You might also consider the Continental Trail Attacks. A very street-biased tread that still performs well on gravel roads. I've yet to put tires on the Tiger, but have run two sets of these Continentals on a KTM 950 Adv and was very impressed with both the performance and their longevity. I got about 8000 miles out of the rear tire, compared to about 4500 from a Heidenau K60 or a stock Scorpion on that bike (which is famous for devouring rear tires).
The anakee 2 was a favorite for wet roads. Don't know anything about the new 3's. The Conti trail attack won out over a whole host of 90/10 and 95/5 tires in a comparo test - highly rated. You could do a lot worse than either for a Tiger, especially for UK. I've put about 8K on Scorpion Trails that come on the new Tigers and just love them. If you freeway them a lot they will flat-center on the rear, but any tire will. They work really well as a 95/5 tire. If you're gonna ride any dirt though, something with more grip will be wanted. The Tourance had a huge following from the BMW crowd but most that tried the Anakee (direct competitor) liked the Michelin better. The Tourance does wear like iron though. No one raved about the Tourance ESP that I've ever heard of. My brand preference is for Michelin and Pirelli. I just think they make the best tires. I'm sure other brands are good, like Avon, Conti, Bridgestone, Dunlop, Metzler. I just like the other two best. JMHO.
Mine developed really bad cupping on the front tire after about 5k miles. I got rid of them because they started vibrating hard when leaning the bike so that the "cupped" area had to provide the contact patch. The Tourance EXP did the same, just on the rear, on my R1200GS. Hated that tire. For me it's Michelin and Conti.
Re: roadie wheels on XC... Don't forget the rake and trail is different on the XC to accomodate the 21" wheel. BTW, when I said I've put 8K on the trails that was on more than one bike and set of tires. The ones for my XC have about 3K miles on them and look to be about half worn out. Rear is starting to flat-spot pretty good. I'll probably put the same tire back on it, or maybe try the new Anakee 3. I prefer a road-oriented tire for it unless I'm specifically doing a trip that involves a lot of dirt roads.
It's possible that the distance between the fork legs is slightly different, the XC has 45mm fork legs, the Roadie has 43mm. Looking at the parts diagrams it looks like the XC has additional spacers. Then it depends whether the brake disks have the same distance from each other to know whether the calipers will fit. I haven't checked these diagrams, but if you really want to know, I'd go through the front part list for wheels and brakes and compare.
Does anyone have the link to his thread. I deleted mine and I need to get one of those cool LED lights for my wife's bike. Yes, I tried some searches but I couldn't locate it. This site it HUGE!! Thanks. Dana
Maybe this one in the panniers thread: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showpost.php?p=21199242&postcount=352 Looking to do something similar with the same Givi Racks for a Roto-Pax.
Lee, look for tyres with dual compound. i.e. harder in the middle which'll resist squaring off. I particularly like the Avon Storm I fitted to my 955 Tigger but, unfortunately, they don't make anything for our front any more.
This has been discussed at length elsewhere but I'll just point out that the geometry on the XC is even steeper than on the roadie so by going smaller in the front wheel there's a distinct possibility that it would become dangerously unstable.
That's me. I'm wondering if you could just use some straps across and some of the mounting hardware here: http://rotopax.com/Mounting-Hardware/
My first PR3 had 8,400 km on it when I took it off before a trip with the wife and full luggage. Solo local riding I would have gotten probably 9k out of it. My second PR3 rear has 7,000 km on it and is probably good for another 1,000 but likely not more. It is an awesome tire with great grip dry or rain. You'll love it.
You didn't mention if you had a Roadie or XC. The Michelin PR3's are available with a 19" front to fit the Roadie. The PR3 is undoubtedly the best rain tire you can buy. My front has about 15,000 on it now and still looks good, although starting to cup slightly. I will be trying some Conti Road Attacks for a 5,500 km trip coming up beginning June. Just to try something different on the Tiger. Had the Conti's before on a Honda Varadero and loved them, however mileage was not great. We'll see.
I am wanting to add risers to my Tiger. Im thinking about going with the Rox 2" Risers. Anyone using these on their 800 (non xc)?? If so, im wondering if they work with the stock cables? Im guessing not. But hoping so thanks -Brian
I have them on my Roadie at this time. Installed them on Tuesday to find out whether a different handlebar position will cure my shoulder issues on longer rides. It's slightly tight with the cables but works fine overall. An install note: 1) Take off handlebar. 2) Put risers in 3) Tighten 10mm bolts so that they are installed flush 4) Tighten and torque 8mm (I did that through the opening of the risers) to 26NM 5) Now torque 10mm bolts to 35NM If you do it the other way around you torque the "open slot" of the clamp to 35NM and that one is supposed to have only 26NM. So, be careful about the order when you install them.
I have a friend who recently bought a used 2012 Tiger 800. It came with 2" Rox Risers installed and they are fine with the stock cables.