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IRC

pollo

pollo

Joined Jun 2008
1K Posts | 98+
Simi Valley Ca.
I'll be trying the IRC M5B shortly. I was leaning towards the 130/80/18 thinking I would be able to maneuver easier as opposed to the 140/80/18. Is it true that they are one size up from standard and the 130/80/18 is the same as 120/90/18? I just didn't want any lug down from the 140 or handling issues, but then if the140/80/18 is the same as a 130/90/18 I might get it. The 6fiddy had plenty of power for the Teraflex 150/90/18 but the bike wobbled on the street, handled pourly and the tire ate a hole in the plastic mud guard. I fiberglass patched it.
Pollo
 
yes the teraflex is a big compromise, have to run 3 or 4 psi and balance it to stop wobbling and run 2 rimlocks or self tapping screws into the bead, also need to valve the shock accordingly. softer LS rebound and softer HS compression.

they're also much too expensive to freight to OZ now the exchange rate has dropped.

but the thing that draws me back to the monsterflex is that only a paddle can beat it for traction in deep sand.

I hope the IRCs handle good, let us know

Bushie
 
I'm not sure how the 80 series compares to the 90 series, however the IRC tires measure 'full-size'. For instance they are wider than equivalent Michelin tires. I have used the 140 M5B tires on my '96 Berg FE600 and '04 KTM and was very happy with them, although I don't use them as my standard tire. They are superb for wet/mud, sand, hill climbs, and are a decent all-round tire and are relatively long wearing. The M5B 140 tire weighs 13 lbs/ 27.25" mounted diameter/ 5.375" max width/ 3/4" knob height.
 
That's some good info Chas. I might just try the 140 first now. 13 lbs is around same as many others and a lot less than the 19 lb Teraflex. Thanks.
Pollo
 
Installed the IRC 140/80/18. I believe I will like this tire. Tall beefy knobs for the soft stuff. Also the 140 width is measured euro style as a complete width which I like. My Bridgestone 120/90/19 on my other bike nearly measures the same overall width at around 130mm or so They look about the same width. I believe the IRC is 138.
Pollo
 
I heard 17 but you may be right. i havent measured yet
 
As already mentioned, the knob height is 3/4" or just about 19mm and the knobs are very 'beefy'.
 
I dont use anything but IRC on the rear there a great tyre in almost all conditions the only prob i have is spitting off the nobs i lose one or some times two if i am riding in full rock other than that they are great
 
I've got the Michelin desert on the front now. Good tire, but i'm going with the Bridgestone 403 motocross tire next time. I think it will be a great combo with the IRC. I run the 403 on my CRF450 and it is the best gripping tire I know of. Even in the soft it is pretty good. It is a dual compound tire, harder on top and softer on the side for longer wear and good side knob pattern for extreem lean angles. The pattern is similar to the M59 that now comes stock on the 09 Bergs but even better I think. The 403 has some small cup shape knobs for better grip on the hard pack.
Pollo
 
The IRC is directional also. I looked before I installed it and didn't see any arrows. So I just put it on. After I had it on I see there is a thin arrow pointing for the forward direction. Had a 50/50 chance of getting it right and good thing I did. :)
Pollo
 
I've been running the M5 for over a year now,best tire for the rear-130-80-18.I think the 140-80-18 is to wide.I'am getting 12-15 rides on this tire,I ride year round here in nor cal.Only problem i had was with the stock rim lock,rubber one, switched to a steel one, no more spinning the tube.
 
I am very happywith the wear on the M5B. I've gunned the bike over rocks,gravel roads and all kinds of terrain with no chunking yet.
Grabs great in the soft of course, but I might be agreeing with craterbum. I might just be quicker with the 130/80/18. The 140 does seem a little wide. I haven't noticed much lug down on my 650, but I will try the 130 next. I have looked at the Pirelli MT 16. Looks beefy but it doesn't seem to have the side profile knobs that I really like on the M5B. That is unless you don't use them. But I do.
Eventually I may try the Bridgestone 404 110/100 18. Its got a motocross profile, great side knobs and is almost the same as the 402 on the new Bergs
Pollo
 
Tried the 403/404 combo. I run them on my CRF450 at the track. Best tire on that bike. No question.With the Berg though the front did work well but was a bit spongy feeling at high speed on hard terrain. Same with the rear.
Tried the Pirelli Scorpion xcmh. They work well as designed for Medium Hard terrain, but did not perform well in sand or loam. I even had to lower the air pressure in the front down to 11 or 12 from my normal 13 in order to feel my usual confidence in turns. I run heavy duty tubes so that was OK. The rear hooked up well initially but faded in performance sooner than I would have liked.
They are now coming off. Will save the front for some dual sporting.
I will be installing the Scorpion Pro front along with the IRC 130/80/18 rear.
Now this has got to be the best combo yet! We'll see

Pollo
 
Its time for new tires hear too. The M12 rear 130/80 18 was fun for about a month and then it went fast.
I am staying with a 130/80 18.
I need a front and rear and I am not sure what to get yet.
I hear Maxxis might be the call.
 
I have been the happiest with the Pirelli scorpion pro front and the IRC M5B 130/80/18 rear.
For the sake of experiment I have now installed the M5B 120/80/18. I knew beforehand that it
would appear a little small. And I am not able to test it yet because the motor has been pulled for
tranny work. But them IRC knobs are knarly and I gotta feel that 120 also.
I'll let you know

Pollo
 
i use these IRC also, they last, are good on rocks gravel andgreat in the sand, reasonable on wet and mud ( not great) Once the get rounded, don't use them on snow and ice.... ( trust me)
 
The M5B never did chunk on me either. I went through the 140 and then the 130 with no chunking on the rocks.
There were some sharp and jagged ones too. And since the knobs are so tall as the tire wears you continually get
traction for a longer period of time. Good tire for the money. I am going to have a little fun with the 120. I know it will hook up just fine. I'm trying it out just so I can say I did. The 130 may end up being the final choice, but anyway ,this tire is good enough to experiment with the few different sizes rather than some other tires where
1 try was good enough to never put one on again . Here's a few one timers,

Michelin Baja 140/80/18 hooked up initially then got skate
Terra flex 140/80/18 Like putting on a car tire. Tractor up anything, but no thank you to 19 pounds of tire
Pirelli scorpion xcmh 140/80/18 not bad but wore down too fast. Didn't grab in the soft
Pirelli scorpionpro 140/80/18 good tire with traction but not enough knob to start with, so has a short life
Pirelli MT 21 140/80/18 Long lasting dual sport tire but not for full on dirt and softer terrain.
Michelin S-12 140/80/18 Grabbed good, wore fast and chunked
Bridgestone 404 110/100/18 wore good but felt a little small. needed a little larger bite. Best on my CRF450.

Pollo
 
Of course this is just my opinion. I know there are some that prefer some of those tires.
 
The 130/80/18 was an excellent tire. Just rode with the 120/80/18 for the first time today. I like them both
a lot. Great traction everywhere. Because of this the 120 doesn't even seem small and I can almost say I like it
more because of increased maneuverability of the bike.
So for now I will be enjoying this one.

Pollo
 

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