[RockyTFS]

I just changed out the stock front Trail Wing (AKA Death Wing) for a Kenda 270 in 120/80 18. Lord, why didn't I do this a year ago?!?!?



No more squirrels under the wheel, no more white knuckles on loose gravel, no more seeking the deepest ruts in the road, better downhill braking...and on and on. Can't wait to see what it does in sand, my heretofore nemesis!



Thanks to all the folks here who also hate the stock front tire!

 

[xdac]

About time!!! I noticed a huge improvement with it too...but now since ive tried a front knobbie tire i wont go back!

 

[RockyTFS]

About time!!! I noticed a huge improvement with it too...but now since ive tried a front knobbie tire i wont go back!

I thought long and hard about which front tire to get, read and re-read every post here on the subject. I decided against the KT 760 because I do a lot of short highway riding to get to the dirt or complete a loop. The 120/80 KT 270 is only about 3/4 inch narrower than the 5.10, but weighs considerably less as it's 4 ply, not 6 ply.



I have not found any odd handling characteristics that were mentioned in threads here, like tendency to turn in quickly or get squirrely on hard corners on pavement. I run 12 psi front and 14 psi rear unless contemplating longer pavement stretches or 2 up. The 120/80 does not have quite as much tread depth as the 4.50, and that may be why it seems fine in corners on pavement...(that and/or the low inflation) I did notice a little faster steering response, but nothing that would cause concern, and after an hour it just felt normal.



I think it's "just right" Now show me some SAND!

 

[chipyting]

My link



Is this a good deal for one?

 

[Phantom99]

Rocky, that sounds good. Keep the info coming. Your last sentence, "show me some sand" is the main reason I have not yet given up on the stock front tire. It has the ideal round profile for handling deep sand, which I am in a lot. In my limited time on the new to me TW, it seems OK on the highway as well.



True, it is a bit iffy on sand-covered hard-pack or loose gravel, but it is a trade-off since full knobbies are usually somewhat squirrelly when pushed hard on pavement.



I'm still considering the #270, but I might try the 5.10 size despite its additional weight. I think it is equivalent to a 130. I want all of the flotation I can get up there for the sand.



Of course deep sand is no problem on narrower tires if you maintain good speed. I want to slow down, though. That's why I have the TW.

 

[Gene-st1300]

So what would be the best match in our rear size ?

 

[Phantom99]

Chip, here is another link with prices.



http://www.tiresunlimited.com/ALL TIRES/Kenda/kenda_k270.htm

 

[PalmStateCrawler]

This is where I buy my tires from. I have a sr244 which is almost identical to the k270 which they also sell.

http://www.powersportsuperstore.com...arching=Y&sort=13&search=sr244&show=10&page=2

 

[qwerty]

My link



Is this a good deal for one?

Not really. Look here. Lower price, same free shipping. Shinko SR244 is cheaper in 5.10-18.

 

[goldenhtr]

Not really. Look here. Lower price, same free shipping. Shinko SR244 is cheaper in 5.10-18.

Just put this on our 2nd TW...FANTASTIC With shipping came in about $62.00



Got it at Bikebandit.com





http://www.bikebandi...-tire?b=1634028

 

[chipyting]

Not really. Look here. Lower price, same free shipping. Shinko SR244 is cheaper in 5.10-18.

Thanks Querty, $57.44 / free shipping = winner!

 

[elime]

Riding 80/20 (asphalt/dirt) how many miles will they last?

 

[goldenhtr]

Don't forget the C6006, fantastic front tire.



Ronayers has some 120/80/18



http://www.ronayers.com/ProductDetails/N/2821/SKU/1191660

 

[RockyTFS]

Rocky, that sounds good. Keep the info coming. Your last sentence, "show me some sand" is the main reason I have not yet given up on the stock front tire. It has the ideal round profile for handling deep sand, which I am in a lot. In my limited time on the new to me TW, it seems OK on the highway as well.



True, it is a bit iffy on sand-covered hard-pack or loose gravel, but it is a trade-off since full knobbies are usually somewhat squirrelly when pushed hard on pavement.



I'm still considering the #270, but I might try the 5.10 size despite its additional weight. I think it is equivalent to a 130. I want all of the flotation I can get up there for the sand.



Of course deep sand is no problem on narrower tires if you maintain good speed. I want to slow down, though. That's why I have the TW.

Most people here who bought the KT 270 went with the 5.10. Since I rarely have to deal with deep sand, I chose the narrower 120/80 because of it's weight, thinking any reduction in unsprung weight would be a good thing. I will probably never push the Kenda hard on pavement, but then I never pushed the stocker hard either.

So far, I can't tell any difference in cornering on pavement. The KT 760 probably would be a different story on pavement.



I think that the performance in deep sand probably won't be much better than the stock tire, but I'm ready to find out! For Rocky Mountain riding I think I made a good choice.

 

[TundraManDan]

Hi,



Interesting Discussion. I have the Kenda 510x18 on the rear of my 87 trials bike and a 325x21 on the front. Measuring it I see that it is very close to the same size as the stock front tire on the TW. However I never realized it was 6ply but looked this morning and sure enough. However, it does not feel exceptionally stiff although 4 ply would be better.



I had the same tires on my XR650L which I rode to work and can tell you they don't last real long on the highway - about 3 seasons at 20 miles round trip per day during the summer months. But, a great off road tire with nice spacing on the knobs.



Dan