WHAT TYRES FOR AFRICA????????
From decades of Adventure Motorcycle travel experience in and throughout Africa and working together for a number of years with the Metzeler Motorcycle Tyre Engineers and Test Riders evaluating and testing various tyre compounds and tyre pressures, below is our personal choice in order of preference and recommendation of the best suited Adventure Motorcycle tyres to use when considering serious adventure motorcycle riding or crossing Africa, understanding the following:
- The wear and the longevity of any tyre is determined by the riding experience and style of the rider as well as how well the tyre pressures are regularly maintained
- The correct tyre direction when fitting is critical for the safety, stability, correct handling, tyre wear and longevity of tyre life on any motorcycle tyre
- It is important that matching front and rear tyre brands and tread patterns are fitted to ensure ultimate safety
- Tyre pressures are critical for stability, the correct handling, tyre wear and longevity of tyre life on any tyre
- Roads are constantly degrading with very little or no upkeep whatsoever which has an effect on tyre wear and longevity of tyre life
- Potholes are one of the riders worst enemies
- Climatic conditions and road surface compounds have a huge influence on tyre wear and longevity of tyre life
- Luggage overloading has an influence on tyre wear and longevity of tyre life
- 80% of most of the roads to and from Cairo are all tarred
- Correct wheel balancing plays an important roll with tyre wear and longevity of tyre life
- Incorrect wheel balancing can adversely affect front and rear suspensions e.g. prematurely wear out front forks seals
- Incorrect wheel balancing can cause an irritating vibration on the motorcycle
- Good quality and generally just spare motorcycle tyres are not readily available throughout Africa
- Specific tyre sizes are a major factor in Africa
- Good condition front and rear suspensions have an influence on tyre wear and longevity of tyre life
- Good quality and suited tyres are a very important priority for any extended or challenging journey
- After having new tyres fitted it is important that riders feel totally safe and confident at all speeds
ALL ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLE TYRES ARE GOOD;.. BUT SOME ARE MORE SUITED THAN OTHERS
NO 1 : MICHELIN ANAKEE 2 TYRES
PROS
- VERY, VERY RELIABLE AND DURABLE; VERY GOOD ALL ROUND/GENERAL PURPOSE TYRES
-NO TYRE NOISE ON THE ROAD
- HAVE EARNED SUBSTANTIAL RESPECT AND CREDIBILITY
- ARE CURRENTLY VERY POPULAR AND GAINING POPULARITY
- VERY WELL CONSTRUCTED AND WELL BALANCED FROM THE FACTORY
- HAVE EXPERIENCED NONE TO VERY, VERY FEW PROBLEMS WITH THESE TYRES
- EXCELLENT OVERALL HANDLING IN ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS
- EASY TO INSTALL/FIT; SOFT/FLEXIBLE RUBBER SIDE WALLS
- ARE VERY WELL PRICED; GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY
- 1 SET OF NEW TYRES WILL LAST ALL THE WAY FROM CAPE TOWN TO CAIRO WITHOUT REPLACEMENT
- GIVE VERY GOOD TYRE LIFE (DEPENDING ON RIDING STYLE AND TYRE PRESSURES) AVERAGE LIFE OF REAR TYRE 15, 000 TO 35, 000 KMS
- GOOD OFF ROAD CAPABILITY ON GRAVEL ROADS
CONS
- SUPPLY IS ERRATIC FROM THE DISTRIBUTOR
- FRONT TYRE TREADS WEAR UNEVENLY WHICH CAUSE VIBRATION/IMBALANCE IF TYRE PRESSURES ARE NOT CHECKED REGULARLY
NO 2 : METZELER TOURANCE TYRES
PROS
- RELIABLE AND DURABLE; GOOD ALL ROUND/GENERAL PURPOSE TYRES
- NO TYRE NOISE ON THE ROAD
- WELL CONSTRUCTED
- HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THESE TYRES
- GOOD OVERALL HANDLING
- GIVE ACCEPTABLE TYRE LIFE (DEPENDING ON RIDING STYLE AND TYRE PRESSURES) AVERAGE LIFE OF REAR TYRE 8, 000 TO 14, 000 KMS
- ACCEPTABLE OFF ROAD CAPABILITY ON GRAVEL ROADS
CONS
- NOT EASY TO INSTALL/FIT; VERY FIRM/STIFF RUBBER SIDE WALLS
- SUPPLY IS ERRATIC FROM DISTRIBUTOR
- NOT THE MOST REASSURING TYRE TRACTION IN THE WET
- ARE EXPENSIVE FOR THE VALUE OF WHAT ONE RECEIVES IN RETURN
- FRONT TYRES WEAR UNEVENLY WHICH CAUSE VIBRATION/IMBALANCE IF TYRE PRESSURES ARE NOT CHECKED REGULARLY
NO 3 : PIRELLI SCORPIONS
PROS
- GOOD ALL ROUND/GENERAL PURPOSE TYRES
- NO TYRE NOISE ON THE ROAD
- HAVE EXPERIENCED FEW PROBLEMS WITH THESE TYRES
- ACCEPTABLE OVERALL HANDLING
- GIVE ACCEPTABLE TYRE LIFE (DEPENDING ON RIDING STYLE AND TYRE PRESSURES) AVERAGE LIFE OF REAR TYRE 6, 000 TO 10, 000 KMS
- FAIR OFF ROAD CAPABILITY ON GRAVEL ROADS
- ARE AFFORDABLY PRICED
- FAIR SUPPLY FROM DISTRIBUTOR
CONS
- NOT EASY TO INSTALL/FIT; VERY FIRM/STIFF RUBBER SIDE WALLS
- NOT A VERY POPULAR TYRE
- NOT THE MOST REASSURING TYRE TRACTION IN THE WET
- FRONT TYRES WEAR UNEVENLY WHICH CAUSE VIBRATION/IMBALANCE IF TYRE PRESSURES ARE NOT CHECKED REGULARLY
NO 4 : BRIDGESTONE TRAIL WING
PROS
- FAIR ALL ROUND/GENERAL PURPOSE TYRES
- NO TYRE NOISE ON THE ROAD
- HAVE EXPERIENCED FEW PROBLEMS WITH THESE TYRES
- FAIR OVERALL HANDLING
- GIVE ACCEPTABLE TYRE LIFE (DEPENDING ON RIDING STYLE AND TYRE PRESSURES) AVERAGE LIFE OF REAR TYRE 8, 000 TO 12, 000 KMS
- FAIR OFF ROAD CAPABILITY ON GRAVEL ROADS
- ARE AFFORDABLY PRICED
- GOOD SUPPLY FROM DISTRIBUTOR
CONS
- NOT EASY TO INSTALL/FIT; VERY FIRM/STIFF RUBBER SIDE WALLS
- NOT A VERY POPULAR TYRE
- NOT THE MOST REASSURING TYRE TRACTION IN THE WET
- FRONT TYRES WEAR UNEVENLY WHICH CAUSE VIBRATION/IMBALANCE IF TYRE PRESSURES ARE NOT CHECKED REGULARLY
NO 5 : CONTINENTAL TKC 80
- THESE TYRES ARE DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR THICK SAND RIDING
PROS
- ADDS A MEAN AGGRESSIVE LOOK TO ANY ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLE
- EXCELLENT FOR THICK SAND
- GOOD SUPPLY FROM DISTRIBUTOR
- GOOD OFF ROAD CAPABILITY ON GRAVEL/THICK SAND ROADS
CONS
- UNSAFE/DANGEROUS IN THE WET ON TARRED ROADS
- INCREASED TYRE NOISE
- VERY LIMITED FOOTPRINT ON A TARRED ROAD
- AT ±120 TO 140 KMS PER HOUR THE FRONT END BECOMES UNSTABLE AND THE HANDLING FEELS UNSAFE ON THE ROAD (THIS VARIES FROM RIDER TO RIDER)
- NOT EASY TO INSTALL/FIT; VERY FIRM/STIFF RUBBER SIDE WALLS
- VERY LOW TYRE LIFE (DEPENDING ON RIDING STYLE AND TYRE PRESSURES) AVERAGE LIFE OF REAR TYRE 3, 000 TO 4, 000 KMS
- ARE EXPENSIVE FOR THE VALUE OF WHAT ONE RECEIVES IN RETURN
- TYRES NEED TO BE RIDDEN WITH HIGH TYRE PRESSURES TO MAXIMIZE TYRE LIFE
NO 6 : METZELER KAROOS
- THESE TYRES ARE DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR THICK SAND RIDING
PROS
- ADDS A MEAN AGGRESSIVE LOOK TO ANY ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLE
- EXCELLENT FOR THICK SAND
- UNRELIABLE SUPPLY FROM DISTRIBUTOR
- FAIRLY EASY TO INSTALL/FIT; VERY FIRM/STIFF RUBBER SIDE WALLS
- GOOD OFF ROAD CAPABILITY ON GRAVEL/THICK SAND ROADS
CONS
- UNSAFE/DANGEROUS IN THE WET ON TARRED ROADS
- INCREASED TYRE NOISE
- CENTER TREAD/KNOBS ARE KNOWN TO RIP/TEAR OFF AT HIGH SPEEDS
- VERY LIMITED FOOTPRINT ON A TARRED ROAD
-AT ±120 TO 140 KMS PER HOUR THE FRONT END BECOMES UNSTABLE AND THE HANDLING FEELS UNSAFE ON THE ROAD (THIS VARIES FROM RIDER TO RIDER)
- VERY LOW TYRE LIFE (DEPENDING ON RIDING STYLE AND TYRE PRESSURES) AVERAGE LIFE OF REAR TYRE 3, 000 TO 6, 000 KMS
- ARE EXPENSIVE FOR THE VALUE OF WHAT ONE RECEIVES IN RETURN
- TYRES NEED TO BE RIDDEN WITH HIGH TYRE PRESSURES TO MAXIMIZE TYRE LIFE
NO 7 : HEIDENHAU TYRES
- NEW ON THE MARKET;..NOT TRIED AND TESTED
- STILL HAVE TO ESTABLISH A CREDIBLE TRACK RECORD AND BRAND CREDIBILITY
- MIXED RESULTS AND FEEDBACK FROM RIDERS
PROS
- ADDS A MEAN AGGRESSIVE LOOK TO ANY ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLE
- IN DEMAND
- FAIRLY EASY TO INSTALL/FIT; EVEN THOUGH WITH FIRM/STIFF RUBBER SIDE WALLS
- A MORE SUITABLE/LOOKING OFF ROAD TYRE TREAD BETWEEN A MICHELIN ANAKEE AND A CONTINENTAL TKC 80
CONS
- AT ±120 TO 140 KMS PER HOUR THE FRONT END BECOMES UNSTABLE AND THE HANDLING FEELS UNSAFE ON THE ROAD (THIS VARIES FROM RIDER TO RIDER)
- EXCESSIVE TYRE NOISE ON THE ROAD (THIS VARIES FROM MOTORCYCLE TO MOTORCYCLE)
- NOT THE MOST REASSURING TYRE TRACTION IN THE WET
- HAVE HAD THE ODD PROBLEM WITH CRACKS APPEARING ON THE CENTER TREADS AND BEEN INFORMED THAT ON CERTAIN BATCHES HAD TREADS DELAMINATING FROM THE TYRE CORES
From decades of Adventure Motorcycle travel experience in and throughout Africa and working together for a number of years with the Metzeler Motorcycle Tyre Engineers and Test Riders evaluating and testing various tyre compounds and tyre pressures, below is our personal choice in order of preference and recommendation of the best suited Adventure Motorcycle tyres to use when considering serious adventure motorcycle riding or crossing Africa, understanding the following:
- The wear and the longevity of any tyre is determined by the riding experience and style of the rider as well as how well the tyre pressures are regularly maintained
- The correct tyre direction when fitting is critical for the safety, stability, correct handling, tyre wear and longevity of tyre life on any motorcycle tyre
- It is important that matching front and rear tyre brands and tread patterns are fitted to ensure ultimate safety
- Tyre pressures are critical for stability, the correct handling, tyre wear and longevity of tyre life on any tyre
- Roads are constantly degrading with very little or no upkeep whatsoever which has an effect on tyre wear and longevity of tyre life
- Potholes are one of the riders worst enemies
- Climatic conditions and road surface compounds have a huge influence on tyre wear and longevity of tyre life
- Luggage overloading has an influence on tyre wear and longevity of tyre life
- 80% of most of the roads to and from Cairo are all tarred
- Correct wheel balancing plays an important roll with tyre wear and longevity of tyre life
- Incorrect wheel balancing can adversely affect front and rear suspensions e.g. prematurely wear out front forks seals
- Incorrect wheel balancing can cause an irritating vibration on the motorcycle
- Good quality and generally just spare motorcycle tyres are not readily available throughout Africa
- Specific tyre sizes are a major factor in Africa
- Good condition front and rear suspensions have an influence on tyre wear and longevity of tyre life
- Good quality and suited tyres are a very important priority for any extended or challenging journey
- After having new tyres fitted it is important that riders feel totally safe and confident at all speeds
ALL ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLE TYRES ARE GOOD;.. BUT SOME ARE MORE SUITED THAN OTHERS
NO 1 : MICHELIN ANAKEE 2 TYRES
PROS
- VERY, VERY RELIABLE AND DURABLE; VERY GOOD ALL ROUND/GENERAL PURPOSE TYRES
-NO TYRE NOISE ON THE ROAD
- HAVE EARNED SUBSTANTIAL RESPECT AND CREDIBILITY
- ARE CURRENTLY VERY POPULAR AND GAINING POPULARITY
- VERY WELL CONSTRUCTED AND WELL BALANCED FROM THE FACTORY
- HAVE EXPERIENCED NONE TO VERY, VERY FEW PROBLEMS WITH THESE TYRES
- EXCELLENT OVERALL HANDLING IN ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS
- EASY TO INSTALL/FIT; SOFT/FLEXIBLE RUBBER SIDE WALLS
- ARE VERY WELL PRICED; GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY
- 1 SET OF NEW TYRES WILL LAST ALL THE WAY FROM CAPE TOWN TO CAIRO WITHOUT REPLACEMENT
- GIVE VERY GOOD TYRE LIFE (DEPENDING ON RIDING STYLE AND TYRE PRESSURES) AVERAGE LIFE OF REAR TYRE 15, 000 TO 35, 000 KMS
- GOOD OFF ROAD CAPABILITY ON GRAVEL ROADS
CONS
- SUPPLY IS ERRATIC FROM THE DISTRIBUTOR
- FRONT TYRE TREADS WEAR UNEVENLY WHICH CAUSE VIBRATION/IMBALANCE IF TYRE PRESSURES ARE NOT CHECKED REGULARLY
NO 2 : METZELER TOURANCE TYRES
PROS
- RELIABLE AND DURABLE; GOOD ALL ROUND/GENERAL PURPOSE TYRES
- NO TYRE NOISE ON THE ROAD
- WELL CONSTRUCTED
- HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THESE TYRES
- GOOD OVERALL HANDLING
- GIVE ACCEPTABLE TYRE LIFE (DEPENDING ON RIDING STYLE AND TYRE PRESSURES) AVERAGE LIFE OF REAR TYRE 8, 000 TO 14, 000 KMS
- ACCEPTABLE OFF ROAD CAPABILITY ON GRAVEL ROADS
CONS
- NOT EASY TO INSTALL/FIT; VERY FIRM/STIFF RUBBER SIDE WALLS
- SUPPLY IS ERRATIC FROM DISTRIBUTOR
- NOT THE MOST REASSURING TYRE TRACTION IN THE WET
- ARE EXPENSIVE FOR THE VALUE OF WHAT ONE RECEIVES IN RETURN
- FRONT TYRES WEAR UNEVENLY WHICH CAUSE VIBRATION/IMBALANCE IF TYRE PRESSURES ARE NOT CHECKED REGULARLY
NO 3 : PIRELLI SCORPIONS
PROS
- GOOD ALL ROUND/GENERAL PURPOSE TYRES
- NO TYRE NOISE ON THE ROAD
- HAVE EXPERIENCED FEW PROBLEMS WITH THESE TYRES
- ACCEPTABLE OVERALL HANDLING
- GIVE ACCEPTABLE TYRE LIFE (DEPENDING ON RIDING STYLE AND TYRE PRESSURES) AVERAGE LIFE OF REAR TYRE 6, 000 TO 10, 000 KMS
- FAIR OFF ROAD CAPABILITY ON GRAVEL ROADS
- ARE AFFORDABLY PRICED
- FAIR SUPPLY FROM DISTRIBUTOR
CONS
- NOT EASY TO INSTALL/FIT; VERY FIRM/STIFF RUBBER SIDE WALLS
- NOT A VERY POPULAR TYRE
- NOT THE MOST REASSURING TYRE TRACTION IN THE WET
- FRONT TYRES WEAR UNEVENLY WHICH CAUSE VIBRATION/IMBALANCE IF TYRE PRESSURES ARE NOT CHECKED REGULARLY
NO 4 : BRIDGESTONE TRAIL WING
PROS
- FAIR ALL ROUND/GENERAL PURPOSE TYRES
- NO TYRE NOISE ON THE ROAD
- HAVE EXPERIENCED FEW PROBLEMS WITH THESE TYRES
- FAIR OVERALL HANDLING
- GIVE ACCEPTABLE TYRE LIFE (DEPENDING ON RIDING STYLE AND TYRE PRESSURES) AVERAGE LIFE OF REAR TYRE 8, 000 TO 12, 000 KMS
- FAIR OFF ROAD CAPABILITY ON GRAVEL ROADS
- ARE AFFORDABLY PRICED
- GOOD SUPPLY FROM DISTRIBUTOR
CONS
- NOT EASY TO INSTALL/FIT; VERY FIRM/STIFF RUBBER SIDE WALLS
- NOT A VERY POPULAR TYRE
- NOT THE MOST REASSURING TYRE TRACTION IN THE WET
- FRONT TYRES WEAR UNEVENLY WHICH CAUSE VIBRATION/IMBALANCE IF TYRE PRESSURES ARE NOT CHECKED REGULARLY
NO 5 : CONTINENTAL TKC 80
- THESE TYRES ARE DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR THICK SAND RIDING
PROS
- ADDS A MEAN AGGRESSIVE LOOK TO ANY ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLE
- EXCELLENT FOR THICK SAND
- GOOD SUPPLY FROM DISTRIBUTOR
- GOOD OFF ROAD CAPABILITY ON GRAVEL/THICK SAND ROADS
CONS
- UNSAFE/DANGEROUS IN THE WET ON TARRED ROADS
- INCREASED TYRE NOISE
- VERY LIMITED FOOTPRINT ON A TARRED ROAD
- AT ±120 TO 140 KMS PER HOUR THE FRONT END BECOMES UNSTABLE AND THE HANDLING FEELS UNSAFE ON THE ROAD (THIS VARIES FROM RIDER TO RIDER)
- NOT EASY TO INSTALL/FIT; VERY FIRM/STIFF RUBBER SIDE WALLS
- VERY LOW TYRE LIFE (DEPENDING ON RIDING STYLE AND TYRE PRESSURES) AVERAGE LIFE OF REAR TYRE 3, 000 TO 4, 000 KMS
- ARE EXPENSIVE FOR THE VALUE OF WHAT ONE RECEIVES IN RETURN
- TYRES NEED TO BE RIDDEN WITH HIGH TYRE PRESSURES TO MAXIMIZE TYRE LIFE
NO 6 : METZELER KAROOS
- THESE TYRES ARE DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR THICK SAND RIDING
PROS
- ADDS A MEAN AGGRESSIVE LOOK TO ANY ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLE
- EXCELLENT FOR THICK SAND
- UNRELIABLE SUPPLY FROM DISTRIBUTOR
- FAIRLY EASY TO INSTALL/FIT; VERY FIRM/STIFF RUBBER SIDE WALLS
- GOOD OFF ROAD CAPABILITY ON GRAVEL/THICK SAND ROADS
CONS
- UNSAFE/DANGEROUS IN THE WET ON TARRED ROADS
- INCREASED TYRE NOISE
- CENTER TREAD/KNOBS ARE KNOWN TO RIP/TEAR OFF AT HIGH SPEEDS
- VERY LIMITED FOOTPRINT ON A TARRED ROAD
-AT ±120 TO 140 KMS PER HOUR THE FRONT END BECOMES UNSTABLE AND THE HANDLING FEELS UNSAFE ON THE ROAD (THIS VARIES FROM RIDER TO RIDER)
- VERY LOW TYRE LIFE (DEPENDING ON RIDING STYLE AND TYRE PRESSURES) AVERAGE LIFE OF REAR TYRE 3, 000 TO 6, 000 KMS
- ARE EXPENSIVE FOR THE VALUE OF WHAT ONE RECEIVES IN RETURN
- TYRES NEED TO BE RIDDEN WITH HIGH TYRE PRESSURES TO MAXIMIZE TYRE LIFE
NO 7 : HEIDENHAU TYRES
- NEW ON THE MARKET;..NOT TRIED AND TESTED
- STILL HAVE TO ESTABLISH A CREDIBLE TRACK RECORD AND BRAND CREDIBILITY
- MIXED RESULTS AND FEEDBACK FROM RIDERS
PROS
- ADDS A MEAN AGGRESSIVE LOOK TO ANY ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLE
- IN DEMAND
- FAIRLY EASY TO INSTALL/FIT; EVEN THOUGH WITH FIRM/STIFF RUBBER SIDE WALLS
- A MORE SUITABLE/LOOKING OFF ROAD TYRE TREAD BETWEEN A MICHELIN ANAKEE AND A CONTINENTAL TKC 80
CONS
- AT ±120 TO 140 KMS PER HOUR THE FRONT END BECOMES UNSTABLE AND THE HANDLING FEELS UNSAFE ON THE ROAD (THIS VARIES FROM RIDER TO RIDER)
- EXCESSIVE TYRE NOISE ON THE ROAD (THIS VARIES FROM MOTORCYCLE TO MOTORCYCLE)
- NOT THE MOST REASSURING TYRE TRACTION IN THE WET
- HAVE HAD THE ODD PROBLEM WITH CRACKS APPEARING ON THE CENTER TREADS AND BEEN INFORMED THAT ON CERTAIN BATCHES HAD TREADS DELAMINATING FROM THE TYRE CORES
