Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear?
UK to Oz - Carry spare tyres or not? UK to Oz - Carry spare tyres or not?
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
Page 2 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 6 May 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
carry if you must
I carried a spare rear from UK to Oz and fitted it in Malaysia not because it was needed but because I was fed up with carrying it. If you do want to take one start with a part worn and fit the new one after a month or so, it will save a lot of hastle. Most sizes are now available in SE Asia.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 6 May 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
"Most sizes are now available in SE Asia" - yes, they may be. But most sizes for big bikes are in fact only available thru specialised companies, and there aren´t too many of those to be found between eastern Turkey and Australia. Just like you dont get many big bikes in between. Thailand and Malaysia may be exceptions.
Last edited by pecha72; 7 May 2010 at 05:59.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 30 Aug 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 164
To carry, or not to carry....rubber this time
Good evening all, sitting here in Oslo with a head-cold, with time to read.
For Europe, and presumably Northern America, whatever tire you need should not be a problem, especially as modern tires seldom disintegrate or get ripped. Other parts of the world....maybe not so easy. Anything that keeps the rims off the road will do when the plot fall apart, and gives you some time to make arrangements. Personally, I carried front and rear from Oslo to South India, and sent them unused back on a boat with the bike. They were extra weight and used space on an already overloaded R 80 GS, but I felt very good having them, especially as a significant number of the posts on the HUBB are from people trying to source tires. I tried to make use of them for carrying small purchases, there is no better way to transport bananas , apples, oranges, biscuits and such that travels well in a sturdy Tourance rather than a pannier.
I have been told that importing from Europe can be both expensive, with funny taxes and duties, and a real time waster, because even normal things like sending a parcel home takes a few hours, so I dread to think how many days it would take to import your own rubber.
Lastly, don’t overlook the ”image” side of it, all along my road people were fascinated by the tires, they wanted to touch them, it was like having a big sign saying ”serious overland traveller here”, and I think it smoothed my way in many places. You are not going to go unnoticed wherever you go, so you might as well make yourself even more conspicious. In fact, a dirty bike also helped, new and shiny means you are rich.
If I was to make the same trip, would I carry the extra kilos? I havn’t decided yet, probably would because I’m that sort of guy. I use Metzler Tourance, they have gone over 20k km, great on asphalt, wet and dry, adequate on gravel if you take it easy, and, of course, useless in sand and mud.
Safe travels
Peter, in Oslo
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 2 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
How to carry spare tyres? Chris of Motocross Africa TRAVEL Hints and Tips 22 17 Apr 2024 16:57
1 or 2 spare tyres?? noel di pietro Equipping the Overland Vehicle 32 13 Jan 2008 22:36
What spare part should I carry with me on the bike? amicamg Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 2 26 Sep 2005 21:05
Spare tyres for Uk to OZ Richard Tyner West and South Asia 3 4 Oct 2003 19:30
spare tyres? GS George Camping Equipment and all Clothing 1 19 Apr 2002 23:11

 
 

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 05:33.

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