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Tire choices for Himalayan 450 (especially off-road)

Himavehje

Himavehje

Getting there...
Location
Finland
I got my Himalayan 450 last week as a surprise purchase as I got good deal on a test bike. It has 400 km on it and I've now done 300 km more. Going to the first service soon. I can already say that I will need more grip on the gravel roads in my area, especially when wet. The stock tires feel really good on asphalt and twisty roads. But a large part of my use will be on gravel and sometimes smaller forest roads. My learner bike (Suzuki TU250X) has knobbier installed and I've already got used to that kind of grip. I'm not looking for extreme off-road grip and I'd like to still enjoy asphalt as that's part of my overall riding.

Any recommendations for grippier tires for Himi 450?
 
M

Michiel

Finally made it
Location
The Netherlands
Can't really help you, other than that I came to the same conclusion after a test ride. So I ordered Michelin Ankee Wild tires, they'll put it on the bike when it arrives. Hopefully in december. So I can't update you before that, other than most people seem to be really happy with those tires
 
minky

minky

Getting there...
Location
lancs uk
such a tough ask recomending tyres ..

probaly the best ive found are pirelli m21s for road and trail comprimise but you will only get a rear in a 130 which will fit fine on a 3.5 rim .they are pretty decent on and off road ..wont las long maby 3k if your lucky
there isnt any off road tyre made that will keep the road manners of a road tyre ..ive tried dozens over the years

if you think you may come accross wet mud at any stage your options for nice road tyres are zero

im using mitas e13 rally front and enduro trail xt rears ,,you can get a bout just fine on the road but off road they are very very good .speed rated over 100mph though i wouldnt recomend it
its all about managing risk i guess and for me the biggest risk is off road id rather take the comprimise on tar and be a steadyer than have some 70//30 thing wash out and chuck me in ditch

hard question to answer tbo but if its gonna be wet and slippy along the way ..you will have to bite the bullet and go with some knobs ...as being decent most of the time usually means dry and easy when it comes to tyres off road

the mitas are pretty decent off road drive and clear well
 

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Alan F.

Alan F.

Well travelled
Location
North of Boston, MA
I'm running Shinko 244s on my Scrambled Interceptor 650, they're great road tires and great on all other terrain too. I'm running a 5.10x18 rear and a 2.75x21 front which at that width will probably cut in and sink rather than "float" through sand or mud like a wider tire would, but it has a P speed rating (93mph) vs their other 21" offering 3.00x21 with an L speed rating (75mph).

And they're cheap.
 
Rab

Rab

Well travelled
Location
Northamptonshire
No tyre will last forever, and a tyre you don't trust is a bad bargain.

There is plenty of choice available... like I said, I've used TKC80s on two previous bikes.
I've found them to have a decent life, and I have confidence in them, in all conditions.

TKC80.jpeg
 
norton73

norton73

Getting there...
Location
Alabama
I'm a fan of the Heidanu K60s. I have run them on my '92 R100GS and my Tenere 700. Good all around tires and I can get 8000+ miles out of them. I'll be mounting a set on the Himi soon.
 
Felix Hauser

Felix Hauser

Well travelled
Location
Germany
I have some Heidenau K60 Scout on my BMW and they are really good.
I want to order the Mitas Enduro Trail for the Himi, once arrives (4 months and counting)
 
Mark H

Mark H

Well travelled
Location
Wiltshire UK
After too many weeks trying to decide which tyres to fit to mine, knowing that being able too spoon them on and off trailside without to much of a struggle was a factor that had to be considered, I’ve ordered a pair of Anlas Capra X for mine. I know a few people using them successfully in the ADV bike class of the UK roadbook rally scene, which was a good enough recommendation for me (mine is going to be used for ADV bike class roadbook rallying, as well as green lane exploring and touring)

will add photos of them fitted once I’ve spooned them on, but that won’t be for a few weeks as still recovering from stomach surgery.

I might buy a 130/90/17 Pirelli MT 21 to test fit and see if there is enough clearance to squeeze the taller sidewall in. I‘m not bothered about losing 10mm in width and if that size will sensibly fit, it opens up a few more potential choices in more off road focused tyres, that can actually be spooned on and off trailside.
 

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Himavehje

Himavehje

Getting there...
Location
Finland
I opted for Anakee Wilds as they’ve got good reviews and were easily available at the service place. They are now being fitted and tomorrow I‘ll get to ride them home. I’ll report how they feel then.
 
Himavehje

Himavehje

Getting there...
Location
Finland
Just got back from the first service and tire change. Here are my initial thoughts on Anakee Wilds.
TLDR: happy

Test ride from service to home, around 70 km

Conditions:
  • 40 km on asphalt, 30 km on gravel, including forest paths
  • Temperature +1C, just above freezing point, wet roads
Rider:
  • New rider with only 1500+ km ridden
    • 1000+ km on learner bike, Suzuki TU250x with knobbies installed, mosty on gravel
    • 500 km on Himi 450 with stock tires, at least half of it on gravel
  • Take with these in mind, I’m not an expert.
Verdict:

On asphalt they didn’t feel any worse than stock tires, which I like. Didn’t need any time adjusting to them. Even wet parts felt firm. I didn’t want to push too far as it was dark and the tires weren’t broken in yet. Plus temperature hovering at freezing point could mean icy patches (on gravel there was some snow left). On twisty asphalt roads I rode just we fast (or slow) as with my stock tires. They felt softer but still firm and planted. No weird behaviour on turns. Didn’t hear more noise either. I felt like I didn’t give up anything changing to this Anakee Wilds. Maybe a slightly less sharp feel on the road, but still good enough.

On gravel they allowed me to ride confidently and enjoy the corners without fear of slipping like with the stock tires. I didn’t slip even on a small forest path covered in wet leaves. I’m very happy with them. Just what I needed for these roads. And still just as good on twisties.

I will definitely try to ride on snow when we get some more. As long as there’s no ice, these might extend my riding season.

Overall recommended for anybody needing some more grip on wet gravel roads and still want to enjoy enjoy asphalt sections without many compromises.
 
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