I have a DRZ 400s and it's time for a new set of tires. I was looking for what people like the best. I have tried the Pirelli M21 and Dunlop 606's so far. I think thats what they were at least. I ride mostly on hard pack and rocky/gravel roads and trails. Also, what size should I get for the rear/front? right now I'm running a rear that is one size larger than stock. The Pirelli's I'm running right now are pretty good but they just seem to slip and slide all over the place on gravel roads. Any help deciding what my next set will be will greatly be appreciated!
Thanks, Mike

Kenda Trakmaster II are fully knobbies that are DOT approved and inexpensive.

All Pirelli front tires are DOT approved, so you can take your pick of those. For the rear, two decent looking ones I can think of off the top of my head are the Pirelli MT18-HD is DOT and Kenda K760 Trakmaster II.

We use both Dunlop D-606's and Michelin Baja's out west here for Ca. desert's and Baja riding. Hard pack, rocky and road use. Both at DOT rated.

Nothing will be really good on gravel.

MT21 is pretty good for what you describe.

MT18HD front is a good aggressive DOT front that won't just lock up on pavement when you brake hard.

Dave

mk62l said:

I havent found a tire in my lifetime that sticks on gravel roads. But for what youre talking about, the Metzeler Karoo is a good DOT tire. I get good life out of them, they grip in pretty much every other situation aside from gravel. They are excellent on the street. I run these in summer, and I run non-dot knobbies (michelin s12s) in winter.

Thanks for the input. I just went ahead and went with another set of the Pirelli's. I'm only keeping this bike for another two to three months until my new KTM 530 comes in. I guess I was afraid to change. The M21's seemed to do pretty good for what I've been using them for. I guess it's not fair to complain about my tires with only 1/4" of knobs left on them for slipping and sliding!!:bonk:
Thanks for the input!
Mike

Kenda K760 is a great tire but the Teraflex II lasts longer and is now only a couple bucks more at mandhtires.com. I just bought another one. Great tire!
:applause: