Table of Contents
- Choosing the Perfect Tires for Your KLR650
- ProCycle's Premier KLR650 Tire Picks for Road-Oriented Riding
- ProCycle's Leading KLR650 Tire Picks for True Dual-Purpose Riding
- ProCycle's Premium KLR650 Tire Picks for Hardcore Trail Riding
- Can Any Tire Do It All?
- Useful OEM Kawasaki KLR650 Tire and Wheel Information
Choosing the Perfect Tires for Your KLR650
The right tire selection can dramatically enhance how your KLR performs, from challenging dirt terrain to long-distance pavement riding, or any combination in between. ProCycle brings more than two decades of experience guiding dual-sport enthusiasts toward their ideal tire setup. We've organized our tire selections based on how you ride—whether that's pavement-oriented travel, balanced 50/50 dual-purpose use, or hardcore dirt riding. Within each riding category, you'll discover three top picks: our most popular seller, a budget-friendly choice that doesn't sacrifice quality, and a premium option for riders who demand the best. Looking for DOT-approved knobby options, adventure bike rubber, or the top-performing tires for your KLR-650's specific conditions? We've got the expertise to match you with the perfect setup for your adventure bike.
ProCycle's Premier KLR650 Tire Picks for Road-Oriented Riding
If your KLR650 sees roughly 80% asphalt and 20% gravel or firm dirt paths, you'll want dual sport rubber that shines on highways, touring routes, and winding roads while retaining adequate dirt capability for spontaneous off-pavement excursions. ProCycle suggests battle-tested options that provide secure grip through sweeping turns, smooth performance on marathon rides, and dependable traction when you stray onto unpaved surfaces. These pavement-focused choices emphasize street performance with consistent wet-weather handling, minimal tire hum for fatigue-free riding, and outstanding longevity that extends your replacement intervals. These selections are commonly labeled as 90/10 , 80/20 , or 70/30 tires in the dual sport world. They're not intended for muddy trails or technical off-road challenges, but they're ideal for KLR650 owners whose primary miles happen on pavement, with periodic ventures down well-maintained dirt paths and forest roads. Here are our leading tire suggestions for this usage pattern:
Shinko 705 Series Dual Sport Tires - BEST SELLER!
Kenda K6342 Trakmaster DTR Dual Sport Tires - GREAT VALUE!
MOTOZ Tractionator GPS Dual Sport Tires - EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY!
ProCycle's Leading KLR650 Tire Picks for True Dual-Purpose Riding
If your KLR650 sees an even mix of street and dirt riding, you need adaptable dual sport rubber that performs confidently across varied terrain. ProCycle suggests options that ensure steady highway performance and secure handling on asphalt while delivering strong grip on unpaved roads, gravel paths, and rugged surfaces. These evenly-balanced choices showcase moderately knobby designs that dig into soft terrain and backcountry routes without compromising pavement stability or creating annoying tire drone. Ideal for motorcyclists who shift between hardtop and trail environments in a single outing, these tires manage everything from National Forest roads and maintenance trails to daily commutes and scenic route adventures. You'll commonly see these referred to as 60/40 , 50/50 , or 40/60 tires in dual sport circles. Though they won't dominate in thick mud or technical singletrack scenarios, they're perfect for KLR650 riders wanting genuine all-terrain versatility for combined-surface journeys. Check out our recommended tires for this type of riding below:
Dunlop D605 Adventure & Trail Dual Sport Tires - BEST SELLER!
Shinko E804/E805 Adventure Trail Dual Sport Tires - GREAT VALUE!
MOTOZ Tractionator Adventure and Dual Venture Tires - EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY!
ProCycle's Premium KLR650 Tire Picks for Hardcore Trail Riding
If your KLR650 tackles predominantly rugged off-road environments with just 20% street use, you need serious knobby rubber designed for demanding trail work and challenging singletrack situations. ProCycle suggests proven dirt-focused options that thrive in tough conditions including sandy terrain, boulder-strewn paths, deep grooves, and thick mud where grip is everything. These are frequently labeled as 30/70 , 20/80 , or 10/90 tires in the dual sport community. These off-road-oriented choices sport tall, generously-spaced knobs that claw into yielding ground, shed mud efficiently, and offer reliable hold when conditions turn dicey. Though they'll manage occasional freeway sections to access remote areas, these aggressive tires are engineered for motorcyclists who invest their saddle time navigating technical obstacles, discovering wilderness routes, and testing their limits on unforgiving off-road adventures. Designed for committed adventure enthusiasts who value dirt performance above road refinement, these tires provide the intense traction and toughness required when conditions get serious. Our top tire picks for this style of riding are listed below:
Dunlop D606 DOT Knobby Tires - BEST SELLER!
MOTOZ Tractionator Desert H/T DOT Knobby Tires - GREAT VALUE!
Pirelli MT21 RallyCross DOT Knobby Tires - EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY!
Can Any Tire Do It All?
The truth is that no tire can dominate every situation, which is precisely why ProCycle provides riding-style-specific tire guidance. Much like dual sport bikes themselves are built for distinct applications, tires are optimized to perform best under certain circumstances. A nimble dirt bike thrives on narrow technical trails but lacks freeway composure, while a robust adventure machine devours interstate miles but feels unwieldy on twisty singletrack. The same logic applies to tires: hardcore knobby designs that tear through slippery terrain and inspire confidence on challenging trails will feel imprecise and loud during pavement miles, whereas road-focused rubber that offers crisp handling and pleasant touring characteristics will struggle for grip when the surface turns slick and muddy. Your "ideal" tire is whatever matches your actual KLR650 usage patterns. When you realistically evaluate your street-versus-dirt breakdown, you'll pick tires that boost your confidence and riding pleasure instead of settling for mediocre all-around compromise. ProCycle exists to guide you toward the right equipment for your journeys — because the optimal tire is whatever suits your unique riding reality.
Useful OEM Kawasaki KLR650 Tire and Wheel Information
The Kawasaki KLR650 comes from the factory with a 21x1.60 rim and a 90/90-21 tire on the front. The OEM rear rim is a 17x2.50 and the rear tire is a 130/80-17. We offer Supermoto and Adventure wheelsets that utilize different sized tires, but this page is dedicated to the stock rim combination.
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