Sun Mar 16 06:11:00 1997 - Message No. 504
From: Marcel_Sieling@d.maus.de (Marcel Sieling)

Subject: tires for RD04


Hi,

>I'm looking for new tires for my AT RD04 built in 1992. Can anybody give
>me some hints or a list which tires I can use in germany.

There was a posting here on the list, which I quote here, because I think it is
of interest also for the new users here:

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Tyres for the Africa Twin

The information is based on an article in the german magazine motorrad 10/96.

The test report treated five different tyres:

* Bridgestone Trail Wing TW 101 / TW 152
* Dunlop D604 Trailmax
* Metzeler Enduro 4
* Michelin T66 / T66X
* Pirelli MT 80

Note that local laws may not allow usage of every tyre !

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Here are their results:

   * Bridgestone Trail Wing TW 101 / TW 152
     Real "allround" tyre. Neutral curve handling and average grip on wet
     and dry roads. But worst durability of all tested tyres.
   * Dunlop D604 Trailmax
     Good adhesion on wet and dry roads. Top position in safety and curve
     driving. Quite low durability and problems at high speed usage.
   * Metzeler Enduro 4
     Best durability of all tested tyres but still good adhesion and
     neutral cruising. Serious problems in curves if used on a heavily
     loaded bike with two persons.
   * Michelin T66/T66X
     Average durability and top rating in cruising on asphalt roads. No
     problems with heavy load but not too good on wet roads.
   * Pirelli MT 80
     Good durability and average results on normal cruising. Problems with
     wet roads and heavy load.

In addition to the tested tyres the Michelin Desert has to be mentioned.
It's an off road tyre and for real enduro trips (as its name tells) it
seems to be the one and only choice as all the other ones mentioned above
are more or less not applicable there. But you'll have to order quite long
before you need it because there are only some weeks of production every
year.

As my personal result of the tests performed by motorrad and the results of
the mailing list I would recommend the Michelin for normal long distance
trips with mainly good road conditions. It offers good stability and is
rather durable.

A serious alternative would be the Metzeler Enduro 4 with its even longer
durability or the Bridgestone Trailwing with a bit better gravel road
optimization.

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Furthermore here are some technical specifications because lots of people
asked me:

   * Front:
        o Dimension 90/90-21 54H
        o Air pressure 2.0 bar

   * Rear:
        o Dimension 140/80-17 69H
        o Air pressure 2.0 - 2.5 bar

Air pressure may be decreased down to 1.5 bar while off road usage.
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take care - Marcello.


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