E07's vs. TKC70's

[Scott Williams]

90/10 S10 rider here, down in CA. My conditions for eight months are DRY, with loose dirt, loose round stone and loose gravel off road, which occurs when i pull off the pavement for gas, food or hotel in many cases. Rainy season is torrential, so the bike sits at the dealer. The pavement here in HN comes in all states of repair, but half of my usual route is fairly good for an eight day tour of the mountain region.The other half of the paved back roads sometimes have loose dirt, sand or gravel on them, (along with potholes) which the road crew will get to in six months. I'd hate to slide on this stuff. I usually ride two-up with full panniers at approx. 100kph with an occasional shot to 130kph for about half my usual route on the good concrete highway. Not really agressive....just smelling the roses.

The original Battlewings come off in a month with 16,000 km and I really cannot fault them, other than seeming a bit loose off road. At 73 I really want more confidence in the 10% off road portion- I can't afford to go down again. For sure the missus will stop riding. Thanks for help with these two tires (unless enough people tell me that staying with the BW is best). For various reasons, I have ruled out 705's, Heidi's, karoos, TKC80's and all tbe 90/10 road tires. I hope to get 15,000km again with the next set. You more experienced S10 owners can really help me here. The big BMW's down here run K60 s, but they are younger men and ride off road trails that I now mostly avoid....especially with my wife aboard. This is my third time trying to post this, guess I am just behind the times with the internet. Thanks! Much appreciated.
Best,
Scott

 

[Derekj]

I can't comment on the TKC70 but the Dakar EO7 is a great choice. Being a 50/50 tire you would never expect it to run and grip like it does. I ride hard and fast and they have been great without road whine. I currently have about 4500 miles on them with more than 60% tread left.

 

[Tyke]

I'm very impressed with my TKC 70s,

I ride 90+% on road but frequently over narrow twisty country lanes which are often gravel strewn.

My TKCs have now covered 4000 miles and there's another 4000 left in them, I ride mostly solo and weigh in at just less than 16 stones, I ride medium hard. The TKCs are great in the dry and heat up quickly, they are impressive in the wet also providing great traction.