Okay, so I’ve been messing around with dirt bikes for a while now, and let me tell you, finding the right tires for desert riding? That’s a whole adventure in itself. I remember this one time, I was planning a trip out to the Mojave, and I knew my usual tires just weren’t gonna cut it.
So, I started digging around, asking folks, reading forums, you know, the usual. I heard a lot about the Maxxis Maxxcross Desert IT. People were saying they’re tough, they grip well in sand, and they last a decent amount of time. I was riding an XR650R, which is a bit of a beast, and I needed something that could handle that power.
Then there’s this other tire, the Kenda Parker DT, that kept popping up. A buddy of mine swore by them. He said they last just as long as the Maxxis, maybe even longer, and the traction is killer. And, you know, they’re not as pricey, which is always a plus.
I also stumbled upon some chatter about the GoldenTyre GT333. From what I gathered, it seemed like another solid option for the rear, but I wasn’t too sure about what to pair it with on the front.
After weighing it all, I ended up going with the Maxxis Desert ITs for both front and rear. I figured, better safe than sorry, right? I mounted them up, and man, they looked mean. I remember feeling pretty stoked, like I was ready to conquer anything.
Now, getting out to the desert, that’s where the real test began. I started off cruising through some sandy washes, and those Maxxis tires? They were hooking up like crazy. I could lean into turns, power through the soft stuff, and they just felt solid. I even hit some rocky sections, and they held up great. No flats, no drama.
I did notice a few guys running the Kenda Parker DTs, and they seemed to be doing just fine. I made a mental note to maybe give those a shot next time, just to see how they compare.
One thing I learned, and this is important, is tire pressure. You gotta dial that in for the desert. I started with what I usually run, but I ended up letting some air out to get a bigger footprint in the sand. Made a world of difference.
I rode for a good few days out there, and those Maxxis tires didn’t let me down. They wore pretty evenly, and I reckon I could’ve gotten another trip or two out of them, no problem.
- Key takeaways?
- First, do your research. There are tons of options out there, and what works for one guy might not work for another.
- Second, don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different tires, different pressures, and see what feels best for you.
- And lastly, have fun! That’s what it’s all about, right?
So yeah, that’s my little story about finding some decent desert tires. It’s a journey, but when you find the right ones, it makes all the difference. Just remember, there are some good brands out there like Michelin, Dunlop, Pirelli and Bridgestone. Hope this helps someone out there! Keep the rubber side down, folks!
