A Trip To The MC Tire Store

[Kev250R]

So after complaining (endlessly) about the inadequacies of the stock tires for the trails I like to ride I finally made time yesterday to visit a local MC tire store to order a new set.

In my area Harley's are very popular and most MC Tire shops seem to cater to those, to the point where the last time I needed tires for my KTM Adventure bike, the shop I went to made me feel like they were doing me a favor by selling and installing tires on it for me.

A few months ago a new MC Tire shop opened about a mile from my house. As usual every time I passed it there seemed to be a lot of Harley's there but I'd also see some Dual Sport and Dirt Bikes there too. Wanting to get new tires on my Trail before my next trip to the lake, yesterday I got off work and in 100 degree heat I rode my Trail down there to see about getting some new shoes.

I hadn't even parked yet and one of the two employees says to the other, "Oh man, check this out!" Both workers came-out and started checking-out my Trail, asking me questions about it (mine is the first 'new' one they've seen in-person). Within a minute they had the bike in their shop (which was filled with Harley's) to take measurements. Other then one crusty old mechanic who was working on a custom Harley who did little more then look-up, grunt and go back to what he was doing everyone was tripping-out over the Trail and even taking pictures!

BTW I went with Shinko 244's. 2.0 in the front, 3.0 in the rear. Surprisingly (and more proof that their not just a Harley shop) they had the rear tire in-stock. The front they have to order and should have in a day or so. When it comes-in I'm going to bring the wheels down and have the tires mounted.

I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting to have an experince like that, which was nice. Assuming mounting the new tires goes well these guys will have my business for a long time! I even warned the clerk that if he thought the Trail was cool, just wait to see what other odd-ball bikes I bring-in when they need tires LOL!

 

[fmdualexhaust]

Always good to have a pleasant experience.

 

[SneakyDingo]

BTW I went with Shinko 244's. 2.0 in the front

2.0 or 2.5?

I had a similar experience buying moto boots at the local BMW store. They loved the bike once they saw it but completely ignored me when I waltzed in looking like a peasant at a Michelin star restaurant. This bike really does open doors and warm hearts.

 

[NMCoyote]

I paid $88 for both front and rear Shinko 244’s on Revzilla and they showed up two days later. Couldn’t help but move forward with the swap. You’ll like them, they handle the roads like the stock tires but a lot better in the dirt and rocks.

 

[Kev250R]

2.0 or 2.5?

I had a similar experience buying moto boots at the local BMW store. They loved the bike once they saw it but completely ignored me when I waltzed in looking like a peasant at a Michelin star restaurant. This bike really does open doors and warm hearts.

I'll have to check to see what I had them order but I think I went with a 2.0 in the front. 2.5 may have been better for my use but having a more narrow tire up front may help the tire cut-through soft stuff better and not bog-down. We'll see how it does the next time I have it in the dirt. Pretty much anything has to be better then the stock front tire!

 

[Kev250R]

I paid $88 for both front and rear Shinko 244’s on Revzilla and they showed up two days later. Couldn’t help but move forward with the swap. You’ll like them, they handle the roads like the stock tires but a lot better in the dirt and rocks.

Thanks! I have a similar set-up on my TW200 and have been really happy with it. Hoping this adds more capability to my Trail and stops the front end from wanting to wash-out so much off-road.