TKC tyres - Help!!

[(RIP) Yamaha1]

I know I'm gonna get laughed out of the room for this question - but what are TKC tyres, please?

My 1100GS has Tourance tyres front and back - but I read somewhere on here that they have been replaced now by a different compound which is not highly regarded.

So, when mine do need replacing, what should I go for? Never go off-road, so strictly a tarmac only Tosser!!

Mike

 

[Bryn]

TKC 80's are more knobbly but suit the GS if you have any off road dreams.. you can still get the old style tourance though... I'd go for them ... in fact I did

Meanwhile the TKC looks like this

 

[Colban]

The recent Metzler is called the Tourance EXP and seems to be avoided.
As said,you can still get the original Tourance,but if you only use on the road,why not fit a pair of proper road tyres.
Search the forum;there are a few threads on tyres.TKC 80s will be no use to you.

 

[Steptoe]

TKC are the tyres with lumps on.

 

[ThreeDawg]

So, when mine do need replacing, what should I go for? Never go off-road, so strictly a tarmac only Tosser!!

Dunlop Roadsmart?

 

[motobiker]

The recent Metzler is called the Tourance EXP and seems to be avoided.
As said,you can still get the original Tourance,but if you only use on the road,why not fit a pair of proper road tyres.
Search the forum;there are a few threads on tyres.TKC 80s will be no use to you.

I agree with colban... TKC's on tarmac only bikes is more about looking the part than anything else. A fashion statement.

Tourance EXPs failed largely because they reduced the tread depth and so the tyres longevity was reduced... Many owners on this site have reported doing 10,000 miles or more on the old style Tourance.

I have 'proper road tyres' on my bike.. currently BT020/021s. and marvellous they are.
Next 'full changeover' I'm minded to try Conti Attacks.. which are highly regarded by those on this site who've tried them.

The tyre choices for these bikes are increasing year on year.

 

[Rocket Rob]

Hi...

I live on a farm so ride farm tracks and really 'bad' B roads to work as well as normal tarmac whenever with my 1150 GSA.

Mud, leaves, bits of tree, stream water and all in the rain -TKC's are outstanding!

Cheers

Rob

 

[Canuck]

I ride mainly road. First had tourances then conti trail attacks. I think I prefer the TAs for solely road use but never ever for wet grass of mud... useless... literally! Very nice on the road though... smooth and very good grip even in wet. I'll pm you about a some spares I have if you fancy a go.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

TKC are the tyres with lumps on.

.....and are very good on tarmac

 

[Wrigsby1]

.....and are very good on tarmac

And in flood water When selling 'em, i rode the 1st demo 1150ADV with TKC's on. Last shop ride out of the autumn produced biblical flooding in N Devon and as everyone else slowed down, I sped up

With the present annual conditions GS's with TKC's may become the preference in the UK

 

[Rocket Rob]

Fully support your post Wrigsby1....!

 

[Steptoe]

.....and are very good on tarmac

For what they are they are good.

But on tarmac they don't get near a GS running with a set of road attacks.

 

[davegs]

Knobblies

.....and are very good on tarmac

They are good on road but wear out rears very quick. Stick to tourence's old
style.
dave GS.

 

[Rocket Rob]

That depends on what the tarmac is covered with.....and whose behind the bars etc etc

and clearly different tyres will suit different riding styles.

Anyway...ride safe.

Rob

 

[Steptoe]

That depends on what the tarmac is covered with

Ride a 100 miles of tarmac anywhere in the uk and maybe a combined total of half a mile will have shite on it

I'd rather compromise the half mile than the 99.5 .

 

[cookie]

That depends on what the tarmac is covered with.....

if it's got enough muck on it to make a difference, i'd say it's no longer fair to call the surface tarmac.

 

[ExpatinIstanbul]

I have TKCs because they make the bike look really good, and along with many other adventure style extras, including some well worn country stickers strategically placed for effect, I'm quite sure people think I've been further than the shops. I might one day.

TKCs, made of rubber.

 

[sockpuppet]

For what they are they are good.

But on tarmac they don't get near a GS running with a set of road attacks.

If you take a short cut through the park they will

 

[ian6760]

I've just gone back to Tourance's after 16K on TKC80's. Although I loved the TKC's, the Tourance do the job much better even when the roads are slippery and covered in crap IMHO. The only time they come into play is when you are on a surface soft enough for the knobbles to bite in and the crap doesn’t get that deep even around here. (Not unless you go looking for it)

Out of that 16K I must of only spent about 4 days off road / green lanes, and I will admit that the bike looked much better with the TKC's on, but it's much more fun for the 99% of the ride time with the Tourance.

 

[(RIP) Yamaha1]

Hmm - lots of different views - as expected, I 'spose - quite an emotive subject, I guess.

Think I will maybe stick to the older Tourances - if they will still be available!!

Does anybody know if they're in short supply - ie, worth getting a set now, rather than when I actually need them?

Thanks for the replies, chaps.

Mike