MAXXIS DIRT BIKE TYRE GUIDE

3 years ago | Words: Andy Wigan | Photos: Maxxis Australia, PostMoto

Maxxis absolutely owns the show when it comes to market share in mountain bike circles. And with the Taiwanese tyre manufacturer recently releasing an all-new, Aussie-spec MaxxCross MX-IH (Intermediate Hard) 18-inch rear tyre, it’s helped focus attention on the market share gains that Maxxis has also been forging in the dirt bike market of late.

But how does the new MX-IH fit into the expanded range of new-generation off-road tyres now produced by Maxxis? Here’s a top-line summary of the range of Maxxis dirt bike hoops, along with an insight into each model’s construction features, performance range, and a handy tyre set-up guide developed by the brand’s Aussie distributor in cahoots with Pro MX and Off-Road racer, Todd Waters

MAXXCROSS MX-ST (SOFT TERRAIN)

The all-new Maxxcross MX-ST range has been designed from the ground up. This tyre features a unique race-spec rubber compound and tread pattern that delivers excellent traction in soft/loamy conditions.

  • Race-spec rubber compound
  • Tread pattern optimises traction and braking performance
  • Lightweight carcass design improves ride comfort, impact absorption and rider feel
  • Tried-and-trued in Australia’s soft/sandy conditions

The same tyre technology (rubber compound and tread pattern) found in the ‘big bike’ range has also been introduced into the minibike range. You’ll find new MX-ST tyres as OEM fitment on new generation KTM, GASGAS, Husqvarna and Yamaha YZ65 models.

MX-ST: CONSTRUCTION FEATURES…

  • Aggressive tread pattern and wide-spaced knobs for soft/sandy conditions
  • Knob arrangement: 33 centre, 36 side, 36 shoulder
  • Gyration pattern on front tyre to increase cornering stability

MAXXCROSS MX-SI (SOFT INTERMEDIATE)

The all-new Maxxcross MX-SI tyre range delivers excellent traction in soft terrain while providing increased durability when transitioning to harder terrain. It features a lightweight carcass construction, anti-flex bridges and new race-proven rubber for increased straight-line traction and aggressive cornering.

  • All-new tread pattern and rubber compound for soft conditions
  • Aggressive tread pattern with larger centre blocks to increase traction on harder terrain
  • Anti-flex bridges on side knobs offer stability and enhanced grip for aggressive cornering
  • Lightweight carcass design improves ride comfort, impact absorption and rider feel

MX-SI: CONSTRUCTION FEATURES…

  • Aggressive tread pattern and wide-spaced knobs for soft conditions
  • Larger centre blocks for increased traction on harder terrain
  • Gyration pattern on front tyre and anti-flex bridges to increase cornering stability

Watch the MX-SI in action here


MAXXCROSS MX-IH (INTERMEDIATE HARD)

The all-new Maxxcross MX-IH tyre range has been purposely designed to provide superior performance and traction in Australia’s hard/rocky terrain. The new lightweight carcass construction and strong sidewall virtually eliminates tyre roll sensation through corners. The new rubber compound delivers increased performance and durability in hard terrain while the pentagon-shaped knobs and half-shoulder knobs with staggered grooves increase cornering control and rider feeling.

  • NEW tread and compound designed specifically for intermediate – hard conditions
  • NEW rubber compound delivers increased performance and durability in hard conditions
  • NEW lightweight carcass construction and a strong sidewall virtually eliminates tyre roll sensation through corners
  • The pentagon-knob design and half-shoulder knobs with staggered grooves increase cornering control and rider feel in intermediate to hard conditions
  • #E/DOT-approved 120/90-18 rear
  • #E/DOT-approved front arriving Q4 2022

MX-IH: CONSTRUCTION FEATURES…

  • Pentagon knob design and ‘Monster’ impressions on front tyre
  • Strong carcass construction for enduro/off-road riding
  • Durable rubber compound for hard/rocky/blue-groove terrain

Watch the MX-IH in action here


HARD ENDURO TYRE OPTIONS…

MAXXCROSS IT

The Maxxcross IT offers excellent value for any hardcore cross-country/enduro rider or weekend warrior looking for a long-lasting road-legal knobby. The Maxxcross IT’s rubber compound and knob design enhance handling, stability and grip in a variety of int- hard conditions.

  • #E/DOT-approved hard enduro tyre
  • Strong and durable for hard enduro riding
  • Excellent grip in intermediate terrain
  • Long-lasting rubber

NEW ENDURO (MAXXENDURO)

The Maxxcross New Enduro is a DOT-approved, FIM-style endurocross and technical trailriding tyre. The front tyre features large, widely spaced knobs that bite hard, shed mud and steer quickly. The rear side knobs allow for flex, which enhances grip on rocks and hard surfaces.

  • #E/DOT-approved hard enduro tyre
  • Strong and durable for hard enduro riding
  • Excellent grip in intermediate terrain
  • Resilient across a huge range of terrain
  • Used by Factory TM Racing’s Wil Ruprecht in 2022
  • Brad Freeman, a British rider for the Factory Beta Racing team, won the EnduroGP using the MaxxCross New Enduro

TODD WATERS’ TYRE SET-UP GUIDE


TERRAIN GUIDE

Be the first to comment...

You might also like...

1 week ago

2026 SMX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP VIDEO PASS

The SMX Video Pass is back, and again providing live and on-demand access to all 31 rounds.

3 weeks ago

2026 ENDURO & CC MODELS: 7-BRAND PRICE COMPARO

A handy table of easy-to-compare prices for seven brands’ 2026 enduro and cross-country models.

4 weeks ago

HONDA CLAIMS EIGHTH AUSX TITLE

Dean Wilson sealed the deal for Honda with a dominant 2025 Australian Supercross season.

National Motorcycle Insurance

1 month ago

Ride Smart | Presented by National Motorcycle Insurance

Transmoto’s Simon Barratt covers some handy tips on how to protect your dirt bike, presented by National Motorcycle Insurance.

KTM

2 months ago

KTM DOMINATES 2025 AUSTRALIAN ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP

The KTM DM31 Racing Team wrapped up four titles at the weekend’s AusEnduro season finale.

7 months ago

Boost Secures 2025 AUSX Naming Rights

The Australian Supercross Championship is set to launch into its biggest season yet.

7 months ago

TT Circuit Assen To Host 2027 MXoN

The 80th edition of the MXoN will see the legendary event return to Dutch soil in 2027.

8 months ago

First Look: Aus MXGP Battleground

The 2025 MXGP of Australia track design has been revealed.