Dual sport tires for my 08 C-14?

[leisyman]

Am purchasing my dream house in the mountains here near Peyton, Colorado. Trouble is, there is about a 5-7 mile trip on gravel/dirt road, which I will have to commute every day to work, in addition to the 18 miles on pavement. Has anyone ever put tires on the C-14 which are more suited for 10% off road riding? Most of the tires I've looked at will not come in widths like the Connie is using, but a few will, i.e. Pirelli Scorpion Trail Dual Sport makes a 190/55 rear; however, most of the 'dual sport' sizes are in the 150-160 width range for the rear. does anyone have suggestions and/or comments on this subject? my Avon Storms are a bit slippery on the fire roads.

thanks
Ron

[mcclaskeyj]

I've never seen them but would sure be interested in a photo if you find some. 

The small amount of off road driving (gravel) I've done on my Connie was enough to convince me NEVER to put myself in that situation again.

[MAN OF BLUES]

can't comment too much on the tire choice, but given the details of the route you plan to habitate, I HIGHLY suggest investing in Murph's front fenda extenda, along with the radiator guard, and also insure you have had the rear brake lever recall installed......gravel ain't fun on C14, and it can reallllllly cause some costly problems.

[wipfel]

some tip-over protection would be a smart investment as well.

[lt1]

AFAIK, the only other choice w/b Avon Distancias, but that would be front only.  Looks like Pirelli is the only game in town.

[RBX QB]

...
The small amount of off road driving (gravel) I've done on my Connie was enough to convince me NEVER to put myself in that situation again.

+1... Logging roads suck on this bike, but it did illustrate to me that K-TRAC was working properly. Don't think I would have fared as well without it.

I'm sure you can find tires to mount up, but you'll either take a hit on road performance or tire size... neither of which seem like great options.

[Pokey]

Sell it IMHO......

[stevewfl]

I just run the %$#^ out of my PRIIIs.  They deal with steep gravel driveways (thank you K-trac) when i spend summers in the mountains and they also handle the dessert silt/sand ok too

Moab gravel roads


AZ desert


OK pastures


Places we shouldn't go but have to...


....because the rugged scenery at the end is fun

[sherob]

Gravel isn't the best on the C14, but slow and easy is the best.  Packed dirt and clay isn't a hassle.  +1 on the fender extender and a radiator guard.

If you dump the C14, look at the new Triumph Explorer 1200... sweet ride!

[Conrad]

Gravel isn't the best on the C14, but slow and easy is the best.  Packed dirt and clay isn't a hassle.  +1 on the fender extender and a radiator guard.

If you dump the C14, look at the new Triumph Explorer 1200... sweet ride!

I read the review of that bike and if I was in the market for a new bike that would be it! Heck, I might get one anyways!

Triumph Explorer 1200 first ride

Come with stock cruise control! Did you hear that Kawasaki?

[leisyman]

Already have the fender extender and a radiator guard.
I will not consider selling my Connie, as it is the best all around bike I have ever had in 30+ years of  riding.

just looking for ideas, so I can ride her without sacrificing too much on the the paved roads.

[Pokey]

The new Tiger Explorer will very likely be my next bike.

[mcclaskeyj]

I just run the %$#^ out of my PRIIIs.  They deal with steep gravel driveways (thank you K-trac) when i spend summers in the mountains and they also handle the dessert silt/sand ok too

Moab gravel roads


AZ desert


OK pastures


Places we shouldn't go but have to...


....because the rugged scenery at the end is fun

Duuuuude you're INSANE! 

I used to take my dual sport out into remote trails like that in AZ but taking Connie would be my worst nightmare!

[curly]

Check out the Dunlop D616's. That's what I run.

[DonB]

Ron
It looks we are neighbors
stop by sometime
Don

[Wyomingpat]

Am purchasing my dream house in the mountains here near Peyton, Colorado. Trouble is, there is about a 5-7 mile trip on gravel/dirt road, which I will have to commute every day to work, in addition to the 18 miles on pavement. Has anyone ever put tires on the C-14 which are more suited for 10% off road riding? Most of the tires I've looked at will not come in widths like the Connie is using, but a few will, i.e. Pirelli Scorpion Trail Dual Sport makes a 190/55 rear; however, most of the 'dual sport' sizes are in the 150-160 width range for the rear. does anyone have suggestions and/or comments on this subject? my Avon Storms are a bit slippery on the fire roads.

thanks
Ron

I am going for the 190/55-17 scorpions too shortly - regular roads not good in Wyo too - that good old sign here "Pavement ends"

[Rhino]

I am going for the 190/55-17 scorpions too shortly - regular roads not good in Wyo too - that good old sign here "Pavement ends"

I'm familiar with that. A few years ago I'm riding north out of Craig CO and come across Highway 4 that runs along the CO WY border to the west. A few miles into it the pavement ends and I ride about 30 miles of dirt and mud. All the way I was wondering how much further and should I turn back. Not fun on the C14 but made it ok. If I had a 7 mile gravel/dirt road that I had to commute each way on every day I would use my dual sport Suzuki DR650. Maybe consider getting a used KLR or DR type bike and keep the C14 for long rides.

[leisyman]

wow, someone resurrected this post after over a year?
I found our dreamhouse already built and paved all but a couple hundred feet, so I am blessed with a smooth ride to my house:)

still, a dual purpose would be a nice addition to my current girlfriend;)

[stevewfl]

I just run the %$#^ out of my PRIIIs.  They deal with steep gravel driveways (thank you K-trac) when i spend summers in the mountains and they also handle the dessert silt/sand ok too

Moab gravel roads


AZ desert


OK pastures


Places we shouldn't go but have to...


....because the rugged scenery at the end is fun

^^^^forgot to mention my C14 has NO fender extenders, no radiator guards, and all the other stuff people on the 'net said I have to have 

[PH14]

I don't have those on my bike either Steve. I run roads/trails like that from time to time and so far so good. I do on occasion crave an adventure bike, but overall I'm still hooked on the C14 and I know I'd miss it, so it has to hit the gravel and trails from time to time. Great pics!