Kenda tire review

[Steve81GL1100]

I thought somebody might benefit from a review on the Kenda Challenger tire. With limited choices available in stock GL sizes, the Kenda looked like a good option in a reasonably-priced tire so I bought a pair before the 2017 riding season and spooned them onto my 81. I used DynaBeads for balancing, having used them on the previous Bridgestone Spitfires with good results.
As for the Kendas, I can say that they wear well. With over 3,000 miles on them, there is still plenty of tread life and the rear does not show any squaring across the tread at all. Also, dry traction is good although they have more of a tendency to track pavement lines and rain grooves more than the Bridgestones did. So far, so good.....
HOWEVER, I ride in the rain sometimes (bike is my daily commuter). On any kind of wet pavement, these tires are downright SCARY . I tend to be more cautious than probably is necessary on wet pavement (and am very meticulous about tire pressures), and even with my overly-light throttle use the rear tire will break loose without the slightest provocation. It will also try and walk out from under me going around corners at anything more than about a walking pace -- sideways on a Goldwing will definitely get your attention.... Yesterday, while riding home from work in light to moderate rain I could even feel the front squirming. This while riding 30 mph in a straight line on decent asphalt. As I said, SCARY.....
Now, if you only ever ride on dry pavement these tires seem pretty good. If you're like me and will ride in rain, probably will want to look elsewhere. YMMV...
Oh, another thing. This may be the Kendas specifically, or moto tires in general, but early this spring I discovered that at an ambient air temperature of 20 degrees the tires will not warm up sufficiently to provide grip (at least not on a 10-mile ride). Results same as wet pavement. Maybe somebody's way of telling me it's too cold to ride, but it's what I do...
Steve
PS this winter I'll be getting new tires -- probably Metzelers or Avons..... Something with good wet traction...

[Rednaxs60]

Installed Michelin Commander II tires on my '85 LTD and have been extremely happy with them. Kept the pressure at 40/41 PSI front/rear. These tires are very good dry or wet. Have 29,000 Kms (18,000 miles) on them at this time and not at the wear bars. Expect another 1000 Kms and will be changing because the rear tire is developing a howl that I think is indicative of how they are starting to wear as these get to the last bit. I use Ride-On Tire Sealant and Balancing formula, prefer this over CounterAct Beads that I have also used.

Your '81 is some 75 or so pounds lighter than my bike so the Michelin should give good longevity and perform well.

Cheers

[Track T 2411]

I just installed my second Shinko rear tire on Grumpy ('81 1100I). I too am a cautious rider in the wet, and am pleased with their performance overall. I have considered stepping up to Metzelers, as I did get only about 7k miles out of the rear (it was the 712). I do like the idea of 18k miles!

[Whiskerfish]

I typically get 12 plus from a rear and push 20 on a front Metzeler. But I do not like to run tires down as thin as many do and typically change them out early. Wet traction is superb. Yes they are expensive.

[rcmatt007]

I typically get 12 plus from a rear and push 20 on a front Metzeler. But I do not like to run tires down as thin as many do and typically change them out early. Wet traction is superb. Yes they are expensive.

thankfully WF is naming no names I still like Dunlops

[Sidecar Bob]

In the early 2000s I ran Challengers on the rear of my winter sidecar outfit (GL500/Velorex700) for a couple of years. The first two hooked up very well in snow but the 3rd one I bought slid & spun all over the place. I initially thought it might be mould release but when it didn't start behaving after a couple of hundred Km I replaced it with something with a bit more open tread (which eventually led to the K270 becoming my snow tire of choice). I used up the Challenger on the GoldWing with no issues but it doesn't go out when it is below freezing.....

[digschopper]

My '60 triumph hardtail 500 and '68 BSA had challengers. They wear like iron,but I almost dropped the Beezer leaving a stop light after a rain.