Tires for an 85 K100RS with more aggressive tread

[Beemer01]

Looks like I'm facing 2300 miles of gravel riding with my 85 K100RS this summer :dance as I go and visit the Arctic Circle.

Moto Eddie has graciously offered up info on the tires he used on his Trans Africa trip, and I appreciate it!

However, are there any tires with a dual sport level tread that will work? I've given up on exactly matching the profile/size of the street tires, but I guess that close fits for 17" and 18" dual sport tires might fit?

Anyone tried this that can suggest sizes and brands?:dunno

[JHGilbert]

I was just looking at tires for my K75RT online. Check out the Metzeler Safaris and there were some Pirellis also. BikeBandit.com has a nice sorting feature, although I can't recommend them for a purchase (stupidity on their part and no apology or explanation). They also have tire reviews by customers.

[Beemer01]

I understand the aspect ratio, but as I consider a more aggressive tread for extended gravel road riding this summer - the standard K sizes are simply not offered.

Can I mount a tire with a 3.00" width on the front (2.5 - 18 specified) the same 3.00" width on the rear 2.75 -17 specified).

And apart from mounting, any clearance problems?:scratch

[58058D]

I am certainly no tire expert, other than how to burn through them, but the 3" tire on your 2.5 rim does not seem like a good idea. Mayhaps "okay" on the rear, but not the front, if you could get it even on the rim, then inside the forks, etc. The rear may also rub the swingarm...In either case, they are going to feel distinctly different/unstable than a correctly sized tire...

Several manufacturers list real Dirt tires of the proper dimensions, but show no load rating. Their aspect ratios are also highly questionable for your handling. Donlop's D606 for example at the link below, using two different sized Rears for both front and rear?

http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/tirecatalog_category.asp?id=5

Good Luck
Jim

[motoedde]

Hope this isn't too late...BUT you won't be able to go wider than 140-80-17 on your rear...due to the swing arm clearance.

Also realize that the rear tire you will use when you cross the border into Canada should have no more than 1k miles on it. The paved roads up North are not the smooth tarmac you find in the lower 48...they eat up your tires much quicker.

On the front tire, lowering your tire pressure will have more of an impact on handling than the tread pattern of any dual sport available.