This may be rookie question...

I've noticed several trip reports and photographs reflecting riders carrying spare tires on their motorcycles, especially in South America, Africa and even in Alaska. Are 21" and 17" tires simply not available in some of these locations or are riders simply avoiding the hassle of not finding their preferred brand? Are most riders switching between aggressive knobbies and more road-oriented dual-sport tires? I am considering a trip to Central and South America next year an on AT with 21"/17" wheels.

I read one report of a F800GS rider who had to wait several weeks for his preferred tires to be delivered. Could this possibly be due to the model of the motorcycle and/or the preferred brand? Otherwise, I would suspect larger cities should have larger dualsport motorcycles requiring 21" or 17" tires. Just a thought.... and seeking the wisdom of the forum. thanks in advance!

Not so sure about tire availability but . . .

If you choose your tires wisely you won't have to buy/change so many. A Gen I KLR650 just went from South Texas to Ushuaia and then to Buenos Aires, about 12,000 miles on one set of Pirelli Scorpion Trails, two up, no flats. KLRs use 90/90-21 and 130/80-17.

Juan: Hello. Thank you for the excellent feedback. It is noted. David

If you are not too fussy about what tire you use, they are available throughout Latin America. I rode a KLR with 21/17 tires and started from the USA with new tires. I then bought a rear Dunlop in Quito Ecuador, and front and rear Pirellis in Mendoza Argentina. Pirelli makes tires in Brazil, and due to the Mercosur arraignment (kind of like NAFTA for S. America) I found them to be the most available. I would not carry tires on that trip.

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Andy Tiegs
https://new.horizonsunlimited.com/ts...lsouth-america

Pretty much ALL THE ABOVE is true. Some carry a set of knobbies for Off Road, some don't want to hassle hunting down tires.

21"/17" are now more available than ever in Cent./South America, according to more recent reports I've read. Now, it's the 18" rear that's harder to come by.

You may not find the best brands, but most times something is available, with Pirelli being most common in S. America as AndyT says. Guatemala has tires, Colombia has tires. None will be cheap but at least something is available. Chile is perhaps most expensive with Argentina right behind. Colombia has better prices, wider range of brands.

If you are not carrying a spare, then once your rear tire is about at the half way wear point, then you might want to keep an eye out for a replacement. Don't forget good quality, natural rubber tubes! Pirelli makes EXCELLENT tubes if they have them in your size.

Even if you have to carry a spare tire for a while, if a good tire at a good price comes your way ... buy it! Fronts last a LONG time, so not so critical on most bikes. Unless you plan to do serious off road, most times a good 50/50 dual sport tire will do the job. I like a knobby front (TKC80), 50/50 rear. YMMV.

Nowadays you may be able to email and pre-pay an order to a dealer ahead of your planned route and have the tires waiting for you when you arrive a few weeks or a month later. No waiting around.