Rear tire

[clfarren5944]

How does a Dunlop D803 radial compare with Michelin radial. The Dunlop is new, 2005 vintage. On a Scorpa 4 stroke. The original Michelin is cracking and tends to leak.
Thanks, Chris

[jonnyc21]

The guy I picked up my Montesa 4RT from put new Dunlops on it (D803) on it isn't bad, but, I do like the Michelin Competition on my wifes TXT Pro a bit better. Just my 2 cents...

[lamotovita]

I expect that the difference between an 8 year old Dunlop and a fresh Michelin woild be quite substantial, depending on how it was stored. I much prefer the Michelin over a fresh Dunlop. I use the Dunlops on my trail bikes and Michelin on my Trials bike.

[clfarren5944]

Thanks for the replies. I'll probably go ahead and use the Dunlop as I do more trail riding than trial riding on that bike. Any helpful hints on mounting a tubeless tire? Have done lots of tube type in the past but always had a pro mount street bike radials.
Chris

[motojunky]

Originally Posted by clfarren5944

Thanks for the replies. I'll probably go ahead and use the Dunlop as I do more trail riding than trial riding on that bike. Any helpful hints on mounting a tubeless tire? Have done lots of tube type in the past but always had a pro mount street bike radials.
Chris

Hints:

It will take a lot of pressure to seat the bead. Be careful.

It will go BOOM when the bead seats. Be ready.

[Sting32]

Originally Posted by clfarren5944

Thanks for the replies. I'll probably go ahead and use the Dunlop as I do more trail riding than trial riding on that bike. Any helpful hints on mounting a tubeless tire? Have done lots of tube type in the past but always had a pro mount street bike radials.
Chris

Dunlops are good tire, especially price wise. Michelin X-Lites are a great tire (grip wise) for advanced riders especially, not much to gain in novice up to above amatuer classes, I think, other than they are slightly lighter in weight...

I believe the Michelin wear pretty fast, and have experienced leaks around nobbies when they get older, your mileage may vary. IRC tires seemed to be slightly softer than dunlop, maybe grippy-er? but my knowledge of that is from at least 4 years back, since then I have been using michelins.

Michelins are high$$, but what isnt? I bought cheaper tires for the family truxter, they ride like SH** smells, rough like an old wooden wagon, IMHO. Now I know, I should have just bough the same michelins I wore off of it, now I know.

[jonnyc21]

Originally Posted by clfarren5944

Thanks for the replies. I'll probably go ahead and use the Dunlop as I do more trail riding than trial riding on that bike. Any helpful hints on mounting a tubeless tire? Have done lots of tube type in the past but always had a pro mount street bike radials.
Chris

I like to add a bit of dish sope to some water and rub it round the tire and rim where they meet just before inflation, seems to help make the bead set a bit nicer.

Just my exp. Good luck!

[DrKayak]

Originally Posted by clfarren5944

Thanks for the replies. I'll probably go ahead and use the Dunlop as I do more trail riding than trial riding on that bike. Any helpful hints on mounting a tubeless tire? Have done lots of tube type in the past but always had a pro mount street bike radials.
Chris

I have one of those air blower attachments for my compressor. If you remove the tip it will thread onto the valve stem. With the valve core removed you get the full flow of the compressor. The bead will pop instantly with that much air folw. Super easy...

[motojunky]

This thread had some discussion about mounting that you may find helpful:

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=796971

[clfarren5944]

Should I replace the rim sealing strip. Original is vintage 2007 and valve core won't come out due to previous owners Slime use. I would like to have to do this only once!!!
Chris

[lamotovita]

If it doesn't leak don't disturb it. If it leaks the rim may be corroded and a new seal won't help.

[MacAttack]

On the tire discusion what are opinions on the pirelli?

[NMTrailboss]

Originally Posted by MacAttack

On the tire discusion what are opinions on the pirelli?

It's been my experience that single track dirt bike guys love 'em due to hard compound (last longer under higher horsepower) but trials guys usually stick with the Michelin or Dunlops.

[burque magoo]

love the Pirelli, my KTM 450 came with one, and I have run it for the last year on some great mountain rides & singletrack---been a great tire!

[Ccino]

I fitted a couple of these tyres several months ago and because my rims are old and battered ('90 Fantic 307) fitted them with tubes in. They are a definite improvement on the very old and worn (rounded) Dunlops they replaced, but can't help feeling the Dunlops were more "compliant" and grippy on dry rock, and it's only the newness of the fresh square knobs on Pirellis making them seem better on grass and over logs.
A fellow rider commented on the lack of grip my tyres were (not) displaying at the weekends club event, as I struggled on almost every (dry clean rocky) section and I have a feeling he was perplexed as to how I could make sections so fundamental for them, look so goddamn difficult for myself ! but I also think he may have been trying to be kind to me by looking for any reason apart from my lack of ability.
Running the rear right down at 2psi still had it feeling quite hard in the side wall compared to others' obviously softer tyres (sorry, dont know what they were rolling).