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Istanbul to Singapore, tires options Istanbul to Singapore, tires options
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Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 7 May 2018
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Istanbul to Singapore, tires options
Hi,

We need your advice regarding our tires. We both have been using Avon Trailriders from Switzerland to Istanbul (less than 5000 km). They were not new when we began our journey so they are now more than 15'000 km so good to change. They've done really great well and have really liked them.

As we are expecting more "off-road"-ing in this second part (Pamir highway,...) of the journey we wanted to get more aggressive tires. Please take into account that we are riding a Bonneville and a K100 (yeah, what a weird choice you are gonna say...)

Our options,

Avon Trailrider (again)
Continental TKC70
Mitas 07
Heidenau K60 / K60 Scout

Any suggestion will be welcome.
Thank you in advance!
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From Switzerland heading east to Singapore.
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  #2  
Old 8 May 2018
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I would use Trailriders again, they last and are good enough for most gravel roads as long as you are not too ambitious with speed.
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  #3  
Old 8 May 2018
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Check out the new kid on the block?

Pirelli Scorpion rally STR

Not sure what size is on your bike?

I replaced the K60 Scout for these?
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  #4  
Old 8 May 2018
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Thanks for your replies! Well, I've seen the Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR but they are not available for the BMW (front 18''). Ideally, we will like to use the same tires (rear tire in both bikes is the same).

The Avon Trailrider is definitely a believable option: our bikes are heavy so we do not ride fast is gravel roads. And as I said, we've loved them.

The stock sizes of our bikes:

TRIUMPH. Front:110/70-17 Rear: 130/80-17
BMW. Front: 100/90-18 Rear: 130/90-17

Do you know what the risk of using larges tires respect to stock dimensions?

Thanks.
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  #5  
Old 9 May 2018
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Hi B&K

Just remember the Avon is only 90% on road and 10% off-road tyre, so don't expect too much from the tyre off-road.

Good luck and ride safely.
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  #6  
Old 9 May 2018
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Indeed
Hi Nuff,

Yes, that's why we are considering other tires. We have used then in gravels and they were acceptable. I am pretty sure that they won't be good in mud, gravels road whit rain,... the Continental TCK70 seems a good option to us but there is not much said about.

Thanks!
Safe rides.
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Old 9 May 2018
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The TCK70 are very good all-around tyre and are comparable to the STR?

The K60 Scout is a great tyre for the millage, got nearly 30.000 km out of the front.

But tyres are noisy and are not very good in the wet?
there are considered a 50/50 and for the limited use I had off road with the K60
handy the dirt very good and maybe you should look at these.?

But please be careful in the wet there has a habit to kick out at the back?
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  #8  
Old 12 May 2018
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So finally I changed my tires in Thessaloniki (Greece). I was lucky to be hosted by a friend so he helps me to replace my tires in a couple of hours. Also, the tires are cheaper than in Istanbul because of the import tax. The guy from the garage did not have all the tires in stock so finally, this is my combination:

Front. Heidenau K73 120/70-17.
Rear. Continental TKC 70 130/80-17

Finally, I wanted to try the Continental TKC 70 wich the guy told me were more adapted for my use than the Heidenau. As Nuff said, the K60 Scout have good mileage but for rain, they are not best. Also, the Scout is not available as a front tire for my bike and the K60 are too soft.

I feel that the front is not to last so much km as the rear but so far, the feeling is great.

By the way, Thessaloniki is heaven for bikers: you can find all spare parts for almost all brands and people are super friendly. Especially if you are overlanding, they try to help you as best!
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