Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear?
MT21/Karoo (yet more tire questions) MT21/Karoo (yet more tire questions)
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
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



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 29 May 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 155
MT21/Karoo (yet more tire questions)
I have a BMW PD and because I'm lucky enough to have a spare set of rims so I want spare wheels for mainly off tarmac use. Deserts are a bit expensive so I picked either Pirelli MT21's or Metzeler Karoo. The bike shop technician felt MT21's were more suited to a lighter bike, and the Karoos were more suited for heavier machines such as mine. Being dedicated wheels for the dirt, I'm not too bothered about mileage as I'd carry them on the back (about 4 Kgs) if I go long distances on the tarmac first, using road tires. The usual caveats re dual purpose don't apply here. I don't go hard core off road so it's mainly unsealed roads some of which are very sandy (it's Oz).
Any suggestions?
__________________
Tim ('91 R100GSPD)

The only baggage you carry should be in the panniers
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 29 May 2009
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
I have used MT21 on my R80GS for more then 100kkm, it’s definitively one of my favorite tires. Personally I like it far better then Karoo.
Another option could be Michelin T63, it’s a bit more street oriented.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 31 May 2009
electric_monk's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Waterford, Ireland
Posts: 310
I've had two sets of Karoo's on my 100GS any had no problems. Obviously not great in the wet but easily manageable. In the dry there was never a problem leaning right over to the edge of the tyre. The only complaint was that they were quite noisy, but you get used to that.
__________________
The electric monk always has faith.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 31 May 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 880
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Wood View Post
I have a BMW PD and because I'm lucky enough to have a spare set of rims so I want spare wheels for mainly off tarmac use. Deserts are a bit expensive so I picked either Pirelli MT21's or Metzeler Karoo. The bike shop technician felt MT21's were more suited to a lighter bike, and the Karoos were more suited for heavier machines such as mine. Being dedicated wheels for the dirt, I'm not too bothered about mileage as I'd carry them on the back (about 4 Kgs) if I go long distances on the tarmac first, using road tires. The usual caveats re dual purpose don't apply here. I don't go hard core off road so it's mainly unsealed roads some of which are very sandy (it's Oz).
Any suggestions?
I wouldn't say the Michelin T63 is that much more street orientated Ali? - I thought the tread was pretty open, and wore out very quickly when I had a set on my XR650R btw - they are designed for a 'lighter bike' (ie. sub 450cc enduro type bikes) too according to Michelin's literature...

Karoos or TKC80s are great dry weather all purpose tyres Tim, but I do wonder why, if you are not going 'hard core off road', why you would bother taking a separate set of tyres, let alone wheels and tyres?! It doesn't make sense to me... its a PITA swapping wheels back and forth on a 4x4 - let alone on a bike!

I'd just fit a set of TKCs (personal preference over Karoos) and ebay the other set of wheels?!

xxx
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 31 May 2009
-
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,342
A totally excellent tyre currently mounted on my 1200GS, have a look at Heidenau's K60 on tar, gravel, forests tracks - haven't tried sand on them yet but guessing they're fine.
Had MT21's on my Dakar- great but as with TKC's they wear foo fast for me.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 1 Jun 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 155
MT21's/Karoo's
I got the spare wheels very cheaply off a wreck, mainly because they are very difficult to repair (after a prang). I'm planning on going up to the Kimberly later this year which would be a 7,000 Km round trip. Why wear out knobbies on tarmac when I have the wheels? It only takes me about 15 minutes to change them over, which is one advantage of the beemer's single sided swing arm. They only weigh about 4 Kgs and fit the rear rack just fine - normally I wouldn't carry them. Might look a bit odd, but who cares? Better than changing tires over. Although I have Tourances on the bike now, I felt a more aggresive tread might be better.
__________________
Tim ('91 R100GSPD)

The only baggage you carry should be in the panniers
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 1 Jun 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 880
Hi Tim - I wasn't trying to sound preachy - if you've got a secure way of carrying them, then go for it... although I can't imagine that a pair of wheels and tyres only weigh 4KG, unless they are bicycle wheels and tyres?!

I agree it would seem a bit silly to wear out your TKCs on a lot of tarmac first - and your trip milage would certainly be at the limit of a single set of TKC80s - I've managed around 5000miles/8000kms from a rear before it was almost slick... However, that would the end of your trip - half that distance (ie. when you are in Kimberly) you'd still have plenty of tread left for any off-road riding?

I am not familiar with Australia, but is there not a motorcycle shop somewhere along your return route where you might get some fresh tyres for the return leg? That is always another option perhaps?

Those would be my suggestions for consideration.

xxx
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 2 Jun 2009
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Quote:
Originally Posted by JMo (& piglet) View Post
I wouldn't say the Michelin T63 is that much more street orientated Ali?
Not much (that was why I wrote “it’s a bit more street oriented”), but it makes a difference.
The MT21 also has higher profile (130/90-17) which helps a bit.

Quote:
Originally Posted by JMo (& piglet) View Post
- I thought the tread was pretty open, and wore out very quickly when I had a set on my XR650R btw
Yes the thread is pretty open, mileage might vary I’m usually somewhere between 5-12 kkm.

Quote:
Originally Posted by JMo (& piglet) View Post
- they are designed for a 'lighter bike' (ie. sub 450cc enduro type bikes) too according to Michelin's literature...
Yes, that’s a bit odd for a tire which is approved for 300 kgs. The literature is not consistent at that point.
I have used it a lot on my GSes with all kinds of loads in all type of terrains and I find it pretty good. It wears better then MT21 but it’s not that aggressive.

Two-up gravel-touring with T63:



I wouldn’t consider TKC80 as an option for offroad. I have used it quite a bit and unless the terrain is hard it’s not good. It packs in mud, slides on gravel and you get stuck in sand.
Once I changed this MT21 (approx 20kkm) to a TKC80 and the brand new TKC80 was far worse then the MT21. It was scary…



For a 7kkm roundtrip I would have used MT21. They will last all the way without problems.
You say it’s 4 kgs, that’s not right.
I just checked my spare set (T63, HD tubes)
Rear 11.9 kg
Front 11.7 kg
Reply With Quote
Reply

« 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
Conti TKC 80 or Metz - Karoo (T) Dean de St Croix Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 18 15 May 2013 15:17
Fs: Mt21 120/90 - 18 Bossies TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 2 4 Oct 2007 22:35
Metzeler Sahara or Karoo on an LC4 - Wear Rates? Ian KTM Tech 9 30 Oct 2005 22:43
MT21 vs MCE Karoo usl Equipment Reviews 1 2 Dec 2002 20:49
R80G/S - pirelli MT21 tyres bryan BMW Tech 4 10 Apr 2002 06:18

 
 

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

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 06:39.

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