Tyres

Mouse

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I need new off road tyres for my GS, and I was wondering about trying something new.

Does anyone use anything other than TKC80s? They aren't particularly good in deep mud I find, although on a 200kg bike I bet nothing is that good :) Or maybe it's rider inadequacies :D

I'm not particularly bothered about the tarmac capabilities of the tyres, as long as they are road legal.

Any recommendations?
 
Try Metzeler Karoo's (as fitted to HP2), they're a bit more 'off-road' aggressive than TKC's by the look of the tread pattern.
Other than that don't know much about them

I'm going for Pirelli MT21's on the Dakar, which are a true Enduro pattern, but would shred too easily with the power of a 1200 (and perhaps 50hp from the Dakar) and don't know if they do them in sizes for 1200 anyway.

Can you PM me your Fords Database link pls,as well :thumb
 
Cheers, will see if i can get the metzlers.

The link to the fords database is in a sticky thread in the GPS forum, sent you a PM about it too.
 
Cheers for the link.

Interesting - that web site as the TKC80 (rear) for £76, about the same as my local bike shop charge (with free fitting).

But the Metzler Karoo is only £46 on the web site, but the local bike shop want £72 for one.

£10 postage though, I'll see if anyone local wants to share an order :)
 
Don't Michelin do a "Desert" tyre that was designed for heavy bikes with plenty of horsepower? Or am I on the wrong track here? (Next stop, Michelin website)
Mark
 
Yup, my memory hasn't gone completely yet. Only do 21" fronts unfortunately, but the rear should be ok, and they have the legend "road legal" stamped across them on the blurb. www.michelin.co.uk
Mark
 
Ahh, bum, only comes in a 140/80 rear, and the GS needs 150/70. Might be close enough to make it fit ...

If the tyre is listed as "140/80-17 TT 69R" does that mean it needs an inner tube?
 
Mousey babes.....one word for you.....

Heidenau.

Do a search for Mad manmountain's posts on them...139 quid for two rears and a front delivered....and he raves about them....

If you've ever ridden with him....no. let me rephrase that, ridden behind him, you'll know that if he raves about them, they gotta be damn good.

;)
 
To be honest I can't see any offerings from Heidenau that look like they'd be any good off road. And they don't make anything to fir a 150/70-17 rear either, seem to specialise in "older" wheel sizes.
 
If Heidenau do do a suitable tyre, I can't find it on their web-shite!

Ho hum, I think it's down to a choice between the Karoo and the Michelin Desert. I'll report back :)
 
MMM got his from an ebay shop......

Can't remember what type it was, but in looks it's half way between a Tourence and a TKC....it still looks quite aggressive and chunky but not as much as the TKV.

Richie rated them as 'nearly as good' off road.

It's certainly what I'm going to try next fitment......
 
Mouse said:
If Heidenau do do a suitable tyre, I can't find it on their web-shite!
MMM runs them but they are not the same size, he had to compromise and buy a slightly narrower profile tyre. I have seen them close up and can comfirm they look good and the price is fantastic, but won't be trying them myself due to the size differences - I can just imagine the day my insurance company uses that as a "get out of jail free" card to avoid paying up on a claim.

Mike
 
Fanum said:
MMM got his from an ebay shop......

Can't remember what type it was, but in looks it's half way between a Tourence and a TKC....it still looks quite aggressive and chunky but not as much as the TKV.

Richie rated them as 'nearly as good' off road.

I think you missed my original point :)

I'm looking for a tyre that's better off road than a TKC, and don't really care about what it's like on road. None of the Heidenaus I've found on the web look nearly knobbly enough.

This is what I found from Heidenau, a "K60".
k60r.jpg


And compare to the Michelin "Desert"

ImageServlet
 
More news on the tyre front.

Prices in local bike shop (rear tyre 150/70/17):

TKC80: £75
Metzler Karoo: £72
Michelin Desert (140/80/17) : £107 :eek and not even the right size

Metzler for me!
 
Kin ell :eek:
I know Michelins are not the cheapest, but that's ridiculous!
I use their enduro tyres, my favourite for grip, but they wear quickly. Typically two or three welsh events and they're gone. Used to be worse with the 450's, could destroy a rear in one day. Will be interested to hear how you get on.
Mark
 
Mouse said:
I think you missed my original point :)

You're quite right, I did, and I humbly apologise and hereby promise to read more carefully before opening my gob and prodding those keys :D


I suspect that to get any more extreme in design than a TKC, any tyre would become pretty much focussed on a particular type of environment...there are sand tyres and deep mud tyres, but perhaps ne'er the twain shalt meet?

I'd also suspect and most respectfully suggest that if you need something more extreme than a TKC, then the level or type of riding that you're doing needs a different motorcycle altogether, as the GS's weight and design (telelever) probably won't cope with more than the TKC's can offer.

Does that make sense???

Ah bollix, I know what I mean :D

I'll get me coat :)
 


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