MX Midwest Motocross Tire Buying Guide:

Choosing the right size:
Most brands of front motocross tires are available in 19 or 20 inch heights. 19 inch tires set the front of your ATV lower to the ground providing a lower center of gravity but tend to follow ruts worse than 20 inch tires. 20 inch tires sacrifice the center of gravity slightly but perform better in rutted conditions such as loose dirt or sand. 20 inch tires are slightly more forgiving on hard landings do to a taller side wall. Some riders prefer 19 inch tires indoors and 20 inch tires outdoors while other riders stick to only one size.

Most brands of rear motocross tires are available to fit 8 inch or 9 inch wheels. Tires for 8 inch wheels offer more sidewall cushion for hard landings and are less likely to bend wheels. 9 inch tires offer less sidewall roll in corners but sacrifice cushion, therefore making it slightly easier to bend wheels. Purchasing quality wheels designed for racing nearly eliminates bending 9 inch wheels. There is virtually little other difference between the two sizes. Most pro riders choose 8 inch setups but may occasionally run 9 inch wheels at some tracks. Riders using composite wheels more often choose 9 inch setups because of the wheel’s forgivingness to flat spotting. If maintaining OE wheels, most modern ATVs come equipped with 9 inch rear wheels.

Also, please keep in mind that motocross tires are designed for closed course racing only and will not hold up to normal wear and tare of trail riding. They have very little resistance to puncturing and the soft rubber compounds will not withstand any use on pavement.

Choosing the right brand:
Some brands work well for some riders, other brands work well for other riders. The only real way to know what works best for you is to try as many different tires as you can and make your own decision.