Introduction to Dirt Bike Tires
Every last detail of a dirt bike is designed to handle rough terrain, from its flexible lightweight frame to its powerful suspension system. But its high-traction tires are perhaps the most critical feature of a dirt bike. After all, the tires are the point of contact between the bike and the ground, and they need to be tough as nails!
Dirt bike tires are a special class, and within that class you will find several categories to choose from. This guide from East Bay Motorsports covers everything you need to know about dirt bikes, so you can select the right tires for your bike!
If you have any questions about dirt bikes, never hesitate to consult our qualified staff. East Bay Motorsports is your trusted motorcycle dealer in Hayward, CA.
Anatomy of a Dirt Bike Tire
When you are in the market for dirt bike tires, there are three main features you should be looking at. The first feature is knob size. This indicates to what extent the tire’s surface area contacts the ground. As a general rule, larger knobs will provide more traction.
The second feature is tread depth. This tells you how much the tires dig into the ground, and how much material is displaced as a result. When riding in loose dirt or sand, you will need tires with deep treads that can displace lots of material.
The third feature is pattern shape, and this refers to the design of the tire tread. Those grooves and channels will affect how the tire behaves in wet and dry conditions.
Buying by Terrain Type
As you will have gathered from the last section, your terrain preferences should determine your choice of tire. If you want to tackle rocky landscapes, you should reach for a pair of hard terrain tires. These tires have knobs that are small and tightly spaced to provide you with optimal traction on hard surfaces.
Meanwhile, soft terrain tires are the best choice for sandy slopes and wet riverbeds. These tires have a higher tread depth, so they can glide over the terrain without sinking into it. Most soft terrain tires feature specialized knobs that are paddle-shaped in the rear and spiky in the front.
If you want a general-purpose option, you can go with intermediate terrain tires. These are great for rides that contain both hard and soft terrain. As you might expect, their features fall between hard terrain and soft terrain tires. Intermediate terrain tires are the most versatile choice, and as such, they are also the most popular.
When to Replace Dirt Bike Tires
No matter which tires you select for your dirt bike, they will inevitably wear down over time. With average use, dirt bike tires can last about five years – but of course, they will need to be replaced sooner than that if they get damaged. For example, if the knobs have been rounded down or worn off altogether, you should get new tires. Rubber that is cracked or discolored is another indication that your tires are ready for retirement.
When you need to shop for new dirt bike tires, come check out our selection at East Bay Motorsports. We welcome customers from all over the Bay Area at our dealership in Hayward, CA.