Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
Mixing tyres on a Landy Mixing tyres on a Landy
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
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



Overlanders Handbook - everything you need to know, available NOW!

Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 29 Jan 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2003
Location: UK/ZW
Posts: 725
Old school
I've been three years in Africa and have covered approx. 33,000 miles on a new set of XZL's and am only now having to replace them.

I use LC split rims and the tyrepliers bead breaker. All my punctures have been internal and not due to foriegn objects entering the tyre - these tyres are tough!

Just completed a 10,103km round trip to Zim and back over 6 weeks and we had 5 flats in total. This I put down to overloading, old split rims and poor quality local tubes, but I still would not change to tubeless.

Go for two complete spare wheels not just one - northern Kenya etc kills tyres.
__________________
Enzo
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 29 Jan 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
definately two spares, even then many times I have ended up with no useable spare for a while!! It also gives you some leeway if you rip a tyre or mash a wheel (although with my toyota split rimes I think I would shift the worlds orbit before the rims bent!!).

also carry spare tubes as it is easier and better than trying to mend the puctures and they aren't expensive. go for commercial grade or michelin if you can, they will last better.
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 29 Jan 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2003
Location: UK/ZW
Posts: 725
Michelin "Airstop" or Dunlop "Airseal" seem about the best HD tubes - but make sure that they give you 750/16s and not 650/16s (as happened to me).

On a long trip (like my last) carry as many tubes as you can. I had 5 spare tubes last time - it's easier just to fit a new tube during the day and leave fixing your puncture(s) until the evening.
__________________
Enzo
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 29 Jan 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 456
Wink
Funny how those running tubed tyres always seem to know lots about puncture repair... ;-)

I drove 27,000 miles in Africa last year on tubeless BFG M/T's, the majority off tar or on bad roads and... not one puncture! Not even a dodgy valve.

It could be I'm due some bad luck, but so far so good (taps head). The second spare has been staying at home.
__________________
Pictures, Mauritania 2011
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 29 Jan 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
I've suffered torn tyres in morocco, as did my mate (perhaps we are both just crap drivers!!) and in Ukraine somenone very nicely stuck a knife through my tyre while waiting for the lights to change. figure a tubed tyre would fail on that as well!! at least you could fit a spare tube as a get me home measure, so if you go down the tubeless route, still carry a couple of tubes, just in case!
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 29 Jan 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Kent, Uk
Posts: 391
Tubes or not?
Hi

must say that in my time travelling I have only experienced a flat on a tubed tyre, never on any of the tubeless that I ran - make your own decision.

I would run tubeless tyres with a few tubes as emergency back-up.

Chris
__________________
ChrisC
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 30 Jan 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2003
Location: UK/ZW
Posts: 725
If you are 100% SURE that you you can fix your tubeless tyres in EVERY situation and in EVERY place then go ahead.

Where ever I go and whatever stupid things I do, I know that I can weld or beat my wheels into shape, and I am talking about a catastrophic wheel failure.

Of course all driving is not just to get from a to b, when you come off the road to play and you get a flat, you'll probably be in conditions where it is possible to collect another and some of these places are not safe. Changing your wheel is the quickest and safest solution - stripping your wheel and fixing a puncture requires time and cleanliness - not always advisable or available.

The other reason that I use split rims is that nearly every safari operator in Africa uses 70 series Toyota LCs as does nearly every NGO. Yes the bosses have larny vehicles but the ones you find in the field all 16" have split rims.

AND, whether LC or LR, they both use 750/16 or 235/85 tyres.

M'lord, I rest my case.

PS: Yes, I am a crap driver!
__________________
Enzo
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 30 Jan 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 671
Dr Who?
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisC
Hi

must say that in my time travelling I have only experienced a flat on a tubed tyre, never on any of the tubeless that I ran - make your own decision.

I would run tubeless tyres with a few tubes as emergency back-up.

Chris
ChrisC - Now most of us are talking about travelling the earth. You are talking about time travelling? WoW!
__________________
Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009
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
Tyres, tyres, tyres! Mark & Lynda Equipping the Overland Vehicle 17 26 Jul 2009 22:32
Michelin Desert Tyres gsworkshop Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 4 19 Apr 2006 13:25
Used 17" rear tyres in Rawalpindi (Pakistan) iris_trui Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 0 25 Jun 2002 16:09
"Big size" tyres in Yazd (Iran) iris_trui Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 0 2 Jun 2002 18:50
Carrying spare tyres across borders iris_trui Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 5 18 Feb 2002 12:49

 
 

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. 11-15
  • 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 00:42.

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