Curious if people run mx33 fronts? Was going to buy one for my son who has some races coming up on sandier dirt but I don't want to put something on he isn't going to like. Also don't see allot of people running them
I have been running Hoosiers exclusively since I started riding again a few years ago. My only experience with the 33 front was the first ride on my 350 I bought used..was absolutely terrible, zero confidence in my front end, couldn't keep it in a rut or berm but it wasn't brand new and it was my first time riding the bike..I put hoosiers on it before I rode it again but I changed bars and a few things at the same time and it was night and day better..
I usually get hoosier fronts for my sons 65 but he goes through rears too fast so he usually runs a mx33 rear which he likes. He has ran an mx53 front and he liked it on the typical socal dirt but he struggled with it on sandy tracks..
Only reason I want to try something other than the hoosier for him is it would be nice to buy something at the shop and not have to pay for shipping, he goes through tires much faster than I do..I also feel like the 14" hoosier's knobs are pretty short to start with and something with a taller knob might work better in the sand..
He's used Michelins also and he doesn't mind them but they are a pain to change and they only carry dunlop at our local dealer..
Try the MX3S front.
If you are used to Hoosier you are going to have a hard time finding something that feels as good as that to me Hoosiers are the best. Maybe pirelli comes close
Imx 25 front is the best front tire in the world
Have you tried the new 25F? Apparently rounder profile, better in ruts. I just ordered the original, I’m afraid to try anything else.
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Don’t think they come in 14” for my sons 65.
I really like the MX33 front, it’s not as soft as the 3S but it does last a bit longer. In the USA it seems a lot of people prefer the 3S but it’s no longer available in the UK and the 33 is generally preferred
I know guys like Kris Keefer prefer the 53 over the 33. I've always ran a 33 since it's always so loose conditions here in upstate NY, but I may try a 53 next. The 3S was sweet for about 20 minutes until it rips it's side lugs off. I couldn't afford to run them because of the lack of durability and used to run Bridgestone X30's, but never had any confidence in that front either
You talked about your 350 and the 65 so I wasn't sure which bike (or both) you wanted a tire for.
Try a Pirelli MX32 mid soft. My KX came with the 3S Dunlop and I couldn't wait to take it off.
Hearing good things about the new Bridgestone X31
the MX3S is good for about 5 hours, much like the pirelli it’s great until it’s not and when it’s not it’s horrible. I wouldn’t run a 33 if it was given to me.
What he said. Michelin 5 soft is solid in true soft stuff, blows on hard pack. But lasts longer than the 3SF
For a 65 I found nothing beats the performance or longevity of the Michelin Starcross mini. Not as easy to change but the noticeable increase in lean angle traction is worth the hassle in my opinion.
Now that we moved up to the 85 class this year I have found the the performance between the two tire brands are very similar. Seems like the MX33 performance is just better in the 17"/14" combo than it is in the 14"/12" combo.
(Edit: Tried our first set of Hoosier tires this weekend and I think they will be our go to on the 85 from now on)
The 33 is the best all around front tire. The Pirelli is the best performance front tire. Imo of course.
Bridgestone X31 is my new favorite tire.
Will have to try the Michelin’s again. He ran two sets and he didn’t complain but when we went to the Hoosiers front and rear he preferred them..to me the casing just feels way to stiff for how lite the bike and rider is..they do wear like iron though..
I keep putting the Michelin’s that he’s ran off and on for the last year and a half back on when we go to ride a crappy turn track or something where I don’t want to wear out his good tires and they still look almost new..
PS: thanks again for the help choosing the bud racing spring conversion. My son loves it..made a huge difference, his bike is so much more balanced..really helped his corner speed and he charges much harder when the track gets rough and rutty.
I have been running Dunlop 33f front tires for a while now in sand/softer terrain, maybe I have too many hrs on my current tire but it’s not working as good as I would like…Have tried 12.5-13.5 pressures. Thinking the 53 may be better for loose sand/loam on hard base tracks.
Pirelli MX32 mid soft, 13.5 psi. Gives a nice warning before you end up on you're head.
Pit Row
I think it's the best tire for my 350 that I've tried . It seems like you know exactly what it's going to do
I also give the nod to the Pirelli. It’s the best front tire that I’ve run in the sand. I run 12psi in true, deep sand.
If you try to ride an mx33 smooth it doesn’t work that well. It seems to work better if you man handle it. No telling if the smaller versions work the same as the full size though.
The kid is riding a 65. I think your over thinking this. Just keep good rubber on it and I doubt he’ll complain unless you give him a reason too. Tell him it’s his favorite riders favorite tire and I’m sure he’ll like it.
The 53 over the 33 in every condition in my experience. Someone above said they wouldn’t run one if he got for free…well, he’s right. I have one with 4 motos on it I’m giving away. I needed a new set to finish my last 2 races of last fall. My local shop couldn’t get a 53 in time, so I grabbed a 33 knowing I don’t like them, but thinking “ I’ll give it a shot again, can’t be that bad”. Well, it’s unbelievable the difference. For reference I’m a +30 vet intermediate and I can tell the difference in performance. I genuinely love both the 53 front and rear in most conditions. I’ll throw my spare wheel with an MX12 when things are really deep or sandy. But the 53 front seems to work well and is predictable throughout.
You would be surprised at what he can feel on the bike. Anytime I’ve made a change to his bike and not told him, including changing tire pressure 1-2psi he pulls in after a lap or two and tells me something doesn’t feel right. He’s pretty calculated for an 11 year old..
When he’s comfortable he’s faster and if I’m going to spend the time and $ to practice and race id rather put the little bit of extra effort in so he can ride to his full potential and also be safer in the long run.
I’ve never tried a Hoosier tire, but I only live 30 minutes from their headquarters. I’m going to have to stop by there and try a front. Do any of their rears offer good wear and acceptable traction, or am I better off pairing the front with a different brand rear? I’m racing tracks from Lincoln Trail to Red Bud primarily.
I'm really loving the Starcross 6 medium soft front. I didn't care for the SC5 fronts myself but this thing is really good. I'm not help on the mini stuff though.
I’m interested in hearing this as well. I’m about same distance as you from Hoosier and ride same tracks it sounds like.
I agree and I'm still running the 558 sticker on the wheel you sold me.
That’s cool, keefer better watch his back.
I’ve been using the IMX30 rear lately and it lasts much longer than the 25. Can’t say I’ve noticed a huge difference in traction. The 25 will usually break the side knobs off before it’s totally worn but the 30 hasn’t.
I’ve been running it for awhile but I try to avoid hardpack at all cost. I’d say the main difference with the Hoosier is how soft the casing is..
My son and I have been running mx12 rears lately paired with the Hoosier fronts but on the sandy track we usually ride the Hoosier knobby has almost as good of drive as the paddle. Im going to try the Hoosier paddle next but I’m pretty happy with the mx12.
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