Tyres - Morocco or Spain

[pjmancktelow]

Hi


I'm heading down to Cape Town, from the UK, via the western route. So Spain into Morocco


I will do a couple of thousand miles in Europe before crossing into Morocco so want to put new tyres and other consumables on my bike (04' F650GS Dakar)


I'm thinking I have about 3 possible scenarios


1- Get it all done on the Spanish coast before crossing
2- Get it done in Northern Morocco somewhere
3- Get it done about 800km before I cross in Spain, in my friends town (benefit is free accommodation, he speaks Spanish and I can arrange in advance)


What are people's thoughts? I'd like to leave it to the last opportunity as then they'll be fresher as I head south, but naturally I then expose myself to more risk by not having a chance to check its all been done properly, and or actually getting somewhere to do it


The tyres I'll most likely get are the usual TKC 80's as I've liked them before


Cheers in advance

Paul

[Massive Lee]

On my trip to Morocco in April, I rode France and Spain on street tires (Anakee 3) and carried a fresh set of Pirelli MT21 as I was doing dirt tracks in Morocco. Once I crossed to Morocco, I had a tire shop install the MT21s... I left the street tires at that shop, and had them back on at the end of the trip.

If you don't need 10/90 tires and could do with 50/50 tires like a Mitas 07, then that shall make your life much easier. Keep the same tires throughout your trip because carrying tires is a PITA... ;-)

[Bandit GS]

Good afternoon from Spain. There is an oficial BMW Motorrad dealer in Algeciras, called Talleres El Venta. You can order your tyres by mail and put them on your bike before getting the ferry. I did it myself 2 years ago (TKC 80 too).
I hope this will help.
Regards.
Jorge

[pjmancktelow]

That's perfect, cheers guys

[choutos]

And if you want to save some money just go to Motorrodar, also in Algeciras. Good guys, very professional and better price for sure.

[davebetty]

You are unliley to find tyres off the shelf in morroco, and even then there will be just a few place sin the large cities that can easily get their hands on larger tyres for a 650.

I did at trip to marocco from the UK last year and I did a lot of damage to some new TKC80's by riding them for 2000kms before I got to the point where I needed a useful 50/50 tyre.

Definitely look to buy and fit in Algecieas. From that point on, they will be useful and also not too expensive!

cheers

Dave

[davebetty]

Once in Maroc, if you have a tyre problem such as punctures, etc, there is a shop for that in just about every town. Its just getting new tyres that will take a lot of time.

cheers

dave

[Massive Lee]

One more advise. If you have a puncture fixed in Morocco, or a tire changed, it would be wise to stay not too far from the "technician" to ensure that the tube fitted when you leave is the same as the one you supplied them. On my trip in Morocco in late April, I came across (several times actually) a great bunch of British lads storming the desert and mountains with their XR650/DRZ/KTM690. One of them had a very worn tire and managed to find a used one in Merzouga (for a high price). He had the tire installed there. A few hours later, he ended up with a flat. Pulled the wheel and tire to discover a well worn tube with 4 or 5 patches. Which is "strange" because the bike had a new Heavy Duty tube when handed over to the shop...

I'll let you make your own deductions.

The guy who fitted my MT21 tires in Selouane (just South of Nador) was extremely competent, and cheap. So on the way back, I gave him twice what he initially asked. Just because he did a great job and I wanted to acknowledge it. He appreciated the gesture. I paid 50 Dirham (4£) the first time and had tea included, and gave 100 the second time.

[TheWarden]

Always watch the work in Morocco unless its a mechanic you have used before and know well

[PropTP]

For all you fellas who've changed tires in south Spain...Do you call ahead and check to see if they have the specific tire model and size youre looking for? Do some of you post them ahead? Or do you just pick something round and black, when you're standing in the shop? What about HD-tubes?

I guess im asking what the selection and availability is like in your average spanish moto shop.

[Jose Daniel]

Cadiz is one of the spanish cities with more motorcycles, you shoudn't have any problem to find a good place to buy and fit your tires.

Anyway, I think it will be better to call or email them before to ensure they have your model and size.



Enviado desde mi Sony Xperia

[choutos]

Just call or e-mail them, in that way you can fit the tyres you want and know prices in advance.

[Serdar]

Bummer, I already am in Tangier, and my 170/60-17 rear is already quite worn. My greecard was expiring so i was in a hurry, and it seems now i'm in a pickle (?)

[choutos]

Serdar, if you are in Tangier you have two options.

1. Obtain motorcycle insurance in Morocco and find a motorcycle repair shop/tire dealer in Tangier (not sure how easy is that).
2. Take the ferry to Tarifa.

[Serdar]

Thanks Choutos,

Just talked to a mechanic in Casablanca, and looks like sourcing a tyre will not be a problem.