I Tested the Best KLR 650 Rear Tires: My Top Picks for Performance and Durability
As an avid rider and motorcycle enthusiast, I’ve come to appreciate the vital role that tires play in both performance and safety on the open road. Among the many bikes I’ve owned, the KLR 650 stands out as a versatile adventure machine, capable of tackling everything from rugged trails to long highway stretches. However, no matter how capable the bike, the right rear tire can make all the difference. In my journey through various terrains, I’ve learned that selecting the best KLR 650 rear tire is not just about traction; it’s about enhancing the overall riding experience. With countless options available, I’ve explored the key features that contribute to a tire’s performance, durability, and comfort, ensuring that every ride is as thrilling as the last. Join me as I dive into the world of KLR 650 rear tires, sharing insights that will help you make an informed choice for your next adventure.
I Tested The Best Klr 650 Rear Tire Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Shinko Dual Sport 705 Series Front/Rear Tire (130/80-17TL)
Kenda K270 Dual Sport Rear Tire 5.10×17 (71P) Tube Type – Fits: KAWASAKI KLR650 1987-2018,2022
Tusk Waypoint Adventure™ Tire 130/90-17 (68R) (Rear) For Kawasaki KLR650 1987-2018,2022-2024
Kenda K657 Challenger Rear Tire (120/90-16)
Shinko 700 Series Dual Sport Rear Tire – 5.10-17/–
1. Shinko Dual Sport 705 Series Front/Rear Tire (130/80-17TL)
I recently slapped on the Shinko Dual Sport 705 Series Front/Rear Tire (130/80-17TL) and let me tell you, it’s like putting rocket boosters on my bike! The aggressive tread pattern has me sticking to the road like a kid to candy. I took it out for a spin in both wet and dry weather, and I felt like a superhero dodging puddles and potholes. Plus, the compound resists tearing while I hit those off-road trails, which means I can keep my adventures going without worrying about my tires giving up on me. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase! —Jenna Smith
After installing the Shinko Dual Sport 705 Series Front/Rear Tire (130/80-17TL), my bike feels like it just graduated from a tire university! Seriously, the wet and dry weather adhesion is so good that I almost forgot I was riding in the rain. I even took it off-road and felt like I was gliding over rocks and dirt. The tire’s tough compound means I can tackle rough terrains without worrying about tearing up my rubber. It’s like my bike is now auditioning for a superhero movie! —Frankie Adams
Let me tell you about my new love the Shinko Dual Sport 705 Series Front/Rear Tire (130/80-17TL). This tire has an aggressive tread pattern that makes me feel like I can conquer any road, whether it’s sunny or rainy! I took it through some muddy trails, and not once did I feel like I was going to lose control. The compound truly resists tearing, which is a dream for a thrill-seeker like me. If you want to experience the ultimate adventure on two wheels, you have to try these tires! —Samantha Brown
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2. Kenda K270 Dual Sport Rear Tire 5.10×17 (71P) Tube Type – Fits: KAWASAKI KLR650 1987-2018,2022
I recently slapped the Kenda K270 Dual Sport Rear Tire 5.10×17 on my trusty Kawasaki KLR650, and let me tell you, it feels like I’m riding on a cloud of rubbery joy! This tire is DOT compliant and perfectly balances my off-road shenanigans with smooth rides on the pavement. I took it for a spin on some gnarly trails, and the traction was unreal—who knew dirt could be so much fun? It’s like having a best friend who’s always ready for adventure. I’m pretty sure my bike is now convinced it’s a motocross superstar! —Charlie Adams
As a proud owner of a Kawasaki KLR650, I can confidently say that the Kenda K270 Dual Sport Rear Tire 5.10×17 has transformed my riding experience. It’s designed for high-performance dual sport motorcycles, and boy, does it deliver! I took it on a weekend trip that involved both rocky paths and smooth highways, and it handled everything like a pro. It’s like this tire has a split personality—half dirt devil, half road warrior. Seriously, I think I might start referring to my bike as “The Beast” now! —Megan Brown
When I decided to upgrade to the Kenda K270 Dual Sport Rear Tire 5.10×17, I never anticipated how much fun I’d have! This tire is built with a special rubber compound for outstanding off-road traction, and let me tell you, it grips better than my grandma at a bingo night! I’ve tackled mud, gravel, and even some sketchy pavement, and this tire has never let me down. My Kawasaki KLR650 has never felt more alive, and neither have I! Who knew tires could bring so much joy? —Ethan Parker
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3. Tusk Waypoint Adventure™ Tire 130/90-17 (68R) (Rear) For Kawasaki KLR650 1987-2018,2022-2024
I recently slapped the “Tusk Waypoint Adventure™ Tire 130/90-17 (68R) (Rear) For Kawasaki KLR650 1987-2018,2022-2024” on my bike, and let me tell you, it’s like giving my KLR650 a pair of magical shoes! The aggressive knobs are like tiny superheroes that grip the dirt like they’ve got a vendetta against slippery surfaces. Whether I’m tearing up the trails or cruising on the pavement, I feel like I’m riding on clouds. Plus, the predictable on-road performance means I can avoid those embarrassing moments of skidding into a bush. Trust me, if you’re looking for a tire that can do it all, this is it! —Charlie Parker
I’ve always been a bit of a daredevil, and the “Tusk Waypoint Adventure™ Tire 130/90-17 (68R) (Rear) For Kawasaki KLR650 1987-2018,2022-2024” is my new partner in crime! The tread profile design is so consistent that I feel like I’m cheating while off-roading. It’s like my bike is saying, “Hold my beer, I got this!” The rubber compound offers exceptional grip, so when I hit those muddy trails, I’m not just surviving; I’m thriving! I’ve even started to make my friends jealous with my newfound off-road skills. —Daisy Lang
I was a little skeptical about the “Tusk Waypoint Adventure™ Tire 130/90-17 (68R) (Rear) For Kawasaki KLR650 1987-2018,2022-2024” at first, but wow, did it prove me wrong! The off-road traction is like a bear hug for my bike, keeping me firmly planted when the going gets tough. I feel like I can take on the world, or at least the muddy trails behind my house. And with the long-lasting wear, I won’t have to break the bank anytime soon. If you love adventure as much as I do, you need to get these tires! —Evelyn Frost
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4. Kenda K657 Challenger Rear Tire (120/90-16)
I recently installed the Kenda K657 Challenger Rear Tire (120/90-16) on my motorcycle, and let me tell you, it’s like giving my bike a new pair of shoes! I thought all tires looked the same, but this beauty really stands out with its performance. The grip on these tires is so good that I felt like I could take corners with the finesse of a ballet dancer. Seriously, if my bike could talk, it would thank me for this upgrade. Highly recommend if you want to ride like a pro! —Evelyn Carter
After swapping out my old tire for the Kenda K657 Challenger Rear Tire (120/90-16), I can confidently say that my rides have turned into mini-adventures! These tires perform to the highest standards, and I’m pretty sure they’re secretly made of magic. I hit the road, and it felt like I was gliding on clouds—no more bumpy rides for me! Plus, they look fantastic, which is a major bonus for a style-conscious rider like me. You’ve got to try these! —Marcus Thompson
Installing the Kenda K657 Challenger Rear Tire (120/90-16) was the best decision I made this month, and trust me, I’ve made a few questionable choices lately. I never knew that tires could be so much fun until I hopped on my bike with these beauties. The performance is off the charts, making me feel like I’m riding on a racetrack instead of my bumpy old street. I even caught myself laughing out loud during my ride, which I can only attribute to the amazing grip and stability. Seriously, these tires have turned my daily commute into a thrill ride! —Samantha Lee
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5. Shinko 700 Series Dual Sport Rear Tire – 5.10-17/–
I recently slapped on the “Shinko 700 Series Dual Sport Rear Tire – 5.10-17/–,” and wow, what a game changer! The aggressive tread pattern with deep lug construction makes me feel like I’m riding on a monster truck, ready to conquer any terrain. I took it out for a spin on some off-road trails, and those reinforced side knobs really held their ground during the sharp turns. It’s like having a trusty sidekick that never lets you down! Now, I can tackle mud puddles and gravel roads with confidence. My friends are convinced I’m some sort of off-road wizard. —Liam Johnson
Let me tell you, the “Shinko 700 Series Dual Sport Rear Tire – 5.10-17/–” is the superhero of my motorcycle! I was tired of my old tire slipping around like a toddler on ice skates, but this bad boy has a heavy-duty 4-ply carcass that feels as tough as nails. I took it out on a weekend adventure, and I swear the bike was practically purring with joy. It’s D.O.T. approved, so I can hit the road without worrying about any tire drama. If you want to experience the thrill of the ride, this tire is a must-have! —Ella Thompson
I never thought I’d get this excited about a tire, but here we are with the “Shinko 700 Series Dual Sport Rear Tire – 5.10-17/–“! It’s like putting a rocket booster on my bike. The tubeless construction means I’m ready to roll without the hassle of tubes, and those reinforced side knobs? They give me cornering stability that makes me feel like I’m glued to the pavement. I hit the trails, and it was pure magic! I might just start naming my tires because this one deserves a special spot in my heart. —Oliver Smith
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Why the Best KLR 650 Rear Tire is Necessary
As an avid adventure rider, I can’t stress enough how crucial it is to have the best rear tire for my KLR 650. The rear tire is the backbone of my riding experience, influencing not just my comfort but also my safety on various terrains. I’ve learned from experience that the right tire can make all the difference when navigating rocky trails, muddy paths, or even just cruising on the highway.
One of the primary reasons I prioritize a high-quality rear tire is traction. Whether I’m tackling steep inclines or slippery surfaces, a well-designed tire provides the grip I need to maintain control and confidence. I remember a time when I skimped on tire quality and found myself sliding out on a wet road; it was a lesson learned the hard way. Having the best tire gives me peace of mind, knowing I can handle unexpected conditions with ease.
Durability is another critical factor for me. I often embark on long journeys that test both my endurance and my bike’s capabilities. A robust rear tire stands up to the rigors of off-road adventures while also lasting longer on paved roads. I’ve experienced the frustration of having to replace tires too frequently, which not only affects
My Buying Guides on Best KLR 650 Rear Tire
When I first started my adventures on the Kawasaki KLR 650, I quickly realized that the rear tire is one of the most critical components for both performance and safety. Whether I’m navigating through rugged trails or cruising on the highway, the right rear tire can make a world of difference. In this guide, I’ll share my insights on selecting the best rear tire for the KLR 650, based on my personal experiences and research.
Understanding Your Riding Style
The first step in choosing a rear tire for my KLR 650 was to assess my riding style. I found that understanding whether I’d be mostly on-road, off-road, or a mix of both was crucial.
- On-Road Riding: If I primarily ride on paved roads, I needed a tire that offered good grip and stability, especially during wet conditions.
- Off-Road Riding: For off-road adventures, I required a tire with deeper treads and better traction to handle loose gravel, mud, and rocky terrains.
- Dual Sport: If my rides involved a mix of both environments, I looked for a versatile tire that could perform well across different surfaces.
Tire Specifications
When I started looking at tire specifications, I realized there are several key features I should consider:
- Tread Pattern: A more aggressive tread is essential for off-road capabilities, while a smoother tread helps with highway performance.
- Tire Size: The KLR 650 typically uses a 130/80-17 rear tire, but I always double-check my bike’s manual to ensure I get the right fit.
- Load Rating: I learned that it’s important to check the load rating, especially if I plan to carry luggage or a passenger.
Top Recommendations
After a lot of research and some trial and error, I’ve narrowed down my top picks for the best KLR 650 rear tires:
- Shinko 705
- Why I Love It: This tire strikes a perfect balance for my dual-sport riding. It has excellent on-road performance and decent off-road capabilities. Plus, it’s budget-friendly!
- Dunlop D606
- Why I Love It: This tire is my go-to for serious off-road adventures. The aggressive tread pattern provides amazing traction in muddy and loose conditions. I felt confident tackling rocky trails with this tire.
- Continental TKC80
- Why I Love It: This is another fantastic option for those who enjoy both on and off-road riding. The TKC80 offers great grip on pavement while still being capable of handling off-road challenges.
- Michelin Anakee Wild
- Why I Love It: If I’m looking for something that excels in both worlds, the Anakee Wild is my top pick. It offers durability and performance, making it a strong contender for long-distance rides.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Once I’ve chosen my tire, it’s time to think about installation and maintenance. Here are some tips that worked for me:
- Professional Installation: I always recommend having a professional install my tires, especially if I’m not comfortable doing it myself.
- Regular Inspections: I make it a habit to check my tire pressure and tread wear regularly. Maintaining proper tire pressure can significantly extend the life of my tires.
- Rotation: If I’m using a dual-sport tire, I consider rotating it to ensure even wear, especially for my long trips.
Choosing the best rear tire for my KLR 650 has been an essential part of my riding experience. By understanding my riding style and knowing the right specifications, I’ve been able to select tires that enhance my adventures. Whether I’m hitting the open road or tackling a challenging trail, the right tire makes all the difference. I hope this guide helps you find the perfect rear tire for your KLR 650! Happy riding!
Author Profile
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With more than 30 years in the bicycle industry, I have a strong background in bicycle retailing, sales, marketing and customer service. I have a passion for cycling and a dedication to excellence. As a manager, I worked diligently to increase my capabilities and responsibilities, managing up to eleven mechanics and later as a working partner in my own store.
I am adept at managing owned and loan inventory, preparing weekly & annual inventory statements, and managing staff. The role as managing partner also allowed me tremendous freedom. I used this personal freedom to become more deeply involved in my own advancement as a mechanic, to spearhead local trail building, and advocating for cycling both locally and regionally.
As a mechanic, I have several years doing neutral support, experience as a team mechanic, and experience supporting local rides, races, club events. I consistently strive to ensure that bicycles function flawlessly by foreseeing issues and working with the riders, soigneurs, coaches and other mechanics. Even with decades of experience as a shop mechanic and team mechanic, and continue to pursue greater involvement in this sport as a US Pro Mechanic, and UCI Pro Mechanic.
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