04-28-2009, 02:46 PM
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#1 |
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: United States
Posts: 144
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A new set of Kenda K760 Trakmaster II
After being out on a trail ride with a buddy and having to actually get off and push my bike while spinning the rear tire to get up a very gradual incline in thought it might be time for some different tires.
After looking at several tires and comparing prices i decided to go with a set of Kenda K760 Trakmaster II as most of my riding is off road with quick runs on the road to get gas or from one trail to another. Ended up ordering 110/100x18 (4.25/4.60x18) for the rear and 80/100x21 for the front. Also purchased new rim strips and tubes. Decided to go with regular tubes for a couple reasons. One, the tires are a 6-ply rated carcass and C  i was confused about how some suggest ordering a size smaller when ordering heavy duty tubes. As you will see in the side by side pictures the new K760 dwarf the stock tires. The 110/100x18 for the rear did require modification of the chain guard. I had to add a couple washers where the guard fastens to the mounting tabs and cut off the angle piece on under side of the swing arm, reposition it and re-welded it into place. Of course i burnt my thumb and got showered with sparks in the process . After the mod nothing rubs but there isn't a whole lot of extra room. The side lugs on the rear tire only clears the swing arm by 1/4 inch or so. I do not think a 120 would fit at all.First impression leaving the house on the road was good. The tires were much quieter than i had imagined. as far as vibration, i kept waiting for it but it never came, even at top speed. On road braking was a bit scary at first but seems to be improving as the tires wear in. Off road all i can say is wow. It is still wet around here in spots but now I can actually ride with my feet on the pegs. I went places i did not dare go before, mostly water crossings with steep muddy bank. Before  During  After 
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2008 HSUN MDL-200GY 2009 KLR650 |
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04-28-2009, 03:54 PM
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#7 | |
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Idaho
Posts: 25,054
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Re: A new set of Kenda K760 Trakmaster II
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Thank you for the well written, detailed ride report and the superb photographs! P.S. Your bike looks great with the new K760s on it! Spud 
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Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience."  Mark Twain2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894 |
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04-28-2009, 04:01 PM
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#8 |
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Southeastern Washington desert
Posts: 14,761
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Thank you for the thoughtful post and great pictures. I have the same tires coming to me right now. I will use a similar method to modify the chainguard, but I can't weld and will have to figure something out. Maybe a couple of rivets. Looks like a very tight fit! I can't believe how much bigger the dirt tires are.
I look forward to being able to ride in the loose stuff more safely. I'm not looking to go faster, just better. I ordered the heavy duty tubes. I did not know you had to order smaller ones. Will see how that goes and report back. Did you mount the tires on the rims yourself?
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Happy to serve. |
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04-28-2009, 04:33 PM
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#9 |
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Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 770
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Wow, those are REALLY aggressive tires LOL. Just one fyi...they are going to be deadly on wet pavement so forewarned and all that....
They also look like they should have substantially changed your gear ratio. Add the increased weight and are you noticing much performance difference? i.e. does it feel like your engine power has gone down a bit? gotta be a huge difference in the loose stuff seer
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Seer's First LAW-"FLY THE PLANE!", fail that, and nothing else matters. 12th Law- Consider what marvels you might do if only you had tomorrow to live over again. Third Law-When someone tells you some thing "Can't Be Done", what they're really saying is They can't do it!!14th Law-Just because something "IS", doesn't necessarily mean it SHOULD be.. Eighth Law-The only true personal security is anonymity.Ninth Law-Humans tend to learn very little when speaking.10th Law-Some lives ARE worth taking |
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04-28-2009, 04:52 PM
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#10 | |
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: United States
Posts: 144
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Quote:
I saw this at Bike Bandit "When placing a heavy duty or ultra heavy duty tube in a tire, it is recommended that you buy a tube one size smaller than the tire size." Seems odd, no there site mentions anything about it. :?: Yes i mounted the tires myself. Old one came off very easy. The new ones were a bit more difficult, but not too bad. A couple of tire irons and some warm soapy water and you should be fine. Where did you order yours from? |
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04-28-2009, 05:04 PM
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#11 |
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Southeastern Washington desert
Posts: 14,761
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American Motorcycle Tire
1 x KENDA TRAK MASTER II 110/100-18 (K7602) = $49.06 1 x KENDA TRAK MASTER II 80/100-21 (K7606) = $41.19 1 x KENDA TUFF TUBE 110/120/100-18 (N1814) = $19.26 1 x KENDA TUFF TUBE 80/100-21 (N2104) = $19.26 1 x CRUZ TOOLS, TIREPRO TIRE, LEVER SET (38100001) = $9.46 1 x KENDA RIM STRIP 18/19" (K41550710) = $2.28 1 x KENDA RIM STRIP 20/21" (K41550810) = $2.28 ------------------------------------------------------ Sub-Total: $142.79 GROUND SHIPPING (Code 4013 Washington, United States ): $27.29 Total: $170.08
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04-28-2009, 05:31 PM
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#13 | |
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: United States
Posts: 144
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04-28-2009, 05:55 PM
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#14 | |
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: United States
Posts: 144
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Quote:
It does rob a little HP. At this time it seems to be OK, running a 17 front and 45 rear sprocket, i may go back to the 56 or see if i can find something in between if it's a problem. |
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04-28-2009, 06:13 PM
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#15 | ||
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Southeastern Washington desert
Posts: 14,761
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Quote:
I have the same gearing. I hope I won't have to change it again, but as it is I rarely need 1st to climb hills, but part of that was because I did not have the traction...
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