Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > All Miscellaneous questions > Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else
Should I change tyres before leaving Uk?? Should I change tyres before leaving Uk??
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
Page 1 of 3 1 23
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 17 Mar 2009
kebabtomten's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: sweden
Posts: 79
Should I change tyres before leaving Uk??
Hi I will be leaving Uk end of june towards Australia. Now I am in dilemma about tyres my stock GS tyres has done about 6000 miles .

I am trying to figure out how far I can get with these tyres before having to change them on route. The idea is to bring a set of TCK80 with me .

Now the question:

1) should I just change to a set of new tyres before leaving and bring another pair with me and save my self the headache.

2) Se how far my existing tyres will take me and change to a set of new ones on the route (in Almaty) .

My existing tyres looks fine even though they have done 6000miles.

__________________
www.uk2sydney.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 17 Mar 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: france
Posts: 109
Hi, I would suggest changing to your new tyres, and carry your old ones as spares, that way you'll only be buying one set for the time being.

And you'll have one less thing to worry about on your long haul.

I haven't done a major trip yet, other than 2700km in 6 days. (Does that count???)

Have a good one.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 17 Mar 2009
kebabtomten's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: sweden
Posts: 79
Thanks that sounds easier and will probably save me a few quid .

__________________
www.uk2sydney.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 17 Mar 2009
Matt Cartney's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
I'd carry your new tyres with you then change them en-route when your old ones wear out. (Unless you think you can buy a replavcement set on the road). This way you spend the minimum amount of time lugging around a spare set of tyres, which are a very heavy and bulky item on a bike.

Personally I wouldn't carry spares with me, I'd buy en route.

Matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 17 Mar 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: france
Posts: 109
You're right Matt, I didn't think of that.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 17 Mar 2009
kebabtomten's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: sweden
Posts: 79
Well now I am confused hehehe. My main fear is to push it to far end up in the middle of nomanlands in Kazakhstan with nowere to change the tyres ?

or am I to paranoid???
__________________
www.uk2sydney.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 17 Mar 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Manchester UK
Posts: 22
Buy your replacements on the way, but do a bit of research as to the furthest place you can get to with a reliable tyre dealership. Certainly buy them before entering Khazakstan or they'll cost a bomb having them UPS'd to ya.

Enjoy the ride
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 18 Mar 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 164
Carrying spare tires
There is one more factor involved in this dilemma. The hardcore overlander status you get with a pair of tires strapped on top of all your gear. This was a great talking point, you are not going to avoid drawing a crowd whereever you are, so you might as well make the most of it. I used a steel wire loop and padlock to secure the tires, no problems. The idea to set out on used tires, and change on tour is smart. If you have to have rubber sent out by courier, that is expensive, and there will probably be some import duties and/or baksheesh, and a lot of time wasted in offices. I plasticstripped the tires together, and used the inside of the tube for storing small stuff, raintrousers etc. I have never had such a practical storage space for bananas on a bike before, though this is probably not the most important reason for carrying 10 kilos of rubber on top of your load, which must have a negative effect on handling.
Whatever you do, safe journey.
Peter, in Oslo

"Too much of a good thing....is just wonderfull"
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 18 Mar 2009
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Andrews
Posts: 662
When I rode from the UK to South Africa I set off on my Tourance tyres and changed to TKC80s in Turkey, at a shop found for me by the local community guys. Give them a shout. Ride safe.

__________________
Mike
---------
Mike is riding the twisty road in the sky
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 18 Mar 2009
djorob's Avatar
Seek and thou shalt find.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Midlands/UK
Posts: 231
Tyre-d
Have you looked at other tyres besides the conties?
I ran some Heidenau k60's on a GS and 6-8 k miles would be what you'd get out of them.
A mate on a GS wore tkc's out in under 3k.
Mind you, I have seen a few posts where folks say otherwise about the life of the conti!!
Tyre Report.....Heidenau K60 Tyres on R1200GS | BMW Motorcycle Club Cape
Dave.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 19 Mar 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 880
Hi Kebabtomten - If you're riding all the way to Australia then you're going to need more than one set of new tyres anyway, so even if you buy a spare set now, you're still going to have to find another set somewhere down the line?

Personally I would ride across Europe on what you've got (unless you're planning of doing a lot of off-road riding in Europe too), then buy and fit some TKCs in an EU country before you hit the boonies... then replace them with whatever you can get, whenever those wear out... sure if you get a good price on the TKCs in southern/eastern Europe it might be worth taking a second set across the 'Stans with you, but I would say it's unnecessary weight and bulk - particularly on this first (European) leg?

xxx
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 19 Mar 2009
kebabtomten's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: sweden
Posts: 79
Thanks for the great tips guys. I have decided to ride out on new set of tkc80 ,keep my old ones at home and take a spare with me . If I manage on on set of tyres from Uk to Pakistan or India I will be delighted.

As this is my first crazy trip I want to be to safe then to sorry .

cheers guys
__________________
www.uk2sydney.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 19 Mar 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 880
For info, I got a little over 5000 miles from a rear TKC80, used almost exclusively on tarmac... for mixed riding I'd say it would be shot by around 4000 miles...

(this is on a Yamaha Tenere with a cush-drive rear hub)

Not sure how they fair on a big BMW, but it seems a waste to half wear out your new tyres on the (presumably tarmac) leg across Europe?

xxx
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 19 Mar 2009
kebabtomten's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: sweden
Posts: 79
Well that is true , Ideally I would like to drive on my existing stock GS and change them in Ukraine or Russia . But I have searched everywere but can not find a thread about a repair shop in eihter country.

BMW supposed to have a shop in Ukraine but have not figured out were probably in kiev ?? This would be ideal then I would spare the Offroad tyres and have brand spanking new tyres for kazakstan.

So if any one knows about a shop in unkraine or russin between Volgograd oand Astrakan let me now . But meanwhile I am back to zero as I have found about a new set of Tyres MEtzler Tourance , will chekc that out .

__________________
www.uk2sydney.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 19 Mar 2009
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Your keeping the bike after the trip right ????

Change them just before you go and then buy new ones on route.. Carrying tyres is a NIGHTMARE !

You can then use the ones you got now at a later date when you get home.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Last edited by *Touring Ted*; 20 Mar 2009 at 12:43.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 3 1 23

« 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
leaving argentina and leaving a broken bike .. how to ? siggsy South America 4 27 Jan 2009 19:16
Where do I need to change tyres? Zoltar14 North Africa 4 3 Jun 2008 13:58
oil change thumper86 Yamaha Tech 5 18 May 2007 18:56
How to change tyres? karter257 Yamaha Tech 2 10 Dec 2001 06:12
Oil change CATHALP Yamaha Tech 0 14 Nov 2001 22:40

 
 

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 22:36.

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