Could someone with off road experience fill me in on RTW tyre choices for an 1150GS? My only experiences are with the more road-oriented tyres. Specifically:

Michelin Deserts - can you get tubeless ones in the right size? (I've looked on the Michelin web site but it's on the blink.)

TKC80 - from what I've read this seems a popular compromise which is good - but not brilliant - on dirt and OK on the road. But when you get into soft sand or mud, how much will you wish you had some Deserts?

Other tyres - is there anything as good as the above? And if you can't get the above, what are the next best choices?

Thanks.

Hi Nick, I can only advise what I know and as far as I know Deserts only come for tube/moose fitment (anyone know otherwise??)
I installed deserts on my GS100PD and the front was good, but the rear tyre disintergrated after about 1000kms of hard pack dirt roads, after that I fitted the Metzeler Karoo which was far better and lasted longer..
I have just purchased a set of TKC80's for my GS1150, and as I live in Dubai where there is a fair amount of sand, I'll let you know how they are.. but to be honest the profile don't look too much differant to Deserts, (and a lot cheaper UK pounds 124 a set I'd pay that for 1 rear desert in Dubai.)
regards Richard..

Many thanks. And let me know how the TKC80s are on wet tarmac - if you ever see any!

RTW ?

Thats 95% sealed road. My recommendation is the Metzeler Tourance. It lasted me on my trip from Germany to Sydney for more than 28000 K's. (Well .. in Oz the tires die fast). Treat them gently and they are good for more than 32000.

sam

I hear what you are saying...but if your chosen route includes deserts and mud, how will the Tourance perform?

Well,

Gravel? Yes. Mud and Sand? NO!

The TKC80s are recommended by my friends. They seem to last for a fair amount of time on tarmac.

sam

Nick.

The TKC 80 is an excellent tire for mud or sand and a pretty good road tire as well. On my 1100GS I've tried most of the available choices. My recommendation is to use the Tourance when you know you will be on sealed or gravel roads for awhile. If/When you get to the places with mud/sand and I mean 5000km or more switch to the TKC's. If you don't want that hassle I would use Bridgestone Trail Wings for all and live with the compromise. My last set of TKC's went 5000km mostly on sealed and gravel before the rear needed replacement, the front was OK for another 2-3k more.


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Safe Travels

Jay Kaminsky
Happily Homeless
http://jkam.home.att.net

I have been to Central, South America, Africa(Cape town to Ciaro) Europe, Russia. Michelin T66's are my prefrences on my R1100. The continential wear too fast. You will be on the pavement most of the time. If the territory is so rough you need the continentials then you will definintly need a new front mud guard. Its too low and will clog. Clogging leads to fully stopping the front tire. Sort of dangerous at even 20mph. Buy the contin. if you like the look. Buy the T66's for endurance.

A user review of the different tyres for R100GS and F650 confirms the longevity of the Michelin T66: http://www.shef.ac.uk/~md1akj/javascri/motocy/tyres.htm