Hi All, I have a 04 Bonneville and would like to put some dual purpose knobby looking tires. I don't do much off-roading just like the look. Any suggestions? Or would you recommend not putting knobby tires?
I'm by far not an expert (though I've been riding two-wheeled things with gas motors for about 50 years) so here's my opinion: I mostly agree with Smilinjack -don't do it for looks only (my disagreement is that I think they do look good). Functionality is very important on two wheels. Think safety. Only you know your skill level and willingness toward risk, though, so do your thing!
Pirelli MT60’s as fitted to the Ducati Scrambler 800 grip really well on tarmac, wet or dry, don’t expect to get more than 4K miles out of the rear though , very soft compound, but I rather have a tyre wear quickly and provide good grip than last forever but not give good grip
Personal pref, There is likely a dual puropse tyre that is angled for road riding and marketed to ditch pump owners who want the adventure bike look. It'll probably work well. But not as well as a proper road tyre. But seeing your location, you likely don't need wet road sipes anyhow
Just type MT60 and your tyre size into eBay and you’ll soon find out if they do this tyre for your bike, when I first got my Scrambler I was amazed how good they are, the trick is that they are basically a road tyre made to look like an off-road tyre, the blocks are broad and low so you don’t get any squirm , everyone on the Ducati forum has raved about them, a few complained that you only get 4K miles before the rear is worn out but that has never bothered me , I’m on my 3rd rear and second front on my Scrambler
