ENDURO TIRES: Tusk Talon, Michelin Xtrem, Dunlop AT81EX, IRC & More

[@sam-ww1wk]

Hard enduro rider since 17. Went through most the tires you have there and agree with all. Except, the m5b is my favorite. It climbs better than all, lasts longer than all, stiff side wall a plus before they figured that out as a selling point. It's only downside is a little less gummy in the rocks, but even here in southern utah the reality is that's only part of the time, and almost everything hooks up on slickrock, especially when you're aired down with tubliss. I"ve found it's the loose stuff that makes or breaks a tire. I ride trials too, so I get the gummy thing, but hard enduro isn't trials.

[@petermoss4824]

Jx8 definitely better in hard wet than m5b I think but nothing beats m5b in sand mud...... nothing..... I can see airing m5b down in Utah though I've done it and it was good

[@TheTurboHO]

For our sharp rocks and sandy stuff in New Mexico the XT 454 has been the best in terms of performance and life. The AT81 EX is a little grip piece but doesn't last as long. Definitely give the 454 a shot

[@dirklawyer9939]

Kudos on your enduro tire breakdown, IMO one of the best I have listened to in the past 5 years. Personally I ride mostly soft and hard enduro on my Sherco 300 SE and I ride ID, CO, UT and AZ most every year so terrain wise I have some experience with a variety of tires over the years. Rarely do I agree much with any 'enduro tire' study due to bias, and the numerous variabilities that exist in the enduro world, from riders personal enduro experience in a vast variety of terrain, difference in enduro bikes, riders ability, riders technique...tire spinner, tubliss system, tubes or mousses, and one of the most important tire pressures, endless. We are blessed to live in an era where about all of the enduro bikes and enduro tires available to us today are light years better than 20 years ago, ENJOY!

[@BjorkOffroad]

Thanks for taking the time to do this and sticking with your experiences. You definitely have some conditions in the PNW very unlike what we have in MN

[@CoolEyeColorado]

Love the VE33S. That’s what I keep using.

[@lukefish7562]

Appreciate ya sir! Got a te300i and need a new rear. But I live in the blue ridge mountains of NC and it’s a lot of rock but the woods can be real soft in areas. Can’t decide.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

Can’t go wrong with the VE33S, but I’m also liking the Plews Spec-B. It has taller knobs than typical FIM tires so it does well in the soft stuff, but still has the larger carcass, so it does great in the rocks.

[@masterbeta343]

when i ran the michelin extreme it was amazing. holds up surprisingly well in turns and lasts forever. i got like 25 hours out of mine granted i run my tires until i absolutely feel i cant use them anymore. i agree its not great in the soft stuff but i would say thats its only downfall. high speed or slow speed it worked great for me. if it wasnt for the JX8 and the price it would be my favorite. To me the jx8 and michelin extreme are so close and jx8 is way cheaper. the at81ex is a good tire but i notice i get punctures really easily. the ibex i feel it doesnt handle well in the turns and the knobs just chunk right off. the shinko cheater is heavy and when it comes to any wet rocks or roots it just doesnt grip at all. good video.

[@davidanderson2393]

I have had a couple AT81EX so far and really liked the sidewall at low air pressure. Trying a VE33s currently, so far working well on mixed PNW conditions.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

Can’t go wrong with either of those tires.

[@tylermadl2088]

Have you ever had a Wig Racing tire???

[@NINE70ENDURO]

Great topic! EVERYONE is always looking for the best tire to help there riding! Great vid

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

I’m experimenting this spring with the “Euro” tire setup of a 140/80-18 with FIM knobs. I’ve chatted with a few guys over there and they say they like the FIM knobs because it doesn’t squirm on rocks or over roots. I dunno. Usually I run JX8 here in PA, but I’m giving the Kenda Knarly 140/80-18 a shot. It’s a “true” 140 and uses the bigger size Nitromousse 325 over the JX8 / VE33S 305 size mousse. The Euro bros told me they run the 140s with one size down 120 mousse. I’m going to try it with the “correct” size mousse first and see what it feels like.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

Lmk your thoughts once you run it!

[@richardhague3455]

Defo try the 120 mousse. I use 140 Michelin medium with 120 mousse and love it.

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

@@richardhague3455 Ok. I’ll try it all. 😀👍 Just snowed here though. 😢 I thought we were set for an early start this year. I’ve been using the 90/100 Michelin enduro medium front the last two years and love it. This spring I’m trying the X-Grip 90/100-18 Hulky Boy standard compound. It measures the same rubber hardness as the Michelin Enduro Medium front. Not too soft, not too hard. It has just a bit taller profile. I got an X-Grip standard mousse to go with it. Feels pretty much like the standard Nitromousse.

[@HardEnduroLlewellyn]

@@lostinpa-dadenduro7555you racing TLR or Sugarloaf this year?

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

@@HardEnduroLlewellyn I’m thinking about the scramble at Sugarloaf. I’m sure I won’t get far if it’s really hot out, 😂 but it would be fun to see the place and ride as far as I can.

[@MeanPig]

Can you have a copy of that product Matrix that people can print up put in here somewhere. Super helpful review. Also, same experience with the M5B. Piled my bike into side of the hill in slick wet terrain. Bad wreck! Pulled that thing off the next day with only a few hours riding on the tire. I have a couple of months until rain so plan on using it again now until rainy season.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ukH_tUADKIFBDoN6oNC-wsOmVIPtToFEOyQGQBbaUTw/edit?gid=0#gid=0

[@DmitriyAdv]

Great breakdown, one of the best I’ve seen! I agree with you on all points except for the Tusk Talon. I ran it back to back with a JX8 and a VE33s in a variety of Appalachian terrain and found it significantly lacking in both overall grip and predictability. It was also pretty much shot in about 10 hours for me.

[@OtisFlint]

I just put one on my KX450 and i don't think it's going to be long for this world.

[@NorthEastDirt]

I got around 20 hours out of mine. Northeast dirt and roots. Not as rocky as other places.

[@zacharysmith7872]

Oh shit. Barnes? We should ride together out at Walker this winter in the suck. I was looking to see if I really needed the ERM for my 25 xcw and came across your channel. Also, you're right about the VE33s. Crazy life and works in almost everything. Ever consider going back road racing?

[@MYZT1KON3]

VE33S has been my go to. Looking at the GT333NX. How do they compare? Was debating a switch from VE33S/VX30 to the GT333NX/GT216AA. Would that be a mistake? See you have reviewed both…

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

The 333NX is more of a true gummy, the VE33s is a hybrid. The 333 is taller. The GT216 is a harder compound (last longer, less grip in roots/rocks). The GT Fatty is a very big tire.

[@MYZT1KON3]

@@WASemiHardEnduro how do you feel about having a harder front than rear? If it were your bike, would you run the golden tire or the IRC combo? I live in the Pacific Northwest as well, deep in the woods up by Mount Baker.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

@@MYZT1KON3 i’ve personally been liking the VX30 front lately. The GT 216 is a great tire, but since it’s a slightly harder compound, I feel like it’s slides on roots more than the VX 30.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

@@MYZT1KON3 and to be clear, the VX 30 is not a soft compound tire relatively speaking. It’s just softer than the GT.

[@ridgerunnersmc1414]

Good video! I've ran all of those except the 525. The AT81ex is definitely the best out of all of them for performance. It doesn't last as long as the others, but the performance is great. Now....if u want one tire to rule them all, try the Mitas XT-754. It is my all time favorite and the only tire I will run from fall to spring. Then, when we hit summer months, it's the Mitas EH-07 140. Motas tires for the win. It's gonna be hard for me to want to try any other. Give them a shot!

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

Still waiting for the new ones to come stateside!

[@ridgerunnersmc1414]

@WASemiHardEnduro I just got another one that Trailbound Chris found from one of his suppliers! So now I got another new one sitting on my shelf! He said the new xt should be off the container by the end of this month.

[@andrewhennigar8932]

Mitas 754 is fantastic, and if you can get one the XT946 winter tire is even better for any and all conditions

[@michaelwendler5589]

IRC M5b Evo is the ultimate tire for where I ride.... Sand, Mud, Gravel and Soft Loam. That is why it is such a popular tire!!!!

[@laurentpillet6141]

@WA semi-hard enduro Wow great video! Thanks so much for the great comparisons! I'm surprised you're running at 2 psi, I've never dared go that low with my tubliss.(tested about 5 psi) Have you ever tested the standard IRC ve33 (not S)? I'm looking to mount a 100 tire for driving in similar conditions (wet roots and wet terrain in the Alps).

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

I have not run the non-S version of the VE33, but a friend has. He definitely struggled a bit more on wet roots and rocks with that tire, but it had good longevity.

[@laurentpillet6141]

@WASemiHardEnduro thank you, so the ve33 will be on my wish list 🙏🏻👌🏻

[@laurentpillet6141]

@WASemiHardEnduro I've seen some of your videos, you've got some great riding skills. It's inspiring, and I definitely need to test the 2 psi. Many of my trails are similar to yours with steep slopes with wet roots and some stones at low speeds.

[@jarredschatz7544]

Tried a few different “gummy” tires; so far I’m loving the kenda ibex. Mines even seen quite a bit of black top. Mines been on since last august. I don’t spin much lol.

[@DeadShedHead]

Great video dude. Extremely helpful when making a decision

[@Dubie-t3v]

I’ve used the VE 33s for the last two yrs, don’t ever plan on changing….i run the mx33 on the front it does ok but i think there has to be a lil better all rounder front tire out there ???

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

I personally really like the VX30 front.

[@easyhardenduro9847]

Ive tried the ve33s,ve33,jx8,talon,recon,m5b, xt454,at81,at81EX, trak master II, tech 2 pro, 525 cheater,x30, desert IT. My favorite for utah terrain were grip is my only concern the at81EX wins. For good grip and long life the mitas xt454, last almost 2x as the at81EX. The talon is very close to the traction of the jx8 but 60% of the ability to stop. Recon was similar, good drive but bad braking.

[@Dubie-t3v]

Great job, I’d love to see a front tire review from ya

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

Check my channel - I did a front tire review prior to this vid.

[@raymondsiewert2720]

I have had cheap Tusk tires and expensive tires. 12 different tires at least twice, so l could be sure of how they worked and how they lasted. I am from now on going to spend the money, and get the AT81 . It works great everywhere and actually lasts as long or longer than any other tire.

[@Mkruzer]

Utah riding... Tusk Talon falls off from the honeymoon stage in less than 10 hours but stays solid from 10-30 hours. Then it's worn down and out. The VE33S is easily a 40 hour tire. haven't experienced a dramatic fall off on performance. The lugs look like they are gonna rip off but haven't. Shinko 505 was a 40 hour tire. Maybe a little fall off in performance but held up well. Probably going to run the ve33s again.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

That's been my experience. The VE33S maybe loses a little "bite" once those sharp edges get rounded, but 40hrs no problem. The Talon drops off for sure at 10. Decent dry grip though, but the Talon can't match the JX8 in the wet.

[@Montana_Motorized]

Nice breakdown! I like the AT81EX best in Montana. I ride mostly dry rock and it just hooks up. I tried the JX8 and the stiffer carcass just seems to deflect more than the EX and I feel like the EX has a little more grip. I really like the Kenda Ibex as well and it is better in softer stuff. That might be more up your alley. It will chunk if you spin a lot though. I also like the VE33S, and as mentioned it lasts forever, but does give up a little traction. I hate the 525 Cheater as well. Carcass is too stiff and makes install a lot harder. I haven't tried the Michelin as I just don't like the FIM knob height. Wish they made Starcross 5 or 6 Soft/Int pattern with the Xtreme compound.

[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

Great Review! Love hearing your thoughts. We agreed on all parts, including thoughts on the M5B... it's technically made for sand haha! Thanks for the great video

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

Thanks for watching! Love your vids! 👍

[@meanmachine6717]

I dont understand why the 525 was popular. Really one of the worst ive used. 505 is much better even in soft conditions. Snow is the only place the 525 was better.

[@pnwoodzz]

Think about what competitors existed when the 525 came out, it hung out in a league of its own for a bit during covid, rmatv could have it at your door in 2 days for -100, they also really gave guys the confidence to change tires at home because of its soft nature, and quite frankly, it JFW'd. But competition has caught up and Tusk is doing what Tusk does best, rip off the very products they use to draw people to their website lol

[@MathewsGuitarWorks]

I ride mostly east coast woods with an occasional day at the MX track. Pretty much trail riding like slow harescramble-ish pace. I’m on a 24 TX300 and looking to replace the stock AT81 in the near future. I’m torn on what to get to fit the bill. Was looking at the irc vx30 & vx40.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

VE33S would probably work really well for east coast woods, and still be ok enough at the track. I really like the VX30 front for just about everything.

[@onthethrottle7104]

What an outstanding video, extremely professional, to the point and what a great communicator! Sensational job... Love the IRC 33S, extremely great tire here in the Southwest, nice to see it's doing great in the PNW.

[@oxfood]

Props for showing Bolt killing it and Walker sucking wind! Great review.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

JW22 seems like a much nicer guy than Bolt, but Bolt’s vlogs are more entertaining.

[@lukefish7562]

@@WASemiHardEndurocan’t argue with that and I’m a huge fan of both.

[@jonnoMoto]

i never got on with the rear enduro medium (old compound). It was good it rocky/rooty but sucked so bad in mud, as you said, which in the UK for enduro (non-hard) is the predominant feature. I also found it lacking in lateral grip when at speed. The front enduro medium, however, is my go to. Zero complaints. For predominantly muddy courses, I preferred the XT 754 SL on the rear. Good in mud and the soft compound (softest of the 3) made it ok in tech. The red-stripe (hardest compound) sucks really hard in tech. Because the XT754 is hard to get in the UK (amongst other tyres in recent years), i'm trying out the Gripper enduro tyre this weekend. Shockingly easy to fit (i barely had to use tools) and very soft. If i don't get on with that, i'm going to try Plews Enduro tyre or Rebel's one. Or finally try out the Starcross 6 which gets raved about a fair bit in the UK for non-hard enduro. I'm just not keen on using MX based tyres going on prior experience.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

I’m running the Plews Tough One right now. It’s very similar to the Michelin Xtrem, maybe a bit more grip is softer terrain. They’re coming out with a tall-knob version soon which will be interesting. I also want to try the latest from Mitas - XT EX, and the XT MH double green look interesting. I need a tire sponsor!

[@danielbunimovich6570]

Give x-grip a try, my fav tires so far for pnw

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

X-Grip is interesting for sure - I like that it has taller knobs than a typical 140 FIM tire.

[@juanitalasso5960]

Hi, I'm considering the M5B for a trail bike, I am gonna use it on a trip, it's gonna be like 1250 miles (25% off-road and 75% mountain roads), and late on the same trip it's 900 miles on the sand and dry dirt roads, what do you think? To crazy? The bike is 150 kg and the bags, equipment, and pilot are about 120 kg = 220kg.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

I think you’re gunna need a new tire halfway through! I know people that have run the M5B on Baja trips with great results, but it’s at the end of its usable life by the end. And that’s less than 1250 miles.

[@jamievalleau]

fantastic video- thank you for sharing your experience!

[@baldknobby]

I see you got the MOTOZ Mountain Hybrid as an F. I use one in the summertime for the single track woods stuff in central WA and think it does very well. Low pressure, feels cushy.

[@chobitrial]

What about the shinko 505?

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

👎

[@Madtigertv]

Agreed on the M5b. Thoughts on the Kenda Knarly? Tire of choice around here these days.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

I’m kinda sour on FIM-approved tires, so the Knarly won’t be high on my list of tires to try.

[@Madtigertv]

The Knarly does really well on the "hawaiian ice" red clay out here. Something not alot of tires can do well. Ive found it to last longer then IRC/81ex by a lot. Works well even wih rounded edges, 2 way tire *pref the less aggressive side. Ive had my race saved by running a JX8. I got a huge rip on my sidewall that didnt puncture. If it were a Ix09 or similiar my race would have been done on the spot. Ended up top 5. Love that tire too. rials tires been ran out here for years. Those work well out here too Dunlop 803 etc.Last you months too lol @@WASemiHardEnduro

[@marcusm.3486]

Like Montana_Motorized mentioned below, I highly suggest trying the Kenda Ibex K774 120/100-18. One of my best buds was telling me I needed to use it for like 3 seasons and I just kept trying everything else lol. Finally broke down and got one and I tell you what, it's shocking how well it works! So good that I haven't tried anything else since. One thing to mention though, it's no good if you're a serious tire spinner. PNW (Northern Idaho/Eastern Washington) rider for terrain reference 👍

[@jonathoncatterson8901]

Good tire but the knobs fall off too easy. Try an at 81ex or jx8. Same grip without the knobs ripping off

[@averykienbaum2904]

I juat ordered in some artrax cheap stucky gummy tires! 140s an xc and an s3 full reviews to come! Love the tusk talon had like 500+ miles on mine before i sliced it open on a piece of metal 🤣, the jx8 is a good tire has just a little more bight everywhere over the tusk but the tisk hamdles amd holds up better at speeds. Then the jx8, also really love the kenda equalibrium, ill be doing a full review video on my tusk, and on those artrax tirez.

[@MikeMasson]

Really curious on the MotoZ Arenacross Gummy and the Mountian Hybrid Extreme Gummy vs these tires

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

IMO they're too expensive to even bother with. Plenty of good, proven tires that cost far less. The Mountain Hybrid I've tried (non-BFM) was one of the worst tires I've ever run. All the drawbacks of a trials-tread pattern, none of the benefits. I've heard the Arena Hybrid is decent, but nobody seems to really rave about it.

[@darcyrode8493]

How about the Mitas XT-754 green stripe, any experience with them? In my opinion a great all around single track tire.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

I haven’t tried it, but I hear it compares well to the VE 33S. I just tried the Mitas EX MH double green and it was ok. Not great, not terrible, not really worth the price here in the US imo.

[@chadrides914]

Xt 754 doesn’t exist anymore.

[@darcyrode8493]

@@chadrides914 TERRA FORCE-EX XT SUPER LIGHT TT Is the same tire, just re-named, It actually still says 754 on the side

[@rjthomasindyusa]

What are your favorite DOT tires? I’m about to plate my bike in Colorado.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

Hard to beat the GT216/GT333 for dot-legal pure dirt performance.

[@RichPlakas]

​@@WASemiHardEndurojust installed this setup for a dual sport trip

[@mei-tb6og]

Curious where you'd slot the Tusk Recon. I think it competes with the 525 but lighter.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

Recon isn’t really a gummy is my understanding. Not sure it can compete with these kinds of tires.

[@mei-tb6og]

Oh? I assumed they were since it was in rmatv hybrid buyers guide. They had it lined up with the ve33s and the cheater 525.

[@SalSpaceKhan]

Awesome vid man! AT81EX and VE33S for me but I might give the Talon a go for the price alone! Tried searching with no luck yet but: Have you done a front tire review by chance?

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

Yup check my channel for a front tire review.

[@CoBryan]

Great video. Have you had any luck, good or bad using AT81ex with Tubliss? Or is it a mousse only tire in the rocks?

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

I’ve had great luck using Tubliss with it. Never had a flat. It’s a relatively low profile tire so you need to run at least 2psi (other, bigger tires I can run lower pressures).

[@CoBryan]

@@WASemiHardEnduro thanks! Yes I’ve been using it at 2-3 psi no problems. “Everyone else” in my group has been using drilled mousse and 3 bead locks. Great Chanel by the way!!👍👍

[@chevman383]

Why no Mitas Terra Force single or double greens in your comparison ?

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

Expensive and FIM. Mitas is a mid tire in the EU, but for some reason they are crazy expensive in the US. The XT754 looks interesting, but it’s discontinued and I’m waiting for its replacement to come to the states so I can try it.

[@chevman383]

@@WASemiHardEnduroI don’t rate the Xt754, the upright knobs lack off camber grip. I really hope you get to try a Mitas TF double green 👍

[@KCCLBTHORX]

Have you reviewed the Dunlop MX34 Geomax? I live in Central Oregon and high desert. Volcanic silt, glacier rock and hard pack desert. Since you are in the PNW thought Id throw that one out there. Thinking about getting some

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

Sounds like that or the new AT82 would work well for you. It's too wet/slick/slimy here for me to try a non-gummy tire.

[@jonathoncatterson8901]

​@WASemiHardEnduro a lot of the ameeicanhard enduro guys are running the dunlop mx34 front. Hopefully you do a review on it

[@leftyeh6495]

Remember, the pros also can run a brand new tire every week, and definitely every race. I'm always amazed that I show up with what I would consider well worn tires, but other guys will show up on basically racing slicks not knowing just how much they're missing out on

[@JESSEverything]

Does anyone know where to find an updated list of tires by tire weight? I'm working off a decent list but it seems a bit old. I'm trying to source the lightest tires I can find in both 18/21 and 16/19 for my Surron Light Bee.

[@jonathoncatterson8901]

Dont know weights but i do know the jx8 is super light out of a few gummy tires ive tried

[@Anonymous-nu1xf]

I don't have a list but imo Michelin tires are lighter than most.

[@travdirtbikejunkie]

Try Goldentyre 333 gummy. I have compared to most the tires you have tested. My favorite and performs well in soft terrain for gummy

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

It’s on my list at the end. Gave it a C 😂. It’s too expensive and too hard to find.

[@travdirtbikejunkie]

@@WASemiHardEnduro I can't disagree it is expensive and hard to find. However I can run one 2x long as JX8 so cost is not as big of a factor. I just buy 3 at a time when they are available to always have one around

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

Correction, I gave it a "B" 😉. I DO like it, but I didn't think it was any better than the AT81EX or JX8. It's also strangely tall for a 110, which isn't always a bad thing (more sidewall is good), but being not super tall myself, I noticed the impact the 333NX had on height of the bike and handling.

[@MrWuneyewilly]

Great review. Do you plan to do the same for front? Michelin Medium, GT216AA, X31, MX34, etc? Not looking for fatty tires but a really good front for wet slick rocks and roots in PNW forest single track. I know I hate the std AT81 which comes stock on many bikes.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

I already did a front tire vid, check it out on my channel.

[@tannergietzen9539]

honestly i ride desert and that michelin has been my favorite rear for desert woods sand anything it just hooks up despite the little knobs, not to mention it lasts me around 500 hard miles of trail and desert hill climbs, also comparing the m5b evo to the other gummies is comparing apples to oranges

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

You get 500mi out of the Xtrem? That’s impressive. And yeah I know the M5B isn’t even in the same category, but people still seem to run it in conditions it’s not made for. 🤷‍♂️

[@Bubbleuprubberdown]

Have you ever tried the Motoz Hybrid? I had it on my 250FX back in the day and that with Tubliss just hooked up and was durable.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

Yup and I hated it. I give it an F. All the drawbacks of a trials tire with none of the benefits.

[@tassiejeeper01]

​@@WASemiHardEndurohave you tried the "extreme hybrid" I run that on my new TM Because it's registered, (I ride everything from high speed to hard enduro) and feel it's a step down from the ve33 in the snottier terrain however corners better at speed especially on gravel roads (the ve33's weakness imo. Wanting to source some motards for it in the future so I can go back to the ve33.

[@kauaisfinest14]

Kenda knarly?

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

Not a huge fan of FIM tires.

[@HondaRider190]

I have 60 hours on my AT81, and it's shot, but its been great.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

On the EX? 60 is unheard of. On a regular AT81? Then I’m sorry you suffered for so long.

[@Motosportz]

I'm from WA and ride a lot of the same stuff you guys do. So many good tire choices out right now. I have been down in SoCal all winter chasing the sun and riding different stuff. I currently mounted up some new model Motoz (MXI) which is their MX tire but I like them for off road. Really impressed with the front and like the rear a lot too. Totally different terrain and conditions here. Will be interesting to see how they work in the PNW this summer. BTW the Shinko 525 cheater is one of my favorites ha ha ha. Like Golden Tyre too but paying the Golden price means I don't run them much. When you ride a ton you need acceptable tire prices and longevity.

[@wayno23]

WA as in western Australia?

[@Motosportz]

@@wayno23 Sorry, Washington State.

[@wayno23]

@@Motosportz ok cool 👍

[@RampageEnduro]

How many hours do you put on each tire? I live in the desert and only get 10-15 hours max out of my rear tires.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

I usually pull them at 15hrs. Some still have plenty of life left, some don’t. I just like having fresh tires.

[@TheKitchenTechnician]

The problem with the 140’s is the knob height sucks. Maxis are the same. My favourite long lasting and best traction rear tire is the Kenda Trackmaster 2. Dot road rated also! Favourite front tire Shinko fatty. Lots of rocky terrain up here in north eastern Ontario. I run heavy duty tubes and 12 psi front and 8 psi rear. No pinch flats in over 4000 rocky gnarly kms!

[@rehepeks]

Any idea about EN91 EX?

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

I'm hearing that it's very similar to the Michelin Xtrem - meaning it's great for roots, slick rocks, riverbeds, but not so great in anything loose or soft.

[@rehepeks]

@@WASemiHardEnduro Ok. Im on a Kenda Ibex at the moment. Would have bought another one but the 120 size has pretty limited availability and its around 145eur in a couple shops where its in stock so decided to try something cheaper. Have an EX91 EX on the way. I guess I should have gone with 81. Usually doing some slow riding on logs, roots etc but occasionally end up in loose sand aswell.

[@delcowizzid]

If you ride slow and allways looking for full traction the shinko 525 is great in all terrain.our whole riding group is allmost exclusively on 525s weve tried a lot of others .get around 60hours on a 120

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

If only it was 20% lighter, and still $60 like it used to be 😂

[@bradenriley9066]

I feel you'll do more environmental damage with short knobbs since you cant hook up. Then you'll end up spinning, throwing dirt.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

Exactly. It's a stupid rule.

[@EricKammerzelt]

Try the michelin starcross 5. I know it's not as grippy as the gummy tires, but it is lighter and better performing than the ve33 imo.

[@seamarsh3756]

med or soft?

[@EricKammerzelt]

@@seamarsh3756 soft

[@tjpighin]

Its very simmilar to jx8 or acrually vice versa because irc took a tally of alllllll the tires being used at each hard enduro over the last 3 to 5 years. At least all the ones that i was at anyways. Im sure they were seeing what people were using most and who was usuing what where. At that time, the tire of choice was the at81 ex as the Michelin enduro extreme was not a thing yet. The ve33s is also very similar in performance characteristics and looks to the extreme as well. Difference being, in my opinion, is the Michelin rubber compound

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

I think Michelin has one of, if not the best compounds, held back by a shitty tread pattern. Their use of silica in the compound goes back decades, and it works wonders on their street bike tires in cold, wet weather (exactly where we dirtbikes need traction the most).

[@tjpighin]

@WASemiHardEnduro totally agree. Pretty wild the bench test, I would never think it's as special as it is till ya take it into the wild. Haha, it's crazy good when it's crazy good

[@fishtailfuture]

Interesting. I love the m5B in the PNW. But admitenally because of the muddy conditions most the year. I fint it better in almost every way than the Dunlop that came on the KTM and a couple other tires i've run.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

Anything is better than the stock dunlops

[@boblogIIIfan]

so many of these we cant get in australia , it sucks so much

[@lukefish7562]

Nice video. Thanks for sharing

[@719vol]

Are you running Tusk Talon Hybrid or Conventional Tusk Talon?

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

I believe there’s only 1: a hybrid, that comes in a 110 or 120. At least that’s what RMATV’s website shows. There’s a Recon, which isn’t a hybrid, and I’m not interested in trying that one.

[@stoplogicmotorsports]

​@@WASemiHardEndurothe recon is nowhere near as good. I'm waiting to Roach mine out

[@ErzbergAdventures]

I'm sorry but you are very wrong with short knobs being crap! once you start running super low pressures long knobs simply fold over and do not grip. run the medium compound in softer conditions. I also reccomend cutting a tire in half to see the internal casing structure too. As the Higher grade tires have a different structure.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

I'm just relaying my experience. No gummy tire is ideal in mud or sand because the knobs squirm and fold, but taller-knob gummies in MY experience work better in softer conditions without giving up any hard-terrain performance. FIM knob height is an arbitrary restriction - case in point: if a tire isn't FIM-approved, it has taller knobs - clearly the manufacturers realize that taller knobs are better (at least taller than 13mm). The Xtrem is still a great tire and it works really well. I think it would work even better across a wider variety of conditions if it had 15-16mm knobs. Oh and it needs to be 33% less expensive.

[@grizz5427]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I've been waiting for someone to do a video on different brand tires as inclusive as yours. Most everyone just does vids on one or two tires at a time of the same brand, that they didn't necessarily pay for. I love how you compared the different brands, along with their respective handling traits. I'm over here in Idaho with a lot of desert and mountains, and riding a lot of both. I don't like the idea of spending my retirement checks on something that's not going to work out. This video definitely fills in many of those gaps. Now would you consider doing, or giving any front and rear tire recommendations for doing the BDR on a KTM 890 Adventure R? Thanks again.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

Thanks for watching! I haven't done any adventure riding, so unfortunately I don't have any recommendations for you, but check out @dorkintheroad 's youtube channel - he does a ton of DBR riding.

[@micahnuckols5046]

If it doesn't grip in soft terrain you're going to spin and create ruts, so the idea it is better for the environment is out.

[@husaislander4838]

Kenda Ibex is my favorite here on Vancouver Island

[@jonathoncatterson8901]

Try the at81ex or jx8. Similar grip and the knobs wont break off. Im just on the other side of the water from you

[@husaislander4838]

@@jonathoncatterson8901 i have tried both my second fav is the JX8. Summer i like the Ve33s

[@rearwheelslider]

525 is my go to.

[@gophop]

3:04 that's FIM 13mm knob for you. It's not the rubber or the design. FIM tires suck. They're an equalizer, an arbitrary limitation to keep things interesting. I cringe when guys drop $160 on a tire that "Jarvis runs." They ignore common sense and basic physics for a marketing pitch.

[@dylkelley]

The M5B only really shines in the desert sand/ muddy conditions

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

Agreed. It’s an amazing hillclimb and soft terrain tire that is pretty ok everywhere else. But watch out on slimy rocks and roots!

[@middleageddirtscooter7883]

Hated the ve33s!! Best tires ive run are the Bridgestone e50 extreme and the Kenda Knarly 140.

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

I’m trying the Knarly 140 for this spring. Got it installed. It’s pretty much as soft as the JX8 I usually use.

[@middleageddirtscooter7883]

@@lostinpa-dadenduro7555 if its muddy run the tire backwards. Itll act more like a scoop tire. Works pretty well.

[@liamjenkins6848]

Agreed, E50X is the best tyre by far. It’s legit cheating

[@tassiejeeper01]

Im in aus and ride everything from hard enduro to hare scramble and even 100mph gravel roads. I love the ve33 (i run the "VE33R" as they dont bring the "VE33S" into Aus. However given that my riding isnt exclusive to hard single track i find it's probably better suited anyway. I run ultra heavy duty tubes, tube saddles and about 10psi rear and 12psi front (ive not had a great time with tubliss) havent tried mooses yet.

[@wayno23]

Thanks for the info im in Australia too .

[@raymondsiewert2720]

AT 81 all the way, and all the models of it ! Ride every week , and go through tires, so l was using cheap tires, but was only getting 10 hours or less out of them. The AT 81 works better everywhere and lasts me about 15 hours . You get what you pay for l guess.

[@liamjenkins6848]

Bridgestone EX50 is by far the best hard enduro tyre

[@adambatchelder4121]

Where I live and ride in the high Sierra mountains of California the kenda equilibrium at about 4psi is amazing.

[@Mutiny-5050]

Thanks for not voting the ve33s and m5b in the S tier . Got to keep those prices low . I agree with your assessment of the ve33s but I ride the same trails you do in the PNW and the M5B with 2 lbs of pressure is hard to beat . One tire you didn’t mention is the shinko 520DC the inner is gummy and the sides are hard and firm sidewall . Hence the dual compound. The cheater is trash the 520 dc is right with the ve33s .

[@mack73]

Agree on this. Friend grabbed the 520 DC and he loves it, might have a slight advantage over the VE33S that I run if you are a spinner

[@jamesleath9482]

Hey buddy, just so ya know, that’s the Michelin medium, not the extreme… the gummy version is the ‘extreme’.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

Wrong. I definitely have the Xtrem.

[@jamesleath9482]

@@WASemiHardEnduro 10-4. The tread pattern is the exact same as their medium (which is a great all around tire), hence the confusion on my end. Give the Bridgestone battlecross E50 extreme a try sometime, you may like it.

[@PNWEnduro]

The tire the hard enduro pros run may have the same name but they are not the same compound. They are made for extreme performance and only used one time. Those ones are not sold to the public.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

Do you have proof of this claim, cuz I don’t buy it. There are plenty of “insiders” who say that the Xtrem is the exact tire they use. It’s expensive because it’s hand made, and they sell out frequently from the race teams buying them in huge lots.

[@PNWEnduro]

@@WASemiHardEnduro No proof, just what I've been told.

[@nseric1233]

I think they run the same tire that's sold to the public but they have special mousses. I'd like to see them, billy bolt has to run 3 rim locks to keep his rear tire on the rim because it's so soft.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

Plenty of vlogs from the pros talks about their mousse setup - JW likes to drill his then runs it in practice to get to the feel he likes for a race. Lot of the guys do the same (drill or shave them, then run it a bit to break them down before a race).

[@steves5632]

They get paid to run them and yes they are different from what we get.

[@andrecontois8510]

I won't bother with an fim spec tire. I don't plan on entering races where I'd need it. I don't think spinning with short knobs is better than digging and moving with regular knobs.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

That was my first and last FIM tire.

[@sandorkiss6746]

Metzeler extra soft simply the best!

[@marcosdacosta5303]

I like Bridgestone extreme enduro

[@keffjames2747]

You left out one of the best tires on the market. Kenda IBEX.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

Yeah some people seem to like it, but everyone I’ve talked to in the PNW hasn’t had great experiences with it. Other tires on the market grip just as well, but don’t shred knobs and last longer than the Ibex.

[@jimbefit3073]

Dude, wrt the first tire, a michenin - first you say nothing performed better on wet rocks or roots. Then you say you can get tires that performs twice as good. You might consider taking blanket statements OUT, and replace with : this michelin is untouchable in wet, slippery rocks or roots, sucks in loose stuff, and....sand- Never mentioned. Also SIDE BITE. NO ONE COMMENTS ON SIDE BITE!!! SO, I GIVE THE REVIEW A "2" OVERALL.

[@1down5up_enduro]

I like my jx8

[@bradleyhetherington2145]

That Michelin tires is only 120 bucks

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

Not for the Xtrem it’s not.

[@too-stoked-about-2-strokes]

M5B evoooooooo

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

If it's warm and dry, then sure!

[@jaywalk6628]

Or 6lbs and a uhd tube in your buddies free take offs.

[@hairyyeti21]

mitas super soft

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

Tried the EX MH double green and really didn’t care for it. The EF might be better, but it sounds pretty similar to the Mich Xtrem.

[@enduro-parts-aus]

FIM is so stupid !

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

💯

[@andrewsoldan6050]

WTF was that, Michelin Enduro, Metzeler Extreme 6 days, Mitas these tyres pro are using. and yes Michelin Enduro medium is the best all around. Nonsense video.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

In the US, FIM tires with their arbitrary knob height restrictions aren’t very popular. This video isn’t for pros - they already know what tire they want to run. It’s for regular riders who sometimes ride hard stuff and want a good high performance tire.