Knobblies for the F650GS
 

Hi Folks. Your advice please! I have a 2006 F650GS and will be travelling into Africa and want to fit suitable knobblies. I had assumed that Michelin Desert would be the tyres to choose but see from their website that they are 140 instead of the 130 section on the F650. Which tyres are the right knobblies for the F650GS? Thanks

Hi,

Its really all about what you like when riding, but Id go with the METZELER ENDURO 3 SAHARA they are made for Africa really grippy soft tires, I had the Continentals on mine but took them off the first chance I got for off roading.

I also went over to the Metzeler Touraces for Street riding, much much better then any of the others I tried out. I normally ask people with the same bike but different tires if I can have a quick ride to see what we each think about the others tire choice.

When are you leaving on your trip? and what are you currently using for road use?

Hope that helps.

I used TKCs on my 1100gs on a trip to Dakar & found them good off road & in the desert & they are also ok on the highway but dont last as long as standard road tyres . How much off road/track riding are you doing ?
Kev

Simon,
The 140 may fit and the Desert has a reputation for high mileage.
A second option is the michilin T 63 which has a 130 section.

I have tried the T63 and it last longer and has better grip off road than the Conti TKC.

I have also tried the Metz Enduro 3 which only lasted 2500 miles.

If you want a high mileage tyre try the Pirelli SCORPION MT 90 A/T, it's not great at anything but it lasts a long time.

Stveve

Knobblies for thr F650
 

Thanks for all the advice - their was a couple of votes for the Metzelers so I may try those. At the same time Ernie from Overland Solutions swears by the TKC80.....

juddadredd - we will be leaving September 19th 2008. Have a look at www.trenthamtoarusha.org.uk and you will see what we are up to!

Simon :thumbup1:

The Korean made TKC 80's have a good reputation. I'm counting on a TKC on the front of my DR650 for upcoming trip. Look at link below for more ideas. The T-63 would be MY choice...but it's not available in the USA.

I can't say the Pirelli Mt90 Scorpion's will last that long but work well...more street oriented...but at 2000 miles, my new MT90 is now at the half way point. This info is one month old. This tire is a NO GO for me to Mexico, even though I love the way it works over all. Fantastic grip on pavement/wet roads. Very good on dirt roads/fire roads. Not so bad on rougher stuff but not a knobby.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...e-please-28627

Good luck, have a safe trip!!

Patrick