The 7 Best Dirt Bike Tire For Trail Riding in 2021
Let’s set one thing straight, trail riding with a dirt bike is not only fun but is also extremely challenging. To ensure that your bike performs at its best to meet the challenges of off-road riding, every individual component of your dirt bike needs to be perfect and there are not many components as important as the tires. This article is all about helping you pick the best tire for trail riding in 2020 so you can enjoy your riding experiences to the fullest and make the most out of them.
#1 Bridgestone M204
If we are going to be talking about dirt bike tires, we have to mention Bridgestone, because they can be considered pioneers when it comes to assembling unique dirt bike and racing tires. The tread pattern for this dirt bike tire specifically is great for racing, and for handling different terrains as well. There is a lot to say when it comes to what this bike can offer, and we will be discussing it in further detail below:
Pros
- The tread pattern is perfect for racing and handling different kinds of terrains.
- The tread pattern also helps to ensure that the grip of the dirt bike tire of good, so the bike can hold itself in rough or slippery terrains.
- The good grip is what allows for the handling of the bike to be easier.
- It will suit most dirt bike rider’s needs.
- These tires come with a pretty affordable price tag.
- It is known for its durability.
- It comes with a warranty, however, you should look into the warranty details to get a better idea of what is covered under the warranty.
Cons
- These tires weigh 7.6 pounds and they come with different size dimensions, so you will want to make sure that the tire that you pick has a size that is compatible with your bike.
Contenders For The Best Dirt Bike Tire For Trail Riding in 2020
- Bridgestone M204
- Dunlop Geomax MX52
- Bridgestone Battlecross X30
- MICHELIN StarCross 5 Medium
- Goldentyre GT333N
- Maxxis M7312 Maxxcross SI
- Artrax MX-Pro
#2 Dunlop Geomax MX52
Dunlop happens to be a renowned name in the world of the motor cross, and that is because their tires are constantly being built and then remastered for the better. Their tires offer a variety of different features, and their performance is considered to be amongst the best. So, if you are a professional, or someone that seriously love motor cross, off-roading and riding their bikes in different terrains, then this just might be the tire for you.
Pros
- The knobs of these tires have a block-within-a-block system that allows for radical cornering motions and movements.
- The knob does not wear out and can stretch itself as opposed to tearing down with excessive or rough use.
- It can absorb a lot of bumps and shocks.
- It can handle intermediate and hard terrain, so it is preferred by professionals and seasoned players in the field.
Cons
- It is slightly more expensive in terms of cost.
- There have been some issues with sizing and finding sizes that are compatible with different bikes.
Bridgestone, like Michelin and Dunlop, is another renowned name in the world of the professional motor cross. They have several legendary tires that they are already renowned for, and their Battlecross series is their latest addition, and they are meant for people who love going on intermediate and hard terrain.
Pros
- The manufacturers purposely tried to make these tires more affordable for its buyers, so that is a great advantage.
- The tires are purposely designed to be non-directional, so their performance will not be affected regardless of how you angle or move your tire.
- They are meant to last in rough, intermediate terrains, so they are the right tires for both professionals and enthusiasts.
- There are recesses in the tread design which are there to increase grip even further.
- It is also designed to improve your straight-line acceleration as well, allowing you to pick up speed quickly.
- It comes with a warranty as well.
Cons
- There have been some complaints about the traction of the tires, and some people have complained that Bridgestone’s previous models had better traction.
- There are also some complaints about the durability of the tires as well.
#4 MICHELIN StarCross 5 Medium
Like we had mentioned before, a tire can make or break your dirt bike riding experience, and when you are looking at tires, you want to make sure that the tire is compatible with the terrains that you usually ride in or else you will be in a lot of trouble. The Michelin StarCross for instance, claims that it is good for riding in all kinds of terrains, and we will talk about that in more detail as well.
Pros
- One thing that Michelin StarCross tires are known for is its ability to maintain a good grip on loose dirt. This is thanks to their tires treading.
- These tires have a good grip and can manage perfectly regardless of the angle you keep the tire at.
- The tread blocks are designed, spaced, and place in a manner than maximizes traction, which is a very good thing.
- The tires are designed to be durable, so their longevity is ensured.
Cons
- While this tire claims to be good with all terrains, some users have complained about its ability to maneuver around muddy terrains.
- There have also been some complaints about the tires finely wearing on especially rough surfaces.
If you are someone that loves racing and traveling on different kinds of terrain, then this just might be the tire for you. This tire is specifically known by people in the biking world, both amateurs, and professionals. These tires have been used for in different competitions and championships, so you know that we are talking about the real deal here.
Pros
- This is a bike that is meant for racing in all kinds of terrains, so there will be no slump in the performance regardless of whether you are in the sand, hard rocks, or loose shale because this tire can handle them all.
- This is a durable tire, and it will last you a long while.
- It has excellent grip and traction, and that is part of what makes it so easier to navigate through different terrains with this tire.
- It is regularly used by pros in the game, so you know that it is good.
Cons
- There is only one con with this tire, and that is the price. This tire comes at a much higher price compared to its other counterparts, so we will recommend buying it if you are someone with experience, and will make the most out of the price, otherwise, you can opt for a cheaper tire if you are not really regular or as adventurous with your dirt bike adventures.
A good tire can make or break your experience with a dirt bike, and it can also be the thing that keeps you safe on different terrains. Now, the Maxxis M7312 falls in the category of bikes designed for soft to intermediate terrains as well.
Pros
- It is good for soft and medium/intermediate terrains.
- It works well for people who like racing.
- It also works well for climbing up as well.
- It comes at a relatively affordable price point.
- It has good traction and grip, so you will not struggle with trying to handle and control the bike.
Cons
- There are not a lot of reviews about this bike tire in general.
- There are complaints about its durability since a lot of users have pointed out that the knobs of the tire tend to wear out quickly.
- Similarly, there are complaints that the tires wear out quickly, especially from the sides, so you will not be able to use these tires for a long time, so that is something that you will have to keep in mind.
The Artrax MX-Pro is considered to be a confusing find for a lot of people, and there is still a lot of confusion around this specific tire. There are a lot of mixed reviews, and a lot of people are skeptical about what it has to offer since it does come at a relatively low price when compared to its other counterparts.
Pros
- It comes at a low price, so you are not spending as much money, and might be a great idea if you are still new to the world of dirt bikes and riding.
- It is made of a durable tire compound, so it should be able to last you a while.
- It is made for soft and intermediate terrains, so it should be able to handle off-roading.
- Its treading allows for good grip and traction on terrains, especially in flat corners and ruts.
Cons
- We have already mentioned that these tires are suitable for soft and intermediate terrains, so it should not be considered to be an all-terrain compatible tire.
- The low price point might raise some doubts about the overall durability and performance of the product.
Going out in the market to buy dirt bike tires for off-road riding can be quite overwhelming for most riders since there is a wide variety of options that are available to choose from. In this section, we’ll list and review the top choices that we have come across as far as dirt bike tires for off-road riding are concerned, and the buyer’s guide in the next section will allow you to pick the one that is the most suited to your biking style and needs. So without wasting any further time, let’s get started.
Buyer’s Guide
Buying a pair of quality tires for your dirt bike is not an easy task, which is why we have compiled this comprehensive buyer’s guide. A number of different factors and considerations come into play when looking for the perfect dirt bike tires for off-road riding and we will discuss all of them in detail to making the buying process as hassle-free as possible for you. Some expert tips for taking care of your bike tires are also included at the end so that they can last for a long time.
Tire Types
If you thought that any kind of tire can be used on your dirt bike for off-road riding, you're clearly wrong. There is an array of tire types, each of which is meant for different terrains and so choosing the one that is specifically meant for off-road riding will offer the best performance.
Off-road riding incorporates a number of different terrains, ranging from sandy desert plains to rocky mountainous surfaces and everything in between. Accordingly, tires that are meant for off-road riding have a heavy-duty framework so that they can offer more durability. However, the tread design of the tire can vary with respect to the type of surface you are most likely to ride on. For instance, treads with wider and taller knobs are suited for soft and muddy terrains while short and closely spaced knobs are perfect for riding on hard and rocky trails as they improve traction. In the end, it all boils down to the type of surface you generally intend to ride on for picking the best tire type for your dirt bike.
Tire Size
Bike tires are manufactured with respect to a number of specifications so you need to ensure that you pick the ones that will fit your bike. A primary specification is the tire size which is indicated in a series of numbers on the sidewall. The first set of numbers on the start of the sequence inside the sidewall is the tire width in millimeters and the following number indicates its aspect ratio. The aspect ratio of a tire is its height expressed as the percent of its width so tires with higher aspect ratio are taller than those with a smaller aspect ratio. Buying a suitable sized tire is crucial for your bike’s performance as well as your safety so we recommend that you check the tire size on your old set of tires and buy new ones of the same size.
Other Considerations
While the tire type and size hold great importance if you need to buy the best tires for off-road riding, a number of other factors should also be considered to make the best choice. For instance, the brand you opt for says a lot about the tire in terms of the offered quality and performance. Likewise, the material used to make the tire is also important as it may vary with respect to the surface you intend to ride on. Softer compounds that offer greater grip are suited for hard and rough terrains but we recommend that you opt for an intermediate material so that you can switch between a series of different terrains for riding with ease.
Another important factor that you should not overlook is the load index, which is the upper limit of the weight a tire can support when under maximum pressure. Similarly, you also need to take into account the tire pressure and the dirt factor. Also, make sure to check the DOT stamp on the sidewall of the stamp as it indicates whether the tire is suited for outdoor use.
Tips to Maintain Your Dirt Bike Tires
After buying the perfect tires for off-road riding, you need to take care of them to ensure that they don't get worn out before time or lead to an avoidable accident. In this regard, here are a few expert tips that you should follow and we assure you that you won't have any trouble with your new purchase.
- Check your tires before and after every biking session. Make sure to look out for any cuts, sign of stress or any material stuck in the tires themselves.
- Set the air pressure in the tire according to the terrain you want to ride on. It is recommended to have a high tire pressure for soft surfaces and low tire pressure for hard terrain.
- Adjust and tighten any loose spokes, valves, rims or buckles before every ride so that they don’t become dangerous while you’re riding.
With these tips, your tires will not only last long but your riding experience will be a lot safer and smoother. We hope that our associated buyer’s guide will come to your rescue while you’re on the lookout for new bike tires. Make sure to check out our top picks of tires for off-road riding as well if you want to have an incredible riding experience.
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