Longest Lasting Tires for Global Trip

[figdog]

I am in the final stages of preparing for a trip around the globe on a gl1100 and now I need to find some competent tires. I would like to avoid having to change tires as much as I possibly can, and ideally I can get by on a set or two.

Which tires do you recommend that are durable and will get me the most miles. Assume that all compartments will be filled, but at the same time I am trying to travel as light as possible.

Super ideally - what tires could I get 20k + miles out of, if any?

Money not a problem, Id rather spend more money now to avoid disaster later.

Thanks!

[WingAdmin]

Ideally you'd be using car tires to get that kind of mileage, but there are no known car tires that will fit an 1100.

I tried several different types of tires on my GL1100, and never got more than 10,000 miles out of a set of tires. I ended up staying with Avon Venoms (because I really liked their handling), which I could get around 8,000 miles out of.

It's also going to depend on what type of riding you plan to do (i.e. on what types of surfaces).

[702scottc]

I've always had the best luck with Dunlop D402 on the rear and a 404 on the front. I upgraded my rim size on my 1981 to the rims off of a 1983. The 402 rear is the Harley oem touring tire, reinforced 5 ply. Heavy duty especially for touring with 2 up and will last around 10 thousand miles no problem. They are both readily available just about anywhere. Are you bringing a trailer with you as well? If you are then buy 2 of each and stash the extra' s in the trailer. The Avon Venoms are great tires as well. Have a great trip and post some photo's!

[Viking]

Keep in mind that tires hard enough to get high mileage out of are usually not very grippy in the wet. If the tires are grippy, like the Avon Venoms, they do not get high mileage. It is a trade off. I have heard that Shinto tires are quite hard and get good mileage, but not real good stickiness in rain. If it was me, I would prefer the handling and go with the Dunlops or the Avons.

[Dogsled]

I got no idea what a trip around the world would entail....there's alot of water you'd need to transport the bike. I assume you have the trip routed out. How many actual miles will you be wheels down? If you go thru South America, a wing sure isn't gonna make it....Heck watch the Dakar from start to finish...They actually do spend time on what they call actual ROADS....

They gonna let you ride thru Russia? China? Americans aren't the most welcomed people in this world today. It would be interesting to see your route. I'm not saying it isn't possible but it seems tire wear would be the least of your worries....

Do Sweden, I don't think we've screwed them yet, they just don't take American money in the event when we DO screw them. There just seems to be so much paperwork. Dude if you do this, keep a journal and write a book, you'll have a best seller on your hands.

How much did you estimate this would cost????

There is a guy that did this, he was one crazy mofo and I swear he did it on a Harley. He had tires and tubes bunjeed all over his bike. I read the book 10 years ago, anybody remember him?
Carl Stearns Clancy did it in 1912 but we weren't so adamatley hated back in that time like we are now. Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman did it.....BUT when you're a multi millionare it's hard not to do it. (got these names from google)

Heck you should be deep into your journal by now just planning the trip up to now....keep us updated this is so cool I can't wrap my head around it

[redial]

Make sure you have the required country visas for you, and the documentation that you own the bike. Go and ask your AAA local, or check on the web, about the documentation required to traverse borders without Customs having to charge you a lot of money for entry and exit, (and in some cases, plus bribes). Make sure you have an international driving licence, as issued by your AAA office, for those countries that do not, or cannot read and understand your American licence.

Sorry to hijack your thread, but if you are still in the planning phases, these are some of the things to consider, as well as tyres.

[Dogsled]

redial, are you talking about AAA the triple A travel service???? They couldn't even give me a good route from Ohio to New Jersey! I forgot about drivers licenses. Hate to get stopped in Nepal for driving without a licence.....I heard about their jails.....

How do you plan this, straight west to east around the world? If he did east to west, he'd have about 50 miles riding time before he was on a boat to Hawaii, drive another 100 miles back on the boat til you hit japan, ride a hundred miles, back on the boat to korea.....don't mess up and meet Kim Jung Un, you may be a little to far north. Then Communist China....Now if we back up, are there that many convienent gas stations? After China, you gotta speed thru Afghanistan, SPEED is the word of the day there. Even if you make it to France thru the Ukraine (BTW, France doesn't like us anymore either).....assuming you haven't gotten sick or crashed you got the Atlantic ocean to cross....tire wear is minimal til he hits the US cause he'll be on a boat.
But you're right, Visas, money, language barriers, good lord so many other things we can't even think of......sounds fun though. If you break down in Afghanastan, do they send a camel out to tow you back? So that's where the term Camel toe came from.......

[redial]

AAA to me is the Automobile Association of America. Each country has a motoring organisation, in the UK it is Royal Automobile Association, (which, coincidentally is the same as it is called in South Australia), but in other states it is called comething else. Customs and border controls recognise them as the issuing people for International Driving Licences.

Googled AAA, and this is what I found:

International Driving Permits | Important Information for Drivers

Maybe you’re not planning to drive, but if you are planning a trip overseas, take the time beforehand to get an International Driving Permit. They’re inexpensive, easy to obtain through AAA, and they’re honored as identification in more than 150 countries. The permit contains your name, photo and driver information translated into 10 languages.

Why carry an IDP? Some countries don’t recognize driver’s licenses from the United States as identification but do accept an IDP. The government may not require that you carry one, but without one you may not be able to rent a car. Having an IDP can save a lot of potential hassles.

Keep in mind, AAA is an authorized provider of International Driving Permits in the United States. You can obtain an IDP while you wait at any AAA branch. Just provide the following:

A completed IDP application. Pick one up at your AAA branch or download and print one.
Two original passport-size photos with your signature on the back. (They’re available at any AAA Travel branch, $8 to members, $15 to non-members.)
A $15 application fee (no cash if applying by mail).
A current driver's license from your home state or U.S. territory.

To apply by mail, send your completed application, fee and a photocopy of your driver’s license to any AAA branch. Allow 10 days for delivery. If you’re currently overseas, send them to:
AAA/IDP
Attn: Mailstop #28
1000 AAA Drive
Heathrow, FL 32746

A few more important facts:

You must be at least 18 to apply for an IDP.
IDPs are valid for one year and are not renewable. An IDP is valid only when accompanied by your U.S.-issued driver’s license.

I do know, but the knowledge is not new, that a "carno" (phoenetic, not sure how it is spelled), issued by AAA acts as a guarantor that you are not going to sell your bike in the country, if you do, then they can claim any taxes, duties, penalties from AAA who will then follow up with you.

When they say that they are not renewable, it means that you would have to get a new one after 12 months, it doesnt mean that you cannot keep on touring.

In my travels throughout the world, I found that English is common, so learn to speak slowly without the use of slang or idioms,lots of hand movements, some basic drawings, and you will usually get your message through. There are also electronic translaters that will present the meaning of sentences into a number of different languages, and they are not too expensive.

When considering your route, sure you could go CA to Hawaii, then to Japan. But think about New Zealand, and Australia, as Australia is just about as big a USA 48, so there is a diversity of country, climate, and people. From Darwin, (top of Australia) you can then move onto Indonesia (Bali), then on up to Singapore, and Malaysia and then decide where you want to go. When preparing for travel, I try to make a list of the things that I want to experience, like: Niagra Falls, Grand Canyon, NYC, Washington DC, and similar, and then you can start making a route, and decide the "what ifs" and "how muchs".

I would not be worrying too much about tyres, as Asia is the home of motorcycles. I am sure you will be able to get replacement tyres at a number of points - they may not be the brands that you know (I have "Black Cobra" brand tyres on my Honda 250, made in Vietnam!!), but they will do the job. Be prepared to haggle for some of the prices, but you also have to know when to stop.

Eating at street stalls is fun, but never ask what you are eating until after you have eaten , and there are some delicious items that you would not normally consider. Look at it, and make sure they cook it in front of you. Rarely eat fresh items uncooked! You can live quite inexpensively, if you are willing to not stay at 5star accommodation.

I am willing to field any questions, and others may also chime in with their experiences, to help you on your journey. Have fun.

[Dogsled]

Maybe with this being a worldwide forum, he can find members like you and set a fresh pair of tire your way. If he routes his trip right he can stop and change them there. You having a bike would know where to get them changed. He could call ahead and give you an estimated time of arrival so you would be around. I think Steve Saunders site had a member contact and help list and there were peeps from all over the world on it. If you broke down there was always someone at least close enough to talk to about what to do and possibly where to go. There has to be other sights that do this too.

Now about cell phones, are there international ones that work all over the world? what about internet?

[WingAdmin]

Now about cell phones, are there international ones that work all over the world? what about internet?

I have a T-Mobile phone that works everywhere in the world, and includes unlimited data and text messaging worldwide. Calls are charged at reasonable rates.

[Dogsled]

So these are considered international calls at international rates? How would the internet work, if you were at a Paneras bread in egypt and the net would just open on your computer if was public? WOW, the world has shrunk......

I'll tell you, just because they manufacture the worlds tires in Japan doesn't mean you can buy one there. I ran across a local in the Columbus Ohio area manufacturer of front fork parts. Couldn't get past the gate. Everything they make gets sent to Japan and is shipped back from there. Japan has a CC limit on bike somewhere like 350CC's as the biggest bike you can title and plate there I thought. I seen some wild Japanese 350 choppers gone wild! on line. Getting a Golwing part in Asia would be a monumental task....

Scott did u try this T-mobil phone yourself, and from where?

[WingAdmin]

So these are considered international calls at international rates? How would the internet work, if you were at a Paneras bread in egypt and the net would just open on your computer if was public? WOW, the world has shrunk......

I'll tell you, just because they manufacture the worlds tires in Japan doesn't mean you can buy one there. I ran across a local in the Columbus Ohio area manufacturer of front fork parts. Couldn't get past the gate. Everything they make gets sent to Japan and is shipped back from there. Japan has a CC limit on bike somewhere like 350CC's as the biggest bike you can title and plate there I thought. I seen some wild Japanese 350 choppers gone wild! on line. Getting a Golwing part in Asia would be a monumental task....

Scott did u try this T-mobil phone yourself, and from where?

Yes, this T-Mobile phone is my own full-time phone, and I've used it from England. Yes, the internet just works, wherever you are. Phone calls are a flat 20 cents per minute, for most countries. http://www.t-mobile.com/optional-services/roaming.html

[Dogsled]

Yeow, 20 cents, you think soldiers in Iraq with familys could call home alot. Or from anywhere in fact.... I can't call across town without getting a dropped call...

That is an amazing thing though and would really help him if he were to do a round the world trip..... with internet too, you're never really alone.

He prolly knew all this if he's down to picking out tires..... I hope he does and writes a book.

[redial]

Except for North America and Japan, most other countries use GSM. When I had Americans coming here on business trips, they always grabbed a phone from here, so that they can use it in Asia.

The trick I have found, is that you do not need more than your American phone (frequencies), and a GSM phone. You then buy a SIM card in your local country, and then you get local rates. From Oz, if we stray overseas with an Oz phone, then the provider will charge a call from the USA to Oz, in this way USA to Oz; Oz to USA; then back to Oz. That way you get charged three times the rate, so make sure you understand how your carrier works.

Of course, GWRRA have an international Gold Book that lists contacts of members willing to help waylaid travellers. Sometimes it is more than just assistance, with some hospitality thrown in. I am in the Gold Book, for example, and there is a chapter in New Zealand.

The idea that tyres are scarce in Japan, may be correct, but how come they use GW as tow vehicles if they are unable to get tyres. See:



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Enjoy the planning, and then really enjoy the trip.


Lots to plan.

[figdog]

Thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement. To answer some of the few questions on here ...

1 - it's not a true circumnavigation ... I'm shipping bike to to Europe and riding to turkey ... Then flying it across the danger zone to India ... Then riding along Southeast Asia and China and back to the us. I have the route planned on google maps ... I will post a thread with a link to more info shortly.

2 - I figure I can get away with 30k spent at most ...

Great forum ... Everyone has been really helpful. Will update this forum along the way ... Would like to leave in June and be in Portugal by July at the latest.

I play poker for a living right now, so I will probably be in vegas in June for a week or two depending on how my final repairs go.

[702scottc]

Let me know when your in town and I'll help you with your bike if you need.

[WingAdmin]

Except for North America and Japan, most other countries use GSM. When I had Americans coming here on business trips, they always grabbed a phone from here, so that they can use it in Asia.

The trick I have found, is that you do not need more than your American phone (frequencies), and a GSM phone. You then buy a SIM card in your local country, and then you get local rates. From Oz, if we stray overseas with an Oz phone, then the provider will charge a call from the USA to Oz, in this way USA to Oz; Oz to USA; then back to Oz. That way you get charged three times the rate, so make sure you understand how your carrier works.

The US does have GSM carriers (AT&T and T-Mobile), and if you have a world GSM phone that you buy in the US (as I do), it will work worldwide. You will not get 4G data speeds worldwide with US GSM phones, as the 4G frequencies used in the US differ from those used in the rest of the world. That may change with new phones.

Your suggestion to buy a local SIM card to put into your phone will work - but most US phones are locked to the carrier from which they are purchased. In order to use any other carrier's SIM card, you must first have the phone unlocked, either by the carrier (normally after the phone is fully paid for), or through a service that will unlock phones for you.

[Dogsled]

Are American phones good in Canada? Nove Scotia? Mexico? How far away do you have to be before you run into these issues.

That GWRRA help list sounds like the ticket....the more bikers you can get to help the better

Redial;
Cops have machineguns in the US.....I CAN'T GET ONE!!!!!! So you think because ANYTHING that has ANY connection with the Govt is available to you as easy as being broke down on the road and popping in for a quick purchase.............

Big bikes just aren't the norm in Japan

[Dogsled]

Firedog,
This is a great adventure. My sister is an avid bicyclist and has books on a lady that went around the world 2 1/2 time (last time didn't go so well, she was old) She said she never met people so loving as she did on her trips. But that was 20 years ago.....We are not so loved now and it will be the best selling book in the country if you make it. I understand it's not a straight Eas/West route and travel thru whatever gets in your way.....but it's the adventure of a lifetime i'd pay 30 buck for the book to read........

True adventurers are far and few between..........If I had 30k to spend i'd wake up tomorrow, and head east (or west) that's where the adventure lies.
Let me ask you this, have you done a spur of the moment trip just across the USA and back to see what kind of issues you can run into without leaving the security of your own country. That would be a great prelude to your journey.

I have to ask you this question in all respect........do you think the bike you want to ride is right for this journey?????

[WingAdmin]

Are American phones good in Canada? Nove Scotia? Mexico? How far away do you have to be before you run into these issues.

That GWRRA help list sounds like the ticket....the more bikers you can get to help the better

Redial;
Cops have machineguns in the US.....I CAN'T GET ONE!!!!!! So you think because ANYTHING that has ANY connection with the Govt is available to you as easy as being broke down on the road and popping in for a quick purchase.............

Big bikes just aren't the norm in Japan

US and Canada use identical cell phone systems and frequencies. Mexico is GSM only, just like the rest of the world. If you have a quad-band GSM phone, it will work pretty much anywhere in the world. If you have a North American CDMA phone (i.e. Sprint, Verizon), it will work in North America, most of the Caribbean, and some Asian countries.

Oh, and dogsled, you can get a machine gun in the US, if you have lots of money and are willing to jump through the hoops required.

[landisr]

If you're concerned about per minute charges for phone calls, just look for a wifi hotspot and use Skype or other Internet phone service.

Also, I trust you have worked out the details for having the appropriate currency for each country you are traveling through. Not all countries take US money or even the Euro. Credit cards are very convenient but they charge for the conversions.

Ron in AZ

[redial]

Redial;
Cops have machineguns in the US.....I CAN'T GET ONE!!!!!! So you think because ANYTHING that has ANY connection with the Govt is available to you as easy as being broke down on the road and popping in for a quick purchase.............

Big bikes just aren't the norm in Japan

Well Dogsled, perhaps your information is a little out of date, as this was picked up from a Yahoo auction as at 25May14. It would appear that you can get tyres for GL1500 fairly easily in Japan. Notwithstanding the rules regarding capacity, and life of machinery, the GW may still be viable in Japan. See:

http://yahoo.aleado.com/lot?auctionID=l249166023

Maybe in your country the Government runs tow trucks, but it is not true in every country.

[Dogsled]

Yeah maybe redial. I had a friend who was a doctor in the Navy and spent 15 years in Japan. He had to come back to the States in intervals because he was a US citizen. He would stop in on leave. He told me there were alot of inspections for bikes over a something like 400cc so most of the bikers did alot of the modifications on these bikes. Big bikes like Wings were for the wealthy. So my assumption was (he didn't tell me this) that if you owned a motorcycle shop and most of the bikes on the road were 400cc's and under, you wouldn't be stocking too many big bike stuff. Shops could always order things like tires. He said another reason for the smaller bikes was driving in the crazy traffic (where most of the bike shops are located) and a smaller more nimble bike was needed. AND he said bikes are REAL popular from scooters to 400cc. Also you need a license to prove you are qualified to ride a 1000cc bike because their drivers licenses are endorsed in size segments. A US license doesn't have proof of what you're qualified to ride.
So with that info I was just thinking that if you're traveling thru Japan and need a tire they may not have one on the shelf for you. Sure would be nice if there was a Winger on this or one of the many GW sites online you could use as a hookup. He prolly could tell you I got no idea what i'm talking about...

[eberlebike4]

Anyone planning a RTW(round the world trip)should check out Horizon's unlimited.com.There is a multitude of info.on this site for RTW's.It amazes me of how many people,one and two up, have done this on 125cc.to Goldwing's,Harley's etc.The trip stories are an excellent winter read:)also.....Enjoy!:)

[WingAdmin]

If you're concerned about per minute charges for phone calls, just look for a wifi hotspot and use Skype or other Internet phone service.

That's a good point - and another benefit of the Samsung phone I have under T-Mobile - if I connect to a Wifi hotspot, my phone can make its calls via Wifi, with no roaming charges at all.