TRF Forums

Some of you may have seen my TBM post on this and thanks for the replies but my head is now reeling from the various suggestions so I though I would come to get some advice. It didn't seem logical to post on both forums (fora?) at the time.

I've got a 2004 WR450 for trail riding and the current tyres are Maxxis MaxxCross - fitted by former owner who trailered on road.
The front is Ok tread wise but the rear is getting well worn.

I need to be able to do maybe 40 road miles to get to the rides and then will be on grass, mud, chalk or gravel normally (South East England). Not expecting much in the way of rocks.

NO enduro or other racing and, as a beginner and getting on a bit agewise, I'm on the slow side so no screaming around, tail slides etc.

Can I have some advice on suitable tyres please?

The Haynes manual says 90/90-21 54R front and 130/90-18 rear 69R but the current ones (it came from Hertfordshire) are 80/100-21 front and 100/100-18 rear so there is a big discrepancy between those.

When I look for tyres such as Trelleborg T644, Michelin AC10, Mitas CO2, Pirelli MT2, I hardly ever seem to be able to match the book sizes so what do I do that is still usable and safe?

Tyre measurements vary manufacturer to region.

Not very helpfull!!

with the Trelleborg armys a 120/90 18 is equivalent to 130/80 18 in metzeler - or a 110/100 18 michelin AC10. I would've thought this to be fine for the rear of the YAM unless others know different?

I'm not sure entirely how it works but one figure is sidewall height the other is tread width then rim size. I just add the sidewall and tread width to get a rough comparison.

I got a part (not much) worn 110/100 18 michelin AC10 if you want it for £10? It's got a lot of life left in it!

the last owner may have been a cheapskate, i would say a min of 120 on the rear of a 450 !! 100x18 is well under tyred , min of 90x90 on the front

use h/duty tubes !!! run with 15psi in both tyres

I must say I was surprised when I saw the discrepancy.

I am leaning towards the Trelleborg Army Trail (Dirtbikebitz also recommended them) but I have taken up jonpaul1st's offer for the AC10 (by PM) as it's hardly bank breaking if I hate it and want to get rid after one ride. I'm probably too insensitive to know how good it is anyway

personaly i wouldnt use trells, they are brill off road, but sh@t on the tarmac, you will be on your arse !!!
look at either pirrelli mt21, or mich comp , if you are doing a lot of roadwork,

dont expect to get over 400 ish miles from any rear tyre you fit on a 450 !

I've seen a few references to heavy duty tubes - can anyone recommend a maker / source for them?

Ta

Dirtbikebitz do them.
http://www.dirtbikebitz.com/michelin-ul ... -8614.html

any bike shop, ebay
michelin, or vee rubber
£12 -£20 ish

Michelin Ultra Heavy Duty tubes - the bead on a the rear tyre failed on my bike and one side complete side of the tyre came off the rim. I rode 7 miles on it until the tyre finally jamed the rear wheel. The tube did'nt puncture!

From previous experience enduro tyres are sized differently a Michelin Comp 3 Enduro Tyre sized 140 x 80 x 18 is the same as a Michelin AC10 120 x 90 x 18

I'm running Michelin trials tyres, any idea as to which is best to go in these? My local shop (TTR in Wantage) has the Conti's but they look thicker than my tyres..., maybe I'd be better off with the Michelins?