Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > sub-Saharan Africa
sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
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 27 May 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Iringa, Tanzania
Posts: 20
Tyre availability

Could fellow motorcyclists please tell of their experiences with obtaining tyres throughout Africa.
cheers Jeff
__________________
VanMan
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 27 Aug 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Winchester, Hampshire
Posts: 202
Hi, It depends on what your tyre size is and how fussy you are about particular brands, in general though the size you want will be unavaiable where ever you need it. Having said that I am travelling through Africa a bit latter this year, already on the way and plan on being in Turkey in about 3 or 4 weeks and Egypt a month or so after that, I am not carrying any spare tyres, my first rear replacement ( On a 1986 R80G/S) was at 7,500 miles in Helsinki and the front at 9,000 in Riga, so I figure on getting two new ones in Turkey and hopefully carrying them to the Egyptian border where I will fit them, the next rear will be needed in Kenya where I hope to find something, not too fussed, anything 18" will do ( as the actress said to the bishop) probably fit a road tyre or if nothing available I will wait while something is shipped from the UK, there used to be a nice little campsite at Malindi where I won't mind hanging out for a few weeks till it arrives. I have worked for three years in Africa and know that you can never find what you want but can usually find something that will do.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 27 Aug 2002
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Kenya/Nairobi:
-There is a KTM-guy (Ian Duncan) that sells Michelin and Pirelli. You have to pay a LOT and he only has 18-19-21
-If you send tyres to Nairobi it will end up at the big post office in Haile Selasse Ave, not at GPO. Bring your carnet and a big smile and you don't have to pay import-tax.

Malawi:
Someone told me you can get good tyres at a mx-shop. Haven't tryed but I guess it's only mx-sizes (18-19-21)

Tanzania:
They don't have good tyres and usually you have to pay some import-tax. (20-200%)

Namibia/South Africa
You can get all you want...

It's possible to buy cheap tyres in most countries. IMHO they look bad. I would never put them on a heavy bike and go to the jungle/dessert/Nairobi, but it's your trip...

Good luck!
AliBaba
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 29 Aug 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Winchester, Hampshire
Posts: 202
Hi, whats the address for the KTM guy or general area of town to start looking, as I expect the tyres I fit just before Egypt will be shot by the time I get to Nairobi,Cheers Chris
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 29 Aug 2002
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,326
Hi
On my Trans African trip I had a lot (unfortunately) of experience in sourcing bike/tyre shops. Here are some things I remember.

A few Nairobi tips: At Upper Hill Campsite you’ll be able to get directions to bike and tyre shops.

Tyres in Kenya are expensive. Nairobi is the only place you’ll get any. However Ian Duncan’s (KTM man, mentioned above) prices are more than expensive. Extortion would be a better description.

In the industiral estate, try the official Michelin Importer. Definitely not cheap, but not extortion either. Also try in down town, an Indian tyre man (near the Suzuki dealer) who has lots of bike tyres. I bought an IRC 5.10x17 for US$100 off him. He also has Made in China/Korea type stuff. With a 18 inch rear wheel, you will have more choice.

There are quite a lot of tyres around East Africa, but nearly all are for 125cc bikes and not for big overlanders.

Also visit the official BMW dealer. He has a German bike mechanic. Helpful.

Also try Ric of Ric’s Bikes (out of town). Helpful if you need work done.

Also try Vic Preston Ltd. (workshop above a petrol station in down town). They repair cars, but employees/son(??) rides motocross, so might be able to help with work on bike.

Everybody knows everybody else, so ask around.

As AliBaba said, South Africa has pretty much all you need. I found the Yamaha (or was it Kawasaki??) dealer in Cape Town to be very helpful. Just take a tour of the shops. Also, try John at the BMW dealer (Trefco).

I would be very very surprised if you found anything worthwhile between Kenya and RSA. Also Ethiopia is a dead loss ref. tyres.

Good luck,
ChrisB
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 31 Aug 2002
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
I don't remember the name of the area in town. It's close to the Norwegian School and the Giraffe-center ;-)
If you go to the BMW-dealer (Chris, German) he will draw you a nice map. That's the best place to start anyway, he might have some good info.

The price...... I paid 12.000 KSh for a Pirelli MT21 with a Heavy-duty tube.

I'm in Khartoum now and the road from Isiolo to Moyale and all the dirt-roads in Ethiopia they realy ate my tires. I use to go 15-20 kkm on Pirelli MT21 rear, but this time maybe 10 kkm. :-/
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 3 Sep 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Iringa, Tanzania
Posts: 20
Thanks Chaps,
I think Ill make it to Nairobi before I need to purchase new ones. Im still wearing 3/4 worn trail wings and have a pair of Deserts up my sleeve. Im in Tozuer and plan to cross into Algeria in a couple of days.
See you there, Jeff
__________________
VanMan
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12 Sep 2002
hed hed is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Now in Cape Town
Posts: 128
Hello guys,

Anyone passing through Mali who needs a hard rubbered, no-name brand 18 inch rear, thick knobbly contact me at link above before the 4th of October. I have one spare one here that I cannot take with me when I set off in October. I will give it away to the locals otherwise. I can forward it to any address in Bamako.

Cheers,

hed

[This message has been edited by Grant Johnson (edited 12 September 2002).]
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 8 Dec 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Canada
Posts: 84
Hi Guys,
I saw above that it is difficult to get 17" tires so I started wondering... Is it best to have a front/rear of the same diameter? My GS1100 (Suzuki) has a 19 up front and a 17 in the back but if I switch to wire wheels I can have anything I want I figure. With eBay anything can be found for under 20$US
What would be the easiest size to find in
a)South America
b)Europe and the rest of the east?

Cheers, Steve
__________________
--1982 GS(X)400EZ--
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 9 Dec 2002
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,216
Stephen, leave your wheels alone - you'll mess up the handling, could easily run into clearnace problems with fenders etc, and the hassle and cost of the change won't be worthwhile vs any extra hassle getting tires on the road.

Tires ARE available - just sometimes not where you want! Read all the posts re whats where and plan ahead.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 23 Dec 2002
hed hed is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Now in Cape Town
Posts: 128
Hi All,

I am in Accra on a Ténére, which has 18 inch in the rear and 21 inch in front. There are lots of old Tenere's driving around here, I asked several owners and all told me that they had no hassle in sourcing knobbly and other tyres, plus spares in Accra. These are local gus, not travellers. The one took me to a shop where I bought a Korean or other cheap Asian import, will be OK until I get closer to Sudan, for sure. I lost the address, but will try to find and post. Just ask around, as I said, no real problem here.

Good luck all,

Heye
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 10 Jan 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Winchester, Hampshire
Posts: 202
Hi, just managed to get a real heavy duty Russian tyre in Addis Ababa after the roads in Ethiopia ate my TKC80, big hole in it, it was new in Turkey and had covered about 5000 miles only. Other tyres available here are Indonesian and Tiawanese 18 inch and one shop had a 17 inch rear, 21 fronts easy to get but not really very good, tyres about 40 USD.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 11 Jan 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Iringa, Tanzania
Posts: 20
Almost in Capetown,
carrying a pair of Michelin "Deserts" and only using them when Ive really needed them, ie keeping them off the tar routes has worked out very well for me. Still have good knobs when it counts and a pair of trail tyres to throw on for the bitumen. Tyres are also handy storage containers for bits and pieces and no problem to carry. Potatoes fit snugly in my spare front.
The security guys at Upper Hill, Nairobi have a stash of various bike tyres, got a near new Bridgestone for 600 shillings and a near new Metzeler from Rics boys on the sly for 1500 shillings, very cheap.
Dont go to Motorcycle Importers in town, they try to charge unsuspecting tourists almost double which is often the case in Africa.
Basically you needs will be met if you keep your eyes open.
What a ride!
Jeff
__________________
VanMan
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 17 Jan 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 55
Any advice on finding tires (Michelin Deserts preferably) en route between Togo and Cameroon?
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 26 Feb 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 55
Just for info - found a very well equiped KTM dealer in Lome (Togo) about 2km from the Ghana border on the coastal road. Stocked a few new nobblies. I spoke with Michel (3 time Dakar competitor) who went far out of his way to help us.

Their phone number is +228 2220 4316.

If you give them enough warning I'm sure they'll be happy to get you whatever tyre you are looking for. I bought Michelin Deserts at less than what I had paid in London!
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


 
 

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 14:52.