2014 has been a good year to be an MX rider, as both Bridgestone and Dunlop have released new motocross tyres this year, adding to their range of tried and tested rubber.
In the November 2014 edition of Motocross Action Magazine, the MXA wrecking crew put the latest premium motocross tyres to the test to see which one had the edge.
In the Bridgestone corner was the new Battlecross X30 medium terrain tyre, with it’s groundbreaking Cooling Fin technology which reduces tyre deformation, and Castle Block design for increased grip and durability.
In the Dunlop corner was the Geomax MX-32, is a soft to medium terrain tyre, with a new ‘tie-bar’ less design for improved traction in mud, and rebound rubber for improved line holding and damping.
Over the course of 3 months, the team wore out several sets of each as they traveled from track to track in order to see how they stacked up against one another in different situations.
The first thing that the test riders noticed about the Bridgestone X30 were its consistent grip levels, along with its excellent performance in deep ruts, where they felt the Bridgestone helped to pull them through. The tyre “excelled” in intermediate conditions according to the testers. They were also very please with how the X30 tracked when exiting from corners, and it was the more consistent of the two tyres on medium terrain.
The Geomax MX-32 has been designed to operate over a wider range of conditions, and as expected, it coped well in mud, sand and loam, and even in the dry. However, at 12.5psi the Intermediate and Pro level riders felt the front end had too much grip, the side knobs making the front wheel turn in when riding deep ruts. A quick adjustment to 13.5psi in the front tyre seemed to result in a more consistent performance. The Geomax MX-32 was found to be the more versatile of the two tyres, but then again, it was designed to be.
In terms of durability, both sets were, in the opinion of the riders, very well matched as Bridgestone and Dunlop tyres both scored 16 out of 20. The Battlecross X30 front tyre outscored the Dunlop in terms of “intermediate dirt” performance, whilst the result was reversed in terms of the rears. This led testers to suggest pairing a Bridgestone front with a Dunlop rear, however for strictly medium terrain, the Bridgestone would be their tyre of choice.
And don’t forget, both manufacturers also produce specific tyres for other terrains…. all of which are available from Cambrian Tyres to the UK two wheel trade.
Check out our complete Bridgestone and Dunlop motocross tyre ranges.
