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Most available dual use tire (South America) Most available dual use tire (South America)
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  #1  
Old 1 Jan 2016
gR gR is offline
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Most available dual use tire (South America)
I'm building a Scrambler out of a Sportster. For now I am putting one of the few sets of dual use tires available that will fit on the stock rims:
90/100-19 front
120/90-16 rear
sooner or later I want to change the entire wheel (tires and rims) front and back to give myself maximum options for finding tires throughout South America. The idea is to be able to easily find tires on the road far away from home.
Any advice on wheel sizes much appreciated.
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  #2  
Old 1 Jan 2016
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Originally Posted by gR View Post
Any advice on wheel sizes much appreciated.
Well in Southamerica 125cc bikes and tires for those bikes are much mor common then bigger bikes. You will get them in every second shop but for bigger bikes you will have to search a lot or import them wich is very expensive in Brasil.
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Old 1 Jan 2016
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21/18 Pirelli MT60's are pretty common. Never had a problem getting a tire with those sizes. Usually lots of choice in capital cities.
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Old 2 Jan 2016
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I was able to find 90/90-21 and 130/80-17 without any trouble in Ecuador and Argentina. Brazilian made Pirellis are usually the cheapest for quality big bike tires. 19's are pretty common as well. A 17 rear wheel from a Dyna will probably bolt on your sportster, depending on what year it is. You can easily get tires in your stock sizes, but as you know, not many dual sport tires in a 16.
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Old 2 Jan 2016
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I agree ... try to convert your rear wheel to a 17". You will have more tire choice and probably a shot at finding tires ... not always dual sport tires.

MT60's are common and if you're willing to pay, BMW and KTM dealers will have dual sport tires you need. (Metzeler, Michelin, Continental, Pirelli, Dunlop, Avon) Plan your tire changes well ahead when you can.

Once you fit a front dual sport tire (like a TKC 80) in a 19", then you will mostly be good in off road conditions. That tire also works quite well on pavement. Front tires last many miles/kms.. so easier to plan a tire change ahead. TKC 80 front probably good for 8 to 10K miles. Not so the rear.

Seems like tire availability is better now than years ago. You should be fine. Call or email to shops/dealers ahead, give them some time, many can order the tire you want and have it waiting for you.

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Old 2 Jan 2016
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Originally Posted by ta-rider View Post
Well in Southamerica 125cc bikes and tires for those bikes are much mor common then bigger bikes. You will get them in every second shop but for bigger bikes you will have to search a lot or import them wich is very expensive in Brasil.
THanks for the reply. expensive has been my experience as well. The possible scenario, Im mainly trying to avoid is buying an expensive tire type (street) on the road that I dont really want long term just to get home.
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  #7  
Old 2 Jan 2016
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Originally Posted by ridetheworld View Post
21/18 Pirelli MT60's are pretty common. Never had a problem getting a tire with those sizes. Usually lots of choice in capital cities.
Thanks, RTW ... Ill check them out.
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Old 2 Jan 2016
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Originally Posted by AndyT View Post
I was able to find 90/90-21 and 130/80-17 without any trouble in Ecuador and Argentina. Brazilian made Pirellis are usually the cheapest for quality big bike tires. 19's are pretty common as well. A 17 rear wheel from a Dyna will probably bolt on your sportster, depending on what year it is. You can easily get tires in your stock sizes, but as you know, not many dual sport tires in a 16.
Thanks. I agree I definitely need to get away from the 16 inch rear. Bet I could find a Dyna rim down here somewhere . . .
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  #9  
Old 2 Jan 2016
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Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
I agree ... try to convert your rear wheel to a 17". You will have more tire choice and probably a shot at finding tires ... not always dual sport tires.

MT60's are common and if you're willing to pay, BMW and KTM dealers will have dual sport tires you need. (Metzeler, Michelin, Continental, Pirelli, Dunlop, Avon) Plan your tire changes well ahead when you can.

Once you fit a front dual sport tire (like a TKC 80) in a 19", then you will mostly be good in off road conditions. That tire also works quite well on pavement. Front tires last many miles/kms.. so easier to plan a tire change ahead. TKC 80 front probably good for 8 to 10K miles. Not so the rear.

Seems like tire availability is better now than years ago. You should be fine. Call or email to shops/dealers ahead, give them some time, many can order the tire you want and have it waiting for you.

Thanks, Mollydog. good advice. Ill check those tires out.
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