D_Moen

Member
May 7, 2007
57
0
Hi All,

I need a new rear for my KDX220. A local shop has a Michellin M12 in a 130-80, which is also listed as a 110-80. Would this work OK on my bike?

Thanks!
 

dirt bike dave

Sponsoring Member
May 3, 2000
5,349
3
A Michelin 130 is the same size as any another brand's 110. It will fit fine, but whether you like it as much as 100 size (120 Michelin) is up to you.

The M12 has very stiff sidewalls, so you might want to use lower tire pressure than you normally use. I've used them before and they lasted pretty well, but I generally prefer the Michelin S12 or the Dunlop 756, which are rated for soft terrain, but are very versatile.
 

Green Hornet

Member
Apr 2, 2005
837
0
I have tried the M12...Its OK..The S12 is MUCH BETTER IMO..The D756 is a GREAT TIRE, but does not last long...I get around a 100-130 miles, then I have to change. The S12's wear factor is noticable better compared to the D756, but I would still use a 756 w/o question. The S12, HOOKS UP WELL ON EVERYTHING.. Sometimes a bit TOO MUCH TRACTION...... But that size will work fine.. I run 10-11 psi in my tires & they work well at that pressure on all surfaces
 

John Harris

Member
Apr 15, 2002
552
0
I have and M-12 on rear now and though wearing fairly well, I do not like it. S-12 is a better tire. M-12 works on everything and not good on anything imo. If you ride in rocks, you do not want an M-12 front. Mine just got chunked out in no time. Pattern looked ok and worked ok, but did not last. Knobs went and then everything else. Cheers John
 

D_Moen

Member
May 7, 2007
57
0
Thanks for the feedback. There are lots of rocks and roots around here, I guess the harder rubber in a soft terrain tire would stand up a bit better too. Sounds like a 120 S-12 would be the way to go. One of the shops here is reccomending a Maxxis "SI". What's the story on that tire?
 

dirt bike dave

Sponsoring Member
May 3, 2000
5,349
3
The Maxxis SI is an excellent tire and very well priced, too. I've never had them on any of my bikes but one of my buddies swears by them. I've ridden his bike and like the tire very much. Last time I went to the shop to buy tires, they did not have any in stock, so I went with the S12.

BTW, SI stands for Soft/Intermediate terrain.
 

D_Moen

Member
May 7, 2007
57
0
Thanks again for the feedback, any idea of how the Maxxis tire size? Should I see they have 100, 110 and 120 sizes.
 

dirt bike dave

Sponsoring Member
May 3, 2000
5,349
3
D_Moen said:
Thanks again for the feedback, any idea of how the Maxxis tire size? Should I see they have 100, 110 and 120 sizes.

Sizing should be 'normal' for the Maxxis.

100 is used by most 125's and I think was stock on KDX200.

110 is the common size used by most 250 two stroke riders.

120 would be for an open class bike or 450 4 stroke.

I think the decision is between 100 and 110. The 110 will be heavier and a little taller. The 100 is probably enough tire for the 200/220, but I'll bet most owners use a 110.

What have you been running so far? If you like that size, stick with it, if not, try the other.
 

D_Moen

Member
May 7, 2007
57
0
I just got the bike this spring, it has what I beleive is the factory tire on it, a Dunlop that is a 100/100 - 18. I've only ridden the bike 4 times, the last time I rode it was the first time after re-jetting. It is a '99 220 with an FMF torque pipe on it and no airbox lid. Before I rejetted it using the info from this site it was awful, I wasn't even going to keep it! After last weekends ride, it's definitley staying in the garage and will need new shoes.
 

D_Moen

Member
May 7, 2007
57
0
FWIW, I ended up buying a Maxxis SI 100/100. No appreciable difference in weight between it and the stocker. Looking forward to taking it for a shred this weekend!
 
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