There are a bunch of superb street tires available these days and some first-rate off-road tires, but what about tires that are reasonably comfortable on the highway and safe on a poorly maintained dirt road? Anyone got any experience with this?

It's probably a 95% / 5% split at best, probably more like 98% / 2% but the good highway tires are awful in the dirt.

Assuming that there will be a price to be paid in trad life, what's a good tire for this?

Whats your tire size?

There are hybrid tires with a flat run in the center and some teeth on the sides that may work. Look for a tire with a tread like that.

A huge range available in adventure tyres, from street legal knobs to road tyres with a slightly more aggressive tread. So it really depends on what you want. If the centre is solid you will get good tyre life on road, but almost no traction off road. I currently have a Shinko E705 on the front, and not able to find a match in a rear size, bought a Bridgestone TW42 for the rear a couple of days ago. Both are probably 80/20. I do mainly gravel roads, both not the best there, but better than road tyres, and do well on my bike for seal.

For gravel roads I've found the best tyre is the Dunlop K70, a '60's road tyre. It's the profile working here, not tread design.

140/80-17 rear 110/80 R 19 front

I have quite a few friends that are serious about their ADV riding. They ride long distances on dirt and paved roads. One of the tires they like for that mixed use, with the inevitable bias to pavement, is the Heidanau K60 Scout tires.

Heidanau K60 Scout

Looks impressive, but with that centre rib is mainly a road tyre. Sure, there are rugged looking side knobs, but you need to get away from that centre rib to get any bite. But if you want a 95/5 %, you'll really look the part.

That's exactly the point, it IS mainly a road tire, and what the OP requested. According to my friends, they do surprisingly well in dirt. But they also have lots of experience riding in dirt, and having their tires slip and spin a bit is no big deal.

They do have more dirt-biased tires, too.

Anyway, it's just one more suggestion.

I wonder what the bike is.....?

Pirelli Scorpion Trail II or Avon Trail Rider

Whatever you get make sure it's a dual compound design which means softer compound at the edges and firmer compound at center. Most are dual compound but just saying.

As with all things take internet posted buyer reviews with grain of salt. One rider will praise for long tread wear and the next will be upset claiming to have only gotten 2000 miles out of the rear or something. So many variables factor into tread wear that I pay little attention to field reports like that.

I installed Shinko 705's on my DR650 two years ago. I was apprehensive about using Shinko tires, but they seem to get good reviews when used within their limits.
So far I like them and would use again.

https://www.shinkotireusa.com/product/705-series-tire/211929

I suspect the Shinko 705 and Heidenau K60 outsell every other tire model combined, in the target market you've identified, OP.

What's the difference between the K60 and the K60 Scout?

That looks like what I had in mind.

I've got them on my Africa Twin, and I'm really happy with them. Easily the best value in their segment.

OTOH if I go adventure touring this Summer I'm swapping them out for a more aggressive tire. And there are plenty of tires a bit more aggressive.


Aren't they same tire?

Heidenau makes a distinction but they don't explain it on their website.

These are the next ones going on my adventure bike.