Metzeler Sahara or Karoo on an LC4 - Wear Rates? - Horizons Unlimited

**Ian** · #1 26 Jul 2005

The Metzeler Sahara was and maybe still is a standard fit on the LC4 Adventure - anyone got any distance figures for how long these last on their LC4? And for the Metzeler Karoo?

Thanks.

**Shelton** · #2 26 Jul 2005

Both tires are little weak. Shara is harder but Karoo can wear in 150km of hard trail and full open throtlle.

**BMBaxter** · #3 27 Jul 2005

I average 5,000 miles on the rear,and 7,000 miles on the front with the Saharas.This is fully loaded with standard gear,and a mix of 90% pavement and 10% gravel/dirt.I like the tires,they work well in a wide variety of conditions,and are very sturdy.

**davidlomax** · #4 27 Jul 2005

I got 4000 miles from my rear Sahara and the front was still looking good for another 2000 miles when I binned it.

I think the tyres are great for tarmac or dry hard packed stuff, but I wouldnt fancy your chances on wet, sandy, muddy off road....

Dave

**Ian** · #5 27 Jul 2005

Thanks. I too recall getting 5000 miles or so from a Sahara, just wanted some confirmation. I'm planning on using the tyres for long distance trials, where the going can indeed be muddy, wet, or sandy, after being told off by the scrutineer at my last event because my Bridgestone Trailwings were too 'knobbly' for the rules.

I'm looking at Karoos for general trail use. On my recent 2200 mile-ish trip to the Pyrenees, I fitted new Pirelli MT21s, which are now more or less worn out. But most of the trails were rocky or stony. I'm hoping I might get more miles from the Karoos.

Dave, how was Finland? Have you posted a report somewhere?

**Shelton** · #6 28 Jul 2005

I was use Saharas in hard terrain conditions... because I was too lazy to change them for my spare Michaelin Deserts... For few days was almost ok - tarmac, little stony pistas, but on mud and deep river crosings - it was terrible experience...

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**Matt Roach** · #7 29 Jul 2005

Fully loaded with a front knobbly, I managed to get 10,000kms for a rear Sahara on 70% tar / 30% dirt. Absolute crap in the dirt, but when paired with a front knobbly was marginally better (ever though KTM advise against this).

Would much prefer to ride with an MT21 front and rear in all conditions, because even though it is a trail tyre its street grip and durability (almost 9,000kms rear with 70% rocky dirt / 30% tar) is very acceptable in my opinion.

**Tag** · #8 17 Oct 2005

Hi All

I got 10 000 kms on front sahara and 6500 kms on rear. Great on the tar but crap in the dirt.
So far have got 3000 km on karoos i think back will give me about 4000 kms.
The 640 eats up rear tyres.

Regards.

**davidlomax** · #9 18 Oct 2005

Ian,

Nope, no report on Finland yet. A bit slack I know, I'm still busy writing about a number of other trips I did during the summer. As well as working and trying to rebuild a house....It seems as if there will be a full multimedia report coming at next years Horizons 'do'. But I'll make sure there is something, somewhere, before then.

Dave

ps. Sorry to be cheesy, but Finland rocks!!!!!

**AnteK** · #10 30 Oct 2005

Ian, for general trail use fit Michelin T63 on both wheels, or combination T63 front/Desert rear. Karoo is a weak tyre and will melt quickly, and also, T63 are better onroad.