Picking the Right Dirt Bike Tires

Dirt bikes are built to tackle nearly every type of terrain. It’s part of their allure! But different types of terrain work best with different types of tires. The right tire impacts how your bike rides, from whether the turn is smooth to whether you land your jump. The right tire also impacts how your bike runs, such as whether the engine needs to work harder. It can be tough knowing which tire is right for your riding lifestyle, so we’ve put together a guide below. For all your dirt bike needs, visit Bellevue Suzuki Kawasaki in Memphis, Tennessee.

Parts of Dirt Bike Tires

Understanding the jargon makes it easier to know what to look for in off-road bike tires. There are three core aspects to know. First, there is knob size. This relates to how much the tire’s surface area makes contact with the ground. For greater traction, seek out a bigger knob size.

Second, there is tread depth. This tells you how deeply your tires go into the ground (and how much material gets displaced as a result). Riding in areas with loose debris requires displacing more material, which in turn requires a higher tread depth.

Third, there is pattern shape. This is the design of the tire tread. The grooves and channels affect how the tire handles wet and dry conditions.

Types of Terrain

Pick your tires based on the types of terrain you aim to conquer. Hard terrain tires are built for tackling hard-packed dirt or rocks. They have small knobs placed close together and a flexible carcass.

Soft terrain tires are made for riding loose material that shifts under pressure, such as sand, mud, and gravel. They have a higher tread depth so they can ride over the material (rather than get bogged down in it). Most offer specialized knobs that are paddle-like on the rear and spike-like n the front.

Intermediate terrain tires are built for terrain that falls in the middle (or for rides containing both hard and soft terrain). Their knobs are usually tall, long, and close together. Their tread is usually medium length. This allows them to cut through loose material without getting bogged down in other types of terrain. This is the most popular choice given their versatility.

How to Store Dirt Bike Tires

Properly storing your tires can extend their life. Keep them away from high temperatures, fluctuating temperatures, and humidity. These all make them age faster. Store them far away from corrosive chemicals in your garage or shop. Spills happen and you want them to happen far away from the tires.

When you are not using the tires, store them on a stand. This prevents uneven weight distribution on one part of the tire.

When to Replace Dirt Bike Tires

As you ride your off-road bike tires, they will get worn down. There are a few key indicators that they are worn down enough to merit a replacement. One sign is knobs that are rounded down, too short, or removed altogether. Another is tire rubber that is discolored (no longer a dark black color) or cracked. A third is tires that are five years past the manufacturer date.

We hope you found this guide to off-road bike tires useful! Remember you can always stop by Bellevue Suzuki Kawasaki to ask questions, get bike maintenance, or buy gear. We serve those in Bartlett, Jackson, Germantown, and Collierville, Tennessee as well as Southaven and Olive Branch, Mississippi.