Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Light Overland Vehicle Tech
4x4 Tyre's Wet Season Africa What Have You Guy's Been Using 4x4 Tyre's Wet Season Africa What Have You Guy's Been Using
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Light Overland Vehicle Tech Tech issues, tips and hints, prepping for travel
Under 3500kg vehicles, e.g. Land Cruiser, Land Rover, Subaru etc.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 23 Sep 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: united kingdom
Posts: 52
4x4 Tyre's Wet Season Africa What Have You Guy's Been Using
Howdy HUBB

Has anyone out there got any info on a good tyre to use going the east coast africa route...I now this question is a trouble some one with overlander's
But the market has changed so much.

Hankook do some amazing tyre's which are ALL TERRAIN & MUD TYRE
also INSA TURBO do a similar tyre.

I now that BF GOODRIDGE'S ALL TERRAIN are the king's but what have YOU GUY'S BEEN USING AROUND THE GLOBE i am very interested to now your
EXPERIENCE'S with these new breed of tyre's.

As we intend to do some muddy stuff in the wet season...east africa and centrel...All message's will be greatly appreciated...:thumb up1:

And travel safe to all of us on Horizons...Regard's...DANO
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Sep 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: South Africa
Posts: 162
All Terrain Tires are not really the answer....

Apart from the muddy conditions in the rainy season, you have have very rocky and shrarp rocks around.

For this reason I will highly reccomend Mud Terrain Tires.

I have researching this quite a bit and one concern is the availibility of tires in Africa, should you loose one or two.

My short lists is:

BFG Mud KM2
Cooper STT
Firestone Destination Mud
Bridgestone Mud

These all perform really well on tar, in the wet, in sand, on rocks and obviously in mud....

The BFG KM2's is by far the most popular in Southern Africa, but I am leaning towards the Bridgestones for their availibility.
__________________
Dawie du Plessis
www.pictureafrica.org
www.photographersa.co.za
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 23 Sep 2009
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 381
I had some bridgestone mud duellers for 60000 miles+ and sold the car with them. Mainly they were on an unladen series 111 landy 2 1/4 petrol so not huge amounts of power to wear them out but I was still impressed. These were in 7.50 R16 on lwb rims with tubes, everyday driver in the UK with greenlaning and muddy weekend trials. Prior to that I had a CJ7 Jeep 4.2l 3sp, 3" lift and 33*12.5*R15 Yokohama Mud Diggers which looked cool but for clayey mud there was too much flotation/ too little weight for them to dig properly. The little landy made mud almost boring, so little fuss did it make of driving through everything!!!
Anyone remember possibly a Top Gear from a while ago with Clarkson stuck on someones big estate surrounded by posh 4*4 stuff all stuck. The estates game keeper drove past, around then uphill past them, parked up to see if they needed a hand in a swb ser11/111? Made everone laugh, was 20years older than the whizz bang stuff they were in!
This in reality was just another illustration that heavy posh 4*4s on road biased too-fat tyres won't get far in the mud despite fancy electronics!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 23 Sep 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: united kingdom
Posts: 52
Cheers freeflyde
Thank you freeflyde

Thats great any info is awesome i have been reading the 4x4 mags in the uk
and there is so much different apinion but i think to get in contact with
someone who has done it or spent sometime there is the best way......

There is a brand over here in the uk called insa turbo and these are becoming popular and seems to do the job.

Any more info is greatly appreciated.....Many Thank's and drive safe
Last edited by traveller1041; 23 Sep 2009 at 18:16. Reason: spelling
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Sep 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 476
Quote:
Originally Posted by freeflyd View Post
All Terrain Tires are not really the answer....

Apart from the muddy conditions in the rainy season, you have have very rocky and shrarp rocks around.

For this reason I will highly reccomend Mud Terrain Tires.

I have researching this quite a bit and one concern is the availibility of tires in Africa, should you loose one or two.

My short lists is:

BFG Mud KM2
Cooper STT
Firestone Destination Mud
Bridgestone Mud

These all perform really well on tar, in the wet, in sand, on rocks and obviously in mud....

The BFG KM2's is by far the most popular in Southern Africa, but I am leaning towards the Bridgestones for their availibility.
I fully agree with above info! Based on 60.000 km in Africa, East coast and West coast ! M/T all the way.

Cheers,
Noel
exploreafrica.web-log.nl
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 26 Sep 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Dorset, UK
Posts: 339
Quote:
Originally Posted by traveller1041 View Post

There is a brand over here in the uk called insa turbo and these are becoming popular and seems to do the job.

Any more info is greatly appreciated.....Many Thank's and drive safe
Insa Turbos are remoulds, if it was me I would go with BFG M/T's
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 26 Sep 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 479
I'd go MTs, we used them trans africa, good all round tyre for lots of conditions. BFG All Terrains were just frustrating, they slick up too easily.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 9 Oct 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2003
Location: UK/ZW
Posts: 725
In EA I used Michelin XZLs, however when I had to replace them in Nairobi I went with locally produced Firestone Stallion's. Local tour ops go for Firestone Translugs which are similar to Michelin XZYs (due to their longevity) however I wanted the MTs for the black cotton soil.
__________________
Enzo
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 9 Oct 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Bristol UK
Posts: 454
With reference to the BFG muds mentioned above, note the originals (Km) have a different tread pattern to the newer KM2's.

I think you will struggle to find KM2s in Eastern/central Africa yet, supply to the UK has been limited. I would not buy Insa Turbo's for overland use as they are (stated above) remoulds/retreads, most people in the UK buy them for general offroad use, pay and plays etc, but I would have reservations about taking them somewhere where replacements could be hard to find.

Copper STT's perform well, there was some debate over their sidewall strength a while back, not sure if things have changed?

Mich XZL's - excellent mud tire. In 750 size so should find plenty of replacements in Africa (even if its a different tread pattern). If you want a set of these, the ex-MOD places are the place to source them from.

MT's all the way!!!!

G
__________________
Land Rover D90
www.Siroccoverland.com | Follow us on Facebook
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 16 Dec 2009
Gipper's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Saltspring Island,Canada/Poole,UK
Posts: 1,081
Yep BFG M/T would be my Tyre of choice - either KM or KM2

The KM2 have are a more closed tread than the original - I would give them a go if you can get hold of some in the correct size - that could be an issue.

- I bet they are pretty good in sand too, as they have a chunkier version of a Michelin XS profile (awesome in sand, crap on everything else!!!)

They also have a 33% tougher sidewall than the old M/T KM which is welcome.

If I can get some the right size I will give them a go on the 90.

Or as mentioned, stick with ZXLs in 7.50 - easier to find in Africa.
__________________
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
  #11  
Old 17 Dec 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Vanderbijl Park, South Africa
Posts: 76
BFG AT's
Quote:
Originally Posted by traveller1041 View Post
I now that BF GOODRIDGE'S ALL TERRAIN are the king's ....
I am not so convinced, seen a few blow outs on them. In Northern Kenya the gravel is almost like flint and seen them make long cuts right through the side walls. Still believe BFG MT's are the way to go, they have a tougher sidewall and the compound is a lot harder and tougher than the AT's. Did 76000 km's on them up the east side of Africa and down the west, not even one flat.
__________________
__________________
Jean Visser

http://ons4.reproroom.com
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
west-Africa and rainy season chapati sub-Saharan Africa 2 24 May 2007 20:10
750x15 wheels+tyre's f/s lozza Equipping the Overland Vehicle 4 15 Sep 2006 18:36
"wet season" in central africa patonki sub-Saharan Africa 0 20 Oct 2005 01:36
season west africa markwitteman Route Planning 2 1 Mar 2004 19:15
Rainy season blues - East Africa DeptfordBoy sub-Saharan Africa 2 18 Feb 2004 06:55

 
 

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
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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 01:55.

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