Unstable tires on gravel.

[Revolverman]

My Kawasaki klx 250 has stock Dunlop 603 on the front about half worn and a 603 on rear worn out.

My questuion is this, why does the front 603 feel so unsteady on gravels and my vintage Yamaha 75 model original trail tires feel so steady ?

I am getting ready to order d 606 for the rear and something for the front but would like to have a more stable tire for gravels.

Looks like knobbies whould hold well on gravels, but I can tell you if I were not careful, the bike would come out from under me.

I even tried less air in front and it did not help.

Wonder why this is ?

Thanks for any help/advice. And if you know of a good tire for the front, that will work well on gravels and dirt/mud, wet leaves please tell me.

Is this just a trait with knobbies on gravel ?

Revolverman.

[Lurch77]

It's a compromise to make a tire good all around, but not great in any. The stock "Deathwings" (Trailwings) that were on my XT350 were poor off road, but OK on road. I switched to Kenda Trail Masters front and rear. Now I am super stable off road, but it tends to float around on pavement. You'll find reading reviews for various dual sport tires that they all have a trade off somewhere. You'll have to decided where you are willing to give up something.

[JeepFreak81]

My front Knobby feels fine....I can't for the life of me remember what one it is though.....it's the match for my Dunlop 606 rear though which I love! But I do more dirt riding than road....I mostly commute to work and trail ride it. Oh, btw - I ride a Suzuki DRZ400E

Also, suspension setup can have just as much to do with traction as tire choice. The best tire in the world won't help you in the dirt if you suspension is setup all wrong. I can't speak to the street cause I don't have as much experience there but I would think it's similar.

[markk53]

With enough gravel of certain types few tire treads or none may be good. Gravel, unlike pavement, is no where near as universal in characteristics.

[Revolverman]

Thanks guys, I have looked at tires for over a week for my Kawasaki klx 250 and have it narrowed down to two brands.

Dunlop D 606, front and rear.

or,

Continental TKC 80, front and rear.

I was really impressed with what I read about the 606 series until I found the TKC 80 series. These TKC 80s are some good, tough looking tires according to all the reviews on them also.

I read where the TKC is a 50-50 type and the 606 is about a 80-20 dirt-street.

I also read that the TKCs are great on gravel and I think I might be on gravel quiet a bit......and the rest will be mostly trail with wet or dry leaves and some soft damp dirt under until it rains of course.

To be honest, I plan on making a riding area in about 5 acres of woods near my home,
(belongs to me) and I really dont want to make it a mud bog over time........the tires I use will determine this I think.

No big deep mud holes or mud slinging for me, those days are gone, just some easy fun hills and trails to have fun in.

The only thing that puzzles me a bit is the description for the TKCs says these tires are for bigger bikes but they seem to have my size also (KLX).

I guess it is because the sidewalls are stiffer maybe according to the description..........any advice ?

Thanks,

Revolverman.