Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Central America and Mexico
TKC80 (rear) needed in Central America TKC80 (rear) needed in Central America
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Central America and Mexico Topics specific to Central America and Mexico only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Nov 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Somerset, Great Britain
Posts: 471
Question TKC80 (rear) needed in Central America
Any ideas where I can obtain (within 2-3 weeks) a rear for my 1200GS?

Frustratingly, I was going to try BMW dealer in Panama, but as far as I can see the feature on the BMW International site where I found international dealers previously, has now been removed!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 Nov 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Hulme or India, this year
Posts: 285
Conti Twinduro's are really rare anywhere in Latin America. Your best bet is to get one sent from home or from the US. You don't need an address - DHL, Fed Ex etc will usually let you pick up from their depots. Either that or switch to whatever rubber is available - generally Pirelli, Metzler or Chinese cheapies. Sorry, amigo.

Suerte, Dan Walsh
__________________
Que el cielo exista, aunque mi lugar sea el infierno...
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 Nov 2006
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Torquay, Vic., Australia
Posts: 67
Tkc80
Hi. I had two new TKC80's fitted at the BMW distributor in San Jose about six months ago. I just emailed two weeks ahead and they had them sitting there waiting for me when I arrived.
Contact Julio Salazaron jsalazar@cefa.co.cr or on his cellphone (506)290 4031 and he should be able to sort you out.
And yep, TKC80's are as scarce as hens teeth but it's amazing how well they can last once the tread's gone
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 18 Nov 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Somerset, Great Britain
Posts: 471
Smile
Thanks Guys,

I've only just got internet access, and read your two replies and also had a couple of replies to emails I sent to BMW dealers etc. Actually the CR contact you quote above (Julio Salazaron) has replied and has one sitting there! Needless to say it now has my name on it.

You're not kidding either about tyre life when the knobblies wear out! See this post (the LAST time I was desperately looking for a TKC80!!!):

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...gently-s-23550

I actually kept that one till LA, when it had 10,500 miles on it! Back home I've changed them with little more half that mileage.

I'm reckoning on 5000 from a rear and 10,000 front from now on at a push.
Last edited by IanC; 18 Nov 2006 at 04:48.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 24 Nov 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Costa Rica
Posts: 36
In case you still need to look for a tire, Pirelli MT21's are readily available everywhere here in Costa Rica. Not sure what the price will be on the Conti., but the MT21's are a bargin(made in Brazil) at less than $50.
Why would want a knobby on the back of a 1200, anyway?
__________________
Motomech
Playas del Coco
Costa Rica

"..an attaching bike on which one rolls serenly along."
(Google translation of a French R100GS review)
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 Nov 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Somerset, Great Britain
Posts: 471
Thanks motomech, but the TKC80 should be waiting for me in San Jose.

In case it isn't, is the MT21 OK on a high-speed tubeless heavyweight like mine? Isn't a bit more of a serious dirt tyre? I could make some compromise for $50!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 25 Nov 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
Quote:
Originally Posted by IanC
Thanks motomech, but the TKC80 should be waiting for me in San Jose.

In case it isn't, is the MT21 OK on a high-speed tubeless heavyweight like mine? Isn't a bit more of a serious dirt tyre? I could make some compromise for $50!
Even if they had a rear 17 that would fit your wheel, you'd need to run a tube inside. The MT21s aren't designed for heavy bikes. Adjust your 'speed' accordingly.

Are you taking the bike to places where a knobby is actually needed? If not, you're wasting money and time.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 25 Nov 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Somerset, Great Britain
Posts: 471
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lone Rider
Are you taking the bike to places where a knobby is actually needed? If not, you're wasting money and time.
I certainly have been - where a TKC is adequate anyway. Trouble is you never know what oppurtunities will arise in the future, which is why I'm keen to keep TKC's.

Given the choice between an Anakee or similar and a MT21 I would however make do with the former.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 25 Nov 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Posts: 49
Talking I 2nd that..............
I agree...I run the mt21's on very lightweight bikes.....they really weren't made for heavier bikes. My celebrity $.02 worth LOL
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 25 Nov 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Posts: 49
Wink tkc''s central America
Dan in Managua.......shame shame....living in Managua for almost a year.......and can't find TKC's??? Go to Casa Pella at Plaza Espana and ask for Gustavo in parts....they carry tkc's or can or them for you...he is a great guy.
Jes had to tease you a little. he he he
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 25 Nov 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Hulme or India, this year
Posts: 285
Lizanne, I'm glad to be wrong. Again. Plaza Espana? That's five minutes from me. I'll have to pop up and a have a look at er Gustavo's parts.

Suerte, Dan
__________________
Que el cielo exista, aunque mi lugar sea el infierno...
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 27 Nov 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Somerset, Great Britain
Posts: 471
mollydog,

I got 10,500 miles out of my front by the time I got to LA! Granted there were no knobs left in the middle. With the rear particularly, if you hit some deep sand or the like and the tyre's dug in, you've got a lot more grip than a smooth tyre, particularly if the pressure's dropped. I've been close to being stuck a couple of times with TKC's, mainly in sand, but have managed to just keep some momentum there which I would doubt if I'd had smoothies on.

I think the high mileage could in part be due to over 2500 miles (25%) being on gravel/dirt roads (Dalton, Dempster, Campbell and a few smaller ones here and there in British Columbia and Utah), combined with not much braking, especially compared to roads in the UK (or here in Mexico for that matter).

Anyway, sounds like CA is awash with 'em after all! To be honest I found them hard enough to find even in Canada and US compared with UK.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 27 Jan 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Somerset, Great Britain
Posts: 471
Is this a record?
I've certainly broken my own record!

Changed my front TKC80 yesterday here in Santiago. It was fitted at BMW of Hollywood in Los Angeles. That's 12,700 miles ago! Can't quite believe it's been on so long.

Quite a shame to change it really because it's been lovely and smooth since the knobs have worn off!

BTW Carlos Ramirez at www.mototurismo.cl here in Santiago extremely helpful, and I didn't even think the tyres were a bad price - $300 for a pair.
Attached Thumbnails
TKC80 (rear) needed in Central America-img_6452.jpg  

Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 29 Jan 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Quito, Ecuador
Posts: 68
Quote:
Originally Posted by IanC
Frustratingly, I was going to try BMW dealer in Panama, but as far as I can see the feature on the BMW International site where I found international dealers previously, has now been removed!
Try This:


http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/com/index.html

http://www.bmw-motorrad.com.pa/menue...ios/index1.htm
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 19 Feb 2007
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Home in Tasmania for the summer
Posts: 53
Or is THIS a record???
Ian,

I've had 33,097km (20,565miles) out of a front TKC80 on my R1200GS. Still had more rubber/knobs left than yours, too!

I always run a TKC on the front, and a Metzler Tourance on the back - get about 20,000km from the Metzler. But I keep very high pressures in them:- 43psi rear and 39psi front, no matter whether dirt roading or bitumen.

YMMV, but it works for me.

Margaret
__________________
Margaret
"twenty grand and twenty miles don't make you a biker"
www.ridingtoextremes.com
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Central america plans.... georgeh Central America and Mexico 6 14 Nov 2005 23:42
Sleeping bag for Central & S America? dionysos South America 5 20 Jun 2005 01:23
Realistic costs in Mexico & Central America maysmor Central America and Mexico 8 6 Dec 2004 07:23
suzuki ax100 purchase in central america allandmorris Central America and Mexico 0 2 Sep 2004 06:00
Title needed for Central & South America? hughc Trip Paperwork 15 5 Jul 2003 12:27

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 14:11.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top