I am currently running Continental TKC´s on my 1150 GS, having replaced the rear but not the front 5,000+kms ago. The front is now pretty worn, although the rear has plenty of wear left in it.

I am in Quito at the moment waiting for some repairs to my bike and thought I would change the front, only no knobblies available, only Metzeler Tourance or the cheaper Dunlop equivalent.

So my question is, would I be better off carrying as I am, until trying to change them in Medellin or Bogota OR should I change both now, here in Quito OR is it even possible to get the Metzeler Tourance for the front and carry on with the knobbly Continental TKC on the back?

I can´t seem to get a straight answer from the tyre dealers here, so any impartial advice would be gratefully received.

Cheers!

Someone here will know about the availability of tires in Medllin and Bogota, if you can get what you want, and you are confident that it will be there, waiting until then would be the best bet.

I haven't seen any bikes with a Tourance front and a knobbie back, pretty common the other way around though, as you know the TKC 80 front is fine on the highway and great off, where the extra traction in the front is extremely useful. I usually carry a TKC80 rear as a spare and throw it on for very long sections of gravel or sand. The front knobbie runs fine for both the knobbie and the Tourance.

If you feel like you need to change now, look for a knobby that has hard rubber and an alternating position of the knobs in the center. At least every other row MUST have a knob in the center. Run 20 to 22 lbs and it will run smooth, even on pavement...

Toby (charapa) Around the Block 2007 |

Hi Honesy!

I´m in Quito, give me a call. 099562017 I'm on a 1200GS and tire choices are limited here to say the least.