TYRES FOR RD04 Africa Twin

[Shep]

It is tyre change time for the Africa Twin

I am thinking of going for Continental TKC80 or Escapes, are the TKC80,s any good on the road? how well do both tyres last?

In the handbook it says the rear tyre should be 130/90-17 but i have a 140/80- 17 trailwing fitted at the moment, is this ok or should it be the 130 ?

When i change the tyres that are on the bike now, do i have to replace the tubes?

how easy is it to change the tyres yourself? what tools do you need?

Any other manufacturer reccomendations for RD04 tyres?

[Whealie]

I put the TKC80s on for my summer trip and planned to have road tyres on a spare set of wheels for my motorway driving, but so far I've been dead impressed with them on the road too. Probably does wear them out quicker and I've only been out once in the driving rain.
You need:
You need these:
Continental TKC80 Twinduro 140/80 -17Q
Continental TKC80 Twinduro 90/90 -21T
Oh, and if you want to meet up to have a look (or even a go on mine) I'd be happy to meet half way. I'm in Sarf-east London

[jpc]

If you are keeping the At on the tarmac.Michelin Anakees are pretty good.3OOO KM so far and nothing scarey to report.Wearing well too.

[Robster]

I used the TKC80's for my trip last year...couldn't fault them at all. Found them really really grippy for a knobbly, lasted very well (over 12,000 miles) and best of all they look really cool!

[Simon]

i have metzeler tourances and got 10000 from the rear on my @. They aren't great in mud but ok on gravel and really good on the road.

[MacP]

I have escapes on my RD04 and I love them!!!

[BobA]

Ceri

I've just had my TKC80's delivered by Busters. No probs with the rear, but a two week wait for the front.

I also got some heavy duty tyre levers and rim protectors with the intention of doing the job myself.

Seems from whats I've read that the only problem may be breaking the bead on the existing tyres, but I am slowly bottling out of doing it myself.

My ONLY reservation at the moment is, I intend to ride the bike down to Portugal in a few months, and common sense tells me I'll need the new wheel/tyres balanced. SO should I just get someone to do the whole job??

Where are you in Surrey? If you wanna look at some TKC's in the flesh I could meet up with you.

They really are the best/dead hard looking tyre for an AT, and I had them on my last RD04 and had no complains whatever the weather.

Go for it!!


Bob

[anton88]

Ive been told before that tyres for our style of bikes do not need balancing Not sure why - lower top speed perhaps

recently fitted new tkc 80s to my dommi - didnt have them balanced - have noticed no vibrations at all at max speed of 90-95 mph

[BobA]

Hmmm, I see your point, but it has weights on the rims at the moment, and on my last trip through France I was playing constant catch up to my mates and was running upto 100mph for ages.

My last RD04 had TKC80's and the handlebars shook like Gary Glitter in a Cambodian Court, so I think I'll get them done anyway.




Bob

[Shep]

I have ordered the TKC80,s from Busters. I will get them fitted locally for £10 to a loose wheel which includes balancing. I have a centerstand so it should not be a problem.

A little tip if you go to BUsters and use the promotion code VARADERO10 you get 10% discount !!!

I am in Godalming in Surrey