So I am thinking about going back to a 50/50 tire, the K270 but I am not sure the size. I know the KLX is 80/100x21 and 100/100x18 but what is the conversion to on the K270? I want to stay as close to stock as possible.

 

I got a mixed (metric/english) set off the rack at a local shop. The rear is a 120 80/18 and the front is a 3.00/21. I think 120mm works out to around 4.5 inches or thereabouts.

They are a good 50/50 tire, I like them better on the road than Dunlop 606 wich was a bit vague on pavement and wore too fast. They do good on dry conditions but the ***** are a bit close so we'll see how they deal with mud in a couple of months. They really sing on the highway though, pretty loud.

 

In Canada the '09 comes with 3.00-21 front, 4.60-18 rear. Sizes do vary from brand to brand but that should be pretty close on the K270.

 

The kenda 270 sizing is all goofed up compared to other brands and what the numbers would indicate., covered on a previous posts.

To sum up my experiences: the 120/80 is a pretty good size for the bike power, has a shorter profile and doesn't gear the bike up too much.

The 4.60/4.50 is real tall and narrow, gears the bike up, increases the seat height, hooks up good when run a real low pressure.

5.10, it fits, but personally think it robs too much power.

3.00 a narrow front that has a fairly stiff strong 4ply side wall
3.25 wider but uses a 2 ply sidewall that is soft, needs more air or it feels squirmy. Definitely want to air it up in pinch flat terrain. I run one with a trials tire on my trail bike because it so soft on wet roots and rocks as an alternative to a too narrow trials front.

 

I think there's a difference between the 4.50, and the 4.60.

I have the 4.50, and it's not tall, or narrow, it's the right height, and width. Almost identical to the stock one.

 

At one time the 4.60 indicated a 4" width and a 60% profile. I got a Yokohama dual sport tire for my old trials bike, getting the 4.60 because it was 2 ply. The tire was seriously low profile.

If you can, go to the tire manufacturer's web sites to see what the actual measured width and diameters are.

Bridgestone is easy, having the specs listed by clicking on the tire detail on the model.

Dunlop is listed with some tire models.

I like and have run Duro tires, the Median HF903/904. They stick well on pavement and grip well off road. If they have a variety of sizes and are, in my opinion after 27,000 miles on them, the best buy you can find. They work better than the likes of the Avon Gripster in the dirt and as good on the road. They sell for about $125 for a set - now with the performance, that's hard to beat.

 

Thanks for the info I will take a look

 

Kenda 270's are popular in the desert, as there is no mud to have to sling, and the slightly-closer-together ***** actually provide good traction on harder off-road surfaces, compared to more knobby tires (like the 606).

However, the D606 powers through soft sand better. The D606 has a much stiffer carcass...so, if you flat, your tire has a much better chance of staying on the rim well enough that you can ride it out.

The K270 carcass is much more flexible than the D606...which helps soak up hard edge bumps, but, if you flat...you may have a hard time riding it very long.

Compromises, compromises. That's what you deal with when you are on a Dual-Sport!