Welcome to NESR! Most features of this site require registration, including replying to threads, sending private messages, starting new threads, and uploading files. Click here to register.

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 34

DOT Knobby's

  1. #1
    Lifer Jayspeed's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Medford, MA.
    Age
    45
    Posts
    1,155

    DOT Knobby's

    Anyone ever been in the same boat wondering if you should just go full off road tire or stay DOT? I'd like to stay DOT. I'm starting to wonder how much better it would be traction wise with better off road tires than the current stock tires on this KTM. I'm sliding all over the place and its fun to control it but sometimes when I lose the front and wash out I'm thinking its time for better tires. Is there a DOT tire that is almost as good as off road or is there a night and day difference between them? Looking to keep the bike plated.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Jay
    2013 gixxer 750
    2009 Ducati M1100s
    2017 KTM exc-f 350

  2. #2
    Lifer Imbeek's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Southwick,MA
    Posts
    2,441

    Re: DOT Knobby's

    Dunlop 606 for DOT.

    It's sketchy enough (mentally, for me anyway) cornering on pavement with DOT knobbies, never mind tires not designed for that use. They work much better than I had expected, but I still don't know where the limit is and I'm not dying to find out. I just know it's well over the speed limit.

    Pay close attention to your tire pressure if the front is washing out. If it is too high the tire won't work well. Most people run 12psi-ish as a starting point for pure dirt tires. I'm not sure what Dunlop recommends for the 606 (probably more for extended street use) but for dirt use, tire pressure is a trade off between traction and flat tires. I've heard of people riding to the dirt spot at a higher pressure, then dropping some air for the dirt ride, then adding some at a gas station to ride street back home.

    Front end washing out can be due to a bunch of setup issues, too, like fork springs too soft, ride height too high in the rear due to spring rate or sag setting, forks too high in the triple clamps, triple clamp adjustability on some ktms set incorrectly, even clicker settings. But most likely it's simply that you need to learn where to not ask too much of the front tire, if you are new to dirt riding.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Last edited by Imbeek; 09-03-17 at 12:10 PM.

  3. #3
    Lifer typeone's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    central MA
    Age
    51
    Posts
    7,736

    Re: DOT Knobby's

    Motoz Tractionators

    1 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Beta 200RR

  4. #4
    Lifer Jayspeed's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Medford, MA.
    Age
    45
    Posts
    1,155

    Re: DOT Knobby's

    Quote Originally Posted by Imbeek View Post
    Dunlop 606 for DOT.

    It's sketchy enough (mentally, for me anyway) cornering on pavement with DOT knobbies, never mind tires not designed for that use. They work much better than I had expected, but I still don't know where the limit is and I'm not dying to find out. I just know it's well over the speed limit.

    Pay close attention to your tire pressure if the front is washing out. If it is too high the tire won't work well. Most people run 12psi-ish as a starting point for pure dirt tires. I'm not sure what Dunlop recommends for the 606 (probably more for extended street use) but for dirt use, tire pressure is a trade off between traction and flat tires. I've heard of people riding to the dirt spot at a higher pressure, then dropping some air for the dirt ride, then adding some at a gas station to ride street back home.

    Front end washing out can be due to a bunch of setup issues, too, like fork springs too soft, ride height too high in the rear due to spring rate or sag setting, forks too high in the triple clamps, triple clamp adjustability on some ktms set incorrectly, even clicker settings. But most likely it's simply that you need to learn where to not ask too much of the front tire, if you are new to dirt riding.
    I heard the 606's are good! And to clarify my pavement grip preference. There isn't any.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Jay
    2013 gixxer 750
    2009 Ducati M1100s
    2017 KTM exc-f 350

  5. #5
    Lifer Chippertheripper's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    the fairest of havens
    Age
    44
    Posts
    13,897

    Re: DOT Knobby's

    you can get as dumb as you need on 606's on the street.

    I don't run dots.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Cliff's Cycles KTM
    NETRA enduro B-vet
    Close your eyes, look deep in your soul, step outside yourself and let your mind go.

  6. #6
    Lifer Jayspeed's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Medford, MA.
    Age
    45
    Posts
    1,155

    Re: DOT Knobby's

    Quote Originally Posted by typeone View Post
    Motoz Tractionators
    I'll concider these thanks!

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Jay
    2013 gixxer 750
    2009 Ducati M1100s
    2017 KTM exc-f 350

  7. #7
    Lifer Jayspeed's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Medford, MA.
    Age
    45
    Posts
    1,155

    Re: DOT Knobby's

    Quote Originally Posted by Chippertheripper View Post
    you can get as dumb as you need on 606's on the street.

    I don't run dots.
    Right on. I'm not looking for street grip though.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Jay
    2013 gixxer 750
    2009 Ducati M1100s
    2017 KTM exc-f 350

  8. #8

    Re: DOT Knobby's

    I run DOTs....they lean a little better and grip a little better on the sides than knobby (which wash out with minimal warning in a lean)

    I also run the motoZ

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    FREE $10 UBER CREDIT W' PROMO CODE --> PON41
    1994 Yamaha YZ250 CA Street Legal 2-smoke :smoke:

  9. #9
    Lifer Chippertheripper's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    the fairest of havens
    Age
    44
    Posts
    13,897

    Re: DOT Knobby's

    Quote Originally Posted by Jayspeed View Post
    Right on. I'm not looking for street grip though.
    then forget dots. my typical setup is irc ve35 front and m16 rear. traditional knobby patter, the front wears pretty much like iron, and the rear is pretty much the NE woods standard.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Cliff's Cycles KTM
    NETRA enduro B-vet
    Close your eyes, look deep in your soul, step outside yourself and let your mind go.

  10. #10
    Lifer
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Bristol County
    Age
    37
    Posts
    3,470

    Re: DOT Knobby's

    You're relatively new to offroad riding right? I wonder how much of this is the tire, versus how much of this is offroad skills. Learning to read the dirt, pick the line, how much front brake you can get away with etc. And getting used to the front sliding around a little.

    1 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    nedirtriders.com

  11. #11
    Lifer Jayspeed's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Medford, MA.
    Age
    45
    Posts
    1,155

    Re: DOT Knobby's

    Quote Originally Posted by aldend123 View Post
    You're relatively new to offroad riding right? I wonder how much of this is the tire, versus how much of this is offroad skills. Learning to read the dirt, pick the line, how much front brake you can get away with etc. And getting used to the front sliding around a little.
    Well I'm not asking for technique here just experience with dirt rubber. I can imagine that the DOT stuff has its limits compared to pure off road rubber. I guess what I want is a DOT rubber that borders the line of off road. An analogy is race dot's like Pirelli Dragon Supercorsas.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Jay
    2013 gixxer 750
    2009 Ducati M1100s
    2017 KTM exc-f 350

  12. #12

    Re: DOT Knobby's

    I ran the Moto Z from LA to Barstow to Vegas...hard terrain version and it rocked! Definitely a good knobby for being DOT approved

    And chip is kinda correct, if you want the best dirt tire, when will you even be checked for the DOT? Just run a real dirty

    My limited experience in dirt is a fresh knobby (MotoZ or other) is better than any worn tire...I see racers throw kinda meaty tires in the trash for that reason

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    FREE $10 UBER CREDIT W' PROMO CODE --> PON41
    1994 Yamaha YZ250 CA Street Legal 2-smoke :smoke:

  13. #13
    Awesomeness, Inc. MattR302's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    New Haven-ish, CT
    Age
    39
    Posts
    1,644

    Re: DOT Knobby's

    Sorta along this topic, I have an old set of Dunlop 606's that were on the bike when I bought it ~5 years ago, I took them off shortly after I bought it. I'm considering swapping them back onto my spare set of rims for noob dirt riding, they seem in decent condition, no dry rot, but the date codes are '05 and '06. Ride em or toss em?

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!

  14. #14
    Lifer Chippertheripper's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    the fairest of havens
    Age
    44
    Posts
    13,897

    Re: DOT Knobby's

    Quote Originally Posted by breakdirt916 View Post
    I ran the Moto Z from LA to Barstow to Vegas...hard terrain version and it rocked! Definitely a good knobby for being DOT approved

    And chip is kinda correct, if you want the best dirt tire, when will you even be checked for the DOT? Just run a real dirty

    My limited experience in dirt is a fresh knobby (MotoZ or other) is better than any worn tire...I see racers throw kinda meaty tires in the trash for that reason
    Those must be rich racers. I run 2 sets of wheels: training and race. I'm on 3 enduros on the same mt16. I could flip it if I gave a fuck, but having an edge on my tire isn't going to make or break my ride.

    Quote Originally Posted by MattR302 View Post
    Sorta along this topic, I have an old set of Dunlop 606's that were on the bike when I bought it ~5 years ago, I took them off shortly after I bought it. I'm considering swapping them back onto my spare set of rims for noob dirt riding, they seem in decent condition, no dry rot, but the date codes are '05 and '06. Ride em or toss em?
    just ride them if there's still any give to the rubber.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Cliff's Cycles KTM
    NETRA enduro B-vet
    Close your eyes, look deep in your soul, step outside yourself and let your mind go.

  15. #15
    Lifer Jayspeed's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Medford, MA.
    Age
    45
    Posts
    1,155

    Re: DOT Knobby's

    Quote Originally Posted by breakdirt916 View Post
    I ran the Moto Z from LA to Barstow to Vegas...hard terrain version and it rocked! Definitely a good knobby for being DOT approved

    And chip is kinda correct, if you want the best dirt tire, when will you even be checked for the DOT? Just run a real dirty

    My limited experience in dirt is a fresh knobby (MotoZ or other) is better than any worn tire...I see racers throw kinda meaty tires in the trash for that reason
    I'd imagine the DOT would be checked annually here in MA for the street sticker.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Jay
    2013 gixxer 750
    2009 Ducati M1100s
    2017 KTM exc-f 350

  16. #16
    Lifer Chippertheripper's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    the fairest of havens
    Age
    44
    Posts
    13,897

    Re: DOT Knobby's

    pffffffft...

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Cliff's Cycles KTM
    NETRA enduro B-vet
    Close your eyes, look deep in your soul, step outside yourself and let your mind go.

  17. #17
    Lifer Jayspeed's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Medford, MA.
    Age
    45
    Posts
    1,155

    Re: DOT Knobby's

    Quote Originally Posted by Chippertheripper View Post
    pffffffft...
    This season for the first time in my life I got failed for having a spongy rear brake and had to change the fluid to pass on my monster. Just trying to follow the rules and have a good tire.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Jay
    2013 gixxer 750
    2009 Ducati M1100s
    2017 KTM exc-f 350

  18. #18
    Lifer Garandman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Dorchester, MA / Mt Sunapee, NH
    Posts
    13,097

    Re: DOT Knobby's

    Quote Originally Posted by typeone View Post
    Motoz Tractionators
    Best tire name evah!

    "Super Mousse" not so much. MOTOZ Motorcycle Tyres

    Anyone use the IRC BR99? IRC DUAL PURPOSE

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Last edited by Garandman; 09-04-17 at 08:12 AM.

  19. #19
    Lifer Kurlon's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    Waterboro ME
    Age
    46
    Posts
    13,519

    Re: DOT Knobby's

    Kenda trackmaster 2 is a decent DOT rear. Grips well in the woods, wears like iron, is heavy as hell though.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!

  20. #20
    Lifer Jayspeed's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Medford, MA.
    Age
    45
    Posts
    1,155

    Re: DOT Knobby's

    So after riding some serious terrain I'm going full off road knobbies. I'm going to try the m16 rear. Is there any reason to go 120/100/18 vs 120/90/18? I figure reducing pinch flats? Trying to find a good front to go with this. Stock profile is 90/90/21. Again would a tire 90/100/21 be better to reduce pinch flats? I checked out the ve35 and that tire comes with just an 80/90/21. At least where I'm buying my tires from.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Jay
    2013 gixxer 750
    2009 Ducati M1100s
    2017 KTM exc-f 350

  21. #21
    Lifer
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Posts
    16,509

    Re: DOT Knobby's

    The MT 16 is available in both 120/100 and 120/90-18? That's crazy. Seems like such a subtle difference. IMO you are overthinking it. Pick the cheapest or easiest to source and buy.

    I'm running the MT16 rear in 110/100-18 on my KTM 200. I like it. Although I think the 200 favors a narrower tire than larger bikes.
    I'm running the Golden GT 216AA "fatty" in 90/100-21 up front and like it a lot, if you were curious.

    I ran a couple IRC tires that the PO handed me when I bought the bike before that and like this Golden/MT16 combo much better.



    For DOTs I've run the Dunlop D606 and liked them a lot. Great choice for a dual-sport, IMO.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!

  22. #22
    Lifer Chippertheripper's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    the fairest of havens
    Age
    44
    Posts
    13,897

    Re: DOT Knobby's

    You can fit the 120 on a 350. With the irc front/mt16 rear, UBS tube front and whatever I have in the rear, at 13.5psi each end, you'll REALLY have to try and get a pinch flat. I had to go up a few psi with the 4t. And that's me, running that bike as hard as I can in the woodsy bits.

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Cliff's Cycles KTM
    NETRA enduro B-vet
    Close your eyes, look deep in your soul, step outside yourself and let your mind go.

  23. #23
    Lifer
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Bristol County
    Age
    37
    Posts
    3,470

    Re: DOT Knobby's

    I just switched from a 120/100-18 MT16 to a 110 width, trying to quicken the steering. I also had gone 120 thinking it'd reduce pinch flats, but a smaller volume of air ramps up in pressure more rapidly as compressed so I'm not really sure which is better pinch-wise.

    Just pinched another rear (120) at ~17psi on a 236lb dry bike a few weeks ago on a MSR UHD tube, but apparently I'm gifted

    0 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    nedirtriders.com

  24. #24
    Lifer typeone's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    central MA
    Age
    51
    Posts
    7,736

    Re: DOT Knobby's

    on UHD tubes ... the MSR aren't really that thick (~2.25mm), try a Michelin or Bridgestone (4mm) instead.

    1 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Beta 200RR

  25. #25
    Lifer Chippertheripper's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    the fairest of havens
    Age
    44
    Posts
    13,897

    Re: DOT Knobby's

    Quote Originally Posted by typeone View Post
    on UHD tubes ... the MSR aren't really that thick (~2.25mm), try a Michelin or Bridgestone (4mm) instead.
    And a fair amount of baby powder to slip the thing inside your sneaker.

    1 Not allowed! Not allowed!
    Cliff's Cycles KTM
    NETRA enduro B-vet
    Close your eyes, look deep in your soul, step outside yourself and let your mind go.

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. knobby knife
    By slowkermit in forum Dirty Bastards
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 10-29-13, 07:52 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •