Always wanted to know motocross tires are they as critical to performance results. As it is with road racing as in different compounds , sizes brands and the like .
? Just wanted to get more of an understanding of motocross tires and how they work in comparison to roadrace rubber !
The spacing of the knobbies. The shape of the knobbies. The pattern of knobby placement. The softness or stiffness of the knobbies. The stiffness of the sidewall. The height of the sidewall. All of these are manipulated to maximize grip on the particular surface of the specific event.
A hard pack surface needs closer spaced knobbies of softer construction and s stiffer sidewall to lessen flex. That was the theory behind the introduction of the 19" rear wheel. The tire isn't physically taller than the 18", it just has less sidewall to flex in the giant bowl turn of S/X. The 18" is the standard in Enduro because the larger, softer sidewall allows it to better conform to roots and rocks. In softer surface tracks, particularly muddy ones, a wider spacing of knobbies allows for more "dig in" and easier "clean out". A slightly offset pattern can also be used to create a "paddle". The knobby pattern can also be extended a bit further out in relation to the sidewall for better drive grip when leaned over in corners of outdoor M/X tracks that have a far looser dirt consistency. There have been experiments with sizing variations as well. The 20" wheel was used in S/X, a shorter, wider front to maximize grip for aggressive braking and corner speed. I'd say that dirt is a far more difficult tire to work on, as the tracks are so varied and change so much over the course of the event.
I just run some hard-assed Chinese shit. I'm okay with that since I quit chasin' trophies. Haven't changed a dirt tire in years...still looks new.
To me it's just as important. I'm on shitty Dunlops now cause that's what come with the bike. I'm tempted to just go ruin them on the street they suck so bad. They've already thrown me down at speed on the very first ride Michelins will be on it soon enough
