Trellesport military tyres?
 

Hey guys,
I was looking for spare tyres and came across these Trellesport - Enduro Competiton MotorcycleTyres, Army Special Tyre

They're supposed to be Swedish military on/off road enduro tyres with a good life time and at 49 quid a pop for rear and 36 quid for the front I was thinking of getting a pair.
Does anyone know of them? What they're like etc? Thoughts.........

Thanks

Took 4 of them to a mate in norway where they are 3 times the price!
He reckons they are great in winter, with a good soft compound, ok offroad, and wear really quickly on tarmac.

They are truly a superb all-round tyre. The British Army have just chosen the Army Special for their fleet of trail motorcycles (used extensively by Special Forces and Royal Signals, RMP, REME, RLC). The tyres were put through vigorous test and evaluation and came out top. They DO last a reasonable time on tarmac too, at least as good as the average Dunlop or Michelin. The army wouldn't have wanted them if they were only any good for off-road work. Personally I would rate them 60% off-road 40% On-road.

Other military users include -

Belgium
France
Norway
Sweden
Finland

They have cult status in Scandinavia where everyone uses them in the winter snow. I understand they are pretty expensive there compared to here. Get hold of a pair BEFORE the manufacturer increase prices which they will surely do once the things become established and well known here in the UK.

I know someone who uses these for long distance trail work throughout Europe. He prefers them to TKC/80's!

You don't mention what you're looking to fit em to? I have just fitted Michelin SIRAC's to my XT6, I did consider the Army Special but wanted something a bit more road orientated (don't do any off-road work nowadays).

GO FOR IT!
:thumbup1:

Tyres,
 

Wow, I didn't think they'd be rated both good and bad! At that price I thought bargain then thought I'd ask for opinions and I got 2 both good and bad!! Ha Ha Ha, just my luck!
They're for an Xt600E '03 model, for the RTW trip, africa stage. I'm starting with Avon Distenzias for the European bit, France and Spain then see how long they're lasting or appropriate for further south into Morocco before changing into what I've taken. I'm hoping what I take will last a while down to South Africa, optimistic I know but upon hearing stories of guys not being able to get 17" tyres I'm hoping 1 set will do till SA.
There's not much of a price difference as some people will notice but it's a choice of "Every penny helps" or "Pay cheap ... pay twice!" but being a military spec and ex-military myself, I'd have thought they'd be hard wearing and good for distance on the bad roads of Africa.

Thoughts anyone?

You can take a chance on cheap rubber if you want, but given that two little patches of rubber are the only thing keeping you smiling side up, I'd stick with the big boys tried and tested designs and know how.

Trelleborg are not a new company, and not even a tyre specialist company. They are probably best known in the tyre industry for making cheap agricultural tyres. They are bigger in the Nordics, as that is where they are from (Trelleborg, Sweden). And I never did see a tractor leaning in the corners.

I'd try a set before you leave, but not when you leave on your big trip.

A lot of the older riders in our club swear by them but I don't know what there deciding factors are. I will try to find out some opinions.

Leaning Big Yellow Tractor?
 

".....Trelleborg are not a new company, and not even a tyre specialist company. They are probably best known in the tyre industry for making cheap agricultural tyres. They are bigger in the Nordics, as that is where they are from (Trelleborg, Sweden). And I never did see a tractor leaning in the corners."

"Yeah! It's called a BMW 1150GS, Ewan and Charley had 'em!

Sorry, couldn't help myself!!
I took the plunge and decided to buy a set a day or so ago, actually 2 rears and a front as the only way I'm going to try them is to buy a set and then try them!! If they're shite then I'll let you know from the hospital bed, if there is one! Or from the scrappers where the bike'll end up.

Information from Old Wise Men,

"they used to be cheap and long lasting but despite their knobblyness they don't grip as well as modern rubber"

As they don't appear that cheap anymore I suppose you will just have to hope they are long lasting. Just a note on the "long lasting" most use would probably have been on bikes like XL185s / 250s and DR350.

Be assured that the MoD carry out extensive tests before picking a tyre. These Trelleborg tyres are fantastic value for money and represent a great alternative to other better known tyre makers. A number of European armed forces have chosen this tyre for their trail bikes and they can't all be wrong.

As I have already stated above, I know these things have a cult following in some Nordic countries. I also know someone who actually uses em - he swears by em in the winter.

We've all heard the same arguments regarding helmets - you get what you pay for etc.... Well it's not always about price.

Go ahead and try em out. Post your findings on here so that we can all make a more informed judgement. I suspect you will be in for a big (nice) surprise...

But the British Army always head towards the most "cost effective" (i.e. cheap) option wrt equipment, ho, ho. Try out the Heidenau K60's, as fitted to my xt6e - cheap and are lasting so far...

Received
 

Hey folks,
As I said, I decided to order a set anyhow, 2 rears and 1 front, Just delivered through my door a moment ago and they look spot-on although they do look like they'd be a bit dodgy on the road/tarmac!! So I'll be saving them for when the black stuff starts to run out in Africa. Whether they last can only be found out by taking the plunge and trying them out. I would like to say, the company don't mess about with delivery times..... I think Pegasus the winged horse was despatched to deliver!! Well done to them!
Lot's of people are saying pro's and cons and a big thank-you for that as that's exactly what I was looking for when asking for your opinions. It just goes to show how good this website really is when searching for information and even opinions, so hopefully I'll be able to contribute something when the tyres are on the bike. Thank you guys!!

It is funny though... the people with good things to say are the ones with buddies who have them and have some sort of experience with the tyres and the people with non positive feedback haven't. I love being a guinea pig and photos will follow!

Again thanks!

Great stuff Geoff!

Nice to hear the things arrived so quickly. My experience of most online mail order bike companies has been very good. I use this lot quite often - Motorcycle Helmets | Motorcycle Clothing, Boots, Leathers, Gloves, Jackets | Motorbike Accessory Parts and the stuff (which is always good value) is usually delivered the day after ordering!

With regard to the comment about the MoD ALWAYS saving money by opting for cheap alternatives, this is a very unfair & harsh comment in these circumstances. The MoD goes through a raft of very stringent tests before ordering equipment. Of course value for money does come into the equation but it is not the formost consideration. Performance and longevity comes into it too. I agree that our Armed Forces have very disgracefully been cut to the bone since 1997 (particulary the RN) but since 2003 the army has been getting top notch stuff (just not enough of it).(In 1997 we had 30 odd frigates, we've now only got 19! / in 1997 we had about 300 combat aircraft, we've only got 190 now!). Apologies for going off topic, that comment got me going...

We all look forward to your report Geoff. I suspect your experience will be a very positive one. As I have already stated, had I wanted a more offroad tyre, these Trelleborg's would have been top of my list to try out. Because most of my riding is on tarmac only, I opted for Michelin Sirac's which incidently have just been fitted as standard to the brand new Tenere. :thumbup1:

good choise
 

I come from Finland and yes alot of people use these tiers in the winter, put spikes in them and you can go anywhere:thumbup1:

I have allso used them during summer bouth on and off road, and they preform very well. But on wet tarmac or hard packed dirt roads during rain you have to be cearfull, they let go very easy.

I don´t think they last any shorter on tarmac than other knoblies. But I have never tried them on a full packed travel bike.

This you get what you pay for argument always gets to me its as if some people on this forum think that to enjoy motorcycle touring you have to be a millionaire.

I rode my TTR 250 to morroco and back on cheng shin trail tyres. These were about £55 for both. They never punctured. I did some full on off road in andulusia, including lots of sand. they were good on and off road, I had great fun on moutain roads and had them screeching through the hairpins. They helped me over high snowy passes in andora and were still good for the comute to work when I got home. I also used them on a MX track and yes they were not a grippy as a full on MX tyre but I never expected them to be.

I am not trying to big up cheap but it does seem like people think you need the best of everything to get going.

I hate to point out the obvious but thorns and glass dont give a toss that your rolling on Michelins or not.

Good points, but the most expensive tyre to buy can work out the cheapest to run when you break it down to pence per mile. :(

The cheapest tyre to purchase may be an expensive option if it lets you down. :oops2:

Of course we all buy a tyre for different reasons, a no name Chinese special may last 10,000 miles, but if you have to tip toe around wet tarmac bends, is it worth it? Maybe. Is a 5,000 mile tyre life acceptable, if it inspires confidence in all conditions? Maybe. Does it have to perform well in specific areas, or is the main criteria that it lasts? Depends what you want from a tyre.

By the way, thorns and nails do care about which tyres you have on. Cheap tyres tend to have a lower thread per inch (TPI) count, which is an easy way to save money (and materials) in the production process, but gives a less supple tyre, which will not deform away from an object. (And is noisier, and is less comfortable. It will also tend to take longer to warm up). Think about trying to cut an over ripe tomatoe, compared to an under ripe one, with a butter knife. It's much easier to penetrate something that doesn't move away from the pressure being applied. Picture the sidewall scraping along a sharp rock, deformation is better than resistance, in that example.

My choice of tyre doesn't last too long, but I want it to go from B road scratching to boggy forests to rocky hillsides, (preferably all on one ride!) a range I didn't think a single tyre could do at all, never mind do well. (Michelin T63's - not too cheap, not too long lasting, but hugely capable:mchappy:).

right guys im gonna give these a shot but 1 thing im a bit unsure about is the

4.75 -17 (120/90-17) as the size of my metzler tourance is 130/80/17 also
is the 4.75 reffering to rim width :(

What bike are you fitting them too?

As I've already said, it is sometimes possible to fit slightly different tyres to bikes. My XT6 has 120/90 17 Rear 90/90 21 Front. I have been informed that it is possible to fit 130/80 17 to the rear wheel. Aparently, the width is used in the height or vice versa... Not quite sure of the science here.

I'm sure someone else (more technically minded) will be able to help you out here... That's what this thing is for after all. It would certainly help if you could tell us what model bike you have. :thumbup1:

oops thought i had it in my sig 2002 xt600e

That helps....

The standard tyre size for a XT600E is -

Front - 90/90 21
Rear - 120/90 17

I presume your bike is completely standard. It sounds like someone has in the past fitted a different tyre size! Perhaps before you had it?

I would try stick to STANDARD sizes if possible. The 130/80 17 you refer to can be fitted according to some odd people. A different (non-standard) size MAY adversely effect handling etc...

The Michelin website actually recommends fitting either tyre size!!!!!!!!!!! - Michelin offers

I opted for the STANDARD size SIRAC's (120/90 17 - 90/90 21).

I believe that Trellesport do manufacture Army Specials to all those sizes.

well i got the tires today and got em on the bike handy enough.
tell ya what going from a 17" moto wheel with a road tire to a 21"wheel with a nobly on it is so weird hte steering feels so tight at the bars as in to pull left or right requires a tad more effort nothing to silly but noticeable none the less
tire sizes r as kentfallen says 4.75 -17 (120/90-17) the 4.75 had me a tad confused but it be on with no probs

hopfully this weekend ill get a chance to do a bit of offroading at the local leadmines if so ill tell yas how they go

plus once i get my hands on a mobile with a decent cam on it ill get a few pics up for yas (lost my sony k800i on a building site :oops2:) does look well with noblys on it :mchappy:

Glad to been of help here. Ride safely...:scooter:

Righto, now the technical stuff.

These tyres are dual marked - that is they show you the size of the tyre in 2 ways.

A tyre size is defined by three characteristics, the nominal section width, the aspect ratio and the rim diameter it suits. That's why you see three numbers on a modern tyre size description.

The metric marking is the 120/90- 17 marking. The 120 is the nominal section width in millimetres. (The width of the tyre), the 90 is the aspect ratio, expressed as a percentage of the nominal section width, (the height of the tyre as a percentage of it's width, so in this case 90% of 120 mm = 108mm high), and the 17 is the rim diameter in inches. (Yeah, I know that's not metric, but that's the way it's measured).

The nominal section width is the width of a fitted, unloaded but inflated tyre. Squat behind the bike, and picture the sectional view of that tyre, if you cut sideways, along the plane of the axle. The widest point (not neccesarily the tread, could be the sidewall, and not including any raised lettering etc) is the sectional width.

The aspect ratio is the nominal section width, divided by the nominal height of the tyre, expressed as a percentage. The sectional height is measured again as fitted, inflated, but unladen, and is the measurement from the lowest part of the tyre section (usualy the bead heel, where it sits against the rim) in a straight vertical line to the highest point of the tyre, (usualy the top centre of the tread).

The rim diameter is not the diameter of the hole in the middle of the tyre, but the wheel diameter it should be fitted to, measured at the point that the tyre bead heel sits.

Imperial is the 4.75 - 17 marking. The 4.75 is the nominal section width in inches, (how wide the tyre is), the 17 is the rim diameter in inches. The lack of an aspect ratio figure implies an aspect ratio of 80%. Traditionaly all tyres had an aspect ratio of 80%, so no one bothered to to mention it.

So the definition of a low profile tyre is one with an aspect ratio of less than 80% - good for feedback, handling and stiffness, bad for comfort noise and rim protection.

An awful lot of work is done by the big tyre manufacturers with the vehicle manufacturers to get the right tyre for the requirements of the vehicle. The tyre manufacturers are the people to ask about which tyre to fit. Std size is best 99.99% of the time. Unless it's on it's original tyres, check what they should be with the tyre manufacturers. They may be more than one recommeded size, and they will feel very different on the bike. Michelin have technical helplines (local rate numbers) where real people will tell you what tyre options there are for your bike, and what pressures you should be running in what conditions. I assume the other big manufacturers do the same. The web sites should give you some good advice too.

Hope this helps.

well guys i had em of road over the weekend and they performed tops i managed to claber a m8 that was trailing me from head to toe with puty like mud so they get full marks in that section (woodland and rocky terrain )

also as far as onroad use goes u do become used to them they felt odd as fook to start with but a few hours with em and there spot on (wet roads still to happen)

1 thing that did cause a bit of a hickup was the gear stick getting bent back 90 degrees luckily enough it was steel and could be re shaped

Nice to hear that the tyres are performing so well... Keep us informed of any developments. I'm giving serious consideration to fitting a pair when my Michelin Sirac's need replacing...:thumbup1:

ENJOY:scooter: