Tyres availability in Ghana and Nigeria
 

Hi all, I am almost back from my 10 day round trip Nigeria - Ghana and wanted to share some information which can be useful in case of emergencies. In these places you might be able to get some spares and second hand tyres.

Nigeria - Lagos:

Head to Oyingbo market in Ebutte Metta (taxi drivers should know the way). This is the main motorcycle market in Lagos, where you ll find lotsa of new CG type small bikes and a few second hand bigger bikes (suprisingly, there are very few trail bikes). On this market you can get second hand tyres for about 30 USD a pair, probably down to their last 1,500 km; which is useful if yours are bald or badly damaged. There are some mechanics around, but be careful to discuss the job and costs in advance or you ll end up with your bike in worse condition and much poorer. Some parts are available, normally second hand, or "adapted" from other models.

There are, I ve heard, some other shops in the Ikeja area (near the airport), but I do not know the exact location.

Ghana - Accra

In Central/West Accra, head to Graphic Road. If you are coming from central Accra towards Kaneshie, turn right just before the railwaiy crossing (before reaching Kaneshie) on Nkrumah Avenue, and divert left on the small Brewery Road. If you ve got West Africa LP guide you ll find these spots right away. There are a few shops in the area and I was saved from my desperate condition (visa running out and no tyres) when I was able to get a back tyre + tube combo (both second hand) for about 30 USD equivalent. OK, the tyre was not the exact model I wanted and its almost bald, but it got me back home and thats what matters, IMHO.

Hope it helps and make sure you take spare tubes no matter how short the trip...I ve learnt his the hard way.

Luciano.