Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > SOUTH AMERICA
SOUTH AMERICA Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 14 Dec 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Auckland
Posts: 61
Do I need new Tyres??!! Please respond ASAP

Hello team,

Well I`m in Rio Gallegos in South America, the last big town before Ushuaia, I thought the tyres were looking a little worn and wanted to replace them. However, the only place I can find in town is selling Michelin tyres for $1000US for two - CRAZY! This is way outside our price range and I think I`m getting ripped off.

Now it seems the only option is to risk it and keep driving to Buenos Aires, it will be about 4000km more. The back tyre has done at best guess about 8000km, the front we don`t know (but more of course) because we bought the bike second hand with the tyres.

Please help with thoughts, I`ve added photos of the front and back and can give any further details, but any help would be appreciated.
Attached Thumbnails
Do I need new Tyres??!! Please respond ASAP-dsc01682.jpg  

Do I need new Tyres??!! Please respond ASAP-dsc01684.jpg  

Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Aussie expat in Switzerland half way RTW
Posts: 611
I can't tell what kind of tyre is it.

Also are you doing mostly road riding or both on and off-road.

You may be able to scrape out another 4,000kms if you inflate them a little more but this has the downside of making you more prone to punctures so stick to the road if possible.

Plus less tread + dirt = very slippery so be careful.

> I don't know where other's get their tyres from in SA but it's worth asking around.
__________________
TurboCharger + Francois (our BMW R1200gs) '07
www.riding2up.net, blog.riding2up.net
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 Dec 2011
MikeS's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
It's mainly gravel on TdF if I remember rightly but fairly dull tarmac up the east coast to BsAs (but don't miss Peninsula Valdez if the whales are still there) so you'll be more likely to get punctures on the gravel. Are they tubeless as tubed tyres will deflate instantly which is something I wouldn't want to experience again.

The tyres Javier sent me down there from Dakar in BsAs didn't cost anywhere near that, am sure they were about the same at home (UK).
__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 14 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 738
I'm guessing that the top tire is Tourance.

It's a question of safety really. Can the tires make it 4K? Most likely yes but hard to say for sure.

By the end though the rear tire will be bald. Keep in mind that once a tire gets down below a certain level of tread it will wear even faster as the rubber is softer and wears quicker. The lower tire looks better, at least from the pics.

Having said that, like probably a few people, I have ridden a Tourance down until the the steel belts were showing to just barely make it to the next tire stop. Be very careful at the end.

So, only you can judge, but if I was in your spot, I would ride them north and while checking them regularly. You've got two bikes, if one tire looks to be beyond your comfort zone you can stop, store it at a hotel for a bit and come back for it with a new tire. You might want to aim for north first, the closer you get to BA you'll have more cheaper options, whether that be getting one shipped or heading up to pick one up yourself.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 14 Dec 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Auckland
Posts: 61
Thanks for the advice thus far.

We`re riding up the east coast after Ushuaia which apart from 200km more gravel (100km to and from Ushuaia) it should all be paved flat road.

We`re riding two up on one bike.

Front tyre is a Michelin Radial and the back tyre is a Shinko Trail master

Cheers
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 14 Dec 2011
MikeS's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
You'll know this already but Pirelli MT60 is generally the tyre of choice down there, otherwise big name brands will cost you a lot more.
__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 14 Dec 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,654
Get Javier at Dakar Motos to post you some to Rio Gallegos. That's what I did. Although it can take 7-10 days if I remember correctly.

Which way are you heading ?? If heading to Ushuaia for NY, get them sent now and pick them up on the way back North if you're going that way.

Failing that, ride as far as you can to Bsas and when they're goosed, get some new ones there. You can/could buy then in Puerto Madryn in a place called GATO MOTOS.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 14 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 738
Quote:
Originally Posted by ReeceNZ View Post
Thanks for the advice thus far.

We`re riding up the east coast after Ushuaia which apart from 200km more gravel (100km to and from Ushuaia) it should all be paved flat road.

We`re riding two up on one bike.

Front tyre is a Michelin Radial and the back tyre is a Shinko Trail master

Cheers
Ah, one bike two up, I didn't read your original post very well.

I'd still ride north to make it as far as you could, but would be extra cautious, two people on a bike with bad tires is not something you want to push too much.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 14 Dec 2011
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,326
Puntas Arenas in Chile is also relatively close. However the easiest would be, as suggested above, to get some Pirellis (made in Brasil, so a lot less tax on them = cheaper) sent from Dakar Motors in BsAs.

A long time ago (about 10 years?) there was a bike shop in Ushuaia: On road from town towards the Fin de Mundo sign in the Nat Park on the right before the left turn to the airport. A bit of a Steptoe and Son place but he did have new fork seals for a KLR amongst many other things. Might be worth a look.

Good luck and enjoy,

Chris
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 14 Dec 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 839
tires

If it was me I will get some new tires as the road to Ushuaia may kill these already worn out tires, if you ride two up you may take some serious risk ( I am riding two up and did this road few weeks ago), Rio Galenos is prtty big check the bike and tire place , sometime they may have used tires better than the one you have right now , safety first my friend the road to terra del Fuego may not seems very long but a shredded tire on the side of the road may cost you a bit too. The price you were given was a ripp off , I changed my tire in Buenos Aeres , front and back tourance for $600 mounted ( by Honda dealer in centro)
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 15 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: 600km North from Ushuaia.
Posts: 140
Hello guys, problem fixed
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 15 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 117
Quote:
Originally Posted by Manolito View Post
Hello guys, problem fixed
Well, don't keep us in suspense, what did you do?

Cheers
Growler
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 15 Dec 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Auckland
Posts: 61
Well thanks to the invaluable assistance of Emmanuel and his friend Jorge we were able to track down a replacement back tyre here in Rio Gallegos. The urgency of this became more clear after a second look at the tyre revealed whole sections were at risk of peeling off (we are told this was not due to the bad gravel we had ridden the previous day but the bad quality of the tyre).

The tyre we have is a second hand one from a guy who purchased a new one here in Rio Gallegos (his old one). It will get us over the gravel to Rio Grande (not far from Ushuaia) where we have a contact to purchase a new one. The front tyre is not in such bad nick and we will worry about that a bit later.

Thanks for everyone's help!
Attached Thumbnails
Do I need new Tyres??!! Please respond ASAP-dsc01686.jpg  

Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 15 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
^ wow, that sure looks hairy – especially considering that you must have quite a heavy load on board! I´m glad you got rid of that tyre.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 15 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Aussie expat in Switzerland half way RTW
Posts: 611
Quote:
Originally Posted by pecha72 View Post
^ wow, that sure looks hairy – especially considering that you must have quite a heavy load on board! I´m glad you got rid of that tyre.
+1

Safe riding.
__________________
TurboCharger + Francois (our BMW R1200gs) '07
www.riding2up.net, blog.riding2up.net
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Germany Switzerland Austria - winter tyres? Arow Europe 8 3 Feb 2012 12:58
Bike Tyres in Ushuaia ReeceNZ SOUTH AMERICA 10 18 Dec 2011 16:38
Studded tyres in Helsinki 2cvfred Europe 12 12 Dec 2011 20:09
Tyres Colombia Gugie1 SOUTH AMERICA 1 29 Oct 2011 21:44

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 19:21.