Dunlop D616 Tyres

[Man Hands]

I've noticed that a few people have looked into some more 'offroad' capable tyres for the DD in the past with mixed results. I was up for a new set of hoops recently and found a pair of Dunlop D616's for a great price so thought I would give them a go. They are very different tyres with a super aggressive chunky treat pattern. Wet grip is amazing (compared to the stock Pirelli Diablo 3's), but turn in is noticeably slower. They are very stable in the turns however and still sporty enough to cope with decent lean angles. I haven't tested them out on any gravel yet but by the looks of them they will be at least *better* than normal road tyres if their wet grip is anything to go by.

I reckon they look pretty cool too.

[shekel]

Then you might find this article of interest.............. http://canyonchasers.net/reviews/tires/d616vSync.php

[exploring/nc]

That's a good article compairing the Dunlop & Pirelli. Looks the the Dunlop is OK for some dirt & wet weather.
If I were going to ride more fire roads, which we have "plenty" of in this area, would give the D616s a try, too.

Tried the DD on dirt roads with Dunlop Q2s and did not have any problems since the gravel roads were nicely packed.
Traded my KLR650 in on the DD and have to admit I miss some of the places I rode to with the KLR.





Shortoff Mountain view from Old NC 105 Gravel Road:



Replacing a tube on Maple Sally Fire Road NC:

[shekel]

That's a good article compairing the Dunlop & Pirelli. Looks the the Dunlop is OK for some dirt & wet weather.
If I were going to ride more fire roads, which we have "plenty" of in this area, would give the D616s a try, too.

Tried the DD on dirt roads with Dunlop Q2s and did not have any problems since the gravel roads were nicely packed.
Traded my KLR650 in on the DD and have to admit I miss some of the places I rode to with the KLR.

...............

Seeing your KLR and those DRs out on the track bought back some regret for me to. I love my Shiver and have no problem riding on well made dirt surfaces, but I do miss going places the big Suzy could take me. Mmmmmm I wonder what the new KTM 690 Duke would be like with dirt tyres and an alloy bash plate?

[Man Hands]

Then you might find this article of interest.............. http://canyonchasers.net/reviews/tires/d616vSync.php

Thanks, yeah I read that before I purchased them. I considered the Pirelli's but couldn't find them in a 180 rear for the life of me, although they must make them if they tested them on a multistrada. To be honest I've not noticed any of the skittishness in corners that is mentioned in that review....in fact on the dorsoduro they are exactly opposite, super stable and predictable. If anything, the complaint with them is that the are too stable and require a bit of effort to get turning. I guess different bikes react differently to certain tyres.

[exploring/nc]

Here's another shot of riding off pavement cooling off in the summer:



I liked the KLR because it was large enough for the 1 1/2 hour "twisty" commute to my favorite fire roads.

On the other hand this dual sport Honda CRF230L does not have much power, but weighs in at 268 lbs wet making for a single track bike. Trailer or transport it in the pickup to & from the ride area since it does not have enough power for serious twisty riding:

To be honest I've not noticed any of the skittishness in corners that is mentioned in that review....in fact on the dorsoduro they are exactly opposite, super stable and predictable. If anything, the complaint with them is that the are too stable and require a bit of effort to get turning. I guess different bikes react differently to certain tyres.

Sounds like the DD, KTM, and Ducati Supermotos can give enjoyment on & off pavement with the right tire combination.

[ram1000]

I used the 616 tires for a while but they took the fun out of road handling, though I admit they were even better than they looked off road.

[rtokarczyk]

i couldnt stand the idea of getting dirt on my dd,,,i have a dirt bike for that

[tubad56]

i couldnt stand the idea of getting dirt on my dd,,,i have a dirt bike for that

I think the DD looks better with a bit of dirt ... better than the girlie polished n chrome types lol