 |
|
19 Mar 2009
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
|
|
Have a look at Mitas or Mefo tyres.
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...er-tyres-40775
These are a good compromise on tarmac/gravel and are very hard wearing unlike TKC 80s which wear down quite fast and aren't really needed unless you're on dirt/grass. Tourances will work fine on gravel and will last a lot longer.
Also don't waste your time looking for BMW shops abroad either. If you find one, great, but once you're out of the so-called 'developed' world, you'll just have to buy whatever tyres you can find and there won't be much choice for the Beemer.
Carrying one tyre quickly becomes a total pain let alone two and adds even more weight to an already VERY heavy machine so I'd go for something long lasting and put them on before you leave the UK. Or even better, keep your existing tyres on until before you leave Europe and change then. If you've already done 6k on them, that should about cover it for the rear at least. I figure I could have made it most of the way home from SE Asia to UK on the Mitas tyres I put on when I left Australia, at least well into Europe at any rate.
Make sure you know how to change/repair your own tyres before you leave too.
|
19 Mar 2009
|
 |
-
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: WWW
Posts: 2,341
|
|
|
Carrying tyres is a piece of cake
Quote:
Originally Posted by tedmagnum
Your keeping the bike after the trip right ????
Change them just before you go and then buy new ones on route.. Carrying tyres is a NIGHTMATE !
You can then use the ones you got now at a later date when you get home.
|
not sure what (who?) !  Ted's 'night-mate' is
but if the word is 'nightmare' I've only one comment: nonsense!
buying en route may well be necessary at some point but unless you're made of money... get them when they are cheap-er.
|
19 Mar 2009
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
|
|
I'd agree about buying them where its cheap (got a set of Tourances off Ebay pretty cheap recently), but have you ever tried to buy tyres for a GS in any of these places?? Unless of course you ride a Honda Hero or C90 in which case it will be no bother at all.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bert333
buying en route may well be necessary at some point but unless you're made of money... get them when they are cheap-er.
|
|
19 Mar 2009
|
|
-
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: WWW
Posts: 2,341
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeS
I'd agree about buying them where its cheap, but have you tried to buy tyres for a GS in these places??
|
Heading East, the last place I was able to get Tourances was BMW Istanbul-
I had to order and have sent (by bus!) TKC's from Antalya where the only importer (afaik) is- and have them sent to Istanbul.
IMHO the TKC is too soft for long haul and does not last long enough on a 1200 GS loaded with camping gear/water/food etc
I now carry a set- it really isn;t a big deal- a little more weight and more noticeable on my F650 true but hardly noticeable on the 1200.
My 2pence- to each his/her own!
|
19 Mar 2009
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by bert333
IMHO the TKC is too soft for long haul and does not last long enough on a 1200 GS loaded with camping gear/water/food etc
|
I agree. I went through two rear TKC80s on my trip to Maroc and Iran. One (already part worn) disintegrated in Italy and another in HUngary on the way home. Fortunately both in places where I had breakdown cover ;-) The bad thing was that they went without warning - still with a reasonable amount of tread on them. The knobbles essentially broke through the wall of the tyre. OK, my bike was overloaded, but still, this is a failure that you wouldn't expect.
Personally, I'd go with something more road orientated, like Michelin Siracs. I've just bought a rear Avon Distanzia which looks good, but only time will tell how well it wears.
Matt 
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com
http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/
*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
|
19 Mar 2009
|
|
-
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: WWW
Posts: 2,341
|
|
I agree with you Matt
I use Michelin Siracs on my F650 - Top tyre IMHO
also now looking at Mitas E07 and awaiting prices
|
19 Mar 2009
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
|
|
The Mitas E07 is hard wearing but can be a wee bit vague on tarmac bends sometimes, keeps you on your toes (not literally) though!
Quote:
Originally Posted by bert333
I agree with you Matt
I use Michelin Siracs on my F650 - Top tyre IMHO
also now looking at Mitas E07 and awaiting prices |
|
19 Mar 2009
|
 |
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: sweden
Posts: 79
|
|
I have no idea how to change tyres ?? I have seen a video but dont think I could do it. I have got a Rim Tip top Bmw Tubless tyre repiar kit but Have never repaired tyres before but how difficult could that be  .
I think after reading all the posts the tkc80 would probably not suit me at all,
on the way I am going there will be mainly tarmac ,gravel and other bad road surface but dont think there will be Mongolia type of biking.
So it leaves me with either the Metzler tourance for now need to read in to it some more .
|
19 Mar 2009
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,656
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by kebabtomten
I have no idea how to change tyres ?? I have seen a video but dont think I could do it. I have got a Rim Tip top Bmw Tubless tyre repiar kit but Have never repaired tyres before but how difficult could that be .
I think after reading all the posts the tkc80 would probably not suit me at all,
on the way I am going there will be mainly tarmac ,gravel and other bad road surface but dont think there will be Mongolia type of biking.
So it leaves me with either the Metzler tourance for now need to read in to it some more . |
I also don't see the need for everyone using TCK's all the time..
They are horrible on tarmac (scary when wet) and dont last long at all...
Unless you are riding unfinished roads and trails alot, there is just no point.. Its probably an image thing with many peope... 
I really like Metzeler Sahara 3 tyres. Much more stable on road and last well... They are more than capable in shallow gravel and hard dirt....
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|
20 Mar 2009
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by tedmagnum
I also don't see the need for everyone using TCK's all the time..
|
I think its cos they look sexy! A tyre that looks like a proper off-roader but handles OK (but only OK) on the road. I'd go as far as to say they are a good tyre to ride at home if you ride sometimes on and sometimes off. I wouldn't use them on a big trip though, especially one that was mostly tarmac.
Definately know how to change your tyres before you go. It is difficult but not impossible and it gets much easier after you've done it a few times. I've only changed tubed tyres personally so perhaps someone with tubeless experience can confirm if this is the case with tubeless also?
Matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com
http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/
*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
|
20 Mar 2009
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
|
|
Remember, if you really put the effort in, your TKC80s can also double as racing slicks...
|
20 Mar 2009
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
|
|
Helge Peterson (sp?) has a dvd for the GS1150 which has a decent wee section on changing tyres, how to use the side stand to break the bead etc. Its worth watching something like that and then having a bash at taking off your own tyre and putting it on again. Its pretty easy on the Beemer as they're so well balanced when you take a wheel off.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kebabtomten
I have no idea how to change tyres ?? I have seen a video but dont think I could do it. I have got a Rim Tip top Bmw Tubless tyre repiar kit but Have never repaired tyres before but how difficult could that be |
Oh, and sometimes you don't really have a choice about fixing a tyre yourself...see a BMW garage anywhere around here??
|
20 Mar 2009
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 871
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt Cartney
...A tyre that looks like a proper off-roader but handles OK (but only OK) on the road. I'd go as far as to say they are a good tyre to ride at home if you ride sometimes on and sometimes off. I wouldn't use them on a big trip though, especially one that was mostly tarmac.
|
It's interesting that both you and Ted don't like the TKC on the road? - perhaps it's when specifically fitted to a big BMW?* - as I've found them excellent as a knobblie on the road - very predictable, even when worn... (I've just ridden Deal's Gap with a squared-off rear, and even then it wasn't terrible...)
I've used them on both my XR650R and my XT660Z Tenere, and both bikes have covered a lot of miles on and off road with them - wet roads and dry, sand, rock, even mud (although admittedly not the best in deep mud). Some people say they need 100 miles or so to scrub them in, but personally I believe they are the best compromise tyre out there?
However, I would certainly agree with you that if you are covering a lot of road miles, then perhaps go for something less aggressive - if only for longevity...
xxx
*so maybe it's the heffer of a bike... ahem.
|
20 Mar 2009
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by JMo (& piglet)
It's interesting that both you and Ted don't like the TKC on the road? - perhaps it's when specifically fitted to a big BMW?*
*so maybe it's the heffer of a bike... ahem.
|
A good point... except that me and Ted both ride XT's! (Although I think Ted just sold his). On the other hand, my bike was so chronically overloaded on my big trip you could have mistaken it for the Panzer tank of motorcycles if approaching from behind!
I didn't mean to be too critical of the tyres performance, and you're right its about the best compromise if you do a fair amount of both. It handles significantly better than my Pirelli MT21s on road (but is nowhere near as good off) and much better off-road than road-biased duallies like the Bridgestones that came on the bike. But for a long distance, mostly tarmac tour there are much better tyres. And lets face it, even with a heavily overloaded heffer, there's nothing like thrashing it round corners when the tarmacs good!
Matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com
http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/
*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
|
20 Mar 2009
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,656
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt Cartney
A good point... except that me and Ted both ride XT's! (Although I think Ted just sold his). On the other hand, my bike was so chronically overloaded on my big trip you could have mistaken it for the Panzer tank of motorcycles if approaching from behind!
I didn't mean to be too critical of the tyres performance, and you're right its about the best compromise if you do a fair amount of both. It handles significantly better than my Pirelli MT21s on road (but is nowhere near as good off) and much better off-road than road-biased duallies like the Bridgestones that came on the bike. But for a long distance, mostly tarmac tour there are much better tyres. And lets face it, even with a heavily overloaded heffer, there's nothing like thrashing it round corners when the tarmacs good!
Matt |
Yep, my XT is now in the loving hands of Stretcher_monkey off the hubb..
I have TKC's on my XR650R too. I used it for a city commute in the winter and I lost rear traction quite a few times in the damp and the front was VERY sketchy on sweeping bends too. Not too bad in the dry I must admit. They wern't AS bad on the XT, probably as its not as powerful and its less highly sprung.
Don't get me wrong, I would use TKC's for a trail based trip.
I also tried Metzeler Karoos on my XT. They are nice in sandy gravel surfaces and not to bad on road too. I only got 3000 out of the rear though 
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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.
"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™ 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!
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.
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.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
