Stage 1

you gonna put a KTM front end on it for some real travel and dirt tractability?

I haven't found decent tires yet, and I still like the SSS.

http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/de/en/continental/motorcycle/themes/motorcycletires/enduro/tkc_80/tkc_80_en.html

Now available in 120/70-17 and 180/55-17 sizes according to the website.

I see that those do supposedly exist, but there is no way to order them that I can find.  They exist in the html version of the product list, but not in the pdf in the link on the same page.  From that and the prices they list on the "out-of-stock" websites I assume that if you have a big name luxo-custom shop they will make them for you, but if you are a mortal you are S.O.L.

This says available in June...

http://www.af1racing.com/store/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=38677

Aha!   

Now we'll see if my cash flow and tire needs can match up with their stocking rates.

I'm already pretty pleased with the Scorpions, so we'll see.

Quote from: mergatroyd on March 25, 2012, 04:05:24 PM
~~~SNIP~~~

I'm already pretty pleased with the Scorpions, so we'll see.

Do the Scorpions work better in the dirt?
How long do they last?
Got a customer looking to do some adventure riding...

I've used the TKC-80's on my Gran Canyon, great on hard dirt.
Sucko in deep sand, but it's a 500 lb bike with a 19" front.
My buddy's Katoom 950 with a 21" TKC works much better in the sand.

Quote from: Speeddog on March 25, 2012, 06:45:01 PM
Do the Scorpions work better in the dirt?
How long do they last?
Got a customer looking to do some adventure riding...

I've used the TKC-80's on my Gran Canyon, great on hard dirt.
Sucko in deep sand, but it's a 500 lb bike with a 19" front.
My buddy's Katoom 950 with a 21" TKC works much better in the sand.

Umm... I can only assume the TKCs work better than Scorpions in the dirt.  I have Tourances on the 1100GS, and they suck... except for tire life.  Although to be fair it is damn near a 600 lb bike with a 19" front.  This is my first set of Scorpion Trails, and the difference between them and regular street tires is notable on unpaved roads.  They also have bigger gaps between the tread than the Tourances.  I've only had them on for about 5 miles now, but they seem to be a good fire-road tire at least on the monster.  I'll let you know how long they last.

For reference, it appears I got approximately 7k out of my last Conti-motion rear (I changed the front at the same time... August last year).  This is the first time, though, that my rear didn't square off badly.  I ride pretty much regardless of weather, I commute, and I ride to see where the road goes.  I've even ridden two-up in light sand on the monster with the Conti. 

My understanding of the TKCs is that they don't last very long on the road on the great big bikes (ADVrider), hence the lack of them on the fat cow. 

If you want to sponsor say half the cost of the TKCs, I'll wear them out and write a thorough review   road, dirt, and given the June availability, I should even be able to find some mud. 

To be honest, this build has cost me approximately $120 plus tires so far (stage 1.5 is in the mail), and I really like my setup for street-ish riding.  And I have no plans to go single-track ridiculous on a Monster.  Right now I'm thinking ground clearance is more important than suspension.

Ground clearance is indeed a concern.
Also, the oil filter is very much in harm's way. 

Yes, the TKC's don't last very long.

Quote from: Speeddog on March 26, 2012, 08:44:19 AM
~~SNIP
Also, the oil filter is very much in harm's way. 

I have a plan...

Does your imagination seem anything like this?

Quote from: Sad Panda on March 26, 2012, 10:13:31 AM
Does your imagination seem anything like this?

Similar, but different.

I'm aiming more for a 75% road solution.  Unlike the GS, which is a touring bike masquerading as an adventurer.

he just wants to do this kind of thing....

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/yamaha-r1-sand-dunes/

Quote from: zooom on March 26, 2012, 10:30:55 AM
he just wants to do this kind of thing....

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/yamaha-r1-sand-dunes/

If only I could actually ride... and that reminds me, I should clean my air filter.