Best Desert Dirt Bike Tires [Updated]

If you decide to start up on desert riding, then you have to wise up to the reality of picking the best desert dirt bike tires.

Now I have seen agreements and disagreements on the matter, but I would rule tires as one of the most critical elements in the dirt bike.

So, like a trail or enduro riding, desert riding also demands having the best desert dirt bike tires.

But here’s the bombshell! As dirt bike riders, it would come as no surprise at the sheer number of desert dirt bike tires available right now.

Like everyone else, you will find picking the best dirt bike tire for the desert terrain to be hectic, especially with the mixed opinions.

I was also in such a dilemma and took the time to compile my list of best desert dirt bike tires for your terrain.

I sought as much as I can each tire’s strengths and weaknesses from personal stories and backgrounds.

Here are the best dirt bike tires which came up as best models to conquer that harsh desert terrain.

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(Here’s quick highlights of my top desert dirt bike tires with paid links to Amazon where you can see these dirt bike tires. You will not be charged any extra fee by buying using these links!)

Pirelli MT 43 Dual Sport Motorcycle Tire

Pirelli is another tire manufacturer offering a kind of tread that suits desert and rocky terrain.

In this case, Pirelli produces the Pirelli MT 43 Dual Sport Motorcycle Tire as one of its best desert dirt bike tires.

It is slightly different from its predecessor, the MT43 Pro Trials Tire.

The scoop, however, lies in the tire’s tread pattern. The treads include non-square knobs with a depth of 11mm.

Plus, the reinforced carcass, the Pirelli MT 43 Tire, can resist the increasing desert heat.

Another characteristic of the Pirelli MT 43 includes its super gummy flexible sidewalls.

The goal with such a feature is to have a stronger tire carcass and rubber, which absorbs sharp impacts.

The dual-sport aspect would also mean that the tire does have a reliable construction.

Pirelli’s make is capable of resisting tire deformation by ensuring the greatest contact area with the desert surface.

Dunlop Geomax MX52

Dunlop introduces the Geomax MX52 as the predecessor to the Goemax family consisting of the MX31, MX51, and MX71.

Each type is for a particular terrain, and the MX52, the design makes it an all-around tire.

A look at the MX52 tire design reveals staggered knobs, which Dunlop claims help absorb impacts.

Dunlop is using its patented block knobs here to offer better traction on cornering.

In short, the model raises the knobs patterns enough to provide a stiffer grip on the sand.

A stiff sidewall is also part of the Dunlop Geomax MX52. You will find that the sidewalls are everything.

They ensure consistency in your riding, letting your corner much harder.

The sidewall design is also necessary if you seek to prevent a potential tire from flat or allow you to run on less air pressure.

Maxxis Maxx Cross IT

The Maxxis MaxxCross IT fits as a do-it-all desert dirt bike tire.

Riders running them also profess to the tires as having an excellent intermediate terrain capability.

The bulk of the capabilities lies with the excellent features.

For instance, you will find it has proper spacing between the knobs to make it a custom model for loose conditions.

On the flip side, you will also find that the knobs are close enough to provide the necessary grip.

The knobs also feature a standard rubber compound in the centre which is softer.

The goal of this is to provide traction during cornering, starting, or acceleration.

The last bit would be the Maxxis MaxxCross IT rubber content.

As an intermediate terrain tire, Maxxis uses old-fashion traction capabilities with the tire’s rubber make.

The rubber material is flexible enough to sustain duress and tough enough to resist desert terrain.

The best news would be that such flexibility ensures the dirt bike tire pressure for the desert is appropriate.

Battlecross X30

The Battlecross X30 is also a do-it-all tire that is a popular choice among Bridgestone’s Intermediate terrain tires.

This means it is compatible with most surfaces and, best of all, the desert landscape.

Dirt bike desert riders love the centre-block knob pattern, which is vital if you want traction in the desert.

The raised and asymmetric design pattern is also a massive bonus if you’re going to maintain stability when cornering or braking in the dunes.

You will also find the Battlecross X30 an excellent option for your desert riding due to its plain cooling fins.

The unique rubber features would come in handy in heat dissipation from dirt bike tires.

By all accounts, this is necessary if you are counting on riding in the desert trails for a long time.

Maxxis Desert IT

By all accounts, the Maxxis desert IT is the best desert dirt bike tire in the intermediate terrain category.

You will realize that it is specially made to be durable in the desert and rocky conditions.

As such, the desert IT uses a tube-type mechanism to improve traction in the sand.

Part of the outer carcass design features tall knobs, which also improve the traction levels.

As Maxxis Maxxcross also puts it, the knobs are stiffer than other designs, which is necessary for excellent pinch protection.

Dunlop D606 Dual Sport Tires

The Dunlop D606 is another desert dirt bike tire that you will find compatible with street and off-road riding.

Yet, as per Dunlop, the dirt bike tire is 90 per cent dirt and 10 per cent street. In short, the emphasis is on extreme off-road riding.

As a result, you will find the tire has a full-depth tread pattern, which provides more extended durability.

Dunlop also puts a harder rubber compound as part of the tire construction to ensure better grip on different surfaces.

Another catch with these Dunlop desert dirt bike tires is that they are compatible with front Dunlop dirt bike tires.

You will find them a perfect match with the popular D905 and K139 tires.

The DOT approval could also pique your interest. As the transport authorities, the support means the Dunlop D606 Dual Sport Tire, a street-legal dirt bike tire.

You can ride them on the highways and the desert terrain.

Kenda K760 Trakmaster II

If you ride a dual sport dirt bike, you might also opt to spend your money on the Kenda K760 Trakmaster II.

For starters, it has an aggressive-looking design despite having street-legal knobs.

The building is a great advantage since you can ride through connecting desert trails and into different towns.

You also get to escape the heat from authorities with frequent stops.

Talking of the knobs, they feature a tall and aggressive tread pattern, enough to deliver on the harsh desert terrain.

The rubber compound is also a point of interest. The tire brand is using a strong 6-ply rated carcass.

Now, this is the most robust construction I have come across since most models only have a 4-ply construction.

However, Kenda’s goal is to provide an active layout to sustain the dirt bike tire pressure for the desert.

In addition to the construction, rubber treads and sidewalls are also present.

Both features include unique designs that ensure the Trakmaster II has functional cornering capabilities on varying kinds of dirt.

Dunlop MX51

Dunlop also offers the MX51 as a desert dirt bike tire for riders wanting that extra traction and grip.

You will find the Dunlop MX51 upgrades its tire design with the new Geomax Reinforced Pattern.

You will find this in fewer Geomax models. Now with the reinforced pattern, the MX51 could provide the extra rigidity necessary when riding in the sand.

Such characteristics ensure the dirt bike tire pressure for the desert does not make the ride feel ‘softer’ in a sense.

I would also point out that the tread arrangement is unique enough to give a more exceptional grip.

Dunlop lays claims the open space pattern design at the centre makes the tire a perfect fit for staying on track during straightaways.

I am not forgetting the significant blocks on the sides and shoulders. These tread blocks give a better ability to corner.

I would count on this to ensure the dirt bike tire is stiff enough for my whole ride through a desert.

Golden Tyre 216 90/100-21 Fatty

GoldenTyre offers the best desert dirt bike tires for the front section.

The ‘Fatty’ is an especially popular front desert dirt bike tire whose design works better than most rears.

From the outlook, the Fatty tire design is specifically for extreme enduro racing.

However, the oversized profile design gives it a better chance of overcoming the challenging desert terrain.

Another advantage of the extensive profile would be the maximum traction it offers.

While in uneven terrain, this tire would have a larger footprint, and that improves its grip to roll in a straight line.

You will also find the high-volume front a great addon since you get to experiment with different tire pressure.

Thus, you can easily set your dirt bike tire pressure for desert conditions that vary.

The tread design gives a boost to traction while on uneven terrain. It comes with flexible sidewalls and directional knobs on the 2-ply carcass.

Dunlop AT81 Desert RC

The Dunlop AT81 Desert RC is a high-speed, desert dirt bike tire that provides the necessary durability alongside its tenacious traction.

From my experience, the tire performance in the sand is good enough that you won’t have to ride on softer tires. The Dunlop AT81 Desert RC is that good.

You will further notice that Dunlop put a next-generation rubber compound.

The reinforced construction or RC consists of a 4-ply nylon carcass for the rear models.

According to Dunlop, the combination gives the tires the desired stiffness to be sturdy and long-lasting in desert terrain.

I would also point out that the tread pattern provides a larger contact patch for more comfortable riding straightforward.

The centre pattern is also a good selling point if you are looking to have your tire feature a broad range of off-road applications.

Dunlop also put its supercross/motocross technology into the formulation of the Dunlop AT81 Desert RC.

The desert dirt bike tire features lateral grooves on its shoulder knobs.

That gives the tires an extra biting edge while allowing natural flexibility when cornering.

Motoz Tractionator Desert H/T

The Motoz Tractionator Desert H/T has a unique patent design that enables it to conquer hard terrains like rocky trails and desert sand.

It packs the most aggressive tread design, which borderline can plough through trails and desert tracks.

Examining the tread design also reveals that it comes with thicker sidewalls. That is especially important if you want the desert dirt bike tire for heavy-duty use.

Maxxis M7311 Maxxcross SI Tire

The Maxxis M7311 Maxxcross SI Tire is another go-to desert dirt bike tire with race-proven features and capabilities.

The tire parent company, Maxxis, says the development and testing emphasize making a race-proven tire compound.

The result is an extremely flexible SI Tire that can handle both soft and intermediate conditions.

Part of the tires’ capabilities lies in the anti-flex knob bridges found on the side lugs.

While they are miniature, these features are reliable options to help the dirt bike ride steadily in a straight line.

You will also find the side lugs and spaced-out knobs combine to provide an enhanced grip for better traction and aggressive cornering.

The next element of consideration is the rubber compound. As already put to light, it is a clear race-proven construction that delivers adequate traction.

Riders will find them probably fit enough to get them riding in soft or intermediate conditions.

Bridgestone ED78

When it’s time again for a desert dirt bike tire, you would also want to consider the Bridgestone ED78.

As always, Bridgestone hit the mark with this tire due to its enduro-style design which makes it a perfect fit for off-road competition.

Unlike other models in the list, Bridgestone did not make the Bridgestone ED78 a street-legal tire.

Rather, its unique design was to handle a variety of trail and desert conditions.

You will notice this in the aggressive self-cleaning tread blocks present in its design.

These offer t a high level of traction that is necessary for the most punishing of desert terrain.

The Bridgestone ED78 is also a tube-type desert dirt bike tire. Now, this should not worry you since Bridgestone reinforces the tire with heavy-duty construction.

You can expect anti-puncture and cut resistance qualities with such an excellent make.

Another unique element with the Bridgestone ED78 would be the rim protector.

Most models with tubes also have a protector as a measure to prevent possible rim damage and resist potential flats.

The durable construction would further make the Bridgestone ED78 a contender for the best dirt bike for desert riding.

As per reviews, the combination of the castle block design and reinforced construction gives it more edge in traction.

The layout would deliver in slippery sand, mud tracks, and other soft terrains.

Kenda Parker DT

I also stand behind selecting the Kenda Parker DT tires as one of the best desert dirt bike tires.

As per most riders’ reviews, its performance and durability are its greatest assets, especially for hard to intermediate soil conditions.

According to the spec sheets, the Kenda Parker DT features a unique ‘Carlsbad’ tread pattern on its 6-ply casing.

The design is almost like a heart shape with rubber compounds on the centre rows.

Plus, the directional mechanism and the tires will give riders a straightforward drive that is not difficult.

In bike pressure, the Kenda Parker DT remains capable of conquering harder conditions concerning other tires.

The tread design and sturdy ply construction provide the extra grip to steer the wheel without aggressive turning. You can, thus, be sure that with the right dirt bike tire pressure for desert conditions, the Kenda Parker DT will provide a consistent feel throughout the ride.

Conclusion

Conventional wisdom for dirt bike riding calls for the best desert dirt bike tires that can cover the terrain.

Therefore you can start by going through the choices and sort out the best models to try out for your desert riding. So the task of choosing a dirt bike tire for desert riding should not be overwhelming.

You will be able to find a robust model from the list and pick up a tire that suits you. Just be sure to weigh the high and low points to make the dirt bike tire more worth it.