TKC80 (rear) needed in Central America

[IanC]

Any ideas where I can obtain (within 2-3 weeks) a rear for my 1200GS?

Frustratingly, I was going to try BMW dealer in Panama, but as far as I can see the feature on the BMW International site where I found international dealers previously, has now been removed!

[Dan 23]

Conti Twinduro's are really rare anywhere in Latin America. Your best bet is to get one sent from home or from the US. You don't need an address - DHL, Fed Ex etc will usually let you pick up from their depots. Either that or switch to whatever rubber is available - generally Pirelli, Metzler or Chinese cheapies. Sorry, amigo.

Suerte, Dan Walsh

[Big Red]

Hi. I had two new TKC80's fitted at the BMW distributor in San Jose about six months ago. I just emailed two weeks ahead and they had them sitting there waiting for me when I arrived.
Contact Julio Salazaron jsalazar@cefa.co.cr or on his cellphone (506)290 4031 and he should be able to sort you out.
And yep, TKC80's are as scarce as hens teeth but it's amazing how well they can last once the tread's gone

[IanC]

Thanks Guys,

I've only just got internet access, and read your two replies and also had a couple of replies to emails I sent to BMW dealers etc. Actually the CR contact you quote above (Julio Salazaron) has replied and has one sitting there! Needless to say it now has my name on it.

You're not kidding either about tyre life when the knobblies wear out! See this post (the LAST time I was desperately looking for a TKC80!!!):

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...gently-s-23550

I actually kept that one till LA, when it had 10,500 miles on it! Back home I've changed them with little more half that mileage.

I'm reckoning on 5000 from a rear and 10,000 front from now on at a push.

[motomech]

In case you still need to look for a tire, Pirelli MT21's are readily available everywhere here in Costa Rica. Not sure what the price will be on the Conti., but the MT21's are a bargin(made in Brazil) at less than $50.
Why would want a knobby on the back of a 1200, anyway?

[IanC]

Thanks motomech, but the TKC80 should be waiting for me in San Jose.

In case it isn't, is the MT21 OK on a high-speed tubeless heavyweight like mine? Isn't a bit more of a serious dirt tyre? I could make some compromise for $50!

[Lone Rider]

Originally Posted by IanC

Thanks motomech, but the TKC80 should be waiting for me in San Jose.

In case it isn't, is the MT21 OK on a high-speed tubeless heavyweight like mine? Isn't a bit more of a serious dirt tyre? I could make some compromise for $50!

Even if they had a rear 17 that would fit your wheel, you'd need to run a tube inside. The MT21s aren't designed for heavy bikes. Adjust your 'speed' accordingly.

Are you taking the bike to places where a knobby is actually needed? If not, you're wasting money and time.

[IanC]

Originally Posted by Lone Rider

Are you taking the bike to places where a knobby is actually needed? If not, you're wasting money and time.

I certainly have been - where a TKC is adequate anyway. Trouble is you never know what oppurtunities will arise in the future, which is why I'm keen to keep TKC's.

Given the choice between an Anakee or similar and a MT21 I would however make do with the former.

[Lizanne]

I agree...I run the mt21's on very lightweight bikes.....they really weren't made for heavier bikes. My celebrity $.02 worth LOL

[Lizanne]

Dan in Managua.......shame shame....living in Managua for almost a year.......and can't find TKC's??? Go to Casa Pella at Plaza Espana and ask for Gustavo in parts....they carry tkc's or can or them for you...he is a great guy.
Jes had to tease you a little. he he he

[Dan 23]

Lizanne, I'm glad to be wrong. Again. Plaza Espana? That's five minutes from me. I'll have to pop up and a have a look at er Gustavo's parts.

Suerte, Dan

[IanC]

mollydog,

I got 10,500 miles out of my front by the time I got to LA! Granted there were no knobs left in the middle. With the rear particularly, if you hit some deep sand or the like and the tyre's dug in, you've got a lot more grip than a smooth tyre, particularly if the pressure's dropped. I've been close to being stuck a couple of times with TKC's, mainly in sand, but have managed to just keep some momentum there which I would doubt if I'd had smoothies on.

I think the high mileage could in part be due to over 2500 miles (25%) being on gravel/dirt roads (Dalton, Dempster, Campbell and a few smaller ones here and there in British Columbia and Utah), combined with not much braking, especially compared to roads in the UK (or here in Mexico for that matter).

Anyway, sounds like CA is awash with 'em after all! To be honest I found them hard enough to find even in Canada and US compared with UK.

[IanC]

I've certainly broken my own record!

Changed my front TKC80 yesterday here in Santiago. It was fitted at BMW of Hollywood in Los Angeles. That's 12,700 miles ago! Can't quite believe it's been on so long.

Quite a shame to change it really because it's been lovely and smooth since the knobs have worn off!

BTW Carlos Ramirez at www.mototurismo.cl here in Santiago extremely helpful, and I didn't even think the tyres were a bad price - $300 for a pair.

[gpothoven]

Originally Posted by IanC

Frustratingly, I was going to try BMW dealer in Panama, but as far as I can see the feature on the BMW International site where I found international dealers previously, has now been removed!

Try This:


http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/com/index.html

http://www.bmw-motorrad.com.pa/menue...ios/index1.htm

[beemerbird]

Ian,

I've had 33,097km (20,565miles) out of a front TKC80 on my R1200GS. Still had more rubber/knobs left than yours, too!

I always run a TKC on the front, and a Metzler Tourance on the back - get about 20,000km from the Metzler. But I keep very high pressures in them:- 43psi rear and 39psi front, no matter whether dirt roading or bitumen.

YMMV, but it works for me.

Margaret