If you're racing or hammering around on a sport quad, your tyre choice is the difference between a podium and a DNF. ATVstore's Luke Beechey is a two-time Finke Desert Race winner, and he's spent more time choosing tyres than most people spend riding. Here are his five top tips when you're upgrading or replacing.
1. Match the Tyre to the Terrain
Sand needs paddle tyres. Hard pack needs intermediate compound. Mud needs aggressive open lugs. Don't try to find a do-it-all tyre for sport use. You'll compromise everywhere.
2. Pick the Right Compound
Soft compounds give you grip and steering feel but wear faster. Hard compounds last longer but slide more. For racing, soft is usually worth it. For weekend trail riding, a medium is the sweet spot.
3. Don't Cheap Out on Ply
For sport quads, a 4 to 6-ply rating is usually right. Too high and you lose grip and feel. Too low and you'll pinch flat on the first big hit. Check what the top finishers in your event are running.
4. Get the Sizing Spot On
The factory-fitted tyre size on a YFZ450, Raptor or TRX450R is a starting point, not a rule. Many racers go slightly taller or wider to suit their riding style. Just be aware that bigger tyres slow acceleration and can affect gearing feel.
5. Match Front to Rear
Mismatched front and rear tyres throw the balance of the bike off. The fronts steer, the rears drive. Both need to be in the same wear range and ideally the same brand and family. Mixing a fresh rear with a worn front is a recipe for understeer.
Bonus: Tread Wear Tells a Story
Before you buy your next set, look at how your old ones wore. Cupping on the front means soft front shocks or hard pack abuse. Centre wear on the rear means too much pressure or too much wheelspin. Your tyres are giving you setup feedback if you read them right.
Get Race-Ready
ATVstore stocks sport ATV tyres from the brands the top racers run, including Maxxis, ITP and more. Shop sport ATV tyres here. Same-day dispatch on in-stock orders before 2 PM, free shipping over $20.