Rain tire

[cerealkiller]

In hopes of elevating my game this year in racing, I'm planning on matching my tire selection to the conditions on race day. In the past if it's going to rain I just run a new tire - usually just the same MX 51/52 i use all the time. Last year's race at porkies made me rethink that strategy.

I thought I would have a set of tires on hand just for mud races this year. Since I'd only run these tires if it was rainy, I'm curious if getting something extreme - like Dunlop's MX11 tires- might be the ticket or if I should just run a soft tire ala MX32.

Thoughts? What else works well in the mud?

[malcolmzilla]

I like a fresh M5B in the spring slop or known mud rides.

That said, I don't know what's in the soil at Porkies but OMG when it rains

[axel99]

M12 on the front and S12 on the rear, and most importanly....smooth on the throttle.

[cerealkiller]

Hmm... Brent did power by me at Porkies on an S12 last year. I might have to try that one. The M5B seems to have lots of room for clearing mud too.

[axel99]

Hmm... Brent did power by me at Porkies on an S12 last year. I might have to try that one. The M5B seems to have lots of room for clearing mud too.

Both those tires perform well in mud, try them both and pick your weapon

[Brass]

For Porkies, I like to run a new set of S12's both front and rear. The front seems to shed the super lube a bit better ( in my opinion ) than the M12. The M5B rear might be ok but I would want a new one with sharp knobs just to help bite in a bit better. I find it "floats" a bit on the wider knobs and it doesn't brake very well. Again, my opinion. Heavier riders might not be as picky.

There is no better place to learn how to drift on a dirt bike, both wheels, down a hill, with a turn at the base, surrounded by trees.

[cerealkiller]

An S-12 was cheaper, so that's the one I went with. Thanks for the recommendations!

[Braap791]

How is the S12 with a bib?

[Fenel854]

My S12 with a Bib is really good but it wears fast. 4 rides and it is missing lugs.

[MtnBlue]

I think S12's used to be a great tire (when they were made in Spain). The compound was softer and more pliable, so they "rounded" as opposed to chunking. Once they changed to made in Thailand the compound changed. They worked well at the right psi, but just didn't last long. Then they came out with an "XC" version, which was a little better and lasted a bit better, but still not up to the original made in Spain versions. I know guys still like ( love ) this tire, but I don't see the value there anymore. I prefer an M5B, I can go 8-10 rides or so, and then take my knobby knife to it and get another 8-10 out of it before I even think about taking it off. Just my .02 worth

[malcolmzilla]

I've sheared a few M5B knobs off in the hardpack/rocks, good to know the knobby knife works, have one to try out.
Might try to sharpen the AT81 a bit see how that goes, before swapping on the S12.

[cerealkiller]

What about a front tire? I have a couple new MX52s on hand and an MX11.

The MX11 seems like it might be too narrowly targeted at mud and sand to be useful for Porkies (unless things get REALLY sloppy). Would it make a noticeable difference to run an MX32 front vs. a 52?

[malcolmzilla]

M12, Milleville2, AT81, Maxxis SI, whatever is new and sharp, in this case what you have onhand , I've never noticed a big difference.
Just some are more durable than others.

Forecast is looking moisture free - anyone been out there? Pretty minty in places at Ghost yesterday, until the rain blew in.