Picking the Right Off-Road Motorcycle Tires

Tires may be one of the simplest parts of an off-road motorcycle, but they are also one of the most important. A tire that is well suited to the terrain and in good condition will offer a far better riding experience than a worn-down tire that cannot get good traction on the soil. That is why Silver PowerSports has created this guide to help you find a set of off-road motorcycle tires that work for you.

Parts of Dirt Bike Tires

There are three key terms you should understand when purchasing off-road motorcycle tires, and the first is knob size. Knob size tells you how much of the tire’s surface area makes contact with the ground. The bigger the knob size, the more traction you get. 

The second term is tread depth. Tread depth tells you how deep your tires go into the ground, which in turn affects how much material is displaced. Loose terrain like sand requires that you displace more material, so go with a higher tread depth if you mostly ride in sandy areas.

The third term is pattern shape, which is the design of the tire tread. The grooves and channels of your tires determine how well it handles wet and dry conditions. 

Types of Terrain

Once you determine what kind of terrain you want to tackle, picking out the right set of tires is a simple matter. For example, if you plan to ride a trail with a lot of hard-packed dirt or rocks, use hard terrain tires with small knobs placed close together. 

For sand, mud, or gravel, soft terrain tires are your best option. They have a higher tread depth, and in many cases use specialized knobs that are paddle-like on the rear and spike-like on the front.

Intermediate terrain tires are good for rides that go over both hard and soft terrain, or over terrain that falls somewhere in the middle. This versatility makes them very popular. These tires usually have medium-length treads and knobs that are tall, long, and close together.

When to Replace Off-Road Motorcycle Tires

There are a few ways to know when it is time to replace the tires on an off-road motorcycle, such as by checking the knobs. Knobs that are rounded down, too short, or removed altogether indicate a worn tire. Cracked or discolored rubber (no longer dark black) is another sign that a tire needs replacing. If a tire does not show signs of excess wear but is older than the date provided by the manufacturer by five years or more, it is time for a replacement. 

To view our selection of off-road motorcycles, visit Silver PowerSports in Silver City, New Mexico. We also offer parts, financing, and servicing, so visit us for all your powersports needs. We are proud to serve communities like Deming and Las Cruces, New Mexico.