How to Choose a Gummy Tire for your Dirt Bike!

Knowing what gummy tire to put on your dirt bike these days is becoming increasingly more difficult. More brands are developing multiple compounds, tire size and knob height is a debatable topic, and the current crop of gummy tire review videos don’t help a viewer know how to make a decision. That’s what I’m trying to help out with. We talk about the variables that come into play when choosing a gummy tire for your dirt bike, whether you’re riding hard enduro or just looking for extra traction.
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If you’re a rider looking for the best rear gummy tire, you will need to do some research. When watching review videos, make sure the reviewer rides the same type of terrain you do. The 140/80 tire size with a softer bib mousse will wrap around objects and find traction in the wet, rocky, rooty terrain. Due to the lower knob height, it will dig in less to loamier dirt, have a bit less braking efficiency, and may have some shortcomings when really leaning over for high speed turns. A taller knob height on a more traditional (in the States) 120/90 gummy tire will still create traction. The taller knobs will be better in the loamier, high speed trails. A gummy knob will still flex under hard braking conditions, but with more knob to dig in, your braking will be better than a smaller knob height.
If you’ve done the research and found a rear gummy tire you love, please share which tire and why in the comments. That’ll help anyone who finds this video fine tune their gummy tire decision making skills.
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[@IRCTireUSAMoto]

This is awesome! Great break down! We definitely have a few ideas after seeing this video!

[@SeatTime]

Rock On! Looking forward to seeing some future updates!!!

[@godsgraceoutdoors2659]

For single track riding with hard pack and loose, rocks and roots, wet to dry, I find the 33s in a 110/100 to be the ticket at 5 psi. It doesn’t roll and gives allot of stability along with just good wear. When I want more traction at slower speed on the gnar and steep slower stuff the ix-09 with a Bridgestone ultra heavy duty tube at about 4-5 psi is hard to beat. I am testing a Michelin Battle Cross e50 extreme but I just don’t like a wider 140/80 tire at the moment for the type of riding I do. I find the battle cross not to hook if the loam but hooks in the harder pack, rocks, and roots so good you will loop your bike if not careful. For front tires it is really hard to beat the m59 Bridgestone in the faster flowing stuff and even the real slow technical gnar. I find it to be hard and can slide. The irc ve35 front is by far the best tire for slick roots on single track, it wanr slide down the roots. I find I only like the feel of an ultra heavy duty Bridgestone tube at 10-11 psi in my front tires despite what brand. I will say the irc ve 35 isn’t a good off camber tire it doesn’t track well as I like. I wish I could combine the likes of the m59 with the irc 35 and I would have the perfect front tire. I am about to give a Bridgestone x-31 a go on the front. Overall I don’t care for any tire over a 120 on the rear and I am learning I really don’t care for a tire over a 90 on the front. Excellent video and thanks for your time.

[@SeatTime]

I think the Bridgestone x-31 will be the next tires I try on the front, Morgan has had good things to say about them. But in Texas, we have much more interesting, dry terrain. So we'll see ho wit holds up here in Big OLE Texas! Let us know how your adventure with the Bridgestone x-31 goes, and we'll do the same. Thanks for your tire specifics shared. That'll certainly help other riders enjoy #GettingSeattime!

[@lastmanoffthefield4572]

What state and area do you ride. Your description about the 33s fits my bill and type of riding I do. What’s the best front and rear tire for this setup. How did the x31s treat ya?

[@Kickaha83]

I've just started using a 110/100-18 Motoz Arena Hybid gummy with tubliss at 8psi on my 1998 RMX250, the riding is a big mix of single track, open grass paddock, forestry, gravel road farm track and all things in-between, way better feedback from the rear of the bike with a massive increase in predictability and hookup when sliding the rear, rear braking also has much more feel, I only have about 10 hours on the tyre so far and it still looks like new, I have not tried it in any wet or muddy conditions yet and I do tend to avoid them where possible, I just come off the Bridgestone X30 which was my go to tyre for the conditions we normally ride however it was running without tubliss and a higher pressure so not a direct comparison

[@SeatTime]

I look forward to trying the Motoz as well. Keep us in the loop and enjoy #GettingSeattime!!!

[@stephdage792]

Been doing hard enduro/goat runs/trials with enduro, 1st, 2nd gear stuff for 6yrs. Started with 505 then 525. Wore well for Eastern Canada terrain with roots, rocks, dirt. When I stepped up a notch in steeper terrain and difficulty, tried the IBEX. Phenominal traction in the dirtiest, rockiest small and large, vertical more then 40 deg, switchbacks.... Need absolute clutch control to not do the WOT or lugs comes off. Hate it in high speed, feels loosy goosy. I do have a smaller sized mousse drilled out as I ride a Beta Xtrainer. Since we dont do high speed stuff, tire and mousse are great after 100 hrs. Will be trying out the knarly and jx8 and or mitas double green ef 07. Tx for the explanation! Gives me a different view on tire set up.

[@SeatTime]

Heck Yes Steph! Lots of learning and playing with your setup over the years!! I agree with the IBEX at speeds. I tend to do more traditional enduros over hard enduro, so the speeds are higher for longer. "Gives me a different view on tire set up." Glad it came across in a good way. I'm not trying to give out my opinion as if it's the only one out there folks should listen to. Enjoy #GettingSeattime!

[@StephanieVetterly]

Great video! Very informative and fair to multiple brands :)

[@SeatTime]

🤘 Thanks Stephanie!!!

[@firffighter]

Great video content and presentation as always Woody! My evolution went traditional knobs - Dunlop 803 trials- MT43- MotoZ Mt Hybrid- Kenda Equilibrium- Shinko 505- Kenda IBEX- MotoZ Arena Hybrid- Dunlop AT81EX- IRC V33S Just scratching the surface 🤣

[@SeatTime]

Dear Lord! That’s a video progression that needs to be documented!!!

[@SeatTime]

Also, TY! This video took awhile, and honestly freaked me out a little to put out, so I’m glad it seems helpful and fun.

[@marchaught4790]

Where can I find one of those Haribo Gummy tires cuz they're the gummiest?

[@SeatTime]

🤣 Buy 10 Haribo Gummys and you get your 11th free!

[@craigster1952]

In my So. Cal. neighborhood the IRC VE-33 S is king. The Ride 220 was ok when it was new.

[@SeatTime]

VE-33 is so good!

[@EnduroWurx]

Cameo, score! Great information Woody.

[@SeatTime]

Always need to make sure our sexy trail side camera men make the cut!!! Glad it was helpful!

[@itjobhunter]

Great summary Woody - I'm in the cost vs performance camp myself, and the Tusk Recon is hard to beat in that area. The only downside is that they only have a fatty front tire, and I don't like it at all. So, after running 3 or 4 Tusk tires, I'm on the IRC VE33/35 setup now. And like you said IRC is really putting out some great material through Rich Larsen. I really like that guy - I might even try to get some coaching from him, if he's ever over in CO!

[@SeatTime]

I’ll be in Colorado again for Shady Burro. Not that I can give you lessons, but we can a least enjoy #GettingSeattime together!!!

[@highlandcycles]

Awesome stuff man. I am in love with the new VeeMoto Force AT in the Apex compound. It is a sticky rubber but not super squishy. Kinda like the knobs are climbing shoe rubber. Holding up well and gripping like a gorilla!

[@SeatTime]

Thanks for the tire option. Is a tire you'd ride for Shady Burro?

[@SeatTime]

Also, I checked out the tire. The site has a hidden mention of the difference between Standard Compound and APEX. "Available in standard compound for softer conditions and longer wear. Or APEX soft compound with slower rebound and control in more technical surroundings". This is another spot where we need more help for consumers. This was hidden in a tab, and very little explanation on APEX, though I'm glad they mentioned longer wear vs technical surroundings.

[@highlandcycles]

@@SeatTime yes. I will be riding it this year at that race. It’s an interesting set up. Tall knobs and lots of side bite. It holds well going fast in a corner but then grips really well in the rocks too.

[@highlandcycles]

@@SeatTime totally. I don’t know why the description is so bad and hard to find. I have a few vids on it on our channel and I’m testing them a ton right now. Stay tuned.

[@lucascomeaux]

Cool video man wish we had more rocks in LA

[@SeatTime]

RIGHT! Sand and tight piney woods… it’s all us Louisiana boys know!!!

[@jeffbrownell279]

Have run the Ibex and 525 cheater on back(tublis user).I liked both and the 525 lasts forever but it's a heavy pig.Last summer I put a VE33S on and love it for its do all personality.I am mainly a tight singletrack rider in upper Michigan and occasionally air down to 3 psi for some hard enduro terrain.I actually run a 110 on back(Beta 300rr)because it carves thru the woods better.

[@tonyread5559]

Been running the Bridgestone E50 for the last year or so. It holds up well and has gripped super well in all conditions. Doesn't feel super wishy washy like some even in slightly faster terrain. Running it on a Sherco 250 2stk with Tubliss. It looks wore out, but still grips. Only problem is they jumped up in price from when I first got one. I'm riding in middle and eastern TN.

[@SeatTime]

Good feedback. The IRC JX8 Gekkota I had have NO KNOBS left but still had traction., somehow!

[@russssh]

Dunlop AT81EX, GoldenTyre GT516KE, Shinko 525 Cheater are all great in their own way. But the Dunlop takes the cake!

[@dirtbiketimemachine7167]

Usually run the Kenda ibex but it’s definitely a softer tire falls apart fast if u ride like an animals. but has crazy traction on the slick roots and rocks we get out here on the west coat of Canada. Definitely a lot of good stuff out there tho can’t wait to see what I try next haha

[@SeatTime]

I actually had access to the IBEX when it was still in development! It was fun to give feedback on that tire. 'Gummy tires' have come a LONG way since the days of trials tires and one-off creations for the pro riders. We still need a better system for knowing the 'stickiness' of the tire, the expectation of terrain it'll be best for, and possible longevity when used where it's meant to be used. Example: A soft/medium tire could be good in the rocks, but it could also suck in the rocks. I don't think manufactures think of that when they label a tire soft/medium terrain. Rocks are hard, but they move. So does rocky terrain fall under medium/hard or soft/medium. That type of stuff explained better could be hella helpful for riders I think.

[@dirtbiketimemachine7167]

@@SeatTime yes vary valid points 👍 a lot of the guys i go riding with including myself, usually runs a harder motocross tire in the summer because they take shale rock and heat a lot better. Then come fall on go the gummy tires. they definitely harden up a bit and last longer in the cold but will still chunk. Riders preference tho 🤷‍♂️ I still ride a motocross bike from 01 and have a blast doin it 🤘

[@SeatTime]

@@dirtbiketimemachine7167 West Coast Canada, JEALOUS... 🤤

[@muckymoto]

Kenda Equilibrium on the 2T and Kenda Trackmaster on the DR650 Love them!!

[@SeatTime]

I ran the Equilibrium when it first came out. I was running TuBliss at the time and had issues with punctures and side wall flex. When the Ibex came out, it was game on! Now a days we’ve got SOOOO many gummy tires to choose from. It a great place to be. Thanks for watching!!!

[@muckymoto]

@@SeatTime Right on! - I have Tubliss also but have not experience punctures, but probably due to my riding style. Being over 50, I do not ride that hard. I am looking to replace my Equilibrium soon. I will check out the IBex Great Post !

[@EinSteinerEnduro]

Great video Woody!🔥

[@SeatTime]

Thanks EinSteiner!!!

[@jw8556]

I run Bridgestone E50 extreme 140/80/18 between 3 psi for the crazy shit and 4 psi for hard enduro with super low gearing 12/52 on a sherco 125 and get excellent results with 3 rim locks and a Bridgestone ultra 4 mm thick tube with this set up l can easily get up to 40 hrs of ride time out of the tire with a conscious effort on clutch control and line selection to make up for the lack of not power but have torque

[@SeatTime]

I’d like to try the X31’s!

[@jw8556]

@@SeatTime l have run intermediate Bridgestones some time ago 401 front and 404 on a KTM 300 04/05 models the 401 and the 401A were the best front tires lv had run other brands but after work for a Bridgestone tire dealership (car truck) many years ago l found the had excellent quality control and nearly zero warranty issues and have stuck to using (made in Japan Bridgestones) them ever since but l have run other brands as well

[@jospehnegherbon9154]

Here in Nor-Cal just throw on a 130 IRC M5B for the win. ! Cheers boys.

[@SeatTime]

That tire is used a lot for hill climbers too, right?

[@jospehnegherbon9154]

I have had real good luck with it for all around terrain. How many rides or miles are you typically getting out of the gummed. Great video.

[@green461]

I had the Shinko 525 cheater (gummy) rear, was really good, seemed to wear a bit fast. Now have the Motoz Arena hybrid gummy with a mouse in it, the stiff sidewall and the super flexible tread will go over anything. Its awesome. wear is really good also. Also tried the Shinko 216 fatty gummy front with a mouse... really sloshy, hard to control, too soft for me. Going to a regular compound shinko 216 front with tubliss. But the hybrid gummy rear is amazing what it will do.

[@SeatTime]

Good feedback, thanks for sharing!!! Enjoy #GettingSeattime! #Stoked 🤘🏻🤙🏻

[@robertbaker9329]

Just bought a jx8 hopefully it doesn’t suck and compensates for my lack of skill lol

[@SeatTime]

Let us know how it goes!!!

[@claudioteixeira5917]

I gone a try the shinko 216 sx 140-80 r 18 , look amazing soft! 😏

[@SeatTime]

NICE! And that's a good price point too. "SX version is the ultra-soft tire for extreme grip on the toughest terrain."

[@claudioteixeira5917]

Yes is the shipper gummy tire money can by, 216 mx fatty front and 216sx gummy,the set was 105€! 😉

[@markbevans8564]

Great comments 🏆After running quite a few, the JX8 is a clear winner for the west coast Sierra's for this old fart 😉

[@SeatTime]

Let us know how it holds up. It had hella traction in Colorado, it just wore quicker than expected.

[@dustinsetzer1212]

Jx8 does everything amazing it just wears faster then some others but I keep finding that I’m not near as happy with performance of other tires like I am the Jx8

[@Big_Draco1738]

How don’t you have 500k subs yet hahaha

[@SeatTime]

First off, thank you! Second, please share the channel with riding buddies!

[@laneconaway780]

another great video ! im running a Kenda Gnarly rear tire that i really like. Its lasted way longer than i was expecting as well.

[@SeatTime]

🤘🏻🤘🏻 Hell Yeah, thanks Man! That Knarly certainly checks the new fad boxes of 140/80 & 13mm knob height. Need to ride more rocks and hard enduro on my end to get some for testing.

[@1stDirtDevil]

Metzler super soft 140/80 plenty of traction. Not bad in loamy stuff either. Not great in very wet muddy conditions or very wet grass. They do last a long time for a gummy tire as long as you don't spin the crap out of it when you stuck or crank it like hell on roads.

[@SeatTime]

Good stuff, yet to try that one out!!! What mousse or insert are you running with it?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Great info!

[@SeatTime]

Heck Yeah, Thanks!!! Pass it along to riding buddies so they can laugh a little, and learn a little. 🤘

[@ThomperBeThompin]

@@SeatTime Fo Sho. You're putting out great content.

[@paulhicks7437]

Love the video

[@SeatTime]

Heck Yeah, Thanks dude!!!

[@human1513]

Helpful. Thanx.

[@SeatTime]

You got it!

[@Joes2710]

I run the Michelin enduro extreme and a Michelin bib on my 300 tpi. It hugs rocks and does alright on the little bit higher speed stuff. Seems to be wearing alright also. Not sure if I should get another one or try something else.

[@SeatTime]

Thanks for sharing what you're riding. If you compete, and want to know exactly how your tires respond, keep running the same setup. If you want to keep learning about how different treads and compounds affect handling, keep playing around. Let us know what you learn!

[@jondoe4667]

I ride in Tucson. So anything from real hard pack, loamy sand, to rocks..... I've ran a few gummy tires and they are sweet at first. But I'm a big guy, and very aggressive with my clutch. (That dickhead who is always roosting everything) so a gummy will start loosing knobs after 1 or 2 rides. My go to tire is the IRC-M5B, and if I'm not on that I'm on a Kenda washougal 2. Both are huge knobs and aggressive enough to do really well in just about any condition. Just for grins I'll tell you that the 1 tire you will never see on my bike is a Dunlap because they are trash. 👊✊✊

[@SeatTime]

Dunlop = Shots Fired!!! 😂 Thanks for the feedback.

[@donaldwagner841]

I am looking for a tire that would be good on rock shelf’s that are wet mountain trails in the smokes just looking if you have a particular suggestion

[@SeatTime]

If you're looking for a trail gummy: - IRC ve33s gekkota: amzn.to/3XsLMu9 - Kenda IBEX: amzn.to/3Xq82F1 If you're looking for pure gummy, and less about trail traction: - IRC jx8 gekkota: amzn.to/3ML8bhr - Kenda Knarly: amzn.to/4e1Cc8F Let us know what you choose and how it works for ya!

[@donaldwagner841]

Thank you

[@nwhuckin7761]

Good stuff lol

[@SeatTime]

🤘🏻Thanks! Enjoy #GettingSeattime!!!

[@sundaymorningrides9142]

what are your two "go to" tires and size at the moment for straight up hard enduro/rocks/slow (1) and faster flowy hare scrambly (2) riding? Started racing little over a year ago, and do a mix of everything. I'm looking to have two full tire setups, 1 for hares/traditional enduros and 1 for hard enduros this season. I've run shinko 525 cheater at 120 and the kenda ibex at 120. But I've been intrigued by the 140s for a while now and have been thinking of trying. Maybe the shinko 216sx gummy? I'm just worried about those low knob heights in the mud, which in NEPA our hard enduros will often have. along with plenty of rock. Thoughts??

[@SeatTime]

I'll give you three. Michelin Starcross 5 Medium Rear 110 mixed with a Starcross 5 Soft 80 up front for faster, flowy cross country across most of Texas terrains works great. I haven't run the Starcross 6's yet unfortunately, so I can't tel you if I have that same recommendation with them. I also really like the Vee Moto Force AT as you start to get more technical, but still works well for faster riding. I do a 90/100-21 up front, as the 80 seemed very narrow and a 110/100-18 in the rear. They have an APEX gummy compound which I have in the garage to try out soon. The IRC JX8 Gekkota was CRAZY gummy for technical, nasty, hard enduro type stuff. No, it's not a "140" but damn it's gummy and creates traction. Run with a Nitromousse soft bib and you're grabbing the terrain. I have a VE33 Rear on now and love that too. Apparently the gummy version of the VE33 is also gummy AF. Chris at Trailbound SWEARS by all Mitas Tires, but I haven't run them. I talk about a few in the video, but that's all direct research and discussion with others riders. I'll get to ride them one day! Hope that helps. Keep the questions and feedback coming!

[@sundaymorningrides9142]

@@SeatTime thanks for that, good info. This is what keeps throwing me for a loop I think with my decision. I keep hearing about the 140's, but then when hearing from experienced guys in the states like yourself and many others - when it comes to what they are actually running, its all 110's and 120's. Makes me think that 140 is really only around because FIM requirements? Because a gummy 110 or 120, like you mentioned is still going to grip great on rock, and with a non-FIM tire you get a taller tread depth which will do better in the soft loam and mud too. Rich Larsen also pointed me towards all 120s/110s. I do love 120's, its my favorite to date. But I guess I was kinda hoping to see/hear from some people actually running the 140s and saying "dude they're waay better than a 120 with 25mm nobs" Not hearing that haha. I had a 120 knarly a while back and it did horrible in mud. I guess i'm wondering if a 140 FIM tire is as good as a 120 non-FIM in the mud. guess I might just have to try it out myself and let you know

[@chadrides914]

Gummy tires are terrible in mud. Period. Full stop. But dry hard slow speed hard pack or rocky conditions gummy’s kick butt in!

[@SeatTime]

I’ve had some gummy tires that work great in the mud. It’s more about the tread pattern of the knobbies wether it works good in the mud or not. The Tusk Recon SUCKS in wet and muddy conditions.

[@chadrides914]

@@SeatTime I’ve run every non FIM gummy in the mud and imo they are all terrible compared to stiff knobbys. That “S” tire is an exception

[@VikVik-je8go]

But 120 100 18 kenda Ibex is indicate and great in hardenduro and is not 140 as you suggest 😕?

[@SeatTime]

If the Kenda Ibex is working for you, keep using it! Just know that if you ride in really rocky terrain, or slower, more technical trails, the Kenda Knarly might work a little bit better. More than anything, remember to have fun and enjoy #GettingSeattime!!!!

[@VikVik-je8go]

@@SeatTime kenda gnarly is less gumy not good to rocky river beds.

[@SeatTime]

The knarly is a wider tire, and the knobs have less height, so it will wrap around rocks, and obstacles, more than a tire like an IBEX, which has taller knobs and less wide of a footprint. That’s why riders are choosing a 140/80 for tree hard enduro terrain. Especially when they run a drilled out bib mousse, which gives the tire an almost deflated tire pressure feel.

[@hawaiidogoadventures9855]

Wears out to fast for me. Xr400r.

[@stanleykania7184]

Easy, don't buy at all.. these tires only last one race..

[@SeatTime]

There are some that go out quick for sure (like the JX8), but some of the more trail specific tires last a good bit longer.

[@all_motor_sequence3793]

🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷

[@gnarrrrrrrrrrrr]

shinko 505 cheater all day my habibis. sticky af. great balance of grip and lifespan on hard and intermediate shit. cheap. weak in mud and sand but who cares that stuff sucks. braaaaaap

[@SeatTime]

The more gummy tires I try, the more I will say a gummy tire isn't a gummy tire if it doesn't work in the wet or mud.

[@gnarrrrrrrrrrrr]

@@SeatTime unless you live in a dry region lol gummy tires that are good in mud only last like 5 hours brah

[@SeatTime]

@@gnarrrrrrrrrrrr The Tusk Recon is a great example. Now that I've ridden it a bunch, it's not a good tire. It's sold as a hybrid tire, but it gets less traction in wet conditions than my non-gummy tires.

[@jarrod1687]

Uleh

[@midgetmoney1]

Kenda Knarly 140 for the win.

[@SeatTime]

How’s it hold up for you?!?!

[@midgetmoney1]

@@SeatTime Better than expected! They have a medium direction and a soft direction so I flipped it and it's still going. We have very splippery mud, roots, and rocks on Kauai so that is what most guys are running. I jumped on board and have to agree.

[@SeatTime]

Kauai, JEALOUS! Did you do the Endurofest earlier this year?!?!

[@midgetmoney1]

@@SeatTime Yes, 27 of us shipped our bikes in a container to Oahu, it was super fun. I heard that next year, it may be on Kauai but not positive.

[@SeatTime]

@@midgetmoney1 Super cool. I saw all the media US Hard Enduro, and riders, were putting out. Looked like a heck of a good (hard) time!