For many, riding off-road is the way that they get their first taste of motorcycling, and it has become an important factor for many in forging a long term relationship with bikes.
In the October 2014 edition of RiDE Magazine Tony Charlton of Michelin looks more in depth at just how off-road rubber works to help riders make a more informed decision when choosing tyres for their off-road bike.
As Tony says, the basic requirements of a motorcycle are the same both on and off-road. It needs a tyre which efficiently and effectively transfers the engines power into momentum, which can be steered and stopped consistently and repeatedly, irregardless of weather conditions. They also need to last for a reasonable amount of time, and at a reasonable cost…so not a big ask then!
Just as with a road tyre, the off-road tyre you need depends on your requirements. Although riders often look for one tyre that is brilliant at everything, they really need one product that excels in one specific area. For example, a rider on a sandy motocross track need a tyre with scoop shaped blocks to help them paddle through the surface, whilst a hard pack motocross surface calls for a more rigid and therefore damage resistant tread block. If riding in mud, open tread patterns and taller blocks are the order of the day.
If you consider a trials bike, it requires extremely good grip whilst operating at very slow speeds. As such a light-weight, flexible casing and the ability to run the tyre at very low pressures is essential. On the other hand tyres designed for the likes of the Dakar Rally call for high speed stability, consistency at extreme temperatures and resistance to damage. A very wide range of operating conditions calls for a number of specialist products to allow you to get the most out of your machine.
There are some great all-round tyres out there too. When riding at an enduro event you are likely to encounter a wide range of surfaces including soft grass, slippery roots, sandy pits and rocky ground. Michelin produce the street legal FIM approved Enduro Comp range which is designed specifically for riding in these varied environments, ideal for some demanding green lanes.
Ryan Matthews, who works with the Motocross Challenge Project is an ACU Expert level motocrosser, and he recommends the Michelin Starcross range which the youth charity use on their range of 70cc – 450cc Suzuki bikes saying “these offer brilliant grip in all terrains and weathers, with durability second to none.”
Check out our trade ranges of Michelin Off-Road Competition (Non-MX) and Motocross tyres.
