Have a new CRF300l which I have completed tweaking for TET and local lane use.
I have done a few runs out on it and quite like the bike but as expected the std tyres are rather average Especially in ruts and mud (Mud in August heaven forbid)
I am after some tyre recommendations especially with there performance on local wet rocky lanes.
Currently looking at Michelin trackers which I have limited experience of and had them down as ok but not brilliant.
Front std 80/100 21 but 90/90 should be ok
Rear std 120/80 18 but 90 is meant to fit ok but 100 is a tight squeeze.
both have lasted a lot of miles and still work ok even though they are knackered.
The problem is Andy it depends on what you want from them. Doing TET style riding will mean you require longevity, local rides will mean you can use softer more grippy tyres, load up with luggage and you restrict the terrain and don't need such aggressive tread.
ADV tyres like tic 80s look great but on the front of mine were rubbish, the rear wasn't too bad. I have a Motoz on the front now and although it is good on the road and gravel, as soon as it gets wet and muddy, I start to struggle.
Having tried lots of different types, I think for me I would go for high wear but good grip and just accept the extra cost of more replacements. Probably cheaper than bodywork and limbs in the long run.
Thanks for the excellent reply, I agree I would rather bias the tyre strongly towards grip rather than longevity.
The plan is to use the crf300l for longer TET or equivalent style trips and keep my KTM 250 EXC-F for local stuff. initial plan Was to replace the EXC but ....... You know n+1 and all that.
I had to fit a trials tyre to my EXC for a Exmoor forest fun day and fitted the Maxxis Trialmax (front and rear) and the Tubliss system. Bit of a faff to fit but the grip was excellent during the wet slippy event and on local lanes. Might try a Maxxis Maxenduro on the front as you suggest. The tyre even seemed ok in mud and great on wet rocks.
The Pirelli MT 43 looks to have a slightly rounder profile than the Maxxis Trialmaxx rear so should be better feeling on the road sections.
I am also looking at the Dunlop TrailMax Raid 50/50 tyre for my larger KTM adventure bike (I had a 1290 but that was too big for the road even, so I changed to an 890 which is excellent) I took it on some lanes last week and as expected it was a handful but still much better than I thought the STD tyres would be.
Just about 90% now after a bad back developed on my Spanish road jaunt, I am planning a few days away on the CRF beginning of Sept, just haven't decided on tent or guesthouse. (using back as an excuse)