all weather tires

I'm originally from the L.A. area and I'm planning a trip to the Texas,Ok. Arkansas area. I need a new rear tire but where I'm going not all of the roads are paved and I hear that it rains on a weekly basis. I am debating on weather to purchase an all weather tire or a universal style tread (like the Shinko 700). There's snow along the way and although I have ridden in the rain before (northern Cali) I thought that the knobbie may be a safer choice in case of the occasional snow shower.
I'm retired and very low income this is a major purchase.

 

The problem with that idea is that a knobby will have LESS traction on wet pavement. I had a Triumph some years back with a Dunlop "trials-universal" semi-knobby on the rear and even that was a handful in the rain.

I would look at the current crop of "adventure bike" tires if anything. But on a bike with a high revving motor it could be exciting on wet pavement.

 

I currently have a nearly slick kenda challenger which is ok on dry concrete and asphalt like the freeways but the streets of vegas feel like ice when moist, the other tires I've seen under $100 that look like they'd make good rain tires, look almost useless in case of a light dusting of snow on the road. and it is still snowing every couple of days between Flagstaff and Tucumcari. I've been waiting since November and may even change my route, but I 10 is 800 miles farther to my destination than I 40.
Thanks for your input. The Shinko 700 would look cool I think. I've never had a bike over 400 lbs before.

 

What bike are you planning to put this on?

Take a look at the Dunlop D607 or Continental "Escape" series, they look more practical for your application.

 

My vote is to go with Metzlers.
Dunlops are junk in my experience with them. Unless they've changed some, I won't be using Dunlops any time soon. When I put a Metzler (just on the rear, with the stock Dunlop on the front yet) the bike handles like a totally different bike. You can't imagine the change in it. The mileage is alot better too. Just my take on it. Everyone has their own opinion and you know what they say about opinions?

 

81 xj750

 

What size rear? I looked up Metzelers and they make a tire called the Tourance and one called Enduro 4 that look like they might be good for the intended application as well, depending on the size of your rear wheel.

There are a whole range of nifty dual-sport NON-knobbies out there nowadays.

 

Its the stock 18" seca wheel, I think with a little KY (lol) i can slip a 130/80 or 90 up in there, I've got a 110/90x19 on front. and it understeers a little in the twisties.