on cold mornings, the Shinko's needed time to warm up before they ramped up to their normal, excellent road adhesion (excellent for what amounts to a 60 - 70% or better offroad tire anyway). Additionally, when the rear gets down to 30% remaining tread or less, expect a squirrely ride offroad especially on the shorter wheelbase XR650L... I find I'm replacing Shinko rear 3 to 1 over the front depending on rides (rear, every 2k miles, front 6k miles) but at around $110 for BOTH front and rear on sale at places like BikeBandit, it's hard to go wrong with this nearly perfect tire set for smaller Dual Sport / Adventure bikes such as my modded XR650L... Might also note that I used the heaviest duty tubes I could find with these tires and I am 6' 1" at 230lbs for anyone wondering...
I had the tkc80s on my hypermotard and absolutely loved them both on and off road. The rumble goes away after a few hundred miles. Due to the soft compound, they stick extremely well to the road even while leaned way over and obviously hookup great off road. The only bad part is the rear doesn't last long compared to how much they cost, especially the 180 width at $200. Shinko makes a very similar tire for much cheaper, but only up to a 150 width.
Rode a few hundred kilometers on a flat rear Scout on my R1150gs, two up with full kit. It was my first time loaded as such, so assumed the slight softness in the corners was due to that fact. Aside from it's wide ranging capacity, as mentioned in the video, this became another reason to have it as my go-to tire.
This is the best review I've seen so far, I guess I'll be getting the Scout K60. You can't beat advice from an experienced user, but adding to the mix someone who is good at explaining things, now there's a winner!! Keep up the good work, and DO NOT and I mean DO NOT let manufacturers sway your opinion with $$$ and a wink
+MidnightSun ADV I just bought a set, haven't put many miles on them yet or taken them off road. But why do you regret getting them, what kind of riding do you do, and what would you have rather gotten?
I've used a few different Shinko tires on my bike and I have to say, they're really good quality. The 705's are one of the best mostly on road tire out there. Never had a problem with grip on road dry, wet, or cold. I also took them in the gravel a few times and they performed well.
I was a little worried when you didn't start with the K60s but then you saved it! The K60s are nothing short of amazing. I and all my friends use them exclusively. I live in Vancouver and ride a big heavy Varadaro 1000 and these tires last under weight and power. Great video! Subbed
Very good review. Well done, sir. I installed Shinkos on my NC750X after the OEM tires were dead by 7000km. I stuck with Honda's brief and installed 009 Ravens sport touring tires. Even though they are 100% street, they can still handle the occasional dirt road. That reflects my riding needs. On the NC, turn-in is a little more abrupt with these and overall the steering is somewhat heavier, but the differences are not radical. If online reviews are to be believed, I can expect a long life from them,. They seem like a well-made, quality product which makes the gentle price that much sweeter.
Just finished up a TKC 80 front and K60 Scout rear on my NC700X. Lasted just bout around 10,000 miles. Loved the front. Loved the even wear time. Didnt love the K60's sketchiness in the wet. It also squares off when it gets really worn down.
Dude, I'm so glad I clicked on the ad linked to this video! I've been shopping around for new tires for my triumph scrambler and this video has given me a lot to consider. Im second guessing the TKC 80s after what you have shown me. But aside from that Im fully down and subscribed to your channel! Everything about your videos, production, knowledge and personable, its 100%, not to mention Canadian!! Im so stoked to see it all go down starting on May 1st. Plus you have seriously got me thinking of doing a MotoVlog of my own on the west coast and interior of BC. Anyways can't wait to see what comes in the future!!
+Christos Sagiorgis Glad you enjoyed it! You should definitely do that MotoVlog out in BC. I grew up riding in the Okanagan and it's still my favourite place to ride :) ~RyanF9
I run a K760 on my pitbike and i have to say, the offroad grip is very good and it allows wheelies both on pavement and in the dirt without having to try too hard
I always find it difficult to choose the right tires, My main road bike Is the HondaST1300, my dual sport a Kawasaki KLR 650 love both these bikes! Thank you for the information on tires, truly helpful!! Enjoy all your videos!!!
I'm riding on tkc80s on mostly pavement with a 650 honda, great grip on every surface, practicly the same speeds through twisties as my sport touring bike with street tires. Ofcourse louder and wears faster, fits my needs anyway since I do not rack up kilometers on both bikes that i could ever wear out a set of tires over two years. Love to have the posibility to take a trip down to the lake via fire roads and still feel in charge. Totally worth it and looks awesome.
I have the shinko 700 tires on my bike. Very good tire. It performs great on the road and does get a little loose off road but isn't bad. I have a 250.
I put a set of K60's on my 07 VStrom DL1K at the start of last season, I love these tires ! I've had Bridgestone Trail wings(factory OEM) Pirrelli Scorpions(awesome 100% road tire) and due to a puncture, a metzler Tourance rear(also early end due to a puncture). 16000 Kms on original Bridgestones, 14000 Kms on the Pirrelli on the rear 24000 on the front, 10000 Kms on the metzler rear and so far 7500 on the set of K60's, they still look and perform like brand new ! The K60's blow them all out of the water both on road and off !
@@FortNine I'm going with the shinko 700, so far all of the reviewers I've seen claim 5 to 7 thousand miles, I'll test the capabilities in a month we have a trip planned going through the ozark trails, after that it will be used for commuting, fingers crossed it'll hold up.
As an old Honda Transalp owner, I was a long time fan of the ol' Anakee 2. Since I discovered that Heidenau makes winter scooter tires (and they're damn good, got K66 for my electric maxiscooter) this season out with the worn Anakees and in with the K60s.
When you lifted up the Shinko 700 i got all excited, i'm picking up a bike in the near future and want to put some dual sport shoes on it. The Continental's and Perellis were all that regularly came up and recommended. Then i researched and dug my way upon the Shinko 700s, and had a feeling they might be right for me. Then here i sit and you pull up the very tire, and your review is bang on what i was hoping they were, i got that thrill of when you see someone awesome wearing the same shoes, or riding the same bike, as if it somehow means i get to share in your awesomeness and talent, which of course is absurd, i simply stumbled around like a blind buy in bar and tripped into a busty embrace. This video reassures this blind guy that it is indeed a desirable and good tire and not a... trap.
A friend of mine cut some shallow sipping, about 4-5mm deep and about 5mm wide, into his 150/70-17 K60 scout along that centre line of chevrons, at each narrow section. He said it handles the wet a lot better now. Something for Heidenau to think about! I'll also note that Shinko makes the 804/805 series now, they are the low-cost version of the TKC80.
+Adam W Interesting! I would LOVE to see Heidenau throw some siping onto the K60s next year. Not sure I'm brave enough to take an X-acto to my tires in the meantime haha. ~RyanF9
+FortNine He bought a special siping tool off Amazon to do it, it's called the Ideal Tire Gripper. I've also heard some tire shops will do it for you. www.idealtiregroover.com/
it's really awesome to see riders from Canada. i've been watching all the big motovloggers but none of them show canadian places, products, ETC. definitely subscribing, keep the great videos coming!
I went over to the dark side this spring and put Shinko 700's on my '09 KLR 650. I like them, I like them a lot. Handling is right up there with my favorite Metzeler Sahara's. Except I get a full set of 700's delivered for the price of one Metzeler.
Excellent comparison video! Well done. K60 user here. I have been riding a 2006 1200GS since July of last year. I put Shinko 705s on it immediately as it needed tires when I bought it. The price was right, and it is a pretty good road tire...great feel in the curves, even with panniers and a passenger. Wore the first rear out in 3000 miles, and got 3500 out of the second (front was at 50% after both rears). I did not ride it off-road (no real previous off-road experience in 40 years of riding) until earlier this year. When it came time to replace the Shinkos, I researched options and selected the K60, mainly for the expected longevity but also for a bit more confidence as I learned to cope with off-road challenges. I was not disappointed with the off road abilities (keeping in mind my lack of experience and limited exposure), and they have inspired confidence in those conditions. I live in Southern California so have not tested their wet road capability (I habitually slow waaaaay down when its damp out anyway). The one let down is mileage...replacing my rear this week at 5700 miles and it is at the wear bars and squared off like a car tire. I'm replacing it with another Scout (the front is still around 75%) because of the dirt, and will try to alter my riding style a bit to extend the miles.
Haha I had the same reaction a little bit. "he seems arrogant" haha but now that I've watched more of the videos, and particularly the bike reviews I'm super impressed with his knowledge and video panache'. :)
I had Shinko's on my 09' GSA. Enjoyed them until the big blocks started to DELAMINATE! Yup, I read some people had that problem,but took a chance anyway.I no longer take that chance. I went to Heidenau K60 Scout and loved them and had no problems.
I am pretty new to the Motorcycle world, I'm looking at a 250 dual sport i'll that I'm going to be purchasing as a first bike in a month or so, And I feel that the shinko would be perfect for what conditions I live in (Desert like area, Coachella Valley, with sandstorms and rain within the seasons, and all of those things". I'm trying to look at videos to construct a budget, as well as making sure I have everything ready to enjoy for the following years, Your videos have helped me a lot and I can't wait for the future content! :D
Yeah, I think the Shinkos would work great for you! Congrats on getting into the motorcycle game ... happy riding and stay tuned for more content :) ~RyanF9
The Shinko 700s are great off-road! They'll go pretty much wherever you want them to. Really thick mud and sand dunes are a bit of an Achilles heel ... but that's the case with almost every 60/40 tire. ~RyanF9
Thanks, that is it ! You got me convinced, I am replacing both front and rear with Heidenau Scout, that is what I have now, so clearly based on my ride pattern and your explanations I already have the best for my 1200GS.
It's always odd to me that videos like this, reviewing D/S tires, never include the Dunlop D606. It's described as a 90% off-road and 10% on-road tire, but it does both pretty well. I had a pair on a 1985 XL600R and that thing would chug trough anything off-road, like a tractor. The first couple of times that I encountered some soupy GA mud with them, I tried to spin around and play in it, but it would just dig and wheelie. They were a bit noisy on pavement, but handled admirably, all things considered. It even dug through snow and ice well, only getting away from me once, but I was drifting around a field and claim the blame for that one. It never gets mentioned, but the D606 has been one of my favorite D/S tires for 15 years...
I took my D606's off today and put on a TKC80 front and Mitas E-07 Dakar rear. I live in a snow/ice region and the D606 tires were horrible on snow and ice. Great in the mud and on the logging roads and trails. There were ok on the pavement. You forgot to mention that the Dunlop D606 tires which are 90/10 tires are DOT approved. I still have tread on my Dunlops and will go back to them if the new tires aren't any better for my needs which are more a 70% off road 30% paved road style of riding. I agree that Dunlop makes a darn nice tire. My bike 2013 Husqvarna TR650 Terra
My new to me 19' vstrom xt adv came with the battlewings and they do great on road with deep leans and on gravel roads full of ruts and potholes down or up hill.
Tyres ... Always a personal choice ... But, I have to say, I'm in love with the Heidenau K60 Scout on my Triumph Explorer 1200! I've had the Michelin Anakee 3, Pilot Road 4, Dunlop Road Smart 3, Heidenau K76, Metzeler Tourance Exp and the Heidenau K60 Scout ... The last one was the best tyre overall - for me. And, they're quite cheap too ^^.
Good video mate. Every forum I go onto seems to turn into a Mitas e07 vs k60 argument. So I was a bit surprised not to see the Mitas on your list. Perhaps next year...
I thought the Heidenau K60 Scout was the best dualsport/adventure tyre on the market that is until I tried the Motoz Tractionator GPS. Absolutely brilliant tyre onthe pavement or inthe dirt, wet or dry. And they last forever on my F800GSA. I won't use anything else now.
Spot on assessment of the TKC-80. I found the K60 Scout to give good mileage and traction, but still too noisy for me. Best combination of civility, longevity, traction and price for my DL650 V-Strom is the Metzeler Tourance. I may revisit the Heidenau's on the strength of your recommendation if I have a long dirt adventure in mind. Thanks for your insight!
Today I got the k60 scout rear and shinko 705 front on my 2018 DRZ400SM yes I put offroad tires on 17 inch gold wheels. I haven't got them installed yet but from this video, I'd say I made a good choice
Heidenau K60 scout on the rear, Continental TKC80 up front. That is a solid combination, I have a few videos to prove it. Lol. Dirt on, and if you ever make it to Southern California let me know and let's go ride.
Heidenau K60 Scout is great, i got a flat rear tire at 80mph on the highway, it stayed stable and i had no problem rolling to the safe zone on the right. This Scout is really tough.
Just picked up a pair of Heidenau K60s for my 2011 Tiger 800XC. I commute daily but plan to do a lot more off roading this coming year. A will ride from Northern CA to Death Valley and then plan to do a bunch of off roading in Death Valley. Should be a pretty good test. I currently run the Michelin Anakee 3s and love them for their on road performance (daily commuting). The idea is to use the Anakee 3s October through February and the K60's in the spring, summer, and early fall.
I chose the TKC 80 because it fits my Vfr800 none of the others offer a 180 rear tire. use it only in winter for snow and muddy county roads. 2200 miles and has lost half of its tread. but it sure works great and looks good. Paid 165 for the rear tire with free shipping.
Found this clip very usefull. have the Heidies K60 Scout on 1200 GS, apparently made for South Africa terrain.. very nice ride. Handles like a beast in dirt, BUT STAY AWAY from wet road, unless you know how to drift!! Like riding on soap in wet.. Did 90/10 road though and managing 34000kms!!!! Its crying for change now though.. still looking for another replacement...something more road bias though.. thanks for the review!
In the last 2.5 years, I have gone through the following tires on my 1190R K60 - Great Highway mileage, light off-road, not fantastic in Mud. MiTas E-07 and E-09 - Great Off Road grips into everything confidently. Not too Bad on the highway but wears pretty quick. Golden Tyres GT723 - Great Off-road, lots better than Mitas imho. Great mileage on the Highway but squiggy on the highways especially on the painted lane markers . Personal Favorite currently GT723. Try it and would look forward to a proper feedback from a decent off-road rider as yourself Ryan. And tires we tested in the South East Asian terrain (Malaysia and Thailand) where clayey and slippery mud are a big thing here.
Great Video, good information. Take a look at the Michelin T63 on dual sports. Long lasting, not expensive, good on and off road. Only real downside is it can howl at speed on the road till it breaks in.
I know the video is old, but the Heidenau K60 trouble is still there. Bought them for my Yamaha XT660 and the smaller sizes don't have the closed band around the centre. So it has the bublebee sound like the Continental. Will go for the K76 next time. Belgian gravel paths have dropped in my route plannings anyways and in Germany they are mostly closed for motor traffic anyways.
I could see a good play for those chunkier tires if you can trailer your bike to your favorite off-roading location; ie, reduce the need to put it on pavement in the first place.
Mitas e07 are tire to go! They are a little bit noisy, but not anoying. Work great on pavement an I still can´t believe some of the muddy steep hills I've climbed with my Honda NX400 Falcon. They really work great for intermediate offroad! I haven't noticed any loss of wet pavement performance when comparing to more street oriented tires (I didn't shoose the k60 Scout because of it's poor wet performance). I Have 6K miles on them of mixed riding (60 on 40 of road) and they look new. Cannot recomend them more!
I have a Husky 701 and like to mix and match tires, with a less aggressive rear and more aggressive front, as the fronts last longer than the rears. My go to setup is a Motoz RallZ on the rear and their Desert HT on the front. My 701 would chew up an IT on the back in no time, but the front lasts decently well. Big thumpers get decent traction on the rear, and on any heavy bike off road that gets ridden briskly we need all the front traction we can get 😆
You haven't spoke about the legendary Continental TKC 70, for sure the best one on the market. I have tried the following tires on my R1200GS: 1. Karoo 3 2. Anakee 3 3. K60 4. TKC 70 I found the Karoo 3 are the noisiest tires i have ever ridden on, very nice off-road, very surprising. On the road, not a good idea. without the traction control i would probably crash my bike. on the wet? the Karoo 3 are ok but felt sometimes unexpected, one good point - the best looking dual-sport tires on the market. Anakee 3 were absolutely amazing on the road, as well on the wet, maybe the best tires i have tried on the wet. I would not recommend to use them off-road at all, at the top, unpaved roads but that's it. I have done 10,000 miles on the K60, I hated them from the first moment. the strangest thing was that the bike was less comfortable, on the road it was really a nightmare, the profile is so bad that after 3,000 miles they were bloody flat, I started to ask myself if I have ever turned left or right :) The K60 are very noisy as well, not as much as the Karoo 3 but it was very annoying. On the wet? OMG, I'm glad I'm still alive, it felt like two plastic rubbers covering my wheels. Off road? the K60 were ok but not more than that. I would expect tires that are so bad on the road and on the wet to be amazing off-road but not in this case. Karoo 3 are way better than the K60 off-road. TKC 70 - best all-around tires on the market, no doubt a about it. How good on the road? It reminds me Supermoto behavior sometimes, I swear. the engine guards met too many times the asphalt with the TKC 70 installed, in a good way :) Supersport bike riders asked me many times "how the hell have you just passed me by on that corner"? Off-road? very surprising, I was riding earlier this year on the the beach sand and i was completely shocked! very very surprising. On the wet as well, very easy to trust on. taking corners feels like the road in dry. The TKC 70 are also very quiet, the only thing I can hear when I'm riding is the wind and the Akrapovic exhaust :) I have done with the TKC 70 12,500 miles already and it still in good condition, I can do 1,500 more easily. Another thing, the tic 70 are very stable on high speeds, on 140 Mph I felt very safe. being on more than 100 Mph with the Karoo 3 or the K60 is a terrifying mission. the Anakee 3 are also very good on high speeds. No doubt I found my favorite tires. I hope I helped you guys! Gad Peleg, Israel.
Hi Fortnine-I noticed you didn't mention the Mefo Explorer tires. Why did they stop making these awesome tires in the States? I have to order mine from the Netherlands now. I appreciate all your hard work and dedication to all types of riding and riders. Maybe mention the Honda Transalp every now and then. Underrated but awesome.
The first time we have had a difference of opinion, I think the K60 is the worst adventure tire I have ever owned. No worries keep up the amazing work.
For those of us running tubes in adv tires, it would be very helpful to comment on how stiff the sidewalls are as in which ones will be a major PIA to service roadside w/ small hand tools 100 mi from the nearest shop.
I just had to stop the video at the K60 portion, after you mentioned wet weather performance. A common practice with racing tires is siping, (sp?) small razor cuts into the tread that allow it to flex and mate with the roads surface even under wet conditions. At least that's how I learned it, I'd love to know if any MC riders sipe their tires.
I agree. He seams arrogant and he might be but is very technical. His sense of humor is complicated but funny many times. His tone of voice and face doesn't help him but once you watch his videos if you are open mind you will get hooked.
Trackmaster rear, Pirelli Mt front for life. I replace my rear tire every 800 miles and I ride 50/50. One bad crash in mud convinced me to spend the money to just buy tires that work in the worst conditions I ride in regardless of how often I need to replace them.
The K60 scout in the sizes for the KLR650 doesn't have a continuous tread patch in the center at all (front or rear), instead has alternating lugs crossing over the center (like a Michelin CrossClimate 2, if you're familiar with all-weather car tires). Should probably be better than the others in terms of hydroplane.
Great videos ForthNine, down to the point with actual usable information. Now here the thing, I am going to change my Mitas 07 on my 1994 Honda Africa Twin 750cc, because although very good off road and on the dry pavement, wet asphalt even in summer Mediterranean temperatures is a real struggle. Honestly I am touring but wonder off now and then on dirt road mountain pass, so its 80/20 or 70/30 split for me. I was going to go with TKC 70 but after your info on the front wobbliness (same reports from others) I am now thorn between K60 Scout and Shinko 705. I what about Dunlop Trailmax k760 nobody is talking about them anymore? So, if you can be bothered what would be your choice? Longevity is not really a big factor. Thanks buddy and keep those videos coming.
Hey! If longevity doesn't bother you, go with the Shinko 705. Much easier on the wallet and much closer to the TKC70s that you're avoiding. I reckon the K60s will annoy you on the rainy rides. ~RyanF9
so after about 17.000km on the K60 Scout on my DR 650 (got a 130 rear without that center belt) and i think thats enough to give a little experience based review. -whats good: the onroad performance. i can keep up with fast sportsbike riders, it always grips, no matter the condition, you can ride in the wet like you can do in the dry. my bike is heavily modded and has tons of torque now. in the wet the tire never spun out on me ever, even when i really tried. in comparison: i had the conti trail attack 2 before and i couldnt even give it quarter throttle in 4th gear at 65km/h without having the tire spin. seriously one of the best and most versatile road tires. also very transparent, you can feel everything the tires are doing, even with spongy suspension. -whats bad: offroad performance. it performs pretty well when its new but after 2000km its as good as a slick tire offroad. and thats in the dry. seriously... 5th gear, 120km/h on gravel and it just spins. front tire is pretty okay though. in the wet... just dont even try. clogs up immediately and thats it, then you really have a slick. its no fun in the dirt on the 650. its really fatiguing because youre constantly trying to not lose your balance because youre slipping. ever locked up the breaks down a deep sandy hill? thats the feeling. ive tried it on the DR125 of a friend and i think thats where it belongs. -whats meh: longevity is not as long as i hoped. after 9000km the first rear tire was bald but i rode it another 3000km because i didnt have the money for a new tire. was still okay to eat kilometers on the highway but nothing more. im on my second rear right now and im really trying to find a tire thats like the K60 on the road but better offroad, even if it would last only 8000km... id have to change it at least twice a year then but i really want to go climb some hills
You should watch Chaparelle motorsports 15 off road tire review. They rate the K60 Scout as the worst tire of that list. Lasts long though. It's on youtube, search it. Personally I'm going with the MotoZ Tractionator Adventure, as I really want to be able to do any kind of off road terrain and I love close to miles of trails and don't need to canyon carve my ADV bike.
All great suggestions unless, like me, you have an older BMW F650gs single that has a 100/90-19 front and 130/80-17 rear, needs tubes and you can't find a good option to save your life! The Continentals have the right size and are tube type, but the majority of my riding (70-80%) is on-road.
I was in Nova Scotia and drove down a trail at the end of the road. The trail kept getting steeper. Alas it wasn't a trail but a water run off down to the ocean I had the continentals and with any lesser tyre my bike would still be down there. They wear fast but not as fast as dunlop606 or pirelli mt21's which are even better off road. I had mt21's and they were amazing off road but would hum and speed wobble at 120km/hr you had to drive slower or faster. The importance of choosing the continentials are will you have to pass through some nasty stuff during you journey or at the end. I drive dual sport to go places others can't. I drove across Canada on some Metzlers I can't remember the model but they made my Klr handle great on road and wore slowly, but they were death offroad.
+FortNine 6 hrs of offroading at my local offroad park is enough for me in one day. 1 hr fighting big rocks and dips on black diamond trails is enough for me
Thanks so much, I took your advice and bought the K60's. I had the Dunlap 606's and they were way too much for my riding, too noisy, too much vibration. The k60's are better in the wet than the 606's so that's not an issue. The k60's are so nice on the pavement and your right they are very good off road. Thank you again.
I tried a Shinko 700 rear, didn't really think it was good value. It was pretty cheap but it just didn't last very long. I changed it to a Mitas E-07 which works better off-road, works about as well on-road, costs a bit more but lasts a LOT longer. Currently I'm changing bikes and looking into tyres, the Battle Wing 502 looks like a pretty good choice for road orientated and I'm thinking that the Mitas E-07 might still be a really good choice for 50/50 mixed riding.
k60 in the smaller sizes are great ie without the solid center strip. The center strip makes it pretty much worthless off road in anything but perfectly dry dirt roads. In smaller sizes with the strip its a GREAT tire on and off road. Mitas e07 is my new go-to tire (ktm1190R).
Nice to hear Shinko being praised, well said. I've used 705's on my TDM which is heavy, and my DT230 which is light. Perform far better than the price suggests. Hard to criticize.They are amazing on the DT, all surfaces. And they don't mind being run soft if it gets a bit rough. Cheers, enjoying your vids..
THIS JUST IN... Heidenau JUST started making the K60 scout in the OEM size for Bonneville T120's: 100/90/18! That's actually a big deal and will definitely be my next set. (They're so new, the US distributor for Heidenau has only seen 5 go through so far.)
Trailside repairability is a critical consideration in choosing a DS tire. Some are nearly impossible, others less so. Yet 5:30 into this video, and not a word about that.
Product link and video timestamps:
0:10 - Bridgestones Battle Wing 502: frt9.co/yxznhd
1:52 - Shinko 700 Series Dual Sport Tires: frt9.co/sv69q9
3:32 - Heidenau K60 Scout Dual Sport Tires: frt9.co/nq3tyn
5:12 - Continental TKC80 Twin Duro Rear Tire: frt9.co/4ns9i1
6:11 - Kenda K760 Trackmaster II: frt9.co/ohn6yb
I ride year-round on pavement, and year round off pavement, but I don't want to swap my tires between commuting and my weekend ride. I have been avoiding the K60 because of it's poor performance on wet pavement; that's like 1/3 of my riding. I'm on the Anakee III tires now, and am happy with them on road. Any suggestion for similar road performance but improved off road performance?
Wtf is a kilometer
Help Fortnine can i use tkc70 3.00r21 with a tube where as it's a tubeless tire ?
@@ToolinAround I know your comment is one year old, but anyway, it is something whole normal world is using. Try it.
m to km, m to cm, or mm. It's simple. Just move comma.
@@CommieHunter7 Don't believe everything you read! The set of K60 Scout's on my DL650 V Strom do very well in the wet. That center strip "issue" is way overblown.
We need a 2020 version of this awesome video! :D
I second this!! Ryan, please re-do some of your best of vids!
@@andyostertag Hi! And may I ask what is the type of riding you do? 50/50 as the tire intended or something else? And what kind of bike do you ride? I suppose it is better meant for advs or small advs but what does that even mean hehe? I ride a drz 400s btw. Thanks in advance!
@@pirmaiscalispagalma1479 70% dirt/hard pack/fire road. 30% hwy on the xr650l. Thinking of selling bike in spring to minimalize leaving me with a solitary 2017 cb500x which will have similar tire replacements when ready. For the easy off roading I do, the 500x meets my needs. Actually better on loose gravel as it is 100lbs heavier than the xr with a bit wider tires. Turning the page
I'm looking for 2021 right now lol
We need a 2021 version!
Now we need a 2024 version!!
Brother, you are quickly becoming my go-to guy for product reviews!! After watching this video, I put the Heidenau K60 Scouts on my BMW R1150GS Adventure -- and couldn't be happier!! Perfect all-around tire. Great on pavement -- actually much better than I expected -- and great off road. THANK YOU!!!!!
The quality of your videos has always been incredible. Big congratulations from Quebec!! JF
Special Thanks to our Host for Excellent, succinct reviews! - So, I have run so many different dual sport tires over the years and have pretty much always felt that spending the money on the best Dual Sport tires was analogous to extending my own life! Recently, I tried the Shinko 700 (shown by our host) both 21" and largest 18" on my highly modified XR650L w/full soft luggage & geared to it's tallest (low compression 675cc, stage 1 cam, Fox bomber/Q4, jetting, airbox, CRF450 front forks, Shock & forks professionally revalved for fast riding, big tank and so on). Running air pressure 27ib (front) 25lb (rear) worked stunningly well both on highway (plenty of controlled drift warning) and offroad in demanding terrain of all kinds save that of heavy mud (which I haven't ridden in here in Southern Oregon)... Lowering the pressure a bit more to 21lbs (front), 18lbs (rear) improved off road stability markedly... On the downside, though not by much, I have noted that on cold mornings, the Shinko's needed time to warm up before they ramped up to their normal, excellent road adhesion (excellent for what amounts to a 60 - 70% or better offroad tire anyway). Additionally, when the rear gets down to 30% remaining tread or less, expect a squirrely ride offroad especially on the shorter wheelbase XR650L... I find I'm replacing Shinko rear 3 to 1 over the front depending on rides (rear, every 2k miles, front 6k miles) but at around $110 for BOTH front and rear on sale at places like BikeBandit, it's hard to go wrong with this nearly perfect tire set for smaller Dual Sport / Adventure bikes such as my modded XR650L... Might also note that I used the heaviest duty tubes I could find with these tires and I am 6' 1" at 230lbs for anyone wondering...
I had the tkc80s on my hypermotard and absolutely loved them both on and off road. The rumble goes away after a few hundred miles. Due to the soft compound, they stick extremely well to the road even while leaned way over and obviously hookup great off road. The only bad part is the rear doesn't last long compared to how much they cost, especially the 180 width at $200. Shinko makes a very similar tire for much cheaper, but only up to a 150 width.
I'm running the Mitas e-07 on my Africa Twin and love them. Excellent all round tyre and hammers the Heidenau off road.
How do the Mitas tired handle for long distance trips on the road?
Rode a few hundred kilometers on a flat rear Scout on my R1150gs, two up with full kit. It was my first time loaded as such, so assumed the slight softness in the corners was due to that fact. Aside from it's wide ranging capacity, as mentioned in the video, this became another reason to have it as my go-to tire.
This is the best review I've seen so far, I guess I'll be getting the Scout K60.
You can't beat advice from an experienced user, but adding to the mix someone who is good at explaining things, now there's a winner!!
Keep up the good work, and DO NOT and I mean DO NOT let manufacturers sway your opinion with $$$ and a wink
"i really regret getting k60s for my bike."
-no one ever
+MidnightSun ADV I just bought a set, haven't put many miles on them yet or taken them off road. But why do you regret getting them, what kind of riding do you do, and what would you have rather gotten?
no you misunderstand
+MidnightSun ADV Oh right, my bad lol
Shinko 700 is my JAM!
I've used a few different Shinko tires on my bike and I have to say, they're really good quality. The 705's are one of the best mostly on road tire out there. Never had a problem with grip on road dry, wet, or cold. I also took them in the gravel a few times and they performed well.
I was a little worried when you didn't start with the K60s but then you saved it! The K60s are nothing short of amazing. I and all my friends use them exclusively. I live in Vancouver and ride a big heavy Varadaro 1000 and these tires last under weight and power. Great video! Subbed
+Mike Price Great to hear! I'm getting a pair of K60s installed on my bike this week :) ~RyanF9
I chose the k60 scout after watching your review, spot on. Big thanks!👍👍
Very good review. Well done, sir. I installed Shinkos on my NC750X after the OEM tires were dead by 7000km. I stuck with Honda's brief and installed 009 Ravens sport touring tires. Even though they are 100% street, they can still handle the occasional dirt road. That reflects my riding needs. On the NC, turn-in is a little more abrupt with these and overall the steering is somewhat heavier, but the differences are not radical. If online reviews are to be believed, I can expect a long life from them,. They seem like a well-made, quality product which makes the gentle price that much sweeter.
Just finished up a TKC 80 front and K60 Scout rear on my NC700X. Lasted just bout around 10,000 miles. Loved the front. Loved the even wear time. Didnt love the K60's sketchiness in the wet. It also squares off when it gets really worn down.
Dude, I'm so glad I clicked on the ad linked to this video! I've been shopping around for new tires for my triumph scrambler and this video has given me a lot to consider. Im second guessing the TKC 80s after what you have shown me. But aside from that Im fully down and subscribed to your channel! Everything about your videos, production, knowledge and personable, its 100%, not to mention Canadian!! Im so stoked to see it all go down starting on May 1st. Plus you have seriously got me thinking of doing a MotoVlog of my own on the west coast and interior of BC.
Anyways can't wait to see what comes in the future!!
+Christos Sagiorgis Glad you enjoyed it! You should definitely do that MotoVlog out in BC. I grew up riding in the Okanagan and it's still my favourite place to ride :) ~RyanF9
Ryan you know your tires ,i used the k60 scout tires to Argentina ,and 80%of bikers that did agree on its longevity and durability. ty Ryan
I run a K760 on my pitbike and i have to say, the offroad grip is very good and it allows wheelies both on pavement and in the dirt without having to try too hard
I always find it difficult to choose the right tires, My main road bike Is the HondaST1300, my dual sport a Kawasaki KLR 650 love both these bikes! Thank you for the information on tires, truly helpful!! Enjoy all your videos!!!
I'm riding on tkc80s on mostly pavement with a 650 honda, great grip on every surface, practicly the same speeds through twisties as my sport touring bike with street tires. Ofcourse louder and wears faster, fits my needs anyway since I do not rack up kilometers on both bikes that i could ever wear out a set of tires over two years. Love to have the posibility to take a trip down to the lake via fire roads and still feel in charge. Totally worth it and looks awesome.
I have the shinko 700 tires on my bike. Very good tire. It performs great on the road and does get a little loose off road but isn't bad. I have a 250.
Always like your videos thank you
You are young but you've ridden a lot and you are an expert on your field.
About the Contis, I completely agree on the rear but on the front you get way more milleage and as you say the perform very well on and off.
I put a set of K60's on my 07 VStrom DL1K at the start of last season, I love these tires ! I've had Bridgestone Trail wings(factory OEM) Pirrelli Scorpions(awesome 100% road tire) and due to a puncture, a metzler Tourance rear(also early end due to a puncture). 16000 Kms on original Bridgestones, 14000 Kms on the Pirrelli on the rear 24000 on the front, 10000 Kms on the metzler rear and so far 7500 on the set of K60's, they still look and perform like brand new ! The K60's blow them all out of the water both on road and off !
+StromRyder13 Good to hear, especially from a fellow Stromtrooper! I just ordered a set of K60s for this season :) ~RyanF9
@@FortNine I'm going with the shinko 700, so far all of the reviewers I've seen claim 5 to 7 thousand miles, I'll test the capabilities in a month we have a trip planned going through the ozark trails, after that it will be used for commuting, fingers crossed it'll hold up.
As an old Honda Transalp owner, I was a long time fan of the ol' Anakee 2. Since I discovered that Heidenau makes winter scooter tires (and they're damn good, got K66 for my electric maxiscooter) this season out with the worn Anakees and in with the K60s.
When you lifted up the Shinko 700 i got all excited, i'm picking up a bike in the near future and want to put some dual sport shoes on it. The Continental's and Perellis were all that regularly came up and recommended. Then i researched and dug my way upon the Shinko 700s, and had a feeling they might be right for me.
Then here i sit and you pull up the very tire, and your review is bang on what i was hoping they were, i got that thrill of when you see someone awesome wearing the same shoes, or riding the same bike, as if it somehow means i get to share in your awesomeness and talent, which of course is absurd, i simply stumbled around like a blind buy in bar and tripped into a busty embrace. This video reassures this blind guy that it is indeed a desirable and good tire and not a... trap.
I really love your videos. You guys are my #1 go to source for everything related to my WR250r, thank you for your great content
I had the K60's on my 07 V-Strom DL-1K and loved them. Having them put on my brand new KTM 1290 SA-T before I pick it up ! Awesome ADV tire !
A friend of mine cut some shallow sipping, about 4-5mm deep and about 5mm wide, into his 150/70-17 K60 scout along that centre line of chevrons, at each narrow section. He said it handles the wet a lot better now. Something for Heidenau to think about!
I'll also note that Shinko makes the 804/805 series now, they are the low-cost version of the TKC80.
+Adam W Interesting! I would LOVE to see Heidenau throw some siping onto the K60s next year. Not sure I'm brave enough to take an X-acto to my tires in the meantime haha. ~RyanF9
+FortNine He bought a special siping tool off Amazon to do it, it's called the Ideal Tire Gripper. I've also heard some tire shops will do it for you. www.idealtiregroover.com/
it's really awesome to see riders from Canada. i've been watching all the big motovloggers but none of them show canadian places, products, ETC. definitely subscribing, keep the great videos coming!
I went over to the dark side this spring and put Shinko 700's on my '09 KLR 650. I like them, I like them a lot. Handling is right up there with my favorite Metzeler Sahara's. Except I get a full set of 700's delivered for the price of one Metzeler.
Excellent comparison video! Well done.
K60 user here. I have been riding a 2006 1200GS since July of last year. I put Shinko 705s on it immediately as it needed tires when I bought it. The price was right, and it is a pretty good road tire...great feel in the curves, even with panniers and a passenger. Wore the first rear out in 3000 miles, and got 3500 out of the second (front was at 50% after both rears). I did not ride it off-road (no real previous off-road experience in 40 years of riding) until earlier this year. When it came time to replace the Shinkos, I researched options and selected the K60, mainly for the expected longevity but also for a bit more confidence as I learned to cope with off-road challenges. I was not disappointed with the off road abilities (keeping in mind my lack of experience and limited exposure), and they have inspired confidence in those conditions. I live in Southern California so have not tested their wet road capability (I habitually slow waaaaay down when its damp out anyway). The one let down is mileage...replacing my rear this week at 5700 miles and it is at the wear bars and squared off like a car tire. I'm replacing it with another Scout (the front is still around 75%) because of the dirt, and will try to alter my riding style a bit to extend the miles.
First I thought , Who is this prepubescent guy? Has he ever ridden a motorbike? But he is actually a great presenter and full of knowledge
Haha I had the same reaction a little bit. "he seems arrogant" haha but now that I've watched more of the videos, and particularly the bike reviews I'm super impressed with his knowledge and video panache'. :)
Us old farts need to look to our laurels! The younger generations always will surprise us otherwise.
Samuele Marcora same, I'm looking to "re-tire" my drz, good info
At 2:28 He mistakes wear bar indicators for reinforcement bars, LOL
Not sure you're right on that. There looks to be too much tread depth below for that to be a wear bar. Besides, he knows his stuff.
One of the best review I ever saw, thanks.
I had Shinko's on my 09' GSA. Enjoyed them until the big blocks started to DELAMINATE! Yup, I read some people had that problem,but took a chance anyway.I no longer take that chance. I went to Heidenau K60 Scout and loved them and had no problems.
I am pretty new to the Motorcycle world, I'm looking at a 250 dual sport i'll that I'm going to be purchasing as a first bike in a month or so, And I feel that the shinko would be perfect for what conditions I live in (Desert like area, Coachella Valley, with sandstorms and rain within the seasons, and all of those things". I'm trying to look at videos to construct a budget, as well as making sure I have everything ready to enjoy for the following years, Your videos have helped me a lot and I can't wait for the future content! :D
Yeah, I think the Shinkos would work great for you! Congrats on getting into the motorcycle game ... happy riding and stay tuned for more content :) ~RyanF9
FortNine Would you say they would also work for minor off-road use? Such as riding in dirt, dunes, washes, etc? Or should I get another tire for that?
The Shinko 700s are great off-road! They'll go pretty much wherever you want them to. Really thick mud and sand dunes are a bit of an Achilles heel ... but that's the case with almost every 60/40 tire. ~RyanF9
+FortNine how does the shinko 700 compare to bridgestone trail wing
Tough question to answer - there are a lot of Trail Wing variants out there. Which one do you mean? ~RyanF9
Thanks, that is it ! You got me convinced, I am replacing both front and rear with Heidenau Scout, that is what I have now, so clearly based on my ride pattern and your explanations I already have the best for my 1200GS.
I have the Heidenau K60s on my Vstrom 650 and like Ryan says, these tires are the shit. They are just awesome.
Mine of a tiger 800 xc, and agree K60's are amazing.
It's always odd to me that videos like this, reviewing D/S tires, never include the Dunlop D606. It's described as a 90% off-road and 10% on-road tire, but it does both pretty well. I had a pair on a 1985 XL600R and that thing would chug trough anything off-road, like a tractor. The first couple of times that I encountered some soupy GA mud with them, I tried to spin around and play in it, but it would just dig and wheelie. They were a bit noisy on pavement, but handled admirably, all things considered. It even dug through snow and ice well, only getting away from me once, but I was drifting around a field and claim the blame for that one. It never gets mentioned, but the D606 has been one of my favorite D/S tires for 15 years...
606's we're used in Baja 1000 for years XR's Only Hesperia the Al Baker Experts
i have a d606 on the front of my TW200, pretty sure it will have an infinite tread-wear life
I took my D606's off today and put on a TKC80 front and Mitas E-07 Dakar rear. I live in a snow/ice region and the D606 tires were horrible on snow and ice. Great in the mud and on the logging roads and trails. There were ok on the pavement. You forgot to mention that the Dunlop D606 tires which are 90/10 tires are DOT approved. I still have tread on my Dunlops and will go back to them if the new tires aren't any better for my needs which are more a 70% off road 30% paved road style of riding. I agree that Dunlop makes a darn nice tire. My bike 2013 Husqvarna TR650 Terra
We need a 2024 version of this video!
TCK80 is like chewing gum! they are amazing on & off road.. can't go wrong.
I really like my Metzeler Enduro 3 Sahara. They have great onroad performance as well as good offroad performance. They also have great self cleaning.
My new to me 19' vstrom xt adv came with the battlewings and they do great on road with deep leans and on gravel roads full of ruts and potholes down or up hill.
Tyres ... Always a personal choice ... But, I have to say, I'm in love with the Heidenau K60 Scout on my Triumph Explorer 1200! I've had the Michelin Anakee 3, Pilot Road 4, Dunlop Road Smart 3, Heidenau K76, Metzeler Tourance Exp and the Heidenau K60 Scout ... The last one was the best tyre overall - for me. And, they're quite cheap too ^^.
Good video mate. Every forum I go onto seems to turn into a Mitas e07 vs k60 argument. So I was a bit surprised not to see the Mitas on your list. Perhaps next year...
It was not a goodyear for the mitas
I thought the Heidenau K60 Scout was the best dualsport/adventure tyre on the market that is until I tried the Motoz Tractionator GPS. Absolutely brilliant tyre onthe pavement or inthe dirt, wet or dry. And they last forever on my F800GSA. I won't use anything else now.
An update on this would be awesome
Spot on assessment of the TKC-80.
I found the K60 Scout to give good mileage and traction, but still too noisy for me.
Best combination of civility, longevity, traction and price for my DL650 V-Strom is the Metzeler Tourance.
I may revisit the Heidenau's on the strength of your recommendation if I have a long dirt adventure in mind.
Thanks for your insight!
Your videos are very very well done... keep up the great work you’re doing awesome!
Today I got the k60 scout rear and shinko 705 front on my 2018 DRZ400SM yes I put offroad tires on 17 inch gold wheels. I haven't got them installed yet but from this video, I'd say I made a good choice
Heidenau K60 scout on the rear, Continental TKC80 up front. That is a solid combination, I have a few videos to prove it. Lol. Dirt on, and if you ever make it to Southern California let me know and let's go ride.
I loved my Shinko 244 set. Great 50/50 alternative to the Shinko 700 tires.
Been using them for years...... value for dollar really, really hard to beat.
I ride a K760 rear on my 2000 XR650R that's over bored to a 670, I find that fir a dirt tire I love it and it lasts well on the pavement
Heidenau K60 Scout is great, i got a flat rear tire at 80mph on the highway, it stayed stable and i had no problem rolling to the safe zone on the right. This Scout is really tough.
I had a front blow out on my Heidenau I dumped it wasn’t pretty but it wasn’t the tires fault I love the tire though
Found this channel by suggestion. What an awesome reviewer
Just picked up a pair of Heidenau K60s for my 2011 Tiger 800XC. I commute daily but plan to do a lot more off roading this coming year. A will ride from Northern CA to Death Valley and then plan to do a bunch of off roading in Death Valley. Should be a pretty good test. I currently run the Michelin Anakee 3s and love them for their on road performance (daily commuting). The idea is to use the Anakee 3s October through February and the K60's in the spring, summer, and early fall.
Hey! Do you have a follow up?
brilliant video very informative ......im buying the hidenau k 60
4 years later but you didn't mention the Suzuki DR650! Bad FortNine!! JK love the videos!
I chose the TKC 80 because it fits my Vfr800 none of the others offer a 180 rear tire. use it only in winter for snow and muddy county roads. 2200 miles and has lost half of its tread. but it sure works great and looks good. Paid 165 for the rear tire with free shipping.
Found this clip very usefull. have the Heidies K60 Scout on 1200 GS, apparently made for South Africa terrain.. very nice ride. Handles like a beast in dirt, BUT STAY AWAY from wet road, unless you know how to drift!! Like riding on soap in wet..
Did 90/10 road though and managing 34000kms!!!! Its crying for change now though.. still looking for another replacement...something more road bias though.. thanks for the review!
In the last 2.5 years, I have gone through the following tires on my 1190R
K60 - Great Highway mileage, light off-road, not fantastic in Mud.
MiTas E-07 and E-09 - Great Off Road grips into everything confidently. Not too Bad on the highway but wears pretty quick.
Golden Tyres GT723 - Great Off-road, lots better than Mitas imho. Great mileage on the Highway but squiggy on the highways especially on the painted lane markers .
Personal Favorite currently GT723.
Try it and would look forward to a proper feedback from a decent off-road rider as yourself Ryan.
And tires we tested in the South East Asian terrain (Malaysia and Thailand) where clayey and slippery mud are a big thing here.
Great Video, good information. Take a look at the Michelin T63 on dual sports. Long lasting, not expensive, good on and off road. Only real downside is it can howl at speed on the road till it breaks in.
I know the video is old, but the Heidenau K60 trouble is still there. Bought them for my Yamaha XT660 and the smaller sizes don't have the closed band around the centre. So it has the bublebee sound like the Continental. Will go for the K76 next time. Belgian gravel paths have dropped in my route plannings anyways and in Germany they are mostly closed for motor traffic anyways.
k60s are the bomb. best tire of any kind that i have ever ridden
The Shinko 700's are absolutely wonderful on a CRf250L
Nice format. Informative and engaging.
I could see a good play for those chunkier tires if you can trailer your bike to your favorite off-roading location; ie, reduce the need to put it on pavement in the first place.
Next time...Mitas e07 and e09...great tyres! 👍
Mitas e07 are tire to go! They are a little bit noisy, but not anoying. Work great on pavement an I still can´t believe some of the muddy steep hills I've climbed with my Honda NX400 Falcon. They really work great for intermediate offroad! I haven't noticed any loss of wet pavement performance when comparing to more street oriented tires (I didn't shoose the k60 Scout because of it's poor wet performance). I Have 6K miles on them of mixed riding (60 on 40 of road) and they look new. Cannot recomend them more!
I have a Husky 701 and like to mix and match tires, with a less aggressive rear and more aggressive front, as the fronts last longer than the rears. My go to setup is a Motoz RallZ on the rear and their Desert HT on the front. My 701 would chew up an IT on the back in no time, but the front lasts decently well. Big thumpers get decent traction on the rear, and on any heavy bike off road that gets ridden briskly we need all the front traction we can get 😆
You haven't spoke about the legendary Continental TKC 70, for sure the best one on the market.
I have tried the following tires on my R1200GS:
1. Karoo 3
2. Anakee 3
3. K60
4. TKC 70
I found the Karoo 3 are the noisiest tires i have ever ridden on, very nice off-road, very surprising.
On the road, not a good idea. without the traction control i would probably crash my bike. on the wet? the Karoo 3 are ok but felt sometimes unexpected, one good point - the best looking dual-sport tires on the market.
Anakee 3 were absolutely amazing on the road, as well on the wet, maybe the best tires i have tried on the wet. I would not recommend to use them off-road at all, at the top, unpaved roads but that's it.
I have done 10,000 miles on the K60, I hated them from the first moment. the strangest thing was that the bike was less comfortable, on the road it was really a nightmare, the profile is so bad that after 3,000 miles they were bloody flat, I started to ask myself if I have ever turned left or right :)
The K60 are very noisy as well, not as much as the Karoo 3 but it was very annoying. On the wet? OMG, I'm glad I'm still alive, it felt like two plastic rubbers covering my wheels. Off road? the K60 were ok but not more than that. I would expect tires that are so bad on the road and on the wet to be amazing off-road but not in this case. Karoo 3 are way better than the K60 off-road.
TKC 70 - best all-around tires on the market, no doubt a about it.
How good on the road? It reminds me Supermoto behavior sometimes, I swear. the engine guards met too many times the asphalt with the TKC 70 installed, in a good way :) Supersport bike riders asked me many times "how the hell have you just passed me by on that corner"?
Off-road? very surprising, I was riding earlier this year on the the beach sand and i was completely shocked! very very surprising.
On the wet as well, very easy to trust on. taking corners feels like the road in dry.
The TKC 70 are also very quiet, the only thing I can hear when I'm riding is the wind and the Akrapovic exhaust :)
I have done with the TKC 70 12,500 miles already and it still in good condition, I can do 1,500 more easily.
Another thing, the tic 70 are very stable on high speeds, on 140 Mph I felt very safe. being on more than 100 Mph with the Karoo 3 or the K60 is a terrifying mission. the Anakee 3 are also very good on high speeds.
No doubt I found my favorite tires.
I hope I helped you guys!
Gad Peleg,
Israel.
Hi Gad.....what about the TKC70 front tire when cruising at high speed (140 km/h and more)…….I've heard the front tire tends to wobbleThanks!
Hi Fortnine-I noticed you didn't mention the Mefo Explorer tires. Why did they stop making these awesome tires in the States? I have to order mine from the Netherlands now. I appreciate all your hard work and dedication to all types of riding and riders. Maybe mention the Honda Transalp every now and then. Underrated but awesome.
You sir just earned a sub. Thank you for the info!
The first time we have had a difference of opinion, I think the K60 is the worst adventure tire I have ever owned. No worries keep up the amazing work.
Excellent reviews.... I always enjoy watching your reviews
Fully agree with you on the TKC 80
For those of us running tubes in adv tires, it would be very helpful to comment on how stiff the sidewalls are as in which ones will be a major PIA to service roadside w/ small hand tools 100 mi from the nearest shop.
I just had to stop the video at the K60 portion, after you mentioned wet weather performance. A common practice with racing tires is siping, (sp?) small razor cuts into the tread that allow it to flex and mate with the roads surface even under wet conditions. At least that's how I learned it, I'd love to know if any MC riders sipe their tires.
Awesome tire review!
I ride a BMW R1150GS Adventure with a K60 Scout on the read and a TKC 80 on the front for good traction on dirt.
Any chance we could get an updated video?
Karoo 3.
Do it.
Best rear tire I've ever used.
I agree. He seams arrogant and he might be but is very technical. His sense of humor is complicated but funny many times. His tone of voice and face doesn't help him but once you watch his videos if you are open mind you will get hooked.
Trackmaster rear, Pirelli Mt front for life. I replace my rear tire every 800 miles and I ride 50/50. One bad crash in mud convinced me to spend the money to just buy tires that work in the worst conditions I ride in regardless of how often I need to replace them.
The K60 scout in the sizes for the KLR650 doesn't have a continuous tread patch in the center at all (front or rear), instead has alternating lugs crossing over the center (like a Michelin CrossClimate 2, if you're familiar with all-weather car tires). Should probably be better than the others in terms of hydroplane.
loved the video! very professional and helpful!
+Mister Monkey Moto Thanks! ~RyanF9
Well, just put some Dunlop 605 on my DRZ400S. And went back to the OEM Bridgestones on my DL1000A. Not into sand or mud but love the gravel.
Great videos ForthNine, down to the point with actual usable information. Now here the thing, I am going to change my Mitas 07 on my 1994 Honda Africa Twin 750cc, because although very good off road and on the dry pavement, wet asphalt even in summer Mediterranean temperatures is a real struggle. Honestly I am touring but wonder off now and then on dirt road mountain pass, so its 80/20 or 70/30 split for me. I was going to go with TKC 70 but after your info on the front wobbliness (same reports from others) I am now thorn between K60 Scout and Shinko 705. I what about Dunlop Trailmax k760 nobody is talking about them anymore? So, if you can be bothered what would be your choice? Longevity is not really a big factor. Thanks buddy and keep those videos coming.
Hey! If longevity doesn't bother you, go with the Shinko 705. Much easier on the wallet and much closer to the TKC70s that you're avoiding. I reckon the K60s will annoy you on the rainy rides. ~RyanF9
twinturbotare xxx
Brilliant presentation, you will go far mate!
so after about 17.000km on the K60 Scout on my DR 650 (got a 130 rear without that center belt) and i think thats enough to give a little experience based review.
-whats good: the onroad performance. i can keep up with fast sportsbike riders, it always grips, no matter the condition, you can ride in the wet like you can do in the dry. my bike is heavily modded and has tons of torque now. in the wet the tire never spun out on me ever, even when i really tried. in comparison: i had the conti trail attack 2 before and i couldnt even give it quarter throttle in 4th gear at 65km/h without having the tire spin. seriously one of the best and most versatile road tires. also very transparent, you can feel everything the tires are doing, even with spongy suspension.
-whats bad: offroad performance. it performs pretty well when its new but after 2000km its as good as a slick tire offroad. and thats in the dry. seriously... 5th gear, 120km/h on gravel and it just spins. front tire is pretty okay though. in the wet... just dont even try. clogs up immediately and thats it, then you really have a slick. its no fun in the dirt on the 650. its really fatiguing because youre constantly trying to not lose your balance because youre slipping. ever locked up the breaks down a deep sandy hill? thats the feeling. ive tried it on the DR125 of a friend and i think thats where it belongs.
-whats meh: longevity is not as long as i hoped. after 9000km the first rear tire was bald but i rode it another 3000km because i didnt have the money for a new tire. was still okay to eat kilometers on the highway but nothing more. im on my second rear right now and im really trying to find a tire thats like the K60 on the road but better offroad, even if it would last only 8000km... id have to change it at least twice a year then but i really want to go climb some hills
You should watch Chaparelle motorsports 15 off road tire review. They rate the K60 Scout as the worst tire of that list. Lasts long though.
It's on youtube, search it. Personally I'm going with the MotoZ Tractionator Adventure, as I really want to be able to do any kind of off road terrain and I love close to miles of trails and don't need to canyon carve my ADV bike.
All great suggestions unless, like me, you have an older BMW F650gs single that has a 100/90-19 front and 130/80-17 rear, needs tubes and you can't find a good option to save your life! The Continentals have the right size and are tube type, but the majority of my riding (70-80%) is on-road.
I was in Nova Scotia and drove down a trail at the end of the road. The trail kept getting steeper. Alas it wasn't a trail but a water run off down to the ocean I had the continentals and with any lesser tyre my bike would still be down there. They wear fast but not as fast as dunlop606 or pirelli mt21's which are even better off road. I had mt21's and they were amazing off road but would hum and speed wobble at 120km/hr you had to drive slower or faster. The importance of choosing the continentials are will you have to pass through some nasty stuff during you journey or at the end. I drive dual sport to go places others can't. I drove across Canada on some Metzlers I can't remember the model but they made my Klr handle great on road and wore slowly, but they were death offroad.
15 hr days on a bike? That is brutal. Good work
+Albert Tran Haha yep ... I normally enjoy the first 10 hours. Everything after that is just will power. ~RyanF9
+FortNine 6 hrs of offroading at my local offroad park is enough for me in one day. 1 hr fighting big rocks and dips on black diamond trails is enough for me
Thanks so much, I took your advice and bought the K60's. I had the Dunlap 606's and they were way too much for my riding, too noisy, too much vibration. The k60's are better in the wet than the 606's so that's not an issue. The k60's are so nice on the pavement and your right they are very good off road. Thank you again.
I tried a Shinko 700 rear, didn't really think it was good value. It was pretty cheap but it just didn't last very long. I changed it to a Mitas E-07 which works better off-road, works about as well on-road, costs a bit more but lasts a LOT longer.
Currently I'm changing bikes and looking into tyres, the Battle Wing 502 looks like a pretty good choice for road orientated and I'm thinking that the Mitas E-07 might still be a really good choice for 50/50 mixed riding.
k60 in the smaller sizes are great ie without the solid center strip. The center strip makes it pretty much worthless off road in anything but perfectly dry dirt roads. In smaller sizes with the strip its a GREAT tire on and off road. Mitas e07 is my new go-to tire (ktm1190R).
Nice to hear Shinko being praised, well said. I've used 705's on my TDM which is heavy, and my DT230 which is light. Perform far better than the price suggests. Hard to criticize.They are amazing on the DT, all surfaces. And they don't mind being run soft if it gets a bit rough. Cheers, enjoying your vids..
THIS JUST IN... Heidenau JUST started making the K60 scout in the OEM size for Bonneville T120's: 100/90/18! That's actually a big deal and will definitely be my next set.
(They're so new, the US distributor for Heidenau has only seen 5 go through so far.)
Trailside repairability is a critical consideration in choosing a DS tire. Some are nearly impossible, others less so. Yet 5:30 into this video, and not a word about that.
I'm running Shinko tires on my cruiser, they're legit. They ride as nice as the German tires that came on the bike.