Due to the types of terrain that dirt bikes are meant to be driven on, it is natural for them to need a special kind of tires.
These tires have to be able to endure a lot of impacts and have to last for a long time.
irt bike tires are also different from regular tires because of how they are designed.
aking all of this into consideration, it can be hard to decide which tires to buy, either to replace stock ones or to try a new brand/design.
Read on to know about the best dirt bike tires that money can buy, and also a few handy tips about buying the right dirt bike tires in general in this comprehensive dirt bike tire buying guide.
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Things to Consider Before Buying
Before you finalize on a dirt bike tire to purchase, here are some factors you might want to take into consideration.
Tread Pattern
The tread design of a tire is the arrangement of its ‘knobs’. These are the little blocks that rise up from the tire surface and help it grip onto the track underneath.
This knob pattern is also what determines which type of terrain a certain tire will be best suitable for.
While some tread pattern can be ridden on both soft and hard terrains, there are others which are designed specifically for either one of those.
A reliable tread pattern on a dirt bike tire is essential for a riding experience that is enjoyable and safe.
With the right kind of tread pattern, you can do any number of stunts or swerves without feeling unsafe or unstable.
While some patterns of tread on dirt bike tires work best with mid soft or soft terrain, others work better on hard terrain.
Also, make sure that you can get bike tires that have taller blocks as they increase the gripping power of the tire and make it able to ride smoothly on uneven or slippery terrains.
Riding Environment/Terrain Type
Whether you prefer hard terrain or soft terrain for riding your dirt bike will also be a factor to take into consideration when trying to decide on a tire to buy.
While most dirt bike tires can be used for off-roading and, of course, on dirt roads, some are not as resistant to wear as others.
The muddier the road, the more difficult it is to ride on. This is why an intermediate level dirt bike tire would be perfect if you drive on really uneven or slippery terrain.
That level of the dirt bike tire would give you the traction needed so that you can have an enjoyable ride while being safe.
On the other hand, if you are not riding on soft terrains like sand and mud, then you will not need as much traction and can do without an intermediate terrain tire.
Of course, even the best intermediate front and rear tires will not be easy to get used to for riding on soft or mid-soft terrain.
And similarly, any hard terrain dirt bike is not hard to ride.
Air Pressure
Riding a hard terrain or a soft terrain dirt bike is tricky since you have to drag it over different types of tracks, from asphalt to really loamy ones.
This is why it is important to get a tire that lets you easily adjust the air pressure.
For instance, when riding on really slippery, uneven, or unstable ground, you should lower the pressure on your dirt bike tires.
This allows the tire to deflate and spread out so that there is more surface area on the tire, which can come in contact with the soft terrain underneath and grip it for better traction while you are riding.
Similarly, on harder tracks, keep your front tire and rear tire inflated at a maximum of 14 psi. This hardens the tire and prevents it from being punctured by branches, stones, etc.
Brand
This is something that may seem like a minor factor but can actually be worth it to keep in mind.
Just because a brand has a good track record of producing reliable tires, that does not mean that all their tires will be of equally great quality.
Just the same way, a brand that manufactures average products may have one which is a hidden gem and maybe even the best dirt bike tire.
Start your shopping for dirt bike tires by looking at reputed brands. But if a tire from a lesser-known brand has sparkling reviews, then feel free to give it a shot, too.
Of course, there are some brands such as Bridgestone and Dunlop which are known for always producing good tires but keep in mind that just because they work for everyone else does not mean they will work just as well for you.
So, keep an open mind while shopping, and do not be scared to take a chance on a tire that has good reviews across the board.
Versatility
There are features that you will find in any old dirt bike tire, such as a productive tread arrangement.
However, look out for tires that have unique features that set them apart from their competitors.
For instance, there are some manufacturers who work on using special rubber, or tweaking the shape of the tread blocks, or even making the tire reversible so that it can be used for twice as long as other dirt bike tires.
While some unique features can simply be gimmicks to make you think the product is special, there are a few features that truly make one brand’s tire stand out amongst the rest.
Always keep an eye out for features such as that, and you may just get a deal that will change your dirt biking experience.
Best Dirt Bike Tires Review in 2023
Let’s get on with reviewing some of the best dirt bike tire options out there in 2020 to see where they excel and also what to look out for.
Bridgestone M204 Motocross Rear Tire
Our first contender on the list is Bridgestone’s M204 Motocross tire. This one is available in a ton of size options such as 80/100-12, 90/100-14, 90/100-16, and 100/100-18, all of which are for the rear of the dirt bike.
The M204 model has a tread design that has been racing-proven. Its block spacing is extra wide for amazing performance and sliding control on firm base terrain.
The tire’s tread blocks also have quite a bit of height to them plus shoulder steps, which help them grip the road underneath very well.
Another thing that helps this rear tire engage properly with the terrain is the increased radius of the base angle, which also makes it more stable when riding and durable.
And because of how many size options there are, it is easy to find one for your dirt bike.
And the traction and grip you can get from this rear tire are quite phenomenal, especially for bikes with four-stroke engines.
These bike tires have a standard speed rating of M. The load index ratings vary between sizes, but the one for the 90/100-16 tire is 52.
Whether you are experimenting with stunts, going on an adventure, or just cruising around on your dirt bike, these tires can be pretty reliable and for a long time, too.
Product Specification
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Dunlop MX52 Geomax Intermediate/Hard Terrain Tire
Next up is Dunlop’s Geomax Tire for hard terrain. Getting into the number’s part for this one, it has a section width of 100mm, a 19” rim, a load index rating of 57, and an aspect ratio of 90.
The tire, of course, has the brand’s patented progressive cornering block technology (or PCBT), which is a tread pattern where there is a block within a block in order to improve cornering and slide control.
There is also the carcass flexibility, which has been tuned by placing recesses strategically along with the carcass.
This feature makes riding a lot simpler and helps your motorcycle drive in a line properly.
In the sidewall of the tire, there is a rubber element that has been controlled and rebound in order to reduce bounce. It also helps the tire follow one track by acting as a suspender.
And the distribution of the center blocks is ‘staggered’, and this helps spread out the load on the tire surface evenly. This also helps improve stability and damping.
All in all, a great dirt bike tire if you want something with a lot of grips that will keep your motorcycle steady and in line while you are riding. Great for hard or intermediate terrains.
Product Specification
PROS
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Suggested Guide: All-Terrain Tires Guide
Maxxis M7312 Maxxcross SI Tire
Maxxis’ Maxxcross SI rear dirt bike tire comes in a good selection of sizes. These include 100/90-19, 100/100-18, 110/90-19, 110/100-18, 120/90-19, and 120/100-18.
So, for example, the 100/90-19 has a section width of 100mm, a time aspect ratio of 90, and has a 19” rim.
This tire is made for use on soft or intermediate terrain. It uses rubber that has been racing proven to have superb traction on such kinds of terrain. That is not to say they won’t work just as well as hard terrain tires.
The tire in question is one that is used widely by GNCC and WORCS professionals and has impressive durability and performance. This one will also be great for trail riding and also on a hard terrain dirt bike.
Its knob bridges on its side lugs are anti-flex, which means that the tire is able to stay stable in a straight line during riding and is designed to provide an enhanced grip during aggressive cornering.
As for which terrain this dirt bike tire suits best, it is recommended to be used on any loamy, intermediate, and/or muddy, dirt-filled terrain.
The tire has enough traction and gripping capabilities for it to not slip and slide on unpredictable tracks. But these tires will work perfectly on hard terrain as well as on soft terrain.
Product Specification
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Suggested Topic: Best Value Tires
MICHELIN Starcross MH3 Mini Medium/Hard Front Tire
This medium-to-hard terrain tire from Michelin is for the front of the dirt bike and has been used in multiple national and international championships.
It is available in a few sizes, such as 2.50-12, 60/100-14, and 70/100-19. All of these come from a Mini line of dirt bike tires inspired by the line meant for junior racers.
These tires have a tread pattern with central knobs, which are quite wide for the purpose of good forward drive and easy starting.
Of these, the side knobs are sculpted so as to serve safe, aggressive cornering. All in all, the tire has a great pattern to work with.
The tires are also reversible and deliver equal amounts of traction no matter which side the weight is on.
Its generously sized knobs also resist what is called ‘chunking’. The side knobs, on the other hand, prevent sliding as they improve the grip of the dirt bike tire as you are riding on the track.
Moreover, this is a superb one for an intermediate terrain dirt bike. These are also quite lightweight.
The 60/100-14 tire only weighs a bit over 2 pounds. Its speed rating is M for up to speeds of 81mph, and the load index rating stands at 30.
But probably the best part of this tire is that it is reversible. So keep a lookout on the tread wear indicator to know when you should reverse the tire in order to prolong its durability.
There is also very little bounce from this tire as it maintains maximum contact with the track, be it soft terrain or hard terrain.
Product Specification
PROS
CONS
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here we have the most commonly asked queries regarding the best dirt bike tires:
What is the best dirt bike tire?
Some of the best performing dirt bike tires over the years have come from renowned brands such as Michelin, Bridgestone, and Maxxis.
While the brand of a tire is not as important as its features, this can still be an important factor for some users.
How long do dirt bike tires last?
The average lifespan of a dirt bike tire is no more than 4 years after its manufacturing date.
Even if your tire seems fine after this period, it is still best to replace it with a new one. Otherwise, the tires will lose grip and traction.
When should I change my dirt bike tires?
Usually, it will be obvious when it is time to replace your tires as there will be some obvious wear and tear.
A couple of the more common ones are blunt knobs or knobs, which have been torn off while riding.
How do I read the size of a dirt bike tire?
Dirt bike tires usually have a specific arrangement of numbers that denote their sizes.
So, for instance, if the size section of a tire says “100/90-19”, then that means that the tire has a width of 100 mm, an aspect ratio of 90, and a rim size of 19 inches.
Is the tread arrangement of a tire important?
As mentioned before, the tread arrangement is what determines how well the tire will interact with a type of terrain.
Some tread designs may work well only with medium tracks and not intermediate ones.
So it is best to research which tread design would suit your riding preferences best. Most multi terrain dirt bike tires will have some amount of tread.
Final Words
The article above and the accompanying FAQs and buying guide has hopefully told you everything you need to know about the best dirt bike tires.
While you may not need all these features, you should definitely try to buy a dirt bike tire that has as many of these as possible.