like all tyres, deserts vary in diameter, but they are much stiffer than other tyres so some are easy to fit and others take enormous effort. make sure you practice on the tyre you're going to take!
life: 5,000+ hard miles with lots of luggage on the slightly lighter XR650L with 3,000 on the road.
pressures: I normally run 20 psi, but met some italian guys who run 40-50 psi (yes, even in sand!) and never have punctures and get even tyre wear so I'm going to try it. its quite possible that this suits the tyre better than low pressures.
wet roads: don't do it! they're evil!
I would recommend a Pirelli MT21 as a better alternative than the Michelin T63. go for the wider fitment of 140 rather than 120 (if that's standard): narrow tyre = lots of sidewall flex = heat and wear.
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