Off-Road Motorcycle Tyres

Kick up a Roost with XLMOTO Off-Road Motorcycle Tyres

Whether you enjoy motocross, enduro or grassy trails, XLMOTO's range of off-road tyres will keep you powering along whatever the terrain.

If you're unfamiliar with off-road riding, you may think one knobbly tyre is much the same as the next. There are, though, lots of differences. These relate to compound, tread patterns and terrain types.

Amongst the XLMOTO line-up, you will find off-road motorcycle tyres suitable for everything from mud to mountains. So, let's take a closer look at the main differences.

Sand tyres

Riding through sand is physically and technically challenging. It is this that makes the right tyre choice essential.

The compound and structure of sand tyres allow the tyre to run at lower pressure. This feature means the tyre can spread wider, giving more grip. Sand tyres often have wider-spaced lugs or nubs. While the rear tyre features transverse blocks to help power through soft shifting surfaces.

The tread pattern on a front sand tyre may appear completely different. These narrow front tyres feature an aggressive profile pattern of closely packed nubs for maximum control.

Mid/soft tyres

This off-road motorcycle tyre is ideal when constantly switching between a mixture of mud, sandy soil, gravel and grass. Tread patterns on the front and rear tyres look similar because they don't need to be as aggressive as pure sand tyres.

Manufacturers pay particular attention to the nub design of this tyre type. For example, the rear may have heavily profiled nubs in the centre. While the front tyre has substantial side nubs to aid cornering stability.

It is not unusual to find dual compound rubber in the carcass of mid/soft tyres. This feature provides excellent grip and extend the tyre's life.

Enduro tyres

Enduro races test man and machine across long distances and diverse terrain, which sometimes include road sections.

For this reason, motorcycle enduro tyres must excel on many levels to cope with various terrains.

Enduro tyres have short stubbier block patterns, with the nubs slightly more spaced to help the tyre clear debris.

There are tyre regulations for enduro events governed by the Federation of International Motorcycling (FIM). For FIM eligibility, enduro tyres must be available commercially and have a tread depth no greater than 13mm. Furthermore, as you cannot use trial and motocross tyres in this type of event, always choose a tyre from the XLMOTO lineup that is FIM compliant.

Motocross tyres

The life of a motocross tyre is a tough one. Riders need excellent straight-line traction coupled with extreme cornering grip. Moreover, the rear nubs must be strong enough to take heavy landings, while the front tread be capable of fast directional changes.

All-round tyre

So far, we've looked at XLMOTO off-road motorcycle tyres for specific jobs. However, if you enjoy exploring off-road trails, you don't always know what terrain waits around the next bend. So this is where the all-rounder comes into play.

All-round tyres tick an incredible number of boxes. With tread patterns and compounds for maximum durability, off-road motorcycle tyres combine excellent grip and feedback.

Capable of tackling everything from soft to hard-packed terrain, all-round tyres will keep you powering across the dirt in style.

The final word

Manufacturers design tyre tread patterns to work in pairs. So to get the maximum performance and safety from your motocross tyres, choose a front and rear set. Or, if yopure replacing your tyres at different times, opt for the same brand and model tyre.

Finally, if you intend to take in sections of public highway in between your off-roading, always check that your tyres are legal for the road.