Tires!

[Cambridge]

Hi I need a new back tire for my 125, 100/90-19

The conditions I ride in are just hardpack now (summer time) so I am after a tire with GOOD durability and good performance in harpack. When the track has had work done on it, there is a soft layer ontop of the hardpack aswell.

I was thinking Maxxis IT, Michelin M12 / MH3, Kenda Washougal / Budds creek. I am trying to stay away from hardpack specific tires as they usually wear too soon. I dont really care about price, aslong as they grip good and wear well! If there is a different tire I should check out please let me know!

I understand that there are lots of tire threads, however opinions keep changing from year to year! Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[dirt bike dave]

IMO, the M12 lasts a long time but it does not perform well, so I would cross that one off the list.

 

[76GMC1500]

I'm a Dunlop man myself. Nothing I've run performs as well all around. I run the 756 or 952 on hardpack, 952's last a little longer. They wear down quick, but not excessively fast. They are relatively resistant to chunking. Michelins last forever, but sacrifice performance as a result.

 

[Cambridge]

all the michelins perform bad or just the m12?

 

[dirt bike dave]

Just the M12, IMO. M12 rear has very stiff sidewalls and deep lugs, so it does last awhile. I had one once and found it was tolerable with very low air pressures (9 lbs) but just not a good performer.

I love the S12 as a versatile all around tire that excels in soft terrain. If you have deep silt in many areas over your hardpack track, it would be worth considering. As witih other Michelins, a 130 width is comparable to other brands 110 width.

Another versatile tire is the Maxxis SI (Soft Intermediate), but the IT is probably better for your conditions.

 

[Cambridge]

what about the Kenda tires? Or Pirelli?

 

[dirt bike dave]

I have not used either in a long time, though I've heard some of the Pirelli soft terrain/mud tires and some of their dual sport tires are excellent for those applications. Lots of guys I know like the Kenda Millville, but I don't know about the ones you mentioned.

 

[SpeedyManiac]

Go for the Maxxis IT.

 

[mkelly04]

I prefer the Dunlop 756 but they do wear fast on hardpack.


The Michelin Starcross IT seems to hold up well on hardpack but doesnt grip as well as the 756.