Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
tyres tyres
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



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

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10 Jan 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Luz, Haute Pyrenees
Posts: 112
tyres
I'm fitting out a Landrover 130 for a year in Africa. I'm a bit unsure about what tyres to fit... Am looking at BF Goodrich All Terrain or Mud Terrain.... but what would you all recommend ?

thanks,

Simon
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10 Jan 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: France
Posts: 353
Hi, this has been covered quite extensively (Those who are not out enjoying themselves try to compensate by opining on such technical matters) try a search of for tyres and tires (americans who can't spell)

In resumé:
Mich XZL for grip, Mich XZY for incredible longevity but not much grip in mud
BF AT for good kms (beware fragile sidewalls, don't run them too soft on stony ground)
BF MT for grip but not for as long as the XZL

In sand tyre pressure and diameter are much greater factors than tread profile.
By the time you get to the goopy stuff your lovely new tyres will be worn to the average level of everyone around you and so the decision when you left will have been less important.

All four models mentioned have done the trip
It's up to you to decide what you want to drive on and where.

Happy planning
Luke
(I'm one of the frustrated ones that isn't out there having fun)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11 Jan 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Aalst, Belgium
Posts: 365
Hi,

Luke pretty much covered it all. I summarised it in about the same way here: http:/www.radiobaobab.be/index.php?id=101

Check out the links on the bottom of that page to the carmaleon website. Very detailed info on tyre selection there, but unfortunatly it's in German only...

Cheers,

Fred (member of the frustrated gang)
__________________
2006-2007-2008 : Brussels - Cape town - Tokio - Lubumbashi - Brussels

http://www.radiobaobab.be
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 11 Jan 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Luz, Haute Pyrenees
Posts: 112
Thanks Guys,
I'm just not sure if the AT will be tough enough over rocky / stony ground. I'll be driving a fairly heavy 130 with a motorbike on the back and mainly spending time in North Africa.

I reckon the AT will be best in sand but actually, in my experience, there's more rock, stones, gravel and latterite than pure sand really. Do you rekcon under theose circumstances the MT would be a better choice ?

BTW... I know there isn;t really and 'right' answer.... I've done laods of desert stuff on motorbikes but they work in an entirely different way !

Simon
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11 Jan 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Aalst, Belgium
Posts: 365
If you don't plan on doing muddy stuff and are concerned about strength: Michelin XZY. Very expensive but indestructable tyre. More of a road pattern, great in sand, can be deflated to the extreme. The 12 steel plies will protect them on the rocks.
They come in standard 7.50r16 size, which should be great for a laro.

Availability and price is the problem with the michelin.
But you can't go wrong with a bfg mud... (have them too)
__________________
2006-2007-2008 : Brussels - Cape town - Tokio - Lubumbashi - Brussels

http://www.radiobaobab.be
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11 Jan 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 479
I ended up using BFG MTs on my 110 and I wouldn't change. For me there are a really good compromise. As previously mentioned when tyre pressure is lowered, the tread pattern doesn't matter that much. Been Trans africa with them, then went back down to Morocco last year with another 110 running all terrains. All terrains got stuck on rock going over Atlas, in snow, both times mud terrains had more grip. In sand, no difference, both worked well. Down to personal choice and no right or wrong answer but MTs work for me.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12 Jan 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: London
Posts: 144
Luke said-those who are not out enjoying themselves try to compensate by opining on such technical matters)

i regularly go out and enjoy myself and feel qualified to offer up an opinion. Some tyres suit different vehicles better but for my 80 series Land Cruiser i opted for BFG ATs. But based on what friends have been saying, i may go for Cooper Discoverers next time... but may take a while as my BFGs seem like they will alst a while.

There. I've opined. Or is it just the way I walk?


------------------
pigapitcha
__________________
pigapitcha

http://www.jljphotography.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12 Jan 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: France
Posts: 353
About 80% of the Dakar cars run BFG MTs, the rest on XZLs although I did see one on ATs

XZYs have now upgraded to 14 ply steel radial (at least the ones I found in France) and are almost eternal.
I blew out two running soft trying to follow a guide over dunes in Mori. Metal (in the plies) fatigues quicker than nylon so go slowly when they're let down.

I'm also perfectly happy with a pair of Bridgestone Muds that I bought in the factory shop in Bethune (pretty much on the way if you cross at Calais) at 30% discount.

The Cooper Discoverys and also General Grabbers have done the job for others.

I'm pining more than opining at the moment...

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

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Ecuador June 13-15
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 19:56.

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