Recommended DOT Knobbies for TE511

[mlorenzini]

I'm still on my stock Michelin Enduro Competition tires. I've never seen them before and I don't know if they are available in the U.S. or not. I'm just wondering what everybody likes for DOT knobby tires for a TE511. I have a lot of deep sand out here in my part of New Mexico, but I also ride some rocky single track occasionally. Thanks for any advice.

 

[jerbear610]

Moto Z IT Enduro or ST Enduro. Both are good off road and DOT. The Intermediate is probably more suitable for rocky s/t.

 

[Dangermouse449]

You will amazed by the extra grip of anything else compared to the Michelins....
The ones fitted new on my TE449 were like rocks & the knobs snapped of at the case rather than wore out.

 

[shilo020]

Motoz Tractionator Endero I/T

 

[Tinken]

The Golden Tyre 216AA Fat Tire is one of the best front tires I have ever tested. It will out preform the MX51 as well as most other motocross fronts while still maintaining a DOT legal tire. Sand, mud, wet grass, no problem, all feels like hard pack and the tall side walls allows you to climb out of deep ruts with ease. We sell so many it's hard to keep them in stock. We ordered 100 of them and they are in stock now.

We also have a DOT legal 140 width Fat tire for the rear, but I cannot remember the number, best to call us.

 

[JRW]

How does the fat tire wear? Any more or less than any other DOT knob?

 

[rabskyline]

d606.

 

[bensl]

Dunlop 606 or Michelin ac10. I preferred the michi.

 

[Dangermouse449]

Depends on your usage in your area.
Personally, I'm about 98% bush riding, loam, sand, grass, clay, dry powdery dirt & creek crossings are all in our areas.

I run Pirelli MX Extra X Fr & Rr (90/100 & 110/100). They like it all except wet rocks....

Wear doesn't concern me, if it doesn't wear out, it's not gripping.

Had an early type Motoz Tractionator on my WR450 a few years back, it was like titanium!
I could not wear it out, even a 50m stand-up burnout on bitumen had little effect.
No grip from it what-so-ever

 

[underwatersimon]

I agree it really does depend on your usage.
Just put a set of soft S12's on and they have been working pretty good. The rear has been especially good at getting me out of places I really shouldn't have been in the first place.

I've tried the 606's on previous rides but I prefer them on a smaller bike like a crf230L. I would say that the 908 is actually a better front and the rear is tough as nails. Really wouldn't put either on a 511 though.

I haven't tried the motoz or golden's mentioned above yet but they do look more promising than any DOT approved rubber I have seen in the past. Seriously considered the golden's this year but I got a short stack of the S12's for not much $$$.

Sand is something we don't really see much of here so I can't really comment on that.

 

[JRW]

What do you guys think of the stock Michelin Comp? Went on my second ride today and went down no less than 4 times single tracking in ruts, rocks and grass. Almost everyone was a washout or trying to climb out of a rut. I need something for east coast mountains and not desert.

 

[Swampds]

I second the s-12's. Not dot, but they are very good on the road and in the sand and hold up well. I don't think anyone looks at the tires if you were happened to get pulled over.

 

[Dangermouse449]

What do you guys think of the stock Michelin Comp? Went on my second ride today and went down no less than 4 times single tracking in ruts, rocks and grass. Almost everyone was a washout or trying to climb out of a rut. I need something for east coast mountains and not desert.

They were horrible on my 2011......

 

[JamieHC]

The Michie comps are atrocious. Does anyone check to see if tyres are DOT approved anyway?

I've normally use the Michie S12's and have found they work very well, but I think the Bridgestone MX 203 front MX 204 rear that I currently have on are even better.

I'm going to buy a few sets to have in the garage. Just 'cause.

 

[mlorenzini]

so if I go with the GoldenTyre front, what is a good rear to pair with it? I ride mostly sandy areas with occasional mountain, rocky single track.

 

[mlorenzini]

Tinken, if you remember the 140 rear tire please post. I did call today and the man I spoke to suggested MX51 or 52. I can't even find the MX52 for a 18" wheel.

 

[Tinken]

I ride mostly sand and occasionally really rocky areas such as hard rock face hill climbs, hammers, etc. The problem I have with the 511 is that it is designed as a fast turning enduro bike and wasn't really designed for the sand. This makes finding good sand tires difficult. I have made some modifications to my 511 in order to handle better at high speeds in the sand without washing out. I run my forks all the way down in the clamps and my sag is at 120mm. I have the fat tire on front and a MC5 on the rear. The fat tire front lasts a really long time (most of us, Ty included, are still on our first fat tire). The rear tire isn't going to matter as much as the front, but you are going to want an open soft pattern on the rear similar to the MX51 or the Motoz IT's. MX 52 is for a 19" rear. MX 51 is for the 18" and is really good. The MC5 is basically a MX51 made out of very hard rubber which won't wear on the street, but will chunk in desert rock. It's going to be a trade off in the rear. Deep dry sand typically does not go with DOT unless it's a Motoz. 606's and MX71's spin in the sand like slicks, but work great on dirt and rock. You will love MX51's, but you will hate the wear.

I do have a 908RR mounted up on one of my spare rear wheels, but this is a hard core racing tire and takes some getting used to in the sand. I agree with UWSimon, this tire is not only tough, it's the best desert race tire money can buy, but it's not a good fit for your application.

 

[mlorenzini]

That's Tinken for that very thorough answer. When you say you drop the forks, does that mean they are flush with the triple clamp? What is the effect of this? I found the stock sag to be already set up at 2" in front and 4" in rear without any changes which is what the manual calls for right?

On another note, I have had fuel boiling several times when I come home from a ride. Any suggestions to address that issue? I also seem to have a bad valve on the fuel air line/overflow as I get lots of pressure build up. Is there a better valve to put on there?

 

[Tinken]

That's Tinken for that very thorough answer. When you say you drop the forks, does that mean they are flush with the triple clamp? What is the effect of this? I found the stock sag to be already set up at 2" in front and 4" in rear without any changes which is what the manual calls for right?

Flush with the top triple clamp. This and lowering the rear sag changes the geometry attack angle of the 449. The G450x had a much less steep angle and preformed better in the sand because of this, but didn't turn tightly in rocky tight conditions. Rear race sag of 4" (101mm) is okay on the mx track or enduro trails, but not in the sand. Try adjusting your rear sag down to 4.5 or 4.75 inches. Forget the manual, use what works for you.

On another note, I have had fuel boiling several times when I come home from a ride. Any suggestions to address that issue? I also seem to have a bad valve on the fuel air line/overflow as I get lots of pressure build up. Is there a better valve to put on there?

See here: http://www.cafehusky.com/threads/511-gas-boiling.44056/#post-428175

 

[Tinken]

These are the two rally fat tires we have.