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Enduro tires are somewhat new to the market. They’re made to replace using trials tires on enduro bikes but used to be tricky to find. Professional races have been using enduro tires for a while, but local dealerships just didn’t have them.
Sticky enduro models are new and worth your attention. They grip on the rocks and are great at cleaning themselves out in the mud, allowing excellent braking. These are also suitable for riding back and forth between mud and sand.
Take a few minutes to discover the top enduro motorcycle tires as well as our buyer’s guide on how to choose the best for your bike.
If you have a different type, view our overall tire options for motorcycles.
8 Top Rated Motorcycle Enduro Tires Reviewed
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|
IRC  | IRC Key Features: Highly gripping, great for mud and sand Rim Diameter: 17 inches | Check Price |
Shinko  | Shinko Key Features: Self-cleaning, for all-terrain conditions Rim Diameter: 18 inches | Check Price |
Dunlop  | Dunlop Key Features: Highly gripping, for different road conditions Rim Diameter: 18 inches | Check Price |
Pirelli  | Pirelli Key Features: For all weather conditions, suitable for smooth asphalt Rim Diameter: 21 inches | Check Price |
Michelin  | Michelin Key Features: Stable and well-balanced, enhanced grip and wear resistance Rim Diameter: 18 inches | Check Price |
Kenda  | Kenda Key Features: Great cornering control, high-quality built materials Rim Diameter: 12 inches | Check Price |
Goldentyre  | Goldentyre Key Features: Easy to mount, for soft terrain Rim Diameter: 21 inches | Check Price |
Tusk Racing  | Tusk Racing Key Features: DOT approved, stable and long-lasting Rim Diameter: 18 inches | Check Price |
IRC – Rear Tire
If you’re searching for the best enduro rear tire, you should consider this IRC model. It’s made specifically for use in enduro conditions, providing sufficient grip on different surfaces.
Its rubber compound and dimpled knobs allow supreme gripping power, ensuring the best performance. Also, IRC features puncture-resistant casing, enhancing the overall durability and resistance of this rear model.
It’s built for competition, but it’s even better when used in pair with IRC Enduro front tire. Although it’s sold separately, it enhances the performance of the rear IRC.
This is a tube-type tire that comes in many sizes, so it’s easy to fit on many different motorcycles. It’s easy to mount on and take off even if you don’t have much experience installing/removing a tire.
PROS
- Built specially for enduro conditions
- Highly gripping
- Great for mud and sand
CONS
- Might be too aggressive for some
Shinko – Suitable for All Terrain Conditions
Shinko 216MX is a rear option that comes in many sizes, so it fits a wide range of bikes. It’s made to be versatile, offering high performance in all-terrain conditions.
It features a high carbon compound, which is what makes it versatile and suitable for different conditions. It offers excellent racing and off-road performance as a whole.
In many cases, this is considered an extreme enduro, desert tire. It comes with a taller and fuller profile that helps you to navigate through rocks with ease. It also helps with navigating through square edge terrain and trees without any issues.
Its split-tread pattern cleans the wheel and offers preciseness regardless of the terrain and weather conditions. It’s also quite simple to mount.
PROS
- Self-cleaning
- For all-terrain conditions
- Versatile compatibility
CONS
- Not for sharp turns
Dunlop – Ideal for Off-road
Dunlop Geomax AT81 is a rear tire that comes in many sizes. It’s among the best ones when it comes to enduro racing, outgrowing other Dunlop off-road types.
This one offers an all-around performance along with a high level of durability and ruggedness. It’s thick, and versatile enough to handle pretty much all conditions.
It has a rear tread block shape, featuring the brand’s DIRTuitive Grip Design knobs. The combination helps the AT81 to penetrate through the dirt, achieving higher traction on off-road terrain.
This is a high-wear-resistant option that’s newly formulated to deliver versatility and high performance when it comes to different enduro conditions.
It’s among the best choices for off-road riding, while it also fits a large number of motorcycles.
PROS
- Highly gripping
- Wear-resistant
- For different road conditions
CONS
- Quick initial wear
Pirelli – Ideal for Racing
Pirelli MT90AT Scorpion front tire is made specifically for enduro racing, matching different motor and engine sizes. It’s a versatile model as it’s suitable for urban use as well as for occasional racing adventures.
It’s flexible so that you can use it on asphalt as well as rougher terrain. It grips well regardless of the road type, offering safety, and enhanced performance on all surfaces.
It features a tread with large central blocks. This results in a more stable ride, as well as enhanced grip, braking ability, and traction.
Another thing worth noting is the optimized carcass that gives you stability at high speeds, even when your bike is fully loaded.
The MT90AT Scorpion features a compound with silica, providing high mileage and maximized grip on a wet and dry road.
More Reading: 10 Top Rated Motorcycle Racing Leathers
PROS
- For all weather conditions
- Suitable for smooth asphalt
- Stable and long-lasting
CONS
- A bit heavy
Michelin – Medium Weight
Michelin Enduro Medium Weight tire features a combination of tread design and rubber compound that gives an excellent grip. It’s equally as suitable for wet conditions as it is for dry.
It’s a versatile tire that’s suitable for all weather and road conditions. This makes it ideal for different adventures and races as it offers outstanding performance at all times.
Also, this one offers stability and longevity. It won’t show signs of wear as quickly, so you can expect high mileage from it. Although it’s suitable for road use, it’s not meant for prolonged use in a single trip.
It’s available in 140/80-18 and 120/90-18 sizes and is R-rated for speeds up to 106 mph.
However, it might be a bit tricky to mount, so don’t hesitate to consult with a professional if you lack the experience.
PROS
- Stable and well-balanced
- Long-lasting
- Enhanced grip and wear resistance
CONS
- Not as easy to mount
Kenda – Dual-tire
As you probably know, Kenda is a big name in the industry, offering plenty of different options for all kinds of motorbikes. For this reason, you might want to consider this dual-tire set.
Kenda 80/100-12 comes in a set with an inner tube. It’s a high-quality set, designed specifically for all motorcycles with 12’’ wheels.
The aggressive knobs are designed to deliver excellent performance on hard and intermediate terrain. On top of that, the stiff bead and sidewall construction allows better control while cornering, while enhancing stability altogether.
The tube is made from high-quality butyl rubber, featuring a TR-4 straight metal valve stem.
Overall, it’s a durable, high-performance set that’s compatible with a wide range of bikes.
PROS
- Great cornering control
- Tire + inner tube combo
- High-quality built materials
CONS
- Might be a bit too thick for some
Goldentyre – Great Grip
Goldentyre GT216AA is developed and tested by some of the greatest races from all over the world. It provides maximum grip while ensuring durability and bump compliance.
It features a unique V-shape tread pattern along with a flexible construction to deliver superior traction regardless of the terrain. On top of that, this one is available in many sizes, all designed with specific characteristics to match different conditions.
It’s important to note that this one is meant specifically for soft to intermediate conditions. It’s a versatile model that matches plenty of different motorcycles and is also easy to mount and remove.
Its narrow profile and vertical tread design allow stability in soft conditions. It penetrates sand, soft soil, and mud with ease and without losing traction.
PROS
- Easy to mount
- For soft terrain
- Long-lasting
CONS
- A bit heavy
Tusk Racing – Tube Type
Dsport Adventure Tire from Tusk Racing is DOT approved for on- and off-road use. It features an aggressive tread pattern that offers stability and grip. Also, this is a long-lasting tire meant for off-road use.
It provides long wear regardless of the racing road and conditions. On top of that, its rubber compound enhances its overall stability and longevity.
Another thing worth noting is its high performance. It has tall knobs, so it looks quite aggressive, which makes it suitable for a wide range of motorcycles. The rear tire has a 16mm deep tread while the front model has an 11.5mm deep tread.
Overall, it’s durable, robust, and easy to mount and remove even if you don’t have as much experience.
PROS
- DOT approved
- Stable and long-lasting
- Excellent grip
CONS
- Not as stable on smooth surfaces
How to Choose the Best Option
Weight
The weight has a major role in how your tire will perform. However, lightweight wheels aren’t necessarily better. If it’s light, it will allow quicker acceleration, but at the cost of puncture resistance.
Enduro types range in weight, depending on the materials and manufacturer. Some of the best models have a difference of up to 130g. Enduros are typically at least 300g heavier than most other types.
Type of Terrains You Pass
Tires that are designed for hard terrains have a denser tread and closer knobs. They provide edge gripping along with enhanced traction on firm terrain. Their carcass is usually softer and more flexible.
Those meant for intermediate terrain can perform on soft grounds as well as rocky terrains. They have taller knobs and allow you to go from soft to hard terrain and the other way around.
Tires designed for soft terrain have a bigger space between the knobs. Most models have knobs on the edges as well.
Grip
Enduro models must provide sufficient grip in different conditions. If you’re looking for wheels to use in soft terrain, you’ll notice the knobs on the edges that are designed specifically to enhance the grip.
Still, even those meant for intermediate and hard terrains must be gripping enough to allow secure riding.
The grip is always critical when it comes to choosing motorcycle wheels, but even more so when it comes to the grip.
Puncture Resistance
Puncture resistance is a crucial factor to consider when looking for this type. Enduro races can be quite unpredictable, and you want the tire to be able to withstand the rough conditions.
Lightweight tires have less puncture resistance, while heavier models are more resistant. Either way, look for a durable product that’s made of resistant materials. Also, keep in mind that the carcass and the number of its layers determine the level of puncture resistance as well.
Stability
You want your choice to be stable and well-balanced. The rear tire has a significant role in cornering qualities as well as stability.
Your choice should handle bumpy roads with stability. For this reason, many Enduro models have V-shape tread patterns, as this usually helps to make it more stable.
Comfort
Comfort is always important, but even more so when racing. You’ll probably ride across bumpy roads, so you want enough bump absorption and comfort so that you can enjoy the ride.
If a tire is uncomfortable, you’re at risk of feeling some of those bumps much more than you normally would.
Performance
Enduro types should be somewhat versatile because they are meant to tackle different terrains. Still, many things can affect the overall performance quality of a single option.
For example, the quality of the compound, puncture-resistance, as well as the tread pattern, has a significant role in how well a model performs.
Make sure to choose the right option for the type of terrain you’ll ride across. Otherwise, you might not like its performance.
Tread Pattern
The tread pattern has a major role in performance as a whole. A tire meant for mud has tall knobs and large gaps between them. This allows it to dig into the ground. On the other hand, such a tread pattern might not perform the best on a hard surface.
Another thing to keep in mind is that tread patterns differ depending on whether it is meant for the front or back.
What Are Enduro Tires?
Enduro tires are highly gripping and have taller sidewalls. They are flexible and ideal for hostile terrain since they provide as much traction and grip.
Some models are meant for hard terrain, while others perform very well on soft, muddy, and sandy terrain, especially when braking.
In most cases, these options have large knobs with big gaps between them so that sand and mud don’t get stuck.
These are relatively new models on the market, but they’re already largely popular. They’re typically quite versatile and enduring, handling bumpy roads with high puncture resistance.
Enduro Riding: Is it Dangerous?
Enduro riding is exciting and quite popular as one of the most adventurous sports. Still, much like in all sport riding, there’s a risk of injuries due to conditions in which Enduro happens.
Technical and environmental difficulties are probably the most challenging. Slippery and bumpy roads are often the reason why riders end up with injuries.
Even though the sport is fun and exciting, it’s also quite dangerous. Having the right equipment and safety gear reduces your chances of injury as a whole.
How to Maintain and Care for Your Wheels
Check on Faulty Parts
You should inspect for any faulty valves, damaged buckles, and rims, as well as loose spokes.
If you come across any damage, make sure to fix it before riding off. The last thing you want is a blown wheel as that can be quite dangerous.
Remove Objects That May Puncture it
Check your to see if any foreign objects could puncture it. Even if the tire isn’t flat yet, any foreign object stuck in it could break it.
Wood, glass, metal, and stone chucks could puncture your tire, so make sure to remove them before riding.
Asses Your Tire Before and After Every Ride
While you’re probably hurrying to ride off, you should take some time to check your tires before you do so. You want to make sure that it isn’t damaged in any way before setting off.
This is equally important to do after you return from riding.
Monitor the Air Pressure
Dirt models allow a greater range in pressure than most road tires. It depends on the terrain as well as the temperature you’re riding in, which is why you should always check it.
Keep in mind that the pressure that’s indicated on your model is a maximum and not a recommended pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best enduro option for woods riding?
You should go for hard terrain bike tires if you’re looking to ride in the woods. You probably will come across a soft patch of road that has mud or sand. However, the right set of wheels will handle the change with traction and stability.
What’s the best enduro tire combination?
The best combination should offer more than just grip and balance. It should also give minimal rolling resistance along with maximum puncture resistance.
You want it to perform well on different roads regardless of whether it’s in wet, dry, muddy, or rocky conditions.
Conclusion
The best enduro motorcycle tires may seem a bit tricky to find. They’re considered somewhat new to the market, which is why there aren’t as many models on the market.
Still, some of the most popular brands came out with their tires for enduro riding. This allows you to find the best front or rear (or both) for your particular motorcycle.
Consider the type of bike as well as the terrain you’ll probably ride in. You can always return to our reviews and buyer’s guide for some additional help if you haven’t already made up your mind.
