The Maxxis MXGP race winning family comprises of 4 tyres for every ground condition, the MX-ST+ front excels with every rear, the MX-SM for sand and mud, the MX-ST+ for soft-intermediate to semi- hard and the new MX-MH for hard conditions. Supporting the GP range is the legendary Maxxcross range for a truly inspiring clubman tyre.
Motocross tyres can prove a bit of a minefield. Whether you’re an avid rider looking for a new tyre for your off-road bike or whether you are just starting out, it’s worth knowing what the compounds in each tyre mean and how this can affect your riding experience across different terrains.
Different terrains determine which tyre compounds work the best, and failing to choose the right tyre for the correct terrain can have a huge impact on how your tyres perform. So, what are the differences in motocross tyre compounds and what do they mean? Check out our terrain guide to find the correct tyre for you.
Soft compound motocross tyres
Soft compound tyres are exactly that; they’re made of a softer compound that is more malleable in order for each knob to mould around the surface beneath it, grab onto the terrain, and increase traction. Despite the soft compound, these tyres are for hard terrain. They are designed to be used on tightly packed soil and hard surfaces, such as slick rock and heavily worn tracks.
Soft compound tyres often have a tread pattern that’s more tightly spaced compared to soft terrain tyres, ensuring as much rubber touches the ground as possible.
If you ride hard-pack or enduro, you’ll need to look for a tyre with a softer compound to get the best traction and performance.
Intermediate compound motocross tyres
As you’d expect, Intermediate tyres are the happy medium between soft and hard compound tyres. They’re they perfect all-rounder and the most popular choice for a variety of terrains.
Intermediate tyres have a medium grade compound that balances stiffness with flexibility and are often designed to offer traction across mid-soft and mid-hard terrain. Thanks to the increased hardness of the compound compared to softer motocross tyre compounds, these tyres tend to last a little longer, making them suitable for training and racing.
Intermediate tyres can also be E-marked road legal and are therefore the best choice if you ride on all types of terrain.
Hard compound motocross tyres
Hard compound tyres are designed to offer stability for use on soft terrain such as sand and mud. These hard compounds work well due to the knobs keeping their shape as they push deep into soft terrain, offering intense grip and traction at any speed.
Soft-terrain tyres usually have tall, aggressive lugs to help bite into the terrain. The widely spaced tread patterns should promote self-cleaning to throw off any sand/dirt as it rotates.
Using hard compound tyres on hard terrain can be stiff, uncomfortable and intense for the tyres, resulting in lugs/knobs being ripped off the tyre—commonly known as chunking.
It has been disputed that tyres cannot offer both mileage and performance; they are designed to offer one or the other. This is where the MaxxCross MX-ST+ comes in. Using the expertise gained from the FIM Motocross World Championship (MXGP), the MX-ST+ features a new dual compound to offer all of the fantastic performance you’d expect from the MX-ST, but with a longer life-span.
Maxxcross MXST+
The Maxxcross MXST+ is a dual compound championship-winning, race specification motocross tyre designed to deliver the fastest lap times on mid-soft terrain. The offset tread design was the first of its kind, designed to deliver immense traction to the rear wheel right off the gate through to the end of the Moto. The enhanced lightweight pliable carcase improves ride comfort, impact absorption and the all-important rider feel.
- Dual Compound tread pattern delivers bite and grip
- Extremely lightweight MX tyre for maximum speed
- Designed for immediate traction off-the-gate
- Incredibly precise front tyre for immense handling and predictability
- Race specific compound
- Tyre sizes available for kids’ and adults’ motocross bikes
- Excels in mid-soft terrain
- Championship-winning (MXGP, MXGB and MX Nationals) tyre
Front Tyre Development
1. Unique edges at knobs create better traction and braking.
2. Functional polygon half block decreases block chunking and increases braking performance.
3. New braking side adopts a curved surface to help lateral forces distribute smoothly.
4. Periodic arrangement of ½ blocks and shoulder blocks with proper gyration radius (dash line) provide predictable turning and reduced oversteering.
The Result
The sidewall provides stronger vertical stiffness with a longer apex and a harder compound to better absorb energy when landing.
To further optimize stiffness and in turn improve grip, the new compound uses reinforced carbon nanoparticles in the manufacturing process. As a result, grip is improved by 19% (over the previous generation) and stiffness increased by 33% and hardness by 4%.
Rear Tyre Development
5. The arrangement of 33 central blocks, 36 middle blocks and 36 shoulder blocks brings better turns, acceleration and transition from different terrain.
6. Added bridges between middle and shoulder blocks and a new rubber compound to strengthen lateral stiffness at mid-lean angle. Increases cornering stability.
7. Sharp angles create more bite in soft terrain.
8. Triangle reinforcement at outward side on the middle block is able to reduce lateral bending.
The sidewall provides stronger vertical stiffness with a longer apex and a harder compound to better absorb energy when landing.
The Result
Maxxcross MXSM
Maxxcross MXSM is designed for sand and mud and to pair with the MX-ST front for the ultimate championship winning pairing.
- Enhanced rigidity ‘scoop’ design for extreme grip from the gate
- Prominent half-shoulder knobs for grip during sharp corners
- Scoop aids in propelling through sand and mud
- Hydrophobic rubber for self-cleaning properties
- Designed to operate consistently across a huge range of temperatures
- Sharp block edges for intense grip
- Reinforced sidewalls for rider comfort
Tyre Development
1. Unique dashed bar design improves self-cleaning performance.
2. Straight side blocks for better stability and covers the lateral forces.
3. Modern ‘Quantum-Steps Block’ provide excellent traction and acceleration.
4. Proven 32 pitches provide more traction in sand & mud terrain
Maxxcross MXMH
Maxxcross MXMH is designed for loose over hard and hard surfaces and to pair with the MX-ST front for the ultimate championship-winning pairing.
- The all-new MXMH is designed to perform on intermediate and hard terrain
- Improved construction provides a consistent, compliant feel under cornering, acceleration and braking, giving racers the confidence to charge into any corner
- Tread compound and pattern designed to provide extreme predictability in straight-line acceleration and braking zones
Centre blocks and side blocks are all wedded together with a new rubber compound to strengthen lateral stiffness delivering enhanced tear resistance and reliable stability.
Reinforced sidewall supports the V-shaped Half-shoulder knobs delivering excellent control through the corner, with instant traction when the power is turned on.
Tested and proven on Mid-Hard terrain to Blue Groove.
