Needing to get a new FRONT tire. Which to get?

[02WR426Cali]

I just bought a maxxis IT front tire and haven't put it on yet. I ride the socal deserts and Gorman. Will this be a good tire or should I take it back for an SI?

[Indy_WR450]

The IT front is still a good tire. My buddies like it out east also. Keep it and try an SI next time. ?

[lipskid]

I ride mostly desert, and didn't like the IT front at all. Took it off after one ride and gave it away. Not much better than a 739 in the soft IMO. I'd go trade it for an SI. Might as well get the better one the first time. ?

[DirtCheapJohn]

Woods: if you are the least bit aggressive use a Pirelli MT-44 up front, otherwise use an S-12 or M-12. ? Use an S-12 rear if you're playing and a MT-32 rear if you're racing. Run 10-12 PSI front and 8 to 10 rear. Save the Dunlops for the track, 756 wet-soft, 739 dry or hard.

[Bandit9]

Matty,

What? You go put a soft "compound" tire on and go ride in soft dirt and you tell me how great they are. Then go put on a hard "compound" drag tire and go do a 1/4 and tell me how great they were. Then, come back in here and tell me how off my analogy was.

Generally, the harder the riding surface the softer the compound you want, and vice versa.

IT tires have shorter, closer spaced knobs with a softer compound to get grip on a harder surface.

ST tires have longer, wider spaced knobs with a harder compound to dig down for grip in softer or loose soils.

[02WR426Cali]

Your wrong bandit, I bought a maxxis IT and took it back to get an SI. They didn't have any SI in stock, so I bought a Dunlop 756 instead, which is for soft to intermediate. The 756 is alot softer than the IT.

[Bandit9]

Ok, dude. You guys enjoy yourselves.

[mmello]

Try , METZELER MC-6.

Cool Ride !! All terrains.

[Matty05]

Matty,

What? You go put a soft "compound" tire on and go ride in soft dirt and you tell me how great they are. Then go put on a hard "compound" drag tire and go do a 1/4 and tell me how great they were. Then, come back in here and tell me how off my analogy was.

Generally, the harder the riding surface the softer the compound you want, and vice versa.

IT tires have shorter, closer spaced knobs with a softer compound to get grip on a harder surface.

ST tires have longer, wider spaced knobs with a harder compound to dig down for grip in softer or loose soils.

Your analogy was wrong to me because what do tractor tyres and drag tires have to do with dirtbike tyres? not much at all. Tread pattern is way more important than compound.

The only thing in common with tire designs for different surfaces seems to be the tread pattern. Hard or soft compounds are found in all. The soft compounds being race rubber and harder compounds being the more enduro orientated.

What is different between the dunlop 756 and 756RR? thats right, the RR has a softer compound with the same tread pattern which is intermediate to soft!

So yes, I have tried a soft compound tyre in soft dirt, it worked the best out of anything else I have tried. It didn't last long at all.

Manufacturers like bridgestone are starting to use a hard compound in the middle of the tire and softer compounds on the outsides of the tire.

Put your soft compound drag tyre on your bike and lets see how well you go hey? ?

[Bandit9]

They go like poo poo.

[brokenknuckles]

what about dunlop 773? anybody try these

[Dan_Lorenze]

Woods: if you are the least bit aggressive use a Pirelli MT-44 up front, otherwise use an S-12 or M-12. ? Use an S-12 rear if you're playing and a MT-32 rear if you're racing. Run 10-12 PSI front and 8 to 10 rear. Save the Dunlops for the track, 756 wet-soft, 739 dry or hard.

John, you're right.. That MT44 is one great tire, I now have an M12 that's been on my bike for quite a while, It's also a great performer. 756's are my choice for the loop we ride, my local dealer practically gives them to me and they're always in stock, they're not the toughest tires (like the Maxxis) but they do fine for a lot of the soft stuff I ride.. ?

[ncmountainman]

well here's some real world comparison for ya, the SI's are of a softer compound than the IT's i can definately tell you that(even though a maxxis rep told me they were the same compound). the SI's last half as long in the same conditions. the rear SI is a great tire with almost too much traction,but after the 5th ride you better order a new one. the front SI is a much better tire for all'round than the IT and i would use it again,it lasts about 5-600 miles and then the side knobs start leavin' the nest. the IT frnt sucks big johnson in the eastern woods. the SI ft/IT rr seems to be a popular combo(i've never ran them together but ride with several that do) the IT rear does give up in the mud rather quick,i'd definately go with the 120 if i had to. you being in illinois i'd say the wear on the SI's wouldn't be as much of a problem for lack of rocks.