REVIEW
THE TYRES Model : Michelin Tracker Price : 80 / 100-21 $ 129 , 120 / 90-18 $ 169 Measurement of new tyre centre knobs ; Front 10mm , rear 15mm . See more here : www . dirtguide . co . nz
THE BIKE 2017 Honda CRF250L Rally Odo at fitting : 19,274km Weight : approx 157kg Factory tyre size : front 90 / 90-21 , rear 120 / 80-18 Fitted tyre size : front 80 / 100-21 , rear 120 / 90-18 Modifications : Moto SR tuned suspension ( K-tech springs , re-valved both ends ), R & G Tail tidy , alloy bars on 1-inch risers , bark busters . or versatility . That means that although they have an aggressive knobby dirt design , the Tracker is a road-legal option offering serious dirt performance for bikes under 690cc , with lower capacity dual sport bikes like DR-Z400s the prime target of Michelin for this hoop . Michelin states careful attention has notably been paid to its tread pattern and crown which has been reinforced to shrug off the knocks associated with off-road riding . The 36-block tread pattern is meant to optimise handling performance and resistance to wear , while also ensuring the versatility to cover a wide range of terrain . The tie bars that connect the blocks provide added protection and upgraded resistance to impact , while the Tracker ’ s two-ply construction combines reduced weight with superior ride comfort and directional precision .
These are by far the most aggressively offroad focused hoops I ’ ve put on the Honda to date . That means I ’ m not expecting huge kilometres to roll beneath them , but rather a step up in terms of grip off-road and the ability to get to the challenging tracks I want to go and explore over the coming months .
THE PLAN So , what is the plan to put these tyres ( and me ) to the test ? My goals are to spend most of my time with these tyres closer to home than riding to all corners of the country . First up on the list are a couple of local tracks that have been in the back of my mind for a while now - the popular Thompson ’ s Track near Matamata and the warren of trails in the Nevesville area of the Coromandel . Both are infamous for thick and / or slippery mud , so with
KIWI RIDER 35