Building a Scrambler, help a newb with some suggestions!

[Spartacus]

What's up guys and gals, bought myself an 81' Xs650 Special II and was originally planning on doing a cafe-style build but my motoX roots have overcome and I've decided to go dual-sport. I want to build a scrambler/tracker with a street-priority that I can still take trailing, nothing too serious though. Can anyone point me in a good direction for dual-sport knobs for this thing? I've found a rear that seems to be geared towards what I'm looking for, but can't find a front;

http://www.bikebandit.com/duro-hf904-median-motorcycle-tire

The tire sizes are 100/90/19 front and 130/90/16 rear.

One more question I had, I'm replacing my rear-shocks and front-shocks but am unsure what exactly I should look for. I was told to stay under 14" on the rear shocks, any specific suggestions for that? Also, on the front shocks, I was going to get cartridge emulators and fork-gators, what else should I get to properly rebuild the forks?

Sorry for the newb questions, ran some searches on knob tires and what not but I couldn't find any specifics

 

[Growl]

Some tire possibilities:

(tubeless) Vee Rubber rear tire VRM-163 120/90-16
(tubeless) Vee Rubber front tire VRM-163 90/100-19

DURO HF904 130/90S16 REAR TT

Continental TKC 80 Twinduro Front 100/90S-19

Dunlop K460 16" 120/90-16 63P TT
Dunlop K460 19" 90/100-19 55P TT

Bridgestone Trail Wing TW39 90/100-19 TT
Bridgestone Trail Wing TW40 120/90-16 TT

Posted via Mobile

 

[Spartacus]

Thanks Growl, extremely helpful. I was wondering if you had any preference between the group? I am leaning towards the Vee's for price/tubeless but I might just dish out a little extra for the Bridgestones, only problem with this is I like the idea of being able to plug any popped tires + I have mags.

 

[Furious D]

I am running a Trailwing 120/90-16 in the back and just mounted a Shinko 705
100/90-19 on the front this week. I dont do a lot of off road riding but it sees its share of gravel and dirt roads.

Shocks are from a 2008 Triumph Scrambler ( My other bike) and measure just over 14" with no clearance issues. You can find them pretty cheap on Ebay or over on the TriumphRat forums. I think I got mine for $40 shipped.

 

[Spartacus]

Sweet setup man, that looks like a bike that is meant for riding. Should I stay over 14" with knobs on?

 

[VosaME]

I use the Shinko 705s on my Vstrom and love them, they are a very decent tire for the price!

 

[seekarete]

Furious D - Where did you find a 100/90-19 Shinko 705?

 

[TerribleTabo1]

I have the
Heidenau K60 Scout Tires

but I really like and may switch to the Continental TKC 80 Twinduro

 

[Mailman]

I have the
Heidenau K60 Scout Tires

but I really like and may switch to the Continental TKC 80 Twinduro

I always liked your bike, I thought you sold it a while back. Decide to hang on to it?

 

[WideAWAKE]

I have the
Heidenau K60 Scout Tires

but I really like and may switch to the Continental TKC 80 Twinduro

what is that seat??

 

[WideAWAKE]

And I know this is quite an old thread but if it helps someone in the future.

I went with the Shinko 241s - I don’t think they will highly excel in either off road or highway but they seems like a good tire for 50/50 use which is my plan for them. Fronts match the backs.

 

[TerribleTabo1]

I always liked your bike, I thought you sold it a while back. Decide to hang on to it?

Thanks! I actually haven't officially gotten it yet. lol. I almost sold it because the last year has been rough. Rich G is the builder of this awesome bike and I almost had to sell it before I even got it but I'm going to try to hold on to it if I can. I couldn't be happier with the work he did on it. I can't wait to ride it! I have an Indian and Harley in the shop and only the Ducati is the only one I have running right now. lol.

 

[TerribleTabo1]

what is that seat??

This is the seat I used:
https://bikeseatfactory.com/1975-1978-yamaha-xs650-xs-650-cafe-racer-complete-seat/
1975 - 1978 Yamaha XS650 XS 650 cafe racer complete seat #4036