[Lukeskywalker]

Just spoke to a dealer in Mangalore, he is ready to swap the tyres for no cost, maybe he will charge me fitting charges. even my friend will be getting his truck on the same day and we both will be getting the swap of all 5tyres

If it was Geolandars you were talking about, the deal sounded tooo good to be true.7k for Geolandars in place of Bridgestone HT is a good deal.

[lohithrao]

i speak too early, the dealer came back telling that i would need to pay 7kextra on swap of 4duellers for the geo's.

however their is a twist, today the truck arrived and found "Hawks" on the truck. now does it make mandatory to get them changed or i can live with it?
now am sure i will have to pay more in exchange:(

has anyone used the "hawks" ?

Originally Posted by Lukeskywalker

If it was Geolandars you were talking about, the deal sounded tooo good to be true.7k for Geolandars in place of Bridgestone HT is a good deal.

[manojas]

I changed my Bridgestone duelers to BFG H/T at 53K. I had no issues with the duelers except the excessive noise. And I strictly wanted H/T. So BFGs fit the bill very nicely.

I blindly believed the TASS to do the rotation correctly including the spare wheel. But they never did it correctly. So my spare wheel is still a dueler. Also they never did the alignment or balancing properly in spite of charging for it during every sevice.

[lohithrao]

This is for the benefit of all those who are getting Safari's with "Apollo hawkz" my truck came with Hawks, though was initially apprehensive but after doing about 260+kms on winding roads, some sharp braking these tyres have instilled some confidence in me, however will be able to confirm on this as i cover more kms.

[gods-envy]

Originally Posted by lohithrao

This is for the benefit of all those who are getting Safari's with "Apollo hawkz" my truck came with Hawks, though was initially apprehensive but after doing about 260+kms on winding roads, some sharp braking these tyres have instilled some confidence in me, however will be able to confirm on this as i cover more kms.

Lohithrao,
Apollo Hawkz are pretty decent ones as well. They came on my pre-owned Safari as well. When I picked the car, they had run close to 42k. I ran them for another 15k kms before changing to Yokohama Geolanders.

Current price of the Geolanders is 6750 per tyre in Bangalore.

[harishnayak]

How are maxxis for 2.2 vtt?
Loved the treads and the looks however got to know that their life is only about 25k kms. Also they are 15 inches.

[optimus]

Originally Posted by simpleman

Let us know how much it cost you.

It cost me 36,000 in exchange for the existing wheels. I think the accessories cost me on the higher side. I still thought of going with them since didn't want to run once again for the accessories to be done.

[Irish]

Hi experts,


After going through this thread, I feel myself more confused. Considering the following facts:

• Safari EX Pearl White (4x2)
• Sedate driver
• 60% highway driving and 40% city driving
• Trips to Himalayas i.e. J&K, UK and HP (including Leh)
• Sometimes bad roads with potholes within the city

advise on the following queries:

1. The OEM tyres are Bridgestone Duellers. Is it advisable to go for Michellin or BF Goodrich? Which one have got the max life, comfort and looks? Need the safety (braking capabilities) as the primary concern.

2. The OEM size is 235/70 R16. Is it recommended to upsize to 255/65 R16 with 7.0 J alloys? Although I have read that upsizing is not required but then it will have more road grip but lesser average.

3. Now depending upon the tyres (as recommended by you in above point), what Alloy size to go for? As far as I know, if its 235 then it should be 6.5J otherwise if its 255 then it's 7.0J.

4. Will be going to Sai Mag Wheels (Delhi) to get some branded (Plati, HR etc.) alloys. Any preferred brand? Which brands come with warranty?

5. A silly question - Which type of alloy finish looks THE BEST with Pearl White color? Is it black, gray, silver, or chrome finish? ( Although it varies form person to person but need your opinion)

6. Any precaution to be taken while buying a set of tyres and alloys?

7. I will be exchanging the OEM rims of Ex with the alloys? What is the best exchange price for OEM rims?

8. What is the best exchange price for OEM tyres (Duellers)?

9. Best place to get Alloys (other than Sai Mag Wheels) and Tyres in Delhi / NCR?


Cheers!
Irish

[rjstyles69]

1. The OEM tyres are Bridgestone Duellers. Is it advisable to go for Michellin or BF Goodrich? Which one have got the max life, comfort and looks? Need the safety (braking capabilities) as the primary concern.

Unlikely that you might find BFG's , from what I heard they arent being imported any more. So Michellin it is for you. Have you considered the Yoko Geolanders ?

2. The OEM size is 235/70 R16. Is it recommended to upsize to 255/65 R16 with 7.0 J alloys? Although I have read that upsizing is not required but then it will have more road grip but lesser average.

There is no problem in going one size bigger when it comes to up-sizing. Mileage wont be affected much since you arent over doing it. Your average can be affected with stock tires also if you do some pedal to metal driving.

3. Now depending upon the tyres (as recommended by you in above point), what Alloy size to go for? As far as I know, if its 235 then it should be 6.5J otherwise if its 255 then it's 7.0J.

Am running 255's on my stock 6.5J rims since the last 30+k kms and no problems as such.

6. Any precaution to be taken while buying a set of tyres and alloys?

Check the dot code on the tires and ensure they arent older than 6 months. While fitting the alloys make sure the bolts are fitted exactly into the threads on the wheel hub. A wrong mount can make life hell for you when you run into a puncture.

[tsk1979]

Originally Posted by Irish

Hi experts,


After going through this thread, I feel myself more confused. Considering the following facts:

• Safari EX Pearl White (4x2)
• Sedate driver
• 60% highway driving and 40% city driving
• Trips to Himalayas i.e. J&K, UK and HP (including Leh)
• Sometimes bad roads with potholes within the city

advise on the following queries:

1. The OEM tyres are Bridgestone Duellers. Is it advisable to go for Michellin or BF Goodrich? Which one have got the max life, comfort and looks? Need the safety (braking capabilities) as the primary concern.

For trail driving go for BFG Long Trail TA/Tour. Better than stock bridgestones, and not very expensive. Good for Trail driving. Apollo A/T Hawkz, or MRF wanderer will also do. You have a 2WD. you just want a slightly tougher tire, not hard core A/T tire

2. The OEM size is 235/70 R16. Is it recommended to upsize to 255/65 R16 with 7.0 J alloys? Although I have read that upsizing is not required but then it will have more road grip but lesser average.

do not do any hanky panky. If you want alloys, I recommend get stock alloys, or similar size(max 7J alloys)

3. Now depending upon the tyres (as recommended by you in above point), what Alloy size to go for? As far as I know, if its 235 then it should be 6.5J otherwise if its 255 then it's 7.0J.

4. Will be going to Sai Mag Wheels (Delhi) to get some branded (Plati, HR etc.) alloys. Any preferred brand? Which brands come with warranty?

Most have 3 years warranty

5. A silly question - Which type of alloy finish looks THE BEST with Pearl White color? Is it black, gray, silver, or chrome finish? ( Although it varies form person to person but need your opinion)

personal choice

6. Any precaution to be taken while buying a set of tyres and alloys?

Make sure tires are not old

7. I will be exchanging the OEM rims of Ex with the alloys? What is the best exchange price for OEM rims?

Rims will go for scrap value. I suggest keep them. As for exchange, drive from showroom directly to dealer. you will get best value. It is better to talk to tire dealer in advance, so that he keeps the tires you want in stock.

8. What is the best exchange price for OEM tyres (Duellers)?

5500/tire is possible

9. Best place to get Alloys (other than Sai Mag Wheels) and Tyres in Delhi / NCR?


Cheers!
Irish

I have heard good about BK tires. another dealer is Tyre Shoppe Naraina.
I recently got my continental A/Ts from him.

[v&v]

@Irish, replies in bold

1. The OEM tyres are Bridgestone Duellers. Is it advisable to go for Michellin or BF Goodrich? Which one have got the max life, comfort and looks? Need the safety (braking capabilities) as the primary concern.

Until you are looking for an AT tyres, i recommend stick to Duellers. They are really good tyres. Mine lasted for 53k, still it would have run another 20k. I got a sweet deal for exchange to switch to michelin latitude cross.



2. The OEM size is 235/70 R16. Is it recommended to upsize to 255/65 R16 with 7.0 J alloys? Although I have read that upsizing is not required but then it will have more road grip but lesser average.

You will need to cut the bumper inner to fit it otherwise it will scrape. I will recommend to stick to OE size. Get the turning radius adjusted instead

5. A silly question - Which type of alloy finish looks THE BEST with Pearl White color? Is it black, gray, silver, or chrome finish? ( Although it varies form person to person but need your opinion)

Try sliver back combi.



7. I will be exchanging the OEM rims of Ex with the alloys? What is the best exchange price for OEM rims?

IMO any thing betweek Rs 500 to Rs 1000


9. Best place to get Alloys (other than Sai Mag Wheels) and Tyres in Delhi / NCR?

Try reliance autozone , gurgaon

[lohithrao]

How do we get this done?

Originally Posted by v&v

Get the turning radius adjusted instead

5

[dadu]

As suggested by others, Stick to OEM Alloys and tyres, Duellers are pretty durable as your 100% driving is on Metalled roads with an exception of some trips in the mountain.

Some alloys become difficult to align and upsize will require some cutting work.

Offtopic: Why dont you wait for the Storme ??

[Irish]

Thanks to all for the advice!

Originally Posted by dadu

As suggested by others, Stick to OEM Alloys and tyres, Duellers are pretty durable as your 100% driving is on Metalled roads with an exception of some trips in the mountain.

Some alloys become difficult to align and upsize will require some cutting work.

Offtopic: Why dont you wait for the Storme ??

I agree that Storme is a refined product by TATA but following are the reasons (my own views) for not waiting it's launch:

• Have been waiting for more than 8-10 months but still there is NO confirmation on Storme launch date
• Can't wait for few more months
• TATAs have a history of providing manufacturing defects / niggles in the first year of launch
• Current Safari has got better looks than the Storme
• Price difference will be more than 2 lakhs

I have waited so much and now I dont have patience also because of excise duty hike.

Cheers!
Irish

[v&v]

Originally Posted by lohithrao

How do we get this done?

There is a stopper nut which can be adjusted. Its tricky. One can adjust on stock tyres and turning radius can be reduced by 1/2 meters.