Selection of tires for off-road motorcycle travel on trail and maxi-trail bikes
Trail and maxi-trail motorcycles stand out for their versatility, making them ideal for adventure trips that combine both asphalt and off-road terrain. For mixed usage, where 50%, 60%, or 70% of the ride involves off-road riding and 50%, 40%, or 30% on asphalt, respectively, it’s crucial to select tires that offer a good balance of traction, durability, and comfort in both environments.
Below, I list seven tire options for trail and maxi-trail motorcycles, oriented toward this type of use, prioritizing off-road performance.
Note: Check the manufacturer’s website for the availability of the size you need based on the model.
I will start by listing the tire models that I usually use, arranged according to my personal preferences:
1. Golden Tyre GT723RH
The Golden Tyre GT723 is a tire designed for rally and extreme off-road riding. It’s engineered to provide outstanding traction in challenging conditions such as mud, sand, and gravel, making it a great choice when you don’t want your tires to hold you back on your journey. With a set of GT723 tires, I traveled from Ourense, Galicia, to Dakar, Senegal, and back, including desert routes in Morocco while guiding groups on trail and maxi-trail motorcycles. Upon returning to Ourense, the tires still had enough life left for several local rides. They are my preferred choice for long trips with a high percentage of off-road sections.
Features:
– Deep and aggressive treads that provide exceptional traction off-road, especially on challenging terrain.
– Performs adequately on asphalt, but with a much stronger focus on off-road conditions.
– High durability under demanding conditions, ideal for long off-road journeys.
Perfect if you’re looking for extreme off-road adventures, where loose and technical terrain is a constant challenge.
Web: https://www.goldentyreworld.com
2. Mitas Enduro Trail XT y XT+ (Dakar versiOn Available)
The Mitas Enduro Trail XT offers versatility across different surfaces. It comes in two versions: the standard model and the Dakar model, which features a reinforced casing for increased durability in extreme conditions. The XT+ version is an evolution of the XT, with improvements in durability and off-road traction. If you’re planning long stretches on the road during cold and rainy weather, I recommend the Mitas Enduro Trail XT for the rear wheel, which is equivalent to the E-10. It’s only available for the rear wheel, and there’s also the Dakar version, which promises to last 20% longer than the standard one.
Features:
– Puncture-resistant casing in the Dakar version, ideal for long-distance routes in extreme conditions.
– Good off-road traction, especially on gravel and mud.
– Improved stability and on-road performance in the XT+ version, without compromising off-road capability.
Ideal for long-distance adventures that combine technical off-road with significant on-road sections. The Dakar version is excellent for tough terrains where durability is crucial. Note that the Dakar version is notably stiffer than the standard one, making manual mounting with levers more tedious, especially with tube-type tires. Extra caution is needed on wet and low-grip asphalt. Choose based on your riding style, weather conditions, and the total number of kilometers you estimate to cover during the trip.
Web: https://www.mitas-moto.com
3. Michelin Anakee Wild
The Michelin Anakee Wild is a radial tire specifically designed for trail and maxi-trail motorcycles that face challenging off-road conditions. The large lugs on its tread provide excellent traction off-road, while its radial construction offers stability on asphalt. I used a set of these tires during the two months I had the BMW R1250 GS HP in Morocco, provided by BMW Motorrad Spain. I particularly highlight the road comfort and high grip on rocky terrain. During an exploration of Jbel Sahro, I destroyed the rear tire while navigating huge rocks on trails with significant elevation changes. You can get an idea of this if you watch the video I recorded with the GoPro.
Features:
– Large and aggressive tread patterns for maximum traction on loose terrain like sand, gravel, and mud.
– Compound designed to offer durability off-road without sacrificing stability on the road.
– Good performance on asphalt, with a design that minimizes irregular wear.
Adventure trips that prioritize off-road performance, with longer journeys on technical terrain but with sufficient capability for road use.
Web: https://www.michelin.es/motorbike/browse-tyres/by-category/trail
4. Metzeler Karoo 4
The Metzeler Karoo 4 is the latest evolution in the renowned Karoo line, designed to enhance off-road performance while maintaining road handling. This tire features a tread pattern that maximizes traction on loose surfaces like sand and gravel, while still performing well on asphalt. They are the tires we use at Enduro Park Isabena, mounted on BMW R1300 GS and F900 GS bikes, for both courses and demanding off-road tours through the Pyrenees.
Features:
– Deep and optimized tires to enhance traction on off-road terrains like mud, gravel, and sand.
– Improvement in stability and comfort on asphalt compared to previous versions.
– Reliable performance in wet conditions, both on and off the road.
Long adventures that combine technical off-road terrain and road segments, with a focus on durability (if you are not aggressive with the throttle) and off-road performance.
Based on the information provided by the manufacturer and the experiences of some friends, here are the models that catch my attention the most and I would like to try in the future, ordered by my personal preferences:
5. Golden Tyre GT823KH
The Golden Tyre GT823 is a more balanced option compared to the GT723, making it a good choice if you’re looking for strong performance both off-road and on the road. While it still offers excellent traction in tough terrain, its design makes it more suitable for mixed-use travel.
Features:
– Optimized tires that offer a better balance between off-road and asphalt.
– Greater stability and comfort on the road compared to the GT723.
– Enhanced durability, designed to withstand wear both on the road and on off-road terrains.
A good option if you’re looking for a mixed adventure, with a greater emphasis on off-road but with good performance on the road.
Web: https://www.goldentyreworld.com
6. Dunlop Trailmax Raid
The Dunlop Trailmax Raid is designed to offer a perfect balance between off-road performance and on-road behavior. This tire features an aggressive tread pattern that provides excellent grip on loose terrains, while also delivering a smooth and controlled ride on asphalt.
Features:
– Tires designed for aggressive traction off-road, without compromising stability on asphalt.
– Improved performance in wet conditions, both on off-road terrain and on wet roads.
– Structure that offers good durability on long off-road journeys.
Suitable for adventures where a good balance between road and off-road is needed, with sufficient grip for technical terrain and comfort on asphalt.
Web: https://www.dunlop.eu/en_gb/motorcycle.html
7. Heidenau K60 Ranger
The Heidenau K60 Ranger is a versatile tire designed to deliver solid performance on off-road terrain while being capable of handling long distances on the road. With its intermediate tread design, the K60 Ranger provides an excellent balance between off-road and asphalt, making it a noteworthy option for adventure trips.
Features:
– Intermediate tires that provide excellent traction off-road while maintaining stability on asphalt.
– Durable rubber compound that extends the lifespan on both tough terrains and roads.
– Good performance in wet conditions, making it suitable for variable climates.
It has been designed for long adventures combining technical off-road sections and road stretches. It could be a good option if you are looking for durability and performance across a wide range of terrains.
Web: https://www.heidenautires.com
And then, which one?
For trail and maxi-trail motorcycles designed for adventure travel that includes at least 50% off-road, there are several tire options that offer an excellent balance between performance, traction, and durability. For extreme adventures in off-road conditions, options like the Golden Tyre GT723 and the Mitas Enduro Trail XT Dakar provide great traction and durability in severe conditions. Next, we have the Michelin Anakee Wild, which also offers very good traction on all terrains but with less longevity compared to the previous options. If you prefer a compromise between off-road and asphalt, tires like the Dunlop Trailmax Raid, Metzeler Karoo 4, and Heidenau K60 Ranger are good candidates for tackling both surfaces.