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Thanks for the advice Rick. Yes, I planned on moving away from the Bridgestone's. Unforeseen circumstances moved those plans forward a bit. I'll see the glass half full and call this an opportunity to shoe my baby with proper rubber.

 

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I mix tires. I have a trailmax on the back and a TKC 80 on the front. I really like the combination. I didn't like having a trailmax front, it was loud (even with earplugs) and didn't grip as well in dirt and ruts as I wanted.

What is your riding mix? And how do you find that rubber on the tarmac? I've seen that setup mentioned in other threads.

I want to get off road more often. But I have to admit that I'm probably 95/5 on the road, if not more than that. I like the idea of that mix, but I wonder if a good 80/20 front/rear wouldn't suit me better. What would you think knowing my riding mix?

 

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@Krons, I've never seen the problem with mixing tires. I used to do it intentionally on previous bikes in the past, based on performance. I've been sticking with same tires on my K1600s. But the Big Girl eat tires, and I'm quick to change them out if I think they've degraded in performance. I think keeping in the same style of tire is a good idea, like you say. I'm not sure about mixing the Trailmax with the current Battlax. A 50/50 and essentially a 90/10 seem pretty different to me. Although, I'm sure in a pinch the bike wouldn't fall over just because of the tires.

I'm leaning toward replacing both tires with one of the 80/20 tires that have been mentioned. That seems like a better option for an off road newbie. If I start spending as much time off road as some of you, I could always change things up. For instance, it would be pretty easy to drop the rear wheel and install a Trailmax for an off-road tour.

 

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@Krons, thanks for that reference. The way the OP started I thought it was going to tell me what a mistake I'm making. But it actually reinforces my final decision. So here it is:

Rear: Trailmax. Front: TKC70.

My justifications. First, I like to experiment with options. The Trailmax has great reviews both on and off road. If I really hate it on the road I can always replace it with something like a TKC70 and save it for a real off road trip. I also have the K1600B for on road. I'm fortunate to have options.

The Trailmax front tire isn't available anywhere, and from what I've read, maybe that's not a bad thing. I chose the TKC70 as a viable alternative. I don't want to stick with the Battlax front tire at this point. I knew I would eventually choose better rubber, and I don't think it's a good match for the Trailmax.

 

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As far as mixing tires is concerned. In my research I learned that Conti doesn't make a front tire for the Rocks tire (one of my optional choices). Conti says they don't need it because you can choose the TKC70 or the TKC80 front tire based on your tendency for on or off road. OK, it's the same manufacturer, but not exactly the same tire. Does does it really matter?

Also, I've come to realize that in all the reviews and advertising I've never really heard explained how the front tire enhances the ride by matching the same rear tire. Obviously the front tire has a completely different purpose than the rear. Directional traction, on or off road, sounds like the biggest factor. While the rear tire needs to handle the obvious application of power as well. So while matching the style of riding seems like a big deal, the exact same tire....not so much.

 

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Oh ya, that Trailmax starts off feeling like you're on ice skates. Turned left out of my driveway, gave it a little throttle in first gear, and now I owe to the DTC gods.

After a 75 mile afternoon romp through some twisties, gravel roads, and hard packed dirt, the tire has inspired confidence. It feels really good actually.

 

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Put some more miles on the TMM this weekend. You are they kidding? This is a road tire!