V7III touring/knobby/ scrambler tires?!

[StevieChoice]

Hey, wondering what other riders have installed on there V7. Having issues finding a set because of the 18" front. Interested in mt60's but no luck yet.
Considering the tkc 70 as well.
Also, how would a touring tire like the tkc 70 affect performance?!
Thanks for your time!

 

[GTM®]

Tire threads are pretty worthless. Guzzi offers the Stornello tires, and I’ve put on Avon AV54 TrailRider Dual Sport Tires for a customer... he liked them. You’ll have to run a rear profile reverse direction for the front in a 110/80-18.

 

[Bill Hagan]

Todd's right about the value of tire threads.

But they are kinda fun.

No clue about the differences between V7 II's and III's, but I have a Stornello.

Only because I was going to do a 1500-mile RT with portions two-up, I R&R'd the OEM tires with Pirelli Scorpion Trail 2's after only 3K miles, with little wear shown.

Before you read the following, remember Todd's caveat: "Tire threads are pretty worthless."

My subjective, anecdotal take is that the OEM's are "better" than the highly touted Pirellis.

Why? Reread Todd's words.

I have to say that I was very surprised by the fine road manners of the OEM knobbies. I had expected decent off-pavement and occasional off-road -- when I got lost or in over my head -- but did not expect them to be so "sticky" on wet and dry pavement when ridden beyond my competence level.

Seriously, several times I have found myself -- code for scream in my helmet time -- entering curves way too hot and just did the right thing of keeping my "faith" in the doctrine. So, I just leaned it over rather than standing it up and praying no one was coming. Once, I was sure I was going to low side, but nope, there I was, just fine (besides catastrophic bladder failure! ).

I have yet to feel that sort of confidence in the Pirellis on back roads in dry or wet conditions. In fairness, I have only had one sphincter-fusing event on the Stornello with them, but that did not involve any real tire-performance issues.

The Pirellis may wear well and may be just fine, but when they cord, I will read some reviews of the latest, but may just put the OEM's back on 'til they wear out.

I am also open to revising my opinion as I get some more mileage on them (I am at 2K now).

As I am bringing a V7 III in to my Moto Grappa later this month, the Stornello will become more of a gravel/dirt road mount, so I'll be looking for the best for that with little need to compromise for road riding beyond "getting there."

["Tire threads are pretty worthless."]

Bill

 

[Adrenalin Sports]

A couple of years ago after buying a V7II I also was trying to find a thread on some knobby tires. I couldn't find anything that anyone had used that worked. After a lot of searching online I decided to try something. I ordered a Heidenau enduro K60 tires. I run a 110/80-18 on the front. When buying it I only saw it advertised as a rear tire. I was going to gamble running it backwards for a front tire. After getting the tire it gives you a direction arrow to run it on the front. It has an arrow pointing to run it one way for a front tire and the oppisite way for a rear tire. It has worked awesome. They handle great on the pavement and I also took it 100+ miles off road to a remote area of the grand canyon. The rear tires is a Heidenau enduro 130/80 - 17. I think I purchased my tires from Revzilla or Rocky Mountain ATV. But appears they are out of stock on the front tire. Quick search found them on ebay. On Ebay it even lists that tire as front/rear.

ebay.com/p/Heidenau-K60-Enduro-Front-rear-110-80-18-Motorcycle-Tire/1225166492

ebay.com/itm/130-80-17-Heidenau-K60-
Scout-Dual-Sport-Rear-Tire/332652695062

 

[StevieChoice]

Todd's right about the value of tire threads.

But they are kinda fun.

No clue about the differences between V7 II's and III's, but I have a Stornello.

Only because I was going to do a 1500-mile RT with portions two-up, I R&R'd the OEM tires with Pirelli Scorpion Trail 2's after only 3K miles, with little wear shown.

Before you read the following, remember Todd's caveat: "Tire threads are pretty worthless."

My subjective, anecdotal take is that the OEM's are "better" than the highly touted Pirellis.

Why? Reread Todd's words.

I have to say that I was very surprised by the fine road manners of the OEM knobbies. I had expected decent off-pavement and occasional off-road -- when I got lost or in over my head -- but did not expect them to be so "sticky" on wet and dry pavement when ridden beyond my competence level.

Seriously, several times I have found myself -- code for scream in my helmet time -- entering curves way too hot and just did the right thing of keeping my "faith" in the doctrine. So, I just leaned it over rather than standing it up and praying no one was coming. Once, I was sure I was going to low side, but nope, there I was, just fine (besides catastrophic bladder failure! ).

I have yet to feel that sort of confidence in the Pirellis on back roads in dry or wet conditions. In fairness, I have only had one sphincter-fusing event on the Stornello with them, but that did not involve any real tire-performance issues.

The Pirellis may wear well and may be just fine, but when they cord, I will read some reviews of the latest, but may just put the OEM's back on 'til they wear out.

I am also open to revising my opinion as I get some more mileage on them (I am at 2K now).

As I am bringing a V7 III in to my Moto Grappa later this month, the Stornello will become more of a gravel/dirt road mount, so I'll be looking for the best for that with little need to compromise for road riding beyond "getting there."

["Tire threads are pretty worthless."]

Bill

Thanks!! Leaning towards Tkc 70's. Only tires I can find that meet sizing requirements and I like the look of( yes...looks matter...tee hee) When you say oem, are you referring to the stock Stornello tires?
Thanks for the humour and wisdom

 

[StevieChoice]

A couple of years ago after buying a V7II I also was trying to find a thread on some knobby tires. I couldn't find anything that anyone had used that worked. After a lot of searching online I decided to try something. I ordered a Heidenau enduro K60 tires. I run a 110/80-18 on the front. When buying it I only saw it advertised as a rear tire. I was going to gamble running it backwards for a front tire. After getting the tire it gives you a direction arrow to run it on the front. It has an arrow pointing to run it one way for a front tire and the oppisite way for a rear tire. It has worked awesome. They handle great on the pavement and I also took it 100+ miles off road to a remote area of the grand canyon. The rear tires is a Heidenau enduro 130/80 - 17. I think I purchased my tires from Revzilla or Rocky Mountain ATV. But appears they are out of stock on the front tire. Quick search found them on ebay. On Ebay it even lists that tire as front/rear. View attachment 16680

https://www.ebay.com/p/Heidenau-K60-Enduro-Front-rear-110-80-18-Motorcycle-Tire/1225166492

https://www.ebay.com/itm/130-80-17-...m4d73a54e16:g:oYEAAOSwi1pbwWzZ&frcectupt=true

Thanks dude. Is the amber headlight legal where you live? So pretty!! I think north of the border I'll get a ticket for that. Very nice stone sir

 

[Bill Hagan]

Thanks!! Leaning towards Tkc 70's. Only tires I can find that meet sizing requirements and I like the look of( yes...looks matter...tee hee) When you say oem, are you referring to the stock Stornello tires?
Thanks for the humour and wisdom

Yes, re OEM on Stornello. I have not changed my mind about those (or the Pirellis) since I posted that.

All of that said, and with due regard for the "worthless" aspects of anecdata and possibly proving I am a bit addled, after 2K+ miles on the V7 III I bought from my brother, I don't find those OEM tires -- Pirelli Demons -- to be the lousy tires many folks say. I have now ridden 'em in all sorts of wet and dry conditions, in as spirited fashion as my age and cowardice permitted, and think they are quite fine, even confidence inspiring.

It is on a trailer "as we speak" -- yes, shameful, but it's a dual-purpose trip -- and I'll put some more miles on it in north Georgia and N.C. in next few days.



Best,

Bill

 

[Erik vd woude]

I have the pirelli mt60 mounted. They are great. Loads of grip.

I really misuse them.. loads of highway miles. For example holiday in southern Europe 3000km autoroute.. but they are great both on the highway as on the mountain and gravel roads

I expected them to become square pretty fast. But they are still fine(ish) after almost 10.000 km.

 

[Vagrant]

after 2K+ miles on the V7 III I bought from my brother, I don't find those OEM tires -- Pirelli Demons -- to be the lousy tires many folks say. I have now ridden 'em in all sorts of wet and dry conditions, in as spirited fashion as my age and cowardice permitted, and think they are quite fine, even confidence inspiring.

that's a true statement, until you try the Conti's.

 

[StevieChoice]

I have the pirelli mt60 mounted. They are great. Loads of grip.

I really misuse them.. loads of highway miles. For example holiday in southern Europe 3000km autoroute.. but they are great both on the highway as on the mountain and gravel roads

I expected them to become square pretty fast. But they are still fine(ish) after almost 10.000 km.

Nice I can only find mt60 rear and mt60rs front. My ocd wants a matching set

 

[StevieChoice]

that's a true statement, until you try the Conti's.

Sir, have you tried the conti tkc70?? If so, what's your opinion?
Thanks for your time!

 

[Erik vd woude]

Nice I can only find mt60 rear and mt60rs front. My ocd wants a matching set

Thats the only way. Guzzi also fits the rough like that

 

[RedHawk47]

Tire threads are pretty worthless. Guzzi offers the Stornello tires, and I’ve put on Avon AV54 TrailRider Dual Sport Tires for a customer... he liked them. You’ll have to run a rear profile reverse direction for the front in a 110/80-18.

I ran this TrailRider combo on my V7II Stone. The front tire looked like a tractor tire, but it worked just fine. At 10k miles on the front tire it still have another 10k miles of tread left, but---I discovered that the rubber between the lugs was cracking, and was so thin that I could see the cord patterns.

Plus there was lots more cracking. I replaced them right away.
Dan

 

[timax]

Im pretty happy with the Pirelli MT60's. Same as the Ducati Scrambler and plenty of grip for me on road. Not a bad gravel road tyre although tread could be deeper for the dirt.

 

[HarryC]

I have the pirelli mt60 mounted. They are great. Loads of grip.

I really misuse them.. loads of highway miles. For example holiday in southern Europe 3000km autoroute.. but they are great both on the highway as on the mountain and gravel roads

I expected them to become square pretty fast. But they are still fine(ish) after almost 10.000 km.

Thanks for the posts Erik, Stevie, Timax. I didn't think I could run radial front with bias rear, but given that is standard on the rough, I guess it's ok.