Tam to Agadez possible on Metzeler Enduro 4? - Horizons Unlimited

**bijsterbosch** · #1 3 Nov 2002

Dear tyre-discussion-loving-bikers!

Inspired by countless desert biking reports, and experienced in Atlantic route by 2WD to Dakar, I am now considering the Hoggar route to Benin by motorcycle this winter(Africa Twin RD07A)).
Not ammused by the idea of struggling through dunes and rough pistes (2WD broke down twice on Atlantic route, gained much respect for remote areas), I am planning to take the easiest route.
Now wondering how difficult the Trans-Sahara route between Tam and Agadez will be on an Afrika Twin on Metzeler Enduro 4 tyres. Tunisia to Benin can be done on hard surface for the majority of the route. Seems pretty uncomfortable to fullfill the whole trip on Michelin Deserts just for the 600 kilometers piste between Tam and Agedez.
Any tips to fullfil the trip comfortable and safe on one pair of tyres?

Guido
Groningen,
The Netherlands

**Chris Scott** · #2 3 Nov 2002

You'll manage on Metz 4s - its only as far as Arlit - especially if you let them down to around 1 kilo for the piste.
The route is mostly flat firm sand apart from IGZ to the Niger border where it gets very soft. Here it will be very tiring controlling a heavy Af Twin so let them down even more.

CS

**bijsterbosch** · #3 5 Nov 2002

Thanks a lot Chris,

You have just contributed to sleepeness nights while making plans to fullfill the Tunesia to Benin motorcycle trip.

Concerning travels on mixed surfacec both bitumen and sand, I have red some suggestions on mixing tyre types front/rear: enduro on the rear, and a more knobly tyre at the front in order to keep driving direction more or less stable while the rear is swinging from one side to the other in soft sand.
Front tyres will be less vulnerable to wear. Any suggestions on the ideal front tyre for this purpose?

Guido Bijsterbosch
Groningen,
The Netherlands