Kenda 270 Review For a Pig (Part 1)

[sparklr]

Hey Sparklr,
Thanks for the review......from one cheap bastrd to another!!
Would I be right in assuming you wore those out on a KLR?
I've been pondering reviews of that Kenda270 for weeks, as I need something new on the rear of my recently-acquired DRZ400s.
I probably ride 50-50 right now, but I hate going so slow on the road as to keep the the nobs on my Kenda 'Carlsbad' from shredding.

Post your first impressions of the new Shinkos ASAP, will ya? Cuz I need to make a decision REAL SOON!!

Thanks!
Greg

Yes, the tires were 2008 KLR abused. From what I read about the Shinko 244's, it sounds as if they will be better than the 270's. From inspection in the garage, the 244 tread pattern is as aggressive if not more, but sturdier on the outside edges as it is missing the soft outer lugs and knobs are somewhat larger. I don't have the 244 front yet as it is backordered, but my first guess is that it will be like the 270 but somewhat better using the rear as a reference. As soon as the front arrives I'll try get an update up, I'd imagine if lucky by next week. Currently an 18" rear is on sale for a damn fine price, PM if you want more info.

I also have new Shinko 700's. Was noted to be a more aggressive off-road tire on another forum and perhaps marketed that way by Shinko. However I disagree with that statement and profess that the 244 is the more aggressive one, and the 700 more road oriented. The 700 IMO is more 70/30 but appears as it would take most off-road well, just not as well as the 244. The rear knobs are good and stiff, not as deep all around and the front feels softer, perhaps better than a Kenda 270.

Kenda 'Carlsbad' :wi:

:hb:

 

[sparklr]

Balancing?

I don't think so??? It wasn't suggested, but seeing two sets do the same thing and the identical wear pattern, I really can't believe that balancing is the issue or at least not correctable by balancing??

 

[bchunter]

I do not think it has to do with balancing as the wheel on my bike was balanced when I got it off the previous owner. I only have 2000 kms on the tire as it was brand new when I got the bike (proven by the receipts that were provided) and some of the lugs are 50% and more worn off. Granted, I don't have that much experience with bike tires but I expected more from this tire. The rear 270 is awesome, it does not show any wear and I put it on as soon as I got the bike, so it has the same amount of km's as the front. Up to now I have ridden pretty close to 50/50 dirt/road, but will be doing more road and I think I will burn the front off pretty quick. So now I am on the hunt for a new front .......

 

[Kitimat KLR]

Just swapped out my Kenda 270 rear and Trailwing 21 front for TKC80's (2006 KLR)

Front Trailwing 21 - 11,972 kms, 3.5mm tread at centre & cupped
Rear Kenda 270 - 12,514 kms, 2.5mm tread at centre & very squared off - a very good tyre for the money (on/off road) ...just howls & screams on the Highway

The TKC's - seem good on road. Tend to wobble inbetween ridges of loose gravel / stones...probably a combination of me & having rounded tyres again! (instead of squared off / flat) ...also had the pressures up fairly high 26 & 30. Also, just put in a new Rear shock (Progressive 465 from onestopmoto.com US$397.95 + 45 shipping ...no tax ding either) ....early impression: my old shock was definately "dead" (35,600kms)
:clap:

 

[hurtin albertan]

I just raced the 270's at the Piston run in Chilliwack and these things hooked up like crazy. They clean out very well. The conditions were very muddy. My Berg 550 pulled crazy hard and not a single chunked knob. My berg usually pulls tires apart pretty quick when racing, but this 270 has held up great. I am still undecided on the front as I haven't had a chance to ride dry conditions with it, I am suspecting it will feel "washy" and not bite. I will post any updates. So far after 700kms I am happy.

 

[hurtin albertan]

I have yet to get the bead on proper. Very stiff carcass. I removed one bead on the rear tire and added rim weights and now the tire has a really weird wobble to it. I popped the bead off again last night and got it to seat better but the wobble is still there. I guess I will try the other bead now.

I am at 1300kms now and the tires are still holding up well other than some slashes developing on the rear.