The ED03 is a 3.00 x 21 bias ply and the D606 is a 120 x 90 x 18 which I think means it's a radial ply?

Any problems with this setup for a  DRZ-S used 90/10 off/on, mostly rocky, dry conditions?

The 606 is not a radial ply construction and even if it was, it would not be a problem.  Just curious - what made you think it was radial?

Noble, on 18 July 2012 - 01:38 PM, said:

I'm guessing the numbering. The metric sizing width/height percentage/rim diameter popped up around the same time as car tires switching from bias ply to radial.
You really have to check the fine print on some tires to find out if a particular size is bias-ply or radial, eg. the Shinko 705's I just ordered, most of the sizes are bias-ply, but the 110/80/R19 and 150/70/R17 are radials.

n1tr0 is correct.

My assumption was that the metric nomenclature would mean radial, as the 3.00 x 21 was stamped bias ply, I assumed the reason for the difference was radial vs. bias.
RE: the Shinkos, I see: an R in a nomenclature should be indicative they are radials.

Meanwhile..

The ED03 is replacing a worn MT21.

Any opinions on the new tread combination?

Edited by John Galt, 18 July 2012 - 07:25 PM.

The sizing does not indicate radial construction.  For example 4:00 X 18 trials can be radial or non-radial.  Many low profile metric sizes are non-radial. Example 120/80 X 18

John Galt, on 18 July 2012 - 07:20 PM, said:

imho, the 606 is not the best choice for the rear if you are going to do 90% dirt. though, since you said it is dry and hard packed, it will probably by fine. personally, though, i would run an XCMH in those conditions (and a trackmaster II if the conditions were wetter or softer).

i have no experience with the ED06. i love my XCMH on the front, though.

just my opinion based on having run 606s, XCMHs, and TMIIs.

Edited by LittleRedToyota, 18 July 2012 - 09:04 PM.

I've ran both the 606's and the Bridgestones.... IMO the 606's pretty much suck in dry slick type conditions and are more of a 60/40 type tire... the ED 03/4's were a bit better, but don't have the more aggressive knobs to suite real 90/10 riding. I've been since running the TM II's with a bit more satisfaction and feel they are a better 90/10 tire. Some don't like the TM II front, but I've had no issues and don't mind a bit of predictable drift. The XCMH's have been getting good reviews and are next on my list to try.

.... just my $.02

John Galt, on 18 July 2012 - 07:20 PM, said:

I have no idea on the ED03, but I've been running the MT21 on the front and a D606 on the rear and I've been pretty happy with the combination. I bought some Shinko 705's to put on at the end of the summer only because that's when I go back to using the bike mostly for city commuting. For such an aggressive combo, the MT21/D606 combo is pretty good on the road, but I don't like how the knobbies are for unplanned maneuvers and emergency stops.
Change If you've been happy with the current combo, why mess with it.