Kenda K761 Dual-Sport Front Tire Review

Setting the stage: After 6,000 kms on my KLR650 running the stock Dunlop K750 I had to replace the rear tire and I figured I’d change the front tire at the same time.  Although the stock front tire looked almost new and I probably could have gone another 6,000 kms, I wanted to ensure I provided a fair review and changing both at the same time would be the best route. Once again I did my research in the KLR forums and decided to go with the Kenda K761 dual-sport front tire (90/90/R21). I was looking for a tire that was going to last longer than the Dunlop K750, possess strong on-road characteristics and that could handle the occasional tour in the dirt. The K761 seemed like a slight compromise but at $40 for the front tire I couldn’t go wrong.

Performance Review: I now have just over 500 kms on my new K761 front tire and I feel comfortable giving it an initial “Average” rating. I’ve now tried the tire on my city commute, on the freeway, fire roads and loose gravel. Here are my observations:

The bad stuff:

• The Kenda K761 front tire seems to be extremely sensitive to different air pressures.  When the pressure is too low the front tire wobbles at speed.  When the pressure is 30+psi and you transition to dirt the front tire leaves you feeling like you’re riding on ice.  I haven’t yet found the middle ground and I’m starting to think there isn’t one.
• The first 100 kms were a little touchy. Seemed like the resin on the tire took a little time to wear off making the K761 a little slippery. Make sure to take your time while breaking them in.
• The first few corners were a little tricky as it seemed that the bike was diving into the turn. It felt like the bike was heavy at first then I would get the sensation of the bike falling into the turn. Strange feeling at first but the Kenda holds the corners much better that the Dunlop K750.
• This tire is not made for loose sand or mud. The K761 floats and struggles for traction in the loose sand and easily cakes with mud.

The good stuff:

• When you get the air pressure right it handles great on paved roads and becomes acceptable on hard packed dirt roads.
• Road noise is much lower than the stock tires.
• Deep tread and lots of rubber probably means the tire will last a long time.
• The Kenda K761 looks really good on my KLR650!
• The $40 price point is attractive and hard to resist.

(See the updated video.  My impressions has changed since I place a few more miles on the K761s) At this point I don’t feel comfortable recommending the Kenda K761 front tire if its a dual-sport tire you’re looking for.  The handling characteristics and its sensitivity to different air pressure causes concern.  I still don’t feel confident on this tire but I’ll continue riding it for the summer and update this post if things change.  Note:  I have recommended the Kenda K761 rear tire. (Click here to learn more).

Notes:

• Picked them up from aviciouscycle.ca. Best price, great service and they had them in stock.
• For optimal performance I recommend that you ride the K761 at 30 psi on the paved roads and 20 psi when riding in the dirt.
• I spent some time experimenting with air pressure in the front and rear. It took me a few tries to find a balance that worked for me. The K761 seems to be sensitive to minor changes in pressure. Take your time and figure our what works best for you.
• I forgot that I had lowered the air pressure for a dirt ride and experienced a tricky moment when transitioning to the paved road. Don’t make that mistake.

Feel free to post comments or leave question. Stay obsessed my friends.