Rideing the desert

[Mr KX]

Hi a few of us are planning a road trip and we may end up near a desert unfortunatly we will only be taking one bike, But my question it can i get away with useing knoblies on the bike or do i have to change to them paddle tyres.

And also is it true that the sand can seriously damage the bike?

Cheers Andy

[Woody_393]

You CAN ride with normal nobbies, but if the sand is dry it's a lot better with a paddle. if the sand is wet at all though nobbies are pretty fun still.

[grant-me-a-wish]

padd;e tires are fun, however i still manage with my regular knobbie tires, sand wont damage a bike unless u ride in sand all the time. The air filter gets dirty alot faster though.

[MotoMan]

I always liked the paddle tire if you can afford it, it's like riding on pavement in the sand, it hooks up unreal.

As for sand destroying things, yes it will over extended periods of time, be sure and grease the lip on your filter real good and put a fresh coat of grease on your wheel bearings and you will be good.

[smithers]

Depends on the terrain...is it really sandy and dune like? Or is it miles of hard pack? A paddle tire would be misserable on hard pack. Your dentist would be happy with all the fillings he gets to replace though.

[MotoMan]

This is true, they vibrate like a cheap hotel bed if used on hardpack.

Soft loamy sand though.....yeeeeee haw.

[Mr KX]

Ok thanks alot guys...
Thats just what i wanted to hear.... Cos its not 100% that were gonna hit sand but id like to:
Depends on where were gonna end up And paddle tires are a we bit expensive.
Cheers Andy

[MotoMan]

Be sure to take your camera along Andy!!

[Roostman]

Youd only want a paddle if its deep powdery fine sand. Knobbies work great in sand that is coarse and not super deep. Coarse sand wont hurt your bike but the fine sand will destroy bearings in a hurry, and chances go way up of it getting sucked into your motor. Make sure u use a freshly heavily oiled filter if its gonna be powdery fine sand.

Where are you planning to go? Someone here has probably been there and can help with more exact setup help.

[MotoMan]

Somehow I doubt anyone has been where he is headed Roostman, he is from australia.

[Mr KX]

Originally posted by MotoMan
Somehow I doubt anyone has been where he is headed Roostman, he is from australia.

Hmmm i like the sound of that hes from australia Has a nice ring to it..
Yep thier will be a couple of cameras involved 2 big vans a caravan and some 4x4s

[Roostman]

Umm, dont we have quite a few Aussies on here? Also dont assume that nobody has travelled there (although I havent but I wish) and possibly ridden it. Just trying to get a little more info is all.

[MotoMan]

That's cool man, just clairifiying for you.