Michelin XZY's - Do They Exist???

[mike_ie]

Hey all,

From almost the moment I posted my plans to use my Defender as an expedition vehicle, everyone has posted telling me not to skimp on good tyres, and that Michelin XZY's were the way to go.

However, after calling around to a few places inquiring about prices, most of the tyre shops are telling me that they don't exist, are not available, can't be got in the size that I want, so on and so forth. Google seems to disagree with this, telling me that they do indeed exist, and are the expedition tyre of choice for the Land Rover Defender.

So where can I pick up a set of Michelin XZY's in the Adelaide area? Current tyre size is 235 85 R16. And if they aren't available, does anybody have any recommendations as to what other tyres would be up to the task??

regards,
~Mike

[LowRanger]

According to the Michelin Aust. site
The XZY is discontinued and replaced by the XZY 3 and the only 16" size appears to be 7.50 16

[mike_ie]

Well if that's the case then, maybe I should change my question to "What tyres would you recommend for an expedition Defender???" :)

[spudboy]

Hi Mike - David from Balhannah here, so G'day again!

Ring Michelin Australia if you are after those tyres. No tyre dealer I spoke to had any idea about them.

The person I spoke to is at the bottom of this email:

Hi David,
Please find attached below product info on the XZY3 to suit 7.50R 16. Hope this is some help.

Thanks
Kasie Bell
Customer Service Representative
Michelin Australia Pty Ltd
Phone: 1300 72 78 78
Fax: 1300 72 48 48
Email: kasie.bell@au.michelin.com (kasie.bell@au.michelin.com)

She had a reasonable idea of what I was looking for and sent me the attached PDF.

Have you thought about using XZL's instead? They are more readily available. Noisier though I'd imagine.

HTH
David

[mike_ie]

Hey mate,

I actually found this info earlier - you had posted it in another thread - and I gave them a call. Unfortunately whoever I was talking to didn't know their proverbial arse from theirelbow, and hadn't heard of XZY's, or XZY3's, or I suspect, of tyres in general. I think I'll email specifically the person that you mentioned, and see what they have to say.

Do you know if the new XZY3's will fit on a standard Defender rim?? The reason I haven't considered the XZL's is that they are more of a mud tyre than anything else -I can imagine that they would be somewhat noisier on the road? I am certainly open to them though if the general opinion is that they are suitable for the trip.

[sashadidi]

saw them in the Uk not so long ago, could be shipped if you really desire them I guess
Brillant tyres very popular in Africa with no punctures etc via thorns etc through the side wall

[Michael2]

I tried to get a couple 6 months ago, as I have two new ones on my trailer, and wanted a complete set for the Defender.

The story is the XZY3 has replaced it, though I have seen the classic XZY in a larger truck tyre.

I eventually found a tyre dealer in Healesville, Vic who has the supply contract for the CFA, and they use the XZY on their trucks. He was unable to procure any new stock, nor was he able to find any stash of new old stock.

The XZY3s were around $300ea, but not knowing how good they were, I opted for MAXXIS 751s at $150ea. The MAXXIS grip really well and seem to be lasting well after 30K km, but I'd feel more comfortable with a set of Michelins if I were doing the Canning, or going to be travelling for a long time.

[Loubrey]

If anyone finds a last and hidden stock of those tyres, the lads in the Camel Owners Club (UK and the rest of the world!) will pay you up easlily up to 3 times the price a tyre. Closest thing to what those trucks wore in the events.

The vehicles actually had Michelin XCL tyres during the event, but a good set of those are now collectors items. The XZY has a different patern, but at least it's got the same "look".

LTX A/T seems to be the only tyre with main stream availability in Oz?

[mike_ie]

LTX A/T seems to be the only tyre with main stream availability in Oz?

Has anyone had any experience with these? It just so happens that a mate of mine has two of these surplus to requirements that he's willing to pass on to me for a very good price. Any opinions would be appreciated.