Kenda k657 challenger tires

[thebrandonbeezy]

So ive used kenda tires before, and i liked them. But never on a bike that weighs almost 700 lbs with me on it. My question is, is this tire going to last? Will it be safe with such a heavy/powerful bike. The price for the matching set in proper size for my 1000g is only 120 and free shipping at the moment and really fits my budget well.

[Nessism]

I've heard that those Kenda's are evil in the rain. No direct experience though.

Shinko's have a better reputation and are a similar price.

[steve murdoch]

A number of members give poor reviews of the k657 in this old thread.

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/archive/index.php/t-206206.html

[mmattockx]

But never on a bike that weighs almost 700 lbs with me on it. My question is, is this tire going to last? Will it be safe with such a heavy/powerful bike.

Kenda says they are not recommended for high load carrying capacity motorcycles, but I would say that is a lot heavier than 700lb all up. If you can look at the tires they will have a Load Index number on the sidewall. This page shows what the code equates to in pounds: http://powersports.kendatire.com/en-...l-information/

Kenda doesn't publish the load index for the K657 on their website that I can find, so you need to actually look at the tires in question and see what they say. Personally I will second the recommendation for the Shinkos. I put a set of 230's on my 1100E last summer and they have been great. Scrubbed close to the edges and no visible wear yet in a bit over 2500km. For comparison, the BT45's I took off had the rear shagged with a big flat spot after about 6000km. Based on my experience with them so far I will be replacing this set with the same thing when they do finally wear out.

Also of note is that Shinko states the 230's are designed specifically to carry high loads for long distances. My 100/90-19 front has a load index of 57 (507lb) and the rear 130/90-17 has a load index of 74 (827lb). Those numbers should let you sleep at night regardless of how much you load your bike up. The Shinko tire info is here: http://www.shinkotireusa.com/tire/230-tour-master


Mark

[cowboyup3371]

And Shinko for the win - if you are on a budget

[thebrandonbeezy]

Looks like the shinko 230 is rated for 19mph faster too, that'll do pig, that'll do. Hahah

[smilinbrad]

450.jpgI put a set on my 450A last year. Only manufacturer that could give me a matching set for my sizes. I didn't expect much but they have worn nicely (5,000+ miles) no cupping, no squared off shoulder, lots of tread left. The rear was even two years old when I received them. The guy that changes my tires said the rear was so hard to mount that I should sell the bike before it needs to be replaced. The spoke rim apparently needs a deeper channel for the bead during mounting. Not an issue with the tire itself. If I use them again, I'll consider mounting the front reversed rotation as the rain grooves seem backwards.
I've purchase Shinkos before but haven't put enough miles on them to have an opinion. Now those Dunlop 404s, I've had lots of experience with them. Not a high performance tire but a dependable, predictable service tire for my riding.

[Steve]

I try to not even allow Kenda Challengers on my property (not always successfully). If anyone asks me to do a test ride on their bike to diagnose a problem and I see Challengers on it, I will politely decline. I treat them as rim protectors that keep the rims from making marks on my shop floor.

I am way down the list of "fast, sporty riders". Not much grass grows under my bike, but I am FAR from keeping up with some of the riders here. Atendees at the last Ozark Rally can verify that. However I have had Challengers slip on me more than once ON DRY PAVEMENT. If a tire gives up THAT easily, I have no use for it.

Shinko 712 and 230 tires are priced about the same as Challengers and have an amazing smount of grip, especially considering their price. The tradeoff is longevity. Bwringer tested a pair of 230s and found them comfortable,predictable and grippy, but they only lasted about half the miles of his favored Avons. Shinkos are cheaper to buy, but Avons are cheaper per mile.

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[gregp]

shinko 712!....(mic drops to floor)

[thebrandonbeezy]

(Pics mic up off the floor, theyre expensive...) so im definitely leaning tward the 230 at this point, even though its the most expensive of the two (712 and 230) its still in my budget and has a higher speed rating. Not that i really need that but its nice to have haha

[bwringer]

I try to not even allow Kenda Challengers on my property (not always successfully). If anyone asks me to do a test ride on their bike to diagnose a problem and I see Challengers on it, I will politely decline. I treat them as rim protectors that keep the rims from making marks on my shop floor.

I am way down the list of "fast, sporty riders". Not much grass grows under my bike, but I am FAR from keeping up with some of the riders here. Atendees at the last Ozark Rally can verify that. However I have had Challengers slip on me more than once ON DRY PAVEMENT. If a tire gives up THAT easily, I have no use for it.

Shinko 712 and 230 tires are priced about the same as Challengers and have an amazing smount of grip, especially considering their price. The tradeoff is longevity. Bwringer tested a pair of 230s and found them comfortable,predictable and grippy, but they only lasted about half the miles of his favored Avons. Shinkos are cheaper to buy, but Avons are cheaper per mile.

.

Exactly what I was going to post. There are very few crappy tires these days, but the Kendas are indeed unadulterated crap.

Get you some Shinkos!

[Steve]

Right now, I have 230s on all four of the GSes in the stable. If purchase price is your sole criteria, the Shinkos are a good choice.
I have only run 230s, but know a couple of riders around here that have 712s, they like them, too.

My current set of 230s should last through this upcoming season, then I will be switching to something that lasts a bit longer, as we are planning a motorcycle vacation for 2018 that involves a trip that is approaching 7000 miles. Definitely do not want to be scheduling tire changes for three bikes on the trip.

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[thebrandonbeezy]

Right now, I have 230s on all four of the GSes in the stable. If purchase price is your sole criteria, the Shinkos are a good choice.
I have only run 230s, but know a couple of riders around here that have 712s, they like them, too.

My current set of 230s should last through this upcoming season, then I will be switching to something that lasts a bit longer, as we are planning a motorcycle vacation for 2018 that involves a trip that is approaching 7000 miles. Definitely do not want to be scheduling tire changes for three bikes on the trip.

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My buddy did the same last year on his 68 triumph. Used the "old school avons". Vero to cali and back. Tires wore perfect and are still on the bike today. Given his bike only weighs 270 wet (he built the frame from chromoly) his wifes 82 sporty 1000 had the same avons and theyre still perfect too. You get what you pay for, i think just the rear was 170?!?! Now those tires would certainly be out of place on my gs, but im sure this good quality is shared throughout the avon lineup?

[thebrandonbeezy]

The orange and black one we (98% him) built he literally road it to cali 2 days after getting it started for the first time ever.. to go to born free 8..


That last one was on "burnout" road in Memphis tn on his way back. I have family there and i met up with him by chance haha anyways. Probably will switch to avons down the road but im on a tight budget.. which is why i asked about the kendas.. and im glad i did. Thanks guys

[Steve]

Oh, just so there is no misunderstanding, the "something that lasts a bit longer" will not be Avons.

Either going to be Michelin Commander2 or Dunlop E3. Will have to change the back wheel for either one of them, but I know for a fact that the Dunlop E3 will outlast even the Avons. I had three sets of them on my Wing, two sets went over 23,000 miles, the third set would have gone that far, too, but I was leaving for Mississippi and already had 20,000 miles on them, so I changed them early.

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