good tires in east africa
 

my offroad tires look like slicks at the moment... good fun? well not always.

where can i get new tires in east africa? (or used ones in good condition).

i am currently in tanzania, on the way to rwanda, uganda and kenya.

cheers,

steven



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online diary and travel info from the road in africa:

west coast to cape town
east coast to zurich

www.contrast.cx

Youu could try calling ahead to 'the backpackers' in Kampala. I'm sure the number is in the Lonely pLanet.

The Aussie owner, John, owns an XT350, so may be able to either order in for you or find something.

You have a G/S right?
You can get good 18,19 and 21 (not 17) (Michelin Dessert, Pirelli MT21++ but expensive) from a guy called Ian Duncan in Nairobi, he runs a KTM-shop. Ask for Chris at the BMW-shop and he will tell you how to get there.
Ian also have some good Bridgestone mx-tubes which I find better then Michelin tubes.
I guess Chris still have some parts for your bike, like oil-filter, air-filter and some gaskets but don't expect to much :-)

The stretch from Isiolo to Moyale eats tires and it's not the best place to get a puncture. Ethiopia is pretty bad for the tires to so it's a good idea to buy something good. I started from Nairobi on new MT21 and they lasted back to Norway and another 3000 km but then they were slicks :-)

Uganda is great fun and it's mostly eart-based roads so it's not to bad for the tires. You should not miss Queen Elisabeth NP, it's the only park in Africa (I think) where you are allowed to drive the bike and watch lions, elephanths and cheetah. Murchinsons falls are great, hmmm and Jinja... Uganda is a highlight..

Dar es Saalam is one of the best places in East Africa to buy tyres, there are plenty of bikes around, so ask and someone will point you to the right shop You can also get them at Ian's KTM shop in Nairobi, but they are more expensive. If you need to know how to get there let me know.
Good luck.

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if youre still stuck for tyres and like 18" rears, Tuk-Tuk in Dar Es Salaam have a Pirelli MT77(?) dirt oriented tyre. Hussein would courier it to you for a couple of dollars and he wants 130 US for it. better value and harder wearing than an MT21 from Ian Duncan!
for Tuk-Tuk details, check my post under repair shops around the World
cheers
Rich

thanks rich!

unfortunately it's a 17' wheel...

i have met hussein, he's a great guy! they did a great job on my bike at tuk-tuk,

cheers,

steven

------------------
online diary and travel info from the road in africa:

west coast to cape town
east coast to zurich

www.contrast.cx