Kenda tire...OK?

[Rusty]

I have purchased a Kenda 761 150/70/17 for my 1983 GS1100E. This is replacing the Michelin Pilot that I completely wore out this past riding season. I know Kenda is an economy tire, but I read lots of posotive reviews, especially for older bikes.
Well...my friend is really ragging me about this purchase. So I am looking for more voices...advice from my peers. Was this a good or bad purchase? I ride (commute) lots, when the weather permits....a few thousand miles per season.

Thanks for the help,

Rusty

[BassCliff]

Hi,

The Kenda 761 are dual sport tires, meaning that you can get down the occasional gravel or dirt road with a little better footing than a pure street tire. They are more popular with the KLR crowd (I have a friend with a KLR who uses these tires), but decent on the street, good wet grip. You can expect 5000-7000 miles from the rear tire. I think they are a lot of "bang for the buck". When spending only $100 for a set of tires, these are about the best you can do. Feel free to show your friends what these tires can do.

In fact, I think I'll use these tires on my KLR once I get it going.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Rusty]

Yea, they are NOT the dual sport...they must be the 671 series. I get the numbers mixed up.

[BassCliff]

Yea, they are NOT the dual sport...they must be the 671 series. I get the numbers mixed up.

OK. Then nevermind.

I did a cursory Google search for Kenda 671 reviews. Seems the rear lasts about 6000 miles. Examples:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=426905

http://forums.ninja250.org/viewtopic.php?p=795273&sid=c668ccaaaf3c907f0e9b320019e4dc03

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[bwringer]

They'll be fine.


Hint: you can't hear your friends yammering if your helmet is on and you're out riding somewhere else away from these Negative Nellies.

Shinko makes really good cheap tires too.


On a related matter, assuming the bike is stock, stuffing a 150/70-17 on that rim is a Very Bad Idea (the correct size is 130/90-17). The tire profile will be all squashed and the bike will handle like poop.

If you've installed a wider swingarm and wheel from a later model, then never mind.

[Rusty]

thanks for tire advice.
I am putting the 150/70/17 on the rim because that is what is on it now. What is the main difference in the tier sizes?
I am NO expert on tires.

Thanks
rusty

[Steve]

I am putting the 150/70/17 on the rim because that is what is on it now. What is the main difference in the tier sizes?

The difference in tire size is that the correct tire (130/90-17) will sit on the rim with a natural curve to its profile.

By fitting a wider tire (150 vs 130), especially with its lower profile (70 vs 90), you will be pulling the beads closer together to fit on the rim. Pulling the beads together will change the profile of the tread, making it into a tighter radius. This actually makes your contact patch smaller, which is not what you are trying to accomplish.

Too many times, one of those dreaded "previous owners" will put on a larger tire, thinking it will have better traction. What they don't realize is what happens when they squeeze the beads together. The bike will also handle differently because the wider tire will change the support point when in a corner. Because the support point is farther from the centerline, you will have to lean the bike farther (using more effort on the handlebars, I might add) just to maintain balance in the turn. Since the amount of lean is rather finite, you actually reduce your cornering ability, along with the size of the contact patch by using a tire that is too large for the rim.

Oh, since you admit you are "not an expert" with tires, don't be afraid to ask. Many of us have been down that road before and would like to help prevent others from making the same mistakes. Besides, you will gain more respect by asking for advice than later having to admit your dumb mistakes.

.