[Plantboy]

Not a big fan of the standard tyres. I found them a bit hard/stiff. Looking for some softer/stickier tires. I was looking at the Pirelli Scorpion trail II because I liked them a lot on my Multistrada. They are basically road tyres with good grip in the rain and with limited of-road capability. For the front I would have to use a 100/90. Anybody did this? I believe it should work and might even look good. Higher and thinner for an even better old skool look and better handling?

Pirelli Tyres: find the best tyre for your car and SUV

I have a Sixty2. Since the rear is already a 160, a 100 tyre in the front should not look weird.

I have had Scorpions on my Icon for about 10K kms. They are more of a sport touring compound with stiffer side-walls than the standard tyres. The 100/90 does not look out of place up front but I feel the altered profile may have taken the edge off turn-in, though all seems fine and otherwise safe.

However, I might try something else when the Scorpions need replacing.

 

[Plantboy]

Thanks. I am going to give them a try soon and hopefully they make the ride smoother. I don't really need to go off road, just need a good road tyre. Unfortunately in 18" there are not a lot option.

The stiffer sidewalls of the Scorpions will not give a smoother ride. I am using Scorpions because I want a 'road' tyre that will resist puncturing when I ride the rough and rocky gravel road that leads to where I live. Suggest you take Sarah's advice or consider other ST tyres such as Michelin PRs or Pirelli Angels for a smoother road tyre. I believe both the tyres I have mentioned offer correctly sized 18" fronts.

 

[Plantboy]

At 19,975 kms I have thoroughly trashed my second rear tyre, a Pirelli Scorpion Trail ll. Yesterday I replaced the Pirelli with an Avon Trailrider and was pleasantly surprised
to find that the Avon has water dispersing sipes.:encouragement: Looking good so far but will give it a good 250 km workout tomorrow. A matching front hoop will be fitted shortly.

 

[Plantboy]

Keep us posted on road/off road handling and longevity compared to the MT60's and Trail ll.

The problem for me with the oem MT60"s is their far too short life - mine really were toasted at less than 5000 kms, and I'm not hard on rubber. OTH, the Trail II's were quite useful for about 13000 kms, which I consider to be about average for that type of tyre on our light and only moderately powerful Scramblers. However, the let down for me was trying get some feedback and 'feel' from them. Despite playing with pre-load and damping setting, as well as tyre pressures, I never really found a sweet set-up that I was comfortable with. Another factor which always spooked me a bit was having to fit an undersized 100/90 up front' as the correct 110/80 was not available in the Scorpion Trail ll range.

If I just wanted to run a standard sport-touring tyre I would be spoilt for choice, as there are at least half a dozen good brands about. It is Ducati's slightly odd choice of an 18" which really messes us about when trying to find a dual sport front tyre - there are just so few in the market in the correct size.

When I do fit a rear Trailrider 130/80-18 to the front it will be mounted backwards (as Avon advise to ensure its operating integrity) I will provide feedback here. I would also welcome feedback from others who are further along the Avon Trailrider journey I am.