Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Conti TKC80 Conti TKC80
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
Page 2 of 3 1 2 3
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 2 Sep 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: France
Posts: 33
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
Did you guys know the TKC is made in Korea? Probably made in the same factory with Duro's, Kenda's, Maxxis !
As long as they aren't subbed out to the factory that makes Ching Shens...
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 10 Sep 2007
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Iv ridden with TKC80's and Anarkee's.

TKC's are a great tyre if you want to regularly ride the rough stuff but if your riding is mostly tarmac then think again.

I currently use anakees as I ride about 80% tarmac. They are fantastic on the road where the TKC's are sketchy on wet tarmac.

The anarkee's are fine on dry grass, unfinished roads and hard packed soil but not really any good on gravel or harsher offroad riding.

Think Anakee for mainly road with light off roading or TCK's for a 50:50 road/ta combo.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 11 Sep 2007
motorbike mike's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Reading
Posts: 76
Hi Bonfireboy,
Did you put TKC'c on yer bike? if so how are you getting on with them, I'm thinking of putting them on mine and have been quoted £125 per set fitted to loose wheels. If you can get them cheaper let me know, it may be a good excuse for a ride down to Bognor !
Cheers Mike
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 11 Sep 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Dreaming of travelling and riding bikes in general..
Posts: 445
Tkc
I've got some spare TKCs for Africa Twins which are left over from the preparation for our trip to Africa. Send me a message and I'll send the sizes.
__________________
Find out details of my 2011 trip to Siberia on a lightweight dirtbike:
www.brighton2expeditions.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 11 Sep 2007
motorbike mike's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Reading
Posts: 76
Hi,
TKC 80 - Continentals
front - 90/90-21 54S
rear - 120/90 - 17 64S

Would be interested (depending on price and where you are )
Feel free to email me mike.carson@hotmail.co.uk

cheers Mike
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 11 Sep 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Chichester
Posts: 51
Not fitted the TKC's yet they will be going on as soon as I wear the last bit of tread off my current back tyre. Going to check this week on a price fitted will get back to you!
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 12 Sep 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Dreaming of travelling and riding bikes in general..
Posts: 445
Sorry..
Africa twin tyres are..[below] only selling as a pair.

front tyres 90/90 21
rear tyres 140/80 17

laters,
Ed
__________________
Find out details of my 2011 trip to Siberia on a lightweight dirtbike:
www.brighton2expeditions.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 12 Sep 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Houston, USA
Posts: 164
I'm on my first set of TKC 80s on my DL650. I just finished a 2000+ mile trip through Mexico and it was the perfect tire. It does great on the road (under 80 mph, more on that later), and when gassed down a little, great offroad. I only have slight noticeable wear on the rear.

Over 80mph.. wooo.. It is crazy. It starts oscillating a little... then more .. then more..... and if you keep giving it speed (like when you HAVE to pass on the highway), it starts to completely fail. I almost lost it the first couple of times it happened as I didn't realize that my tires were at fault.

I'm planning a SA trip next year and I'll prolly put on a fresh set of TKCs before I leave, but will probably return to a more street oriented tire for my usual commuting and USA touring.
__________________
http://davegtravels.com - RTW on a DRZ
All the way south - Texas to Tierra del Fuego in '08-'09
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 13 Sep 2007
MikeS's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
I got 16k miles out the front and 9.5k miles out the rear of one set on my 1150GS in the Americas. I found that the gravel/dirt really ate them up quickly and after 2 days (Copper Canyon and then down to Choix) the rear was pretty well scrubbed but it did last on the tarmac after that for quite a while. It was very good at getting the bike out of loose sand/gravel as I've had the bike burried up to the proverbials in deep sand on more bald tires.

Since I came back to Europe before getting home (only last night, whaaa!), I found the lack of grip on wet tarmac (especially in the Alps) was pretty lethal and rather scary but generally ok on dry twisty tarmac.

Unbelivably my bike got straight through its MOT the other day so the tread must have still been ok even though I've done about 7k Miles on the rear. This last set I just fitted them myself, its not that hard once you know how.
__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 13 Sep 2007
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
The TKC's are good tyres but I feel people get a little obsessed with them. It just seems to be fashionable to recommend them to anyone as soon as they mention "overlanding"

There are loads of tyres out there and all suit bikes and applications in their own way.

On my XT600, i found Metzeler Sahara 3's work much better on road than TKC's and only marginally worse off road.

On my XR650, i found the TKC's unpredictable and unnerving even in the dry... In the wet was terrifying.

Its amusing how many riders who ride 99% on tarmac, dont go for a more street biast tyre...
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 13 Sep 2007
Redboots's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
Quote:
Originally Posted by tedmagnum View Post
Its amusing how many riders who ride 99% on tarmac, dont go for a more street biast tyre...
Thats because it dosn't look 'ard enough

However, I just used them on an 18k km trip with mixed surface - desert/rocks gravel/tarmack and found them AOK. A little nervous in the wet on crap roads.
Also got 18000kms out of the back and it could have done another 2 or 3k.
The fronts deform (cupping) very badly unless the pressure is spot on so they were swapped out at 14000kms.

John
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 13 Sep 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Back in Asia
Posts: 322
TKC80's
Hey guys,

Just my 2 bobs worth too! I had a set of Anakee's on my R1200GS which had done 5200km 2 up with luggage in the Middle east. They are only about half worn and I took them off to fit a set of TKC80's for a trip down through East Africa. Fitted the Conty's in Salalah (Oman) and travelled 2000 km tho Al Makha west Yemen. The rear is now nearly shagged! Has about 25% left on it! No this has been one up with luggage on a big bike and the ambient temp has been from 39C up to about 47C. So you can see that these tyres do not last in the heat or with weight. I have used them before in Australia on a R1150GS ADV and found the same with them there as well in Central Australia. Did a trip from Cairns to Cooktown (1000 km) then directly west to Alice Springs and by the time I got to Cooper Pedy the rear was again totalled.

Personally I do like the Anakee and they do hold on well and wear well and yes the 4 ply side wall is much better. I have had no trouble with either sliding on asphalt but I do wear my tyres in before I go crazy in the corners.

Ok guys, hope this helps as well.

Cheers
Ivan
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 13 Sep 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Chichester
Posts: 51
I think everyone has made a lot very interesting points on this subject. I have spent ages doing research and asking loads of questions a lot of people have got good and bad experiences to share which is great and what this forum is all about. You pay the money you make the choice! We all ride on different terrains and in different ways. It almost makes me want to buy another XT so I don't have to choose which tyres to fit. I am going to try the TKC's as my next set and see how it goes I will report back, coming from a sports bike background I personally think tyres for the XT are quite reasonably priced so will just change them to the Anakee if I don't like them. Thats if I can make my mind up!!!
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 14 Sep 2007
XTfubar's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 33
I've been following this thread and decided to jump in. Originally I had MT21's on my XT. I found them quite noisy on the hiway and the front wheel pulsed annoyingly.Since these tires were getting...well...tired.I swapped them for Kenda's 761s since I ride mostly to work at speeds up to 110kmh. Altho the front feels loose at this speed it's predictable.The Kenda's have been offrroad once..gravel, mud and loose rock. The loose rock was bad..very bad...fell twice.I'm considering these TKC tires as a decent compromise. All the info here has been very interesting. Since I'm not a particularly aggressive street rider maybe these are an option.

Also, if anyone has some experience with loose, smooth rock about the size of baseballs, let me know.I had my tire pressure down to 18lb , down from 24lb.
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 14 Sep 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Farnham
Posts: 16
My opinion .....

I don't go for this get the tyre that suits the majority of your riding idea.

If you enjoy riding offroad (even if its just 5% of your riding time) then you MUST HAVE KNOBBLY tyres or its not going to be much fun at all.

So for on road you have to ride more carefully.

I find TKC80s to be good offroad and really quite good on dry clean tarmac BUT much care is needed on wet or "gritty" tarmac.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 2 of 3 1 2 3

« 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
Conti tkc80 tires on R100GS? Mr. Ron BMW Tech 11 15 Mar 2009 19:45
Conti TKC80s for R1150GS in Chile/Arg MikeS BMW Tech 2 2 Jan 2007 22:56
Need front TKC80 urgently in S Utah IanC North America 14 25 Nov 2006 21:02
Conti TKC80 in Mexico winne Central America and Mexico 2 31 Jan 2006 04:02
LC8 with TKC80 Luis KTM Tech 4 23 Apr 2005 01:06

 
 

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

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 09:26.

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