Cheap tyres

[kezzafish]

i've got those pirelli scorpion mid hards on at the mo, they definately got the grip but not as long lasting as Metzeller MC5s (which give the same good grip) they now have MC6s which my mate just put on and he rates them too, they're supposed to be even harder compound/wearing. All you KTM boys should be running metzelers 'cos they're german and i say so

[B0000M]

the scorpion extras are meant to be good, however i found the price was about $40 more than any other brand,

the metzeler as much as i used to rate them i dont think is as good as the MH3 for grip, and longetivity probably isnt as good either for me

[warewolf]

MH3s might be a brilliant tyre, but are MX-specific in 19". Doesn't help those of us with enduro 18" rears...

In terms of ultimate performance (for race use), fresh edges on the tyres counts for a lot. Putting a cheaper new tyre on regularly may have benefits to both performance and your wallet. To that end, the likes of the Kiwi MX have been commended to me, at half the price of the euro stuff. Performance in most conditions is better than a worn euro job.

But in contrast, the S12 seems to hold its performance long into its worn state, making it good value despite the higher purchase price. I will stick with them (ha ha) for winter/mud use.

[warewolf]

All you KTM boys should be running metzelers 'cos they're german

What makes you think the Austrians like the Germans? Aren't you forgetting about a wee invasion 70 years ago?

[B0000M]

MH3s might be a brilliant tyre, but are MX-specific in 19". Doesn't help those of us with enduro 18" rears...

yea, this is a problem i found when it came to finding a tyre for the mrs's crf.

went with the bridgestone 202, grip is awesome, though i cant yet comment on lifespan as its only been ridden for about an hour so far with the new tyre. price was 142 fitted where i got it from which to me represents good value

[takitimu]

MH3s might be a brilliant tyre, but are MX-specific in 19". Doesn't help those of us with enduro 18" rears...

In terms of ultimate performance (for race use), fresh edges on the tyres counts for a lot. Putting a cheaper new tyre on regularly may have benefits to both performance and your wallet. To that end, the likes of the Kiwi MX have been commended to me, at half the price of the euro stuff. Performance in most conditions is better than a worn euro job.

But in contrast, the S12 seems to hold its performance long into its worn state, making it good value despite the higher purchase price. I will stick with them (ha ha) for winter/mud use.

Fresh edges are definitely a good thing, if they keep the price @ $70 for those tires I might try one come winter, still got 2 new M40's left & a MC5 which just has the edge taken off in the garage so no panic yet.

Maybe just me, but seems an awefull lot of variables come into account with handling between suspension, tires, technique, conditions. I dunno where to point the blame, so figuring on keep the tires the same & work on the other three variables first .

[warewolf]

Maybe just me, but seems an awefull lot of variables come into account with handling between suspension, tires, technique, conditions. I dunno where to point the blame, so figuring on keep the tires the same & work on the other three variables first .

I'm with you on that point. I have more experience with road tyres, where I learned that I get on well with some brands and not others. To that end, I'm leaning towards staying with Michelins for the soft-intermediate conditions (M12) this year, as a baseline for reference before I change to others.

[camchain]

I'm 100% with Booom re tyre pattern observations. Very suspicious of schizoprenic tread patterns as I can't see how they can produce consistent feel - and contact patch on a dirt bike tire is pretty small so it must have a significant effect.

Have noticed one of the El Cheapo brands mimics the Michelin S12 pattern but from what I've read, they don't perform anything like an S12, so pattern only part of the picture (S12 has soft/flexy case - or at least they did before they started making them in Thailand). Having said that, a cheapo tire with decent edges has more appeal to me than a worn out good quality tire. I'm going to continue to try some different brands and price brackets. Impossible to get a perfect 'one tire does all' though, especially in summer if you also ride sand (Woodhill) regularly. I too wish Michelin would expand their range with more 18" options, I like MS3 front.

Trying an MC5 on the back at the moment. Was a bit worried about how it was going to work at a slippery Paparimu as the wide knob blocks on centre probably don't allow a lot of flex of the tire case, but it seemed to work well enough as I didn't get into any trouble (ran 10psi). Pirelli Xtra (harder compound 'training' tire) impressed me as a long lasting all rounder - although it didn't seem to like the 8psi I ran at Paparimu last year. Cords came apart inside case and snake-bit the HD tube badly.

[B0000M]

Pirelli Xtra (harder compound 'training' tire) impressed me as a long lasting all rounder - although it didn't seem to like the 8psi I ran at Paparimu last year. Cords came apart inside case and snake-bit the HD tube badly.

that sort of info is really handy to know. cheers. the price was the part that put me off that tyre

[t3mp0r4ry nzr]

stuff buying new tyres for getting a fresh edge, just get on the gas earlier and harder, and save your self a hundy and something haha

[takitimu]

stuff buying new tyres for getting a fresh edge, just get on the gas earlier and harder, and save your self a hundy and something haha

Depends what you are riding, completely agree for MX, but for Bush Bashing I'll take a fresh edge, makes up a little for my lack of skill

[B0000M]

stuff buying new tyres for getting a fresh edge, just get on the gas earlier and harder, and save your self a hundy and something haha

all very well if you're not making the most of whatever traction you do have. i can tell you for racing- if your competition has grip and you dont, you can forget about beating them

[camchain]

A crappy worn tire can really ruin your day. Nice new tires really give you confidence to push that little bit harder for racing. Good tires work just as well on your brain as they do on your bike.

[kezzafish]

What makes you think the Austrians like the Germans? Aren't you forgetting about a wee invasion 70 years ago?

ha haa, a kraut is a kraut. Cheers for all the info fellas, i know there has been a million tyre threads but this one seems to have managed to avoid dumb shit and is simply full of quantified information... i'm gonna put the MH3 on next... cheers boom

[barty5]

Havnt run with the MH3 as yet but have used the MS3 for the last 3-4 years and cant complain holds up real well. Used it on my cr250 and the yzf426 as well as the 450 i now have. I went for the MS3 due to all the shit wet weather we have in and around auckland and they work well even in the on harder terain prob not last as long as a MH but they holn on better when worn than so brand new tyre ive had in the past.