Originally Posted by pierresas

Merritt and I are adamant that:

Result:
- Michelin Desert for Africa (except during the rain season)
- TKC80 for the rest of the world (unless you stick to asphalt all the time, in which case, the Michelin Sirac ...

Originally Posted by Chris Scott

Rubbery greetings. I would be interested to know what tyres you all use on your travels (not regular riding). Could not find anything similar on the HUBB but may have missed it (269 docs with 'which tyres'...)

I'll start the ball rolling -
Last trip Sahara - XR650L
Front: Mich Desert, Rear Mich T63.
Verdict - great on sand, rock and dry tarmac (but not wintertime Europe...)
Sold @ 6000km before worn out.

Next trip: (mostly highway, some dirt roads) will try TKC80s

If this manages to keep on topic it may become a useful database for adv tyres.

Chris S



------------------
Author of Sahara Overland and the Adventure Motorcycling Handbook, among other things

http://www.sahara-overland.com and http://www.adventure-motorcycling.com

Originally Posted by pierresas

Merritt and I are adamant that:
- Michelin Desert is the best tire for really tough off-road,
- TKC80 is the best all-around tire for RTW travelers who don't stick to asphalt all the time.
We praise both equally for their purpose.

When the going gets tough and the stuff gets loose (like sand or loose rocks), nothing beats the Michelin Desert. The front tire cuts its way through while the rear tire plows like a caterpillar: really impressive. Besides, it's almost indestructible. In some places like the Atlas, the Sahara and Ethiopia, everyday we were so grateful to have these things mounted.

However the Michelin Desert is tricky for long-distance or RTW travelers because....
1) Sooner or later, you are going to hit some rain and the thing is *extremely* dangerous on wet asphalt, especially in third-world countries where you have very slick asphalt and slippery stuff like oil, residues, mud, cow pies, horse dung...
2) You should not drive it at more than 90 km/h over long distances, first because it's dangerous (beyond 100, it vibrates like crazy and the front wheel looses grip; and above that, it doesn't take much to loose control), second because you kill the tire *much quicker* at higher speeds.

The TKC80 doesn't have these problems and it behaves almost as well as the Desert on normal off-road conditions. When it comes to longevity, both tires are excellent as long as you keep the speed in check.

Result:
- Michelin Desert for Africa (except during the rain season)
- TKC80 for the rest of the world (unless you stick to asphalt all the time, in which case, the Michelin Sirac or Metzeler Tourance are just fine).

Pierre (& Merritt too)
http://www.photobiker.com

Originally Posted by beddhist

Rear has been replaced after 22000km, front is still fitted after 20000km, will probably last another 2-5000.

Originally Posted by Lone Rider

IRC GP110 ft/rr, reasonably long lasting, inexpensive, my favorites all-round tires

Originally Posted by fuggie

ive used heidenau k60 enduros so far, they stick like glue to dry roads (had my pillions foot scraping around a round about lol) its a job to loose them in the wet and off road there a fairly competent trail tyre! shame the rears only last about 3-4000km!