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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 14 Aug 2009
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Tyres for Morocco
Hi Guys,
Can anyone suggest what tyres I should fit to a 1200 GSA for a trip to Morocco.
The Journey starts from central England via Santadar through central Spain then crossing over into Morocco then touring for approx 18 days with a considerable amount of piste riding in that time.
The trip starts the 1st October, and i would rather fit the tyres in the U/K prior to departure.
I have been looking at Tourance and TKC 80's but I'm not sure that the Tourance has enough off road capabilities.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Mel
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  #2  
Old 14 Aug 2009
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Hi Rockwell,
you can easily travel through Maroc on 99% tarmac...but if you want to explore Maroc you have to go on gravel - and African gravel is a little bit more rough than the European...

cheers carliO
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Old 14 Aug 2009
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Hi carLio,
I idea on Tyre choice.
Mel
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  #4  
Old 14 Aug 2009
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TCK's suit most people. Pirelli MT's work but aren't nice if it rains. I'm a fan of Heidenaus K60's.

Really depends on skill level and how extreme you want to get. If you'll stick 95% tarmac and can ride on sand Tourances offer advantages on how long they'll last.

Andy
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Old 14 Aug 2009
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Most of the pistes are rocky/stony or hard-packed earth and Tourances will be fine for these. TKC80s have the advantage in mud or sand stretches where the nobbles on the edges of the tyres provide extra grip.

Personally I would fit TKC80s. Some people say they wear more quickly but I've done the last 120,000+ miles on TKCs and generally get 7,000 miles from the rear, more from the front, when riding at sightseeing speeds.

They are rated to just 100 mph top speed and to minimise wear you should avoid cruising at more than 85mph coming through Spain.
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Old 14 Aug 2009
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Many thanks Tim, I was leaning more towards the TKC 80.
regards Mel
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Old 14 Aug 2009
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Don't forget to do your temporary import documentation on the Internet before leaving home, much easier than trying to sort it at the border with a tout leaning on you!

See Complete your temporary import forms online before you leave - ::. UKGSer.com .::

Tim
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Old 14 Aug 2009
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Import form
Will do Tim , thanks again.
Mel
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Old 14 Aug 2009
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How about the heidenau k60? Read some pretty good things...
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Old 15 Aug 2009
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Hi Dave,
I think it just may be a noise issue compared to the TKC 80s, Have you priced any yet and how easy are they too get?
Thought anymore about camping under the stars? I still think the extra load is going to have a negative affect on the piste trails, I've seen very few pics of loaded trailies in the pistes.
I'm away tomorrow back next weekend.
Mel
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Old 15 Aug 2009
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Continental TKC 80 Rear for 1200 GS

Heidenau K60 Rear for 1200 GS

Euro prices, but you can see the difference is significant.

I got about 4500 milees form my TKC rear on a LOADED 1150GS. Never triesd the K60, but have got one on my little XR. So far good things to be said!
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Old 16 Aug 2009
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Camping is definitely off, seems crazy to carry all the gear for a few days use.

I've found a couple of places online for the Heid's but they all seem to do the front or rear, but not both. Weird...
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Old 16 Aug 2009
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Camping
Hi Dave,
Yes I'm with you on the camping scene,if you get chance give Stephen an update he's going to be disappointed.
I think I'm going to stick with the TKC's if i go for the 60's apparently i think i have to drop down a size.
I'm also thinking about leaving the Ally Box panniers off and using throw over fabric luggage system or even just using a 90 litre waterproof holdall i have centrally mounted ,it also makes a good back rest for the long bits.
Mel
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Old 16 Aug 2009
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Hi Mel,

I too see that the K60's mean going down a size, but I'm not sure that's such an issue really. If I can get some I'll try them - it'll give us some comparisons if nothing else!

See email for other stuff...

Dave
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Old 16 Aug 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rockwell114 View Post
Hi Dave,
I think I'm going to stick with the TKC's if i go for the 60's apparently i think i have to drop down a size.
If it makes any difference, dropping a size should not be an issue as the front will drop one to match so the relative profiles of front and rear remain the same. Margus (another HUBB memeber, presently RTW) has been running a K60s on his R1100GS and swears by them.

Your call: if you feel happier with the TKC as a tyre and can afford the extra cash: go for the TKC, but I would not let a size drop bother you.
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