The KLE 500 has changed its shoes a couple of times since the last update. Around where I live, the byways close from October 1 through to the start of April, so with the last week of September rolling around, I took it upon myself to spend a few hours off-road to try out my Continental TKC 802s where they feel at home – at least half the time. Although marketed as 50/50 tyres , they seemed to be more knobbly than the OE set, which I squared through quickly, and despite seeing the motorway a few times, these 802s still looked great.
So, down a byway I went, the hubby was behind me on a mountain bike… just in case. The byway I wanted was already closed, but another nearby was still accessible, and I really enjoyed doing a few passes. I got braver and dared to go down an adjoining route, staring at the ruts that I desperately didn’t want to be in… but unfortunately, it was closed at the far end. Back I go… and into the rut. The fall wasn’t particularly dramatic, but at least I caught it on cam, and the other half wouldn’t help me get out from under it until he got a picture. Git.
I will say the misdemeanour was likely due to my riding rather than the tyres. When I was riding the trails properly, they felt incredibly grippy – dipping into and climbing undulations without a care.
So, with the first fall on the KLE finally out the way, it was time to get something more suited to the tarmac. I went with a pair of Bridgestone A41s . I’d planned to give them a proper trial by fire by heading up to Scotland the week after they were fitted, but due to last-minute kerfuffles, I instead headed east. As I’m not very good at just riding around, I headed for an amusing road name to tick another one off my list – Slutshole Lane – and set off with the temperatures in single digits for the first time in what felt like forever.
Immediately the ride was quieter, although the road-based tyres didn’t do much to alleviate the vibration through the handlebars. As the tyres are slightly wider (barely), I had to tweak my leans into corners, but it’s barely noticeable. It was lovely to sweep through bends and come out the other side on the throttle without a second thought. I’m planning to head up to the Yorkshire Moors, so we’ll see how the KLE copes on a long slog.
On the first trip to the office with the new tyres, I was subjected to torrential rain. And when a car decided to change lanes last minute coming up to a roundabout, I felt the front wheel ABS for the first time. I’d left plenty of room, and the juddering was subtle and controlled.
MCN Reporter - Saffron's love for motorcycles began early, growing up surrounded by them and riding as soon as she turned 16. She pursued a BA in Creative Writing and Fine Art, followed by a Level 3 Diploma in Journalism from the NCTJ while gaining work experience at a local newspaper. Saffron's career includes various marketing roles in the automotive industry, but her passion for motorcycles led her to join MCN in April 2021. Since she joined, she has dabbled in off-road riding and track time, but touring remains her favourite hobby. Saffron, often seen traveling for features, rides a Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail when not working for MCN.
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