Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
Michelin Desert or T63 on the rear? Michelin Desert or T63 on the rear?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10 Jul 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Bielsko-Biala, Poland
Posts: 42
Michelin Desert or T63 on the rear?
Are the Deserts are really so great to pay for them double price of T63?

What are the advantages of Deserts against T63?



------------------
Pawel Kanik
TT600R
Poland
__________________
Pawel Kanik
TT600R
Poland
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Jul 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Zaandam, Holland
Posts: 119
Hi,

In my opinion (having travelled with both Desert and T63 in Nort- and West Africa) the main advantage op the Desert is that its almost indestructable. I only once had a flat tire with a desert. After noumerous flats (ussualy at noon with no shade) with other tires, that was the main reason to change to Deserts. With that the other pro is that they last a bit longer than T63's.
A couple a reasons for NOT taking Deserts: they are a bit more expensive, not very good on wet surfaces and the may not fit on the bike (swingarm) because they are very big.

Whatever you choose do take heavy duty tubes, they are worth their price!

Peter
__________________
Peter Kik
Zaandam, Holland
peter.kik@tip.nl
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 Jul 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Bristol, UK
Posts: 69
Hi -
Simple reason - punctures. I used MT21s in Algeria recently and had a load of hassle with punctures, and the tyre had rips in the side of the carcass big enough to pass a tyre lever through. My friends had Deaserts - they had no problems. Worth the extra money for off-road use.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Jul 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Redbourne, UK
Posts: 98
Hi - in agreement with the previous chaps, I'd certainly consider Deserts.

In a recent trip to Algeria (on a fairly heavily loaded XR650L), I used a front Desert and a rear T63. The reason for the 63 was that I thought it would:

a - give me less fitment problems (which maybe it did)
b - be less stiff and so easier to change
c - be better on wet roads (t63s are poorish on wet tar, but deserts are even worse)

During the trip, I hit some fairly big rocks at speed (the desert's full of em you know.. :-)) and the carcass of the T63 started to break up - eventually the belting started to rub the tube - causing a flat, which started to damage the side wall... and so on. Before I knew it, I was limping home and had had over 20 punctures.

In retrospect I'd therefore fit a desert rear. So what if it's stiff - you probably wont have to take it off as much. Also, if you are carrying a decent payload, your back tyre needs all the help it can get, IMHO.

cheers,

Andy
__________________
AndyBee
(04 KTM 640 Adv 'Naartjie'/11 KTM 990 Adv 'Tsumeb')
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 15 Jul 2003
Ian Ian is offline
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 443
I've done two Sahara/NW Africa trips (both several thousand km) and used Deserts both times. The only punctures I had were caused by a big nail and by a spoke going through my botched rim tape.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15 Jul 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Zaandam, Holland
Posts: 119
Changing tire or tube is not more difficult with a Desert than with any other tire.
If you take a Desert with you to put on later (southern Morocco or so) be sure to try it on the rim to see if it fits the bike and doesn't hit the exhaust or swingarm. Desert are bigger then other tire of the size specifications. (But you ussualy can use a saw to make it fit :-)
__________________
Peter Kik
Zaandam, Holland
peter.kik@tip.nl
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Jul 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Posts: 40
Hi All,

Heading down to Maroc in August, can anyone recommend a tyre dealer in Spain (southern) where I can buy deserts at a reasonable price?
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 15 Jul 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Bielsko-Biala, Poland
Posts: 42
hmmm... And what about Pirelli MT21. Chris says in Sahara Overland that this is good alternative for Dez.

Thank you for all your replies. Yoe guys are really helpfull.

Greetings

------------------
Pawel Kanik
TT600R
Poland
__________________
Pawel Kanik
TT600R
Poland
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 15 Jul 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: belgium
Posts: 34
i would say deserts certainly much better than pirelli's; maybe not so for performance but for wear. pirelli's wear at double the desert's speed!!
on latest trip (ghana-algiers) we were very impressed with MEFO tyres (stone / sand masters) here's a link to various other types/brands including the mefo's (german made)
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 15 Jul 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: belgium
Posts: 34
what if I actually would give you the link!http://www.mefo.de/rkat/index.htm
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 17 Jul 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2002
Location: London, UK
Posts: 635
having used a Desert for 8000+km fully laden (same trip as Neil, same bike as Andy Bee), I'm busy burning up a 140/80 MT21 at a scarey rate. I'm going to have to see about replacing it after maybe 5000km. ie the MT21 is "too" soft, but it grips wet tar a whole lot better than the desert.
as for fitment, all tyres have a tolerance so some will go on a rim and others won't. contrary to Peter's happy experience, check you can get the sonofabitch on the rim before the sun gets too high in the sky. Martin simply wasn't heavy enough to get his second one on! big boots and all.
Rich
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 17 Jul 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Zaandam, Holland
Posts: 119
And use car type tire levers!
Talking about the sun... be sure the tire is as hot as you can get it, makes live much more easy. I once had my 'practice round' with a Desert in a cold garage in december, and ended up taking the tire inside the house to warm it up. Putting it on the rim was much easier after that.

Peter
__________________
Peter Kik
Zaandam, Holland
peter.kik@tip.nl
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
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 02:46.

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