12 replies to this topic

[masterbrewer]

Hi Guys

After procrastinating now since 2006, I've finally taken the plunge & fitted a Heidenau K60 140/80 17 rear to the TDM instead of replacing the poor mileage Korean made TKC 80 for aud$ 80 less @ aud195. Previously got an extra 3k's out of German made ones.



Before even riding on them, first impression is how deep the tread is, how soft the rubber feels, how much larger the diameter of the tyre is to the TKC although 6k worn in that shot, the Heidenau seems even larger than the 18" IRC GP110 Trailwinner 4.10S18 front.

I like the aggresive tread pattern too, as I hate to be turned back on a ride for lack of grip.

Mmmmmm..............large rear................... small front.................what handling problems have I now created maybe..????

I was always worried about fitting a 140/80 on a 4' rim, until I found a rim manufacturer quoting they are OK, as well as several Oz GSA guys saying that "BMW" are actually happy fitting + or - one tyre size is OK with them.

Expected tyre life is 13k (+) compared to the TKC 7,500kms(easy riding, < 5k a bit more spirited)

My style of riding doesn't create altra small "chicken strips" on the side of the tread as seen by the rubber nipples in the side lugs of the TKC in the photo, so the question of running out of side rubber on cornering isn't a worry either.

So?..........................................

I hope to be able to keep you informed.

Cheers

Edited by masterbrewer, 23 January 2008 - 10:02 pm.

[robelst]

I had K60 on my Africa Twin a few times; everybody said I was mad fitting such "cheap rubbish" but I also think they are excellent. An Africa Twin will always be a poor off-roader but these tyres made it fun to try it anyway. Not even too bad on tarmac

[Jonc]

I also use K60-s, both front and rear. The front one is actually a rear tyre that is mounted reverse. I am absolutely pleased with these cheap tires. Though I have no comparison with other dualsport tires...these are my first. I've ridden them one summer (about 7000km). They can handle gravel, some mud, sand, dry tarmac pretty well. The only problem is wet tarmac, where it feels a little bit too slippery.

[masterbrewer]

G'Day Jonc

So far I'm really pleased with the K60's on both dry tar & dirt. They have changed the handling of the TDM so much that they install much more directional stability & confidence on all dirt surfaces than the "floaty feeling" TKC's

Unusual though that they seem to work better at a higher pressure of 34 psi compared with the TKC's working better on dirt at lower pressures.

What pressures do you run Jonc?

Cheers

[TonyDevil]

wonder if they make these in the correct sizes for my S10
need a new set of tyres there soon

[TonyDevil]

pig looking for truffles

truffles found

i'll be popping over to the tyre guy in reading and ordering a set me thinks

[Jonc]

What pressures do you run Jonc?

34-35 Psi and 15 psi on snow

[masterbrewer]

34-35 Psi and 15 psi on snow

Hi Jonc

Sorry, I should have been more specific, do you vary your pressures for different surfaces apart from snow (which would not be a reality for me in south Oz) ie with all our sand; hard packed & occasionally mud (can't remember the last time I road mud though)?

I'm getting the impression so far with them that I don't have to any more.

Hey Tony ......................glad I could help (indirectly, thanks erdferkel ) that's another few bonus points for when I can see my way over there for a ride.

Cheers

[TonyDevil]

Hi Jonc

Sorry, I should have been more specific, do you vary your pressures for different surfaces apart from snow (which would not be a reality for me in south Oz) ie with all our sand; hard packed & occasionally mud (can't remember the last time I road mud though)?

I'm getting the impression so far with them that I don't have to any more.

Hey Tony ......................glad I could help (indirectly, thanks erdferkel ) that's another few bonus points for when I can see my way over there for a ride.

Cheers

lol as long as you aint coming over between sept08 and april09(coz it'll be on the med coast, somewhere between UK & Israel) the S10 will be here all kitted out waiting for you

[masterbrewer]

If you happen to over shoot Israel, I can show you some real good scenery in the Flinders Ranges.

I'm heading up there early April with some "Dirt Bike World" guys and should come back with lots of photo's for the next ride report.

Only trouble with those boys is that they all want to "race everywhere" & not take time to "smell the roses".

Be interesting how the TDM handles the mountain tracks with the KTM's, Dr's & Dominators .

[TonyDevil]

i wish that would be one hell of an overshoot

good luck tho, i'm sure you'll keep up with them

[Jonc]

Hi Jonc

Sorry, I should have been more specific, do you vary your pressures for different surfaces apart from snow (which would not be a reality for me in south Oz) ie with all our sand; hard packed & occasionally mud (can't remember the last time I road mud though)?

I'm getting the impression so far with them that I don't have to any more.

No, I've not tried to vary pressures as I have not had the feeling I must do it.