Kenda Klever R/T

[RugbyRef]

Is anyone familiar with this particular brand of tire...Kenda Klever R/T's? They look fairly aggressive and are relatively inexpensive. I just ordered a set based on reviews and the guys at my local 4-wheel drive shop. These are intended to tide me over until my new wheels and tires get here...whenever that is! Here's a link to a review by Motortrend - Kenda Klever R/T Review - Motortrend.

Interested in your opinions!

Cheers!

Tim

 

[YukonCornelius]

I do like the tread… but not sure on brand name. I only know them for motorcycle and bike tires. They were a cheaper “made in China” alternative back in the day (70’s and 80’s) but remember them being decent. Not sure how long they’ve been doing light truck tires, but they haven’t made it to TireRack as a brand yet which is a great source for ratings and reviews. They carry all ranges from premium to economy so the fact they don’t carry them would cause me pause personally. Just a personal thing with no factual data to back it up.

 

[RugbyRef]

I do like the tread… but not sure on brand name. I only know them for motorcycle and bike tires. They were a cheaper “made in China” alternative back in the day (70’s and 80’s) but remember them being decent. Not sure how long they’ve been doing light truck tires, but they haven’t made it to Tire Rack as a brand yet which is a great source for ratings and reviews. They carry all ranges from premium to economy so the fact they don’t carry them would cause me pause personally. Just a personal thing with no factual data to back it up.

Thanks! I, too, noticed a lack of reviews on Tire Rack and a couple of other sites that cater to the general Jeep public. I do trust Motortrend reviews, however, for the most part. Anyway, the tires go on today and I will impart my limited wisdom and let you guys know how they perform.

Thanks again @YukonCornelius!

 

[YukonCornelius]

Nice! All it takes is one to be the first... you'll have to let us know how the new shoes fit, how well they run, if they squeak in the hallways... the whole gambit. But start with pics. Lots of pics!

 

[RugbyRef]

Okay...the new tires are on. They are 37x12.50R17. They don't look bad...I think. Took it around the block a couple of times, but not on the highway yet. They feel steady...not a lot of sway...so far! It's interesting that, for most of the info out on the web, I thought I would have to remove the two "wings" from the front bumper due to having 37's. I can go full-lock in either direction and still have a couple of inches to spare. Likewise underneath near the lower control arms...no issues. Since these are 37x12.50, perhaps that's why. I saw a couple of videos (i.e. James @Shockerracing), but I think he might be running 13.50's. In addition, I have a steep driveway (15 degrees), so I thought I might rub going up at an angle...NOPE!

Anyway, here's some pics.

 

[YukonCornelius]

Look nice and aggressive!

 

[RugbyRef]

Welp...took a nice trip up to another town about 35 miles away from me. Took the highway and averaged about 75mph up and back. Smooth ride. The front-end didn't want to "hunt". Steering was great! The noise, from the new tires, was not bad at all. I had more road noise from my Nitto Recon Grapplers on my last truck than I do from these Kenda's.

 

[Electrified]

Welp...took a nice trip up to another town about 35 miles away from me. Took the highway and averaged about 75mph up and back. Smooth ride. The front-end didn't want to "hunt". Steering was great! The noise, from the new tires, was not bad at all. I had more road noise from my Nitto Recon Grapplers on my last truck than I do from these Kenda's.

After a couple more months on those Kenda's, how do you like them? Any rub? How are they wearing?

 

[Jeepstin392]

I‘ve used Kenda brand, but not on any registered vehicles. Only on my mountain bike, which they were great. Also on my racing ATV, and that experience left me not wanting to use them on any motorized vehicle. Lacking quality, asymmetrical, weak compound, thin reinforcement, etc. lots of flats, balance issues, fast tread wear, etc. comparing that to other race tire brands which didn’t display those issues. Not sure this helps, but maybe give some insight for what to look for in case you see issues.

 

[Electrified]

I‘ve used Kendra brand, but not on any registered vehicles. Only on my mountain bike, which they were great. Also on my racing ATV, and that experience left me not wanting to use them on any motorized vehicle. Lacking quality, asymmetrical, weak compound, thin reinforcement, etc. lots of flats, balance issues, fast tread wear, etc. comparing that to other race tire brands which didn’t display those issues. Not sure this helps, but maybe give some insight for what to look for in case you see issues.

I had mixed results using them on my enduro dirt bikes. I'm too far removed from those days but there was 1 or 2 Kenda tires that I swore by and there were others that the knobbies would just chunk off.

 

[badidea2.0]

This is a good post. I like to see the other experiences with different applications. I have looked at these tires but never pulled the trigger.

I did pull the trigger on some Patagonia MTs once and ran those for about 40k miles. They were great at first but after about 10k the soft compounds wore down and the tires became noisy and chunked easily. IMO for MTs they were bad in the mud. Soooooo…..

I am interested in your findings Rugbyref as this could help me decide.

 

[YukonCornelius]

So interestingly I was at my dealer… they do a lot of lifts and larger tires for the showroom. They had several galdiators with 35’s (one with 37’s) and they were all wearing Kendras. So I asked about them. Said they like them, use them a lot, and buyers haven’t given any negative feedback. So, at least that’s something….

 

[dog]

So interestingly I was at my dealer… they do a lot of lifts and larger tires for the showroom. They had several galdiators with 35’s (one with 37’s) and they were all wearing Kendras. So I asked about them. Said they like them, use them a lot, and buyers haven’t given any negative feedback. So, at least that’s something….

Tell me you were at your dealer looking at your new ride!!

 

[YukonCornelius]

I was!!!!!

 

[YukonCornelius]

And damn, I’m frigg’n loving this thing. SO WORTH THE WAIT!

Everyone here was soooo correct in that statement!

 

[Electrified]

I was!!!!!

Pictures?? When are you bringing it home?

 

[YukonCornelius]

got the first few here:

https://www.jeep392.com/threads/whe...and-you’re-about-to-throw-in-the-towel….1317/

 

[RugbyRef]

After a couple more months on those Kenda's, how do you like them? Any rub? How are they wearing?

@Electrified - I like the Kenda's alot so far! No issues whatsoever. Went wheeling on some ORV trails near me this past weekend and they worked great. To me...they are quiet on the road at highway speed. I would buy these again, but I am looking for 13.50's and Kenda does not offer that in the R/T. So, I will wait until it's time to replace them and find another 37" in a 13.50. If Kenda offers them, I will get 'em from them.

Tim