Difficulty in sourcing Michelin Deserts...

[Mav]

Anybody else struggling like I am to find Michelin Desert Comp tyres? The guys at AMS told me that they are on back order at Michelin and because the 17inch size is so unusual, no-one know when they will be available

In the mean time, I'm running a Karoo (the off-road version) and I'm not really that impressed with it - doesn't look like it's taking the abuse that well, and the profile looks like it could be lethal on the road in the wet Any other suggestions that would match the Desert?

 

[earthmover]

Have you tried the Michelin Baja?
Mark

 

[Mav]

Have you tried the Michelin Baja?
Mark

I haven't... I just took a look at the Michelin site and they look good, apart from the recommendation that they shouldn't be used on anything bigger than 650 Not sure how much of a problem that would be on the 'sauce...

 

[Bob's yer uncle]

I haven't... I just took a look at the Michelin site and they look good, apart from the recommendation that they shouldn't be used on anything bigger than 650 Not sure how much of a problem that would be on the 'sauce...

got this from the site, not available in 17"

FRONT
90/90-21 TT 54R
REAR
140/80-18 TT 70R

 

[Mav]

got this from the site, not available in 17"

FRONT
90/90-21 TT 54R
REAR
140/80-18 TT 70R

I've also just had a seperate tyre supplier confirm that the Deserts are on back order with Michelin with no date as to when they will be available

Another I've considered is the MT21 - but that appears to only be available in 130/90 on a 17inch rim. Does being that far out on recommended size matter? I heard they wear pretty fast...

<img src="http://www.az-pneu.cz/pics/pneu/pirelli_mt_21_rallycross.jpg" />

 

[Mav]

Update...

So, in searching for tyres I came across pneus online - turns out they're a huge online tyre shop based in France. They have the Deserts listed but I was curious if they were actually in stock so I gave them a call - turns out they have a number of different options to support speaking in a range of languages. The lovely Ffench accented lady informed me that if the tyres are listed, they are in stock and they update the site 3 times a day so it's more than likely right. So, I ordered 2! I have to make the payment by transfer which is a little annoying but the price seems pretty good and there is no shipping charge.

For more info: www.pneus-online.co.uk

I'll let you know if the tyres ever make it here!

 

[HP_Mic]

MAV, IMHO you should try the MT21 at least once. This tyres don't wear fast, at least not as fast as the karoo...

 

[(RIP) philgunn]

mav Keep away from MT21

no fun at all on the front of a HP2
maybe get away in the dry ground conditions of greece or Crete
but in the wet islands we live in

done the Baja in Portugal a few (quiet a ) years ago on a WR400 with a mt21 you could not control the front in the sandy conditions

pg

 

[Possu]

Dunlop 908RR is available in a 17" rear but I think they're a little unstable on tarmac even when new, at least on my 950SE they are.

What about the Metzeler Unicross - I think they're available in 17" but the widest they go is 120 but you might get away with it on the narrow rear rim of the HP2?

 

[The White Rabbit]

I was out other weekend and someone was praising the unicross, think it was Garry H.

 

[BamBam]

Hi Mav Try Cambridge Motorcycles, On 01223 560176. When ever I order Deserts 21 or 17/18 they always seem to be able to get hold of them, even when Ive been told they are not available. Tell them Cain gave you the number, I will post them on if need be for you.
Cain

 

[Mav]

So, in searching for tyres I came across pneus online - turns out they're a huge online tyre shop based in France. They have the Deserts listed but I was curious if they were actually in stock so I gave them a call - turns out they have a number of different options to support speaking in a range of languages. The lovely Ffench accented lady informed me that if the tyres are listed, they are in stock and they update the site 3 times a day so it's more than likely right. So, I ordered 2! I have to make the payment by transfer which is a little annoying but the price seems pretty good and there is no shipping charge.

For more info: www.pneus-online.co.uk

I'll let you know if the tyres ever make it here!

Well, what do you know - the tyres arrived this morning. Only three working days and supplying a tyre that no-one seems to have in the UK