Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In this episode of the podcast Around the Wheel, I kick off 2026 with a new format: combining podcast-style teaching with video to answer rider's questions in more depth and with more flexibility.
Today’s question comes from an email from Kevin, an experienced street rider transitioning into off-road and backcountry discovery route riding on a BMW GS. He’s looking for tire recommendations that balance confidence off-pavement and reasonable road mileage.
Rather than rehashing tire catalogs, this episode walks through how to think about tire choice based on riding environment, skill development, confidence, and learning goals, especially for riders moving from pavement to dirt.
In this episode, we cover:
1. How to choose adventure motorcycle tires for learning off-road skills.
2. Mixing tire brands, tread patterns, and constructions (radial vs bias ply).
3. Front vs rear tire priorities and why they matter.
4. Terrain difference in the East coast vs West coast.
5. Tire depth, compound, and how they affect traction and confidence.
6. When “maximum traction” helps learning, and when it doesn’t.
7. Tire longevity: dirt life vs street life explained.
8. How rider weight, riding style, and terrain influence tire choice.
This discussion is especially relevant for:
Adventure riders new to dirt
BMW GS and big-bike ADV riders
Riders preparing for Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDRs) or my training classes
Anyone confused by conflicting tire advice online
The goal isn’t to tell you what tire to buy. It’s to teach you how to think through tire decisions so you can make better choices for your riding style and your skill development.
If you like this new podcast + video format, leave a comment and let us know.
Ride with a smile because attitude matters.
Learn more about Bret Tkacs’ adventure motorcycle training programs in Georgia, Virginia, and beyond at
👉 BretTkacs.com/training
Tire Brands & Models Mentioned:
Michelin Anakee Wild (front & rear referenced)
Motoz Tractionator Adventure
Motoz Tractionator RallZ
Continental TKC80
Shinko 804
Shinko 805
Kenda Big Block
Dunlop Trailmax Mission
CHAPTERS:
00:00 – Podcast Relaunch & 2026 Format Changes
02:09 – Today’s Question: Tire Advice For ADV Training Courses
02:55 – Kevin’s Riding Background & Requirements
04:18 – How to Think About Choosing Adventure Tires
05:27 – Bret’s Current Setup: Anakee Wild + Motaz
07:02 – Mixing Tire Brands, Bias Ply vs Radial
09:33 – Front vs Rear Tire Roles (Grip, Depth, Longevity)
12:07 – Is This Tire Setup Right for Kevin (and You)?
In this episode of the podcast Around the Wheel, I kick off 2026 with a new format: combining podcast-style teaching with video to answer rider's questions in more depth and with more flexibility.
Today’s question comes from an email from Kevin, an experienced street rider transitioning into off-road and backcountry discovery route riding on a BMW GS. He’s looking for tire recommendations that balance confidence off-pavement and reasonable road mileage.
Rather than rehashing tire catalogs, this episode walks through how to think about tire choice based on riding environment, skill development, confidence, and learning goals, especially for riders moving from pavement to dirt.
In this episode, we cover:
1. How to choose adventure motorcycle tires for learning off-road skills.
2. Mixing tire brands, tread patterns, and constructions (radial vs bias ply).
3. Front vs rear tire priorities and why they matter.
4. Terrain difference in the East coast vs West coast.
5. Tire depth, compound, and how they affect traction and confidence.
6. When “maximum traction” helps learning, and when it doesn’t.
7. Tire longevity: dirt life vs street life explained.
8. How rider weight, riding style, and terrain influence tire choice.
This discussion is especially relevant for:
Adventure riders new to dirt
BMW GS and big-bike ADV riders
Riders preparing for Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDRs) or my training classes
Anyone confused by conflicting tire advice online
The goal isn’t to tell you what tire to buy. It’s to teach you how to think through tire decisions so you can make better choices for your riding style and your skill development.
If you like this new podcast + video format, leave a comment and let us know.
Ride with a smile because attitude matters.
Learn more about Bret Tkacs’ adventure motorcycle training programs in Georgia, Virginia, and beyond at
👉 BretTkacs.com/training
Tire Brands & Models Mentioned:
Michelin Anakee Wild (front & rear referenced)
Motoz Tractionator Adventure
Motoz Tractionator RallZ
Continental TKC80
Shinko 804
Shinko 805
Kenda Big Block
Dunlop Trailmax Mission
CHAPTERS:
00:00 – Podcast Relaunch & 2026 Format Changes
02:09 – Today’s Question: Tire Advice For ADV Training Courses
02:55 – Kevin’s Riding Background & Requirements
04:18 – How to Think About Choosing Adventure Tires
05:27 – Bret’s Current Setup: Anakee Wild + Motaz
07:02 – Mixing Tire Brands, Bias Ply vs Radial
09:33 – Front vs Rear Tire Roles (Grip, Depth, Longevity)
12:07 – Is This Tire Setup Right for Kevin (and You)?
