Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 7 Oct 2007
Dambusters2014's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Stone
Posts: 27
Knobblies for the F650GS

Hi Folks. Your advice please! I have a 2006 F650GS and will be travelling into Africa and want to fit suitable knobblies. I had assumed that Michelin Desert would be the tyres to choose but see from their website that they are 140 instead of the 130 section on the F650. Which tyres are the right knobblies for the F650GS? Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 8 Oct 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Ripley, Derbyshire
Posts: 373
Hi,

Its really all about what you like when riding, but Id go with the METZELER ENDURO 3 SAHARA they are made for Africa really grippy soft tires, I had the Continentals on mine but took them off the first chance I got for off roading.

I also went over to the Metzeler Touraces for Street riding, much much better then any of the others I tried out. I normally ask people with the same bike but different tires if I can have a quick ride to see what we each think about the others tire choice.

When are you leaving on your trip? and what are you currently using for road use?

Hope that helps.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 8 Oct 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Ashford Kent UK
Posts: 161
I used TKCs on my 1100gs on a trip to Dakar & found them good off road & in the desert & they are also ok on the highway but dont last as long as standard road tyres . How much off road/track riding are you doing ?
Kev
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 8 Oct 2007
Guest2
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Simon,
The 140 may fit and the Desert has a reputation for high mileage.
A second option is the michilin T 63 which has a 130 section.

I have tried the T63 and it last longer and has better grip off road than the Conti TKC.

I have also tried the Metz Enduro 3 which only lasted 2500 miles.

If you want a high mileage tyre try the Pirelli SCORPION MT 90 A/T, it's not great at anything but it lasts a long time.

Stveve
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 9 Oct 2007
Dambusters2014's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Stone
Posts: 27
Knobblies for thr F650

Thanks for all the advice - their was a couple of votes for the Metzelers so I may try those. At the same time Ernie from Overland Solutions swears by the TKC80.....

juddadredd - we will be leaving September 19th 2008. Have a look at www.trenthamtoarusha.org.uk and you will see what we are up to!

Simon
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 10 Oct 2007
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
The Korean made TKC 80's have a good reputation. I'm counting on a TKC on the front of my DR650 for upcoming trip. Look at link below for more ideas. The T-63 would be MY choice...but it's not available in the USA.

I can't say the Pirelli Mt90 Scorpion's will last that long but work well...more street oriented...but at 2000 miles, my new MT90 is now at the half way point. This info is one month old. This tire is a NO GO for me to Mexico, even though I love the way it works over all. Fantastic grip on pavement/wet roads. Very good on dirt roads/fire roads. Not so bad on rougher stuff but not a knobby.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...e-please-28627

Good luck, have a safe trip!!

Patrick
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Wanted - Tank bag for BMW F650GS Kiwirider TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 7 1 Aug 2007 09:20
3rd Broken shock!!! BMW F650GS.. motoride BMW Tech 21 30 Jan 2007 20:37
Corbin or other seat for F650GS jkrijt BMW Tech 5 28 Sep 2005 03:08
BMW F650GS vs KTM 640 LC Adventure Dizzie Which Bike? 13 15 Feb 2004 14:32
R1150GS vs F650GS Newbi Rudi Which Bike? 8 9 Nov 2002 05:58

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:58.