Best MX / XC Tire?

GasCan · May 3, 2010

I have a bud who can get whatever tire I want wholesale and I am wondering what the best cross country/ mx track tire would be. The bike is a 250XC-W and I am looking at the Metzler 6 Day Extreme, Michelin M12/S12 XC, Pirelli Scorpion XC and the Kenda & Maxxis lines. Any advice on tire selection for use in the bush and on the track is much appreciated. Thanks

GasCan

synergycycle · May 3, 2010

I went with a michlen starcross, and I LOVE IT. I also like the maxxis IT, I had one of theos on my 125. KENDAS WEAR OUT TO FAST!

Shibby! · May 5, 2010

Kenda's suck for our terrain. You'll rip the knobs off quickly, and once they dry out a bit they lose a lot of traction.

Bridgestone 200's and 400's are good. I've also heard decent things about the new Dunlop MX whatever tires. 31/51 I think.

I don't do much track, but prefer a trials tire rear, and a front Bridgestone 403. If I were to get a rear for the track and some different trail terrain I'd go with the Bridgestone or Dunlop.\

S12's used to be good, but they chanced the manufacturing facility from Spain? to Tawain? Something like that and they took the ch!t. I believe they have since make a new "formula", but I haven't heard how the new compound works.

jbb · May 5, 2010

shibby! said:
kenda's suck for our terrain. You'll rip the knobs off quickly, and once they dry out a bit they lose a lot of traction.

Bridgestone 200's and 400's are good. I've also heard decent things about the new dunlop mx whatever tires. 31/51 i think.

I don't do much track, but prefer a trials tire rear, and a front bridgestone 403. If i were to get a rear for the track and some different trail terrain i'd go with the bridgestone or dunlop.\

s12's used to be good, but they chanced the manufacturing facility from spain? To tawain? Something like that and they took the ch!t. I believe they have since make a new "formula", but i haven't heard how the new compound works.

michelin have plants all over the world. So you have to watch where there made. I like the s12, dont like the price.

ktm 13-44 · May 5, 2010

I read Motocross Action Magazine all the time, and i really do trust their product tests. They Tested the Maxxis IT's and gave them 4/5 stars. They said if you want a tire that will last a real long time and is great for intermediate terrain, this tire is great. They took a star away because it wasnt amazing at anything specific, but great at everything. good on the hard stuff, good on the soft stuff.

So, last time i bought a new tire i went for this one. It's been used in mud, in sand, and on the hard stuff and let me tell you. It's showing next to no wear and it hooks up surprisingly well. Maxxis' website shows a few more options, but i couldnt imagine anything else they have doing such a good 'all-round' job.

This tire should definately be in your top 3 choices when you are thinking of tires.

Shibby! · May 5, 2010

ktm 13-44 said:
I read Motocross Action Magazine all the time, and i really do trust their product tests. They Tested the Maxxis IT's and gave them 4/5 stars. They said if you want a tire that will last a real long time and is great for intermediate terrain, this tire is great. They took a star away because it wasnt amazing at anything specific, but great at everything. good on the hard stuff, good on the soft stuff.

So, last time i bought a new tire i went for this one. It's been used in mud, in sand, and on the hard stuff and let me tell you. It's showing next to no wear and it hooks up surprisingly well. Maxxis' website shows a few more options, but i couldnt imagine anything else they have doing such a good 'all-round' job.

This tire should definately be in your top 3 choices when you are thinking of tires.

I've owned three, as well as buddies using multiple tires and we have all agreed to never buy another Maxxis tire.

If they think they will last a long time I guarantee I'll strip mulitple knobs off it in two rides. They are good for a ride or two, and then fall off quickly.

I'd personally spend the extra 10-20 bucks and get a tire with quality (IMO).

ktm 13-44 · May 5, 2010

Shibby! said:
I've owned three, as well as buddies using multiple tires and we have all agreed to never buy another Maxxis tire.

If they think they will last a long time I guarantee I'll strip mulitple knobs off it in two rides. They are good for a ride or two, and then fall off quickly.

I'd personally spend the extra 10-20 bucks and get a tire with quality (IMO).

Ive been out on my track with this new tire liek 10 times this year and havent even started to put a dent in this tire.

The Dunlop on my 250 however is wearing pretty quick. it was brand new this season and im already looking into options for its replacement

Shibby! · May 5, 2010

ktm 13-44 said:
Ive been out on my track with this new tire liek 10 times this year and havent even started to put a dent in this tire.

The Dunlop on my 250 however is wearing pretty quick. it was brand new this season and im already looking into options for its replacement

People may find diffferent things with tires. I don't ride track. I only ride technical trails at the moment. All I know my buddies and I will never buy another IT again.

Other's mileage may vary.

GasCan · May 5, 2010

Thanks guys...leaning towards the Metzlers for their quality, but still thinking on the Michelins as well. Gonna wait until the stock KTM tires are showing wear before I change them, but appreciate the advice from those who've tried a few tires.

sumx54 · May 5, 2010

Michelins are a decent tire thats what we run. I also like the Metzlers. I wouldn't run anything else other than these two. The Michelins go on real nice. Cheap tires are not only going to wear fast but their a pain in the azz to put on and usually end up damaging a rim. Oh and don't cheap out on Tire Spoons...you'll only lose an eye

one more thing... run a couple strips of duck tape around the inside of the rim underneath the "boot" before re-installing the tube and tire. For some reason I'm finding these accel rims to be beating the chit out of the boot then eventually the tube itself.... duct tape = problem solved. Talcum powder the tube... OKAY I'm done....go with a Michelin... :d

GasCan · May 5, 2010

sumx54 said:
Michelins are a decent tire thats what we run. I also like the Metzlers. I wouldn't run anything else other than these two. The Michelins go on real nice. Cheap tires are not only going to wear fast but their a pain in the azz to put on and usually end up damaging a rim. Oh and don't cheap out on Tire Spoons...you'll only lose an eye one more thing... run a couple strips of duck tape around the inside of the rim underneath the "boot" before re-installing the tube and tire. For some reason I'm finding these accel rims to be beating the chit out of the boot then eventually the tube itself.... duct tape = problem solved. Talcum powder the tube... OKAY I'm done....go with a Michelin... :d

Great info. Thank you very much for all of that!

Beers at the Jamboree! :beer:

Best MX / XC Tire?

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ktm 13-44

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