Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
Tyre choice Tyre choice
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



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

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12 Aug 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Kandahar Afghanistan
Posts: 160
Tyre choice
BFG AT KO or Goodyear G90 for a round the world trip in a Discovery?

What is the advise.
__________________
www.landroveradventure.co.uk
Land Rover Discovery 2, Yamaha Super Tenere
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12 Aug 2006
Gipper's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Saltspring Island,Canada/Poole,UK
Posts: 1,081
Hi,
what route are you taking ?
__________________
Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 13 Aug 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Wiltshire,UK
Posts: 288
I wouldn't recommend G90's at all.... i had a set on my 90, and also chatting with several people who drive with them also (especially military on the wolf's) they arn't that good.

once they get partially worn, they're even worse! the only good time i had with mine was on a side slope, they seemed to grip quite well then, but for everything else, pants!

i'd go for a michelin XZL or BFG MT (or AT if you're not planning anything too serious). also the G90's are only (i think) available in 7.50x16, which might be a bit too tall for your discovery.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Aug 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 227
I can't fault the ATs, I have a set for each of my Defenders. Flexible (in terms of multi-functional, not bendy - though they deflate well enough for sand use), robust and good-wearing. They are the XZLs for the 21st century! .

I also recommend BFG MTs, if you're playing in the wet ickky stuff.

Cheers,
Nick.
__________________
Nick Taylor, a Colorado Mack'em
blog | vehicles
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 16 Aug 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Bristol, uk
Posts: 25
I can't fault BFG ATs. We did 23000 miles to Cape Town with 6, 2 of which we replaced as they been lunched by some hard driving on rocks (So 8 in total) 6 are still good. We got one puncture in the whole trip and we never got so stuck we couldn't drive out.

They're much better on tarmac than the MTs so unless you're expecting to hit places in the rains I'd stick with those.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 16 Aug 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 671
Same for a defender?
Hi there ...

Would I be looking at the same tyres for a defender and RTW trip? I'm hoping to head up to Sweden and round down through Finland. This would be around April time. I have been recommmended by some locals to use studs or friction tyres, but none of this really means anytjhing to me !!!


thanks
__________________
Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 17 Aug 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Belgium
Posts: 66
bfg the good choice

had AT's did over 100k km incl pistes

now drive on BFG MT,noisier onroad but gthey grip better on rockpaths,muddy paths etc.

give you the same milage as AT's

G90 are military tyres.
I've seen KFOR using XZL's already on the XD's because they dislike the G90
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 19 Aug 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Kandahar Afghanistan
Posts: 160
I have opted for the BFG AT 245/70/16.

So far they have made the Disco very stable after adding a roll cage and all extra bits.

We are leaving May/June 07 following the silk route then Australia Americas.
__________________
www.landroveradventure.co.uk
Land Rover Discovery 2, Yamaha Super Tenere
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 21 Aug 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 456
AT BFG's are great tyres but you need to drive slowly on rock roads or they WILL disintegrate. I experienced this in Ethiopia, and it was painful watching that expensive rubber break apart!

MT BFG's are more durable. Not as good on tarmac, but better in the dirt and suprisingly good in the sand (especially when part-worn).
__________________
Pictures, Mauritania 2011
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 21 Aug 2006
Gipper's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Saltspring Island,Canada/Poole,UK
Posts: 1,081
Hi Andy,
I would have gone for the Muds on a full RTW but the AT's will be fine - do have a winch or a tirfor ? - things can get quite slick in South America....

I run BFG MT on the Defender and BFG A/T's on the Disco. - how accurate is your speedo on this tyre size ?

Any chance you could send some photos of your Discovery - I would like to mod the Disco for travelling some more and would like some more ideas.

Many Thanks

Cheers
Grif
__________________
Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca
Last edited by Gipper; 21 Aug 2006 at 20:26.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 21 Aug 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scotland
Posts: 775
IMHO for a RTW trip it doesn't mater on which tyres you start because it's quite certain you will end on some other tyres. I'd be concerned with the size rather than brand or thread pattern. It seems to be the common wisdom that 7.5x16 is the most ubiquitous size.
__________________
----------------
Roman (UK)
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 24 Aug 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Kandahar Afghanistan
Posts: 160
Gripper here are a couple of photos the rear still has a second shelf to be made hanging from the roof to hold chairs and tables ect.

I have a pressured water system and filter that has the take off from the cans.
Once you remove the trim there is stacks of room in a Discovery.
Attached Images
  
__________________
www.landroveradventure.co.uk
Land Rover Discovery 2, Yamaha Super Tenere
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
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A 235/85 R16 tyre pressures Terry Davies Equipping the Overland Vehicle 9 27 Dec 2011 06:58
Tyre Choice Robbie Honda Tech 0 8 Nov 2005 22:58
Tyre choice for Africa...? jim Route Planning 3 11 Jan 2004 23:26
tyre choice for east coast of africa stephane sub-Saharan Africa 8 6 Dec 2003 00:38
Tyre Choice sjbarrow Yamaha Tech 1 7 Mar 2001 00:23

 
 

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.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

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 13:17.

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