oh no!! 17 inch off-road tire in mongolia??
 

Hi everyone

We have been making our way through Russia from Vladivostok for the last month on Suzuki DRs, and plan to enter Mongolia within the next couple of days. One of the boys decided to leave his spare rear tire in Vladivostok because he didn't have room on his bike. However, he has now worn through most of his tread and won't make it through Mongolia on his current tire.

The dimensions for the tire are 130/80/17 (currently a michelin t-63).

We have looked for a new tire in Irkutsk and Ulan Ude (tried 6 bike shops in Ulan Ude) but no one carries a tire of those dimensions. We would take any off-road tire that fits those dimensions.

Does anyone know whether there is a decent bike shop in Ulan Bataar? Does anyone have contacts for a shop or local bikers? It would be great if we could start the process in advance of arriving in UB. GPS co-ordinates for a shop would also be really useful.

Our other option is to DHL the Vladivostok tire to Ulan Bataar, but this will cost far more than the tire, take a week and there could be customs issues. Does anyone know of other options?

Thanks heaps guys - really appreciate your help!!

Cheers
Rob

51st Traverse

As I have posted on several other questions here, you can contact Vait Scholz, a german guy who runs a bike tour company there ... he is also a dealer for MEFO tyres. As most of his clients ride Japanese bikes or BMWs, he will have 17 inchers. GPS ... N47.91558 E106.98146

Do you mean DR650 Suzuki? Or DR250 ? I assume DR650.

Keep in mind, you can use several different sizes on the DR650 as long as it is a 17" tire. Stock size is: 120/17. As you know a 130/17 works as good as a 120.

Also a 140/17 will work fine. Road tires will also work OK in a pinch. Even a front 17" can work, like a 110 or 120/17 (common sizes). Not great but it will get you down the road if you are truly stuck.

How many miles (or kms) did your buddy get out of the T63 ?

Good luck! :D

Hubert Kriegle
 

Hubert Kriegle, the famous French American ural sidecar riding moto maniac Joe-Bar afficiando, in his 6th year on the road...

Is in Ulaanbataar. He will be there for at least the next few days, and has been in and out of that cityy for the last three weeks. He has many contacts there, bike shops, bike gurus, welders, etc.

email him at hubert AT NO SPAM thetimelessride DOTTTYYYY COM


Also, visit his website, thetimelessride.com

If you write in his open book, Thetimelessride - Hubert Kriegel

he is generally quick to respond.

Try it out. Tell him that Alex Smith from Seattle recommended him. His english is good. His French is better.

--Alex:thumbup1:

Hey mate its Mish here one of the boys from the 51st team we got 9200km's out of the t63 tire off the 650.

regards

Mishmop

Misha here from the team.

thanks heaps will source him out :)

regard Mishmop

Thanks mate from mish one of the team

regards mishmop

Damn! That's really good mileage Mish! Here's hoping you score another Meat Hoop! I have ten tires in my garage ... wish it was easy to send one over.
Safe going!

Best!