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Dunlop K70 vs K81

14K views 13 replies 6 participants last post by  tjkoko 
#1 ·
What kind of differences in handling could I expect in going from K70 to K81 on my '72 TR6R?
 
#4 ·
The bike will handle a lot better with the K81 tyres.I have used both types so do have a good idea.Ideal set would be a 4.10 rear and a 3.60 front.You would not get a 4.10 in the front anyway as it would hit the wire mudguard stays.The K81 will last around 4000 miles before it starts following white road markings and then change it.The front would never wear out and i changed those when they were around 9 years old.
My experience with the K70 was that the front would try and slide out to the side when accelerating on slow tight corners.UK roads have a lot of tight corners on narrow roads.I had no problems at all with the Dunlop K81 but did change to Avon last time.I still prefer the Dunlop tyre as it weighed a little less than the Avon.Both Avon Roadrider and Dunlop are a good choice though.
 
#5 ·
The Dunlop K81 comes only in the following three sizes:

4.10 - 18
4.25/85 - 18
4.10 - 19

These three tires are all labeled as front/rear therefore a K70 would be the only choice as you recommend for a front tire, either 3.50 or 3.25 - 19.
 
#7 ·
The turn in is much faster and lighter using a 3.60 as against a 4.10 on the front as fitted to later T140s.Never been able to test ultimate grip as these tyres have never slipped or skidded.Never needed much balance correction when fitting and there is a round shape painted on the sidewall which should be aligned with the valve.Usually yellow paint.
My Avon tyres did need some balancing and were also harder to centralize on the wheel.Usual technique is to fit and pump up a little and tap all around with a rubber hammer but with the Avons,i had to pump up to 60psi to get them to slide into a better alignment before lowering the pressure down again.
 
#9 ·
There are a few UK suppliers with the 3.60 in stock.It would be odd if they stopped making that size as it is a popular front fitment.Maybe now these bikes are low mileage these days,the tyres last too long and sales have dropped.I have had one last about 12,000 miles on front and still loads of tread but age was the factor for changing it.
At the moment,both my old bikes have the Avon Roadrider which is good so worth considering if the K81 arrangement is hard to find.I always fit matching treads on mine.
It might be just the States that are out of this 3.60 size.
 
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