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562
Joined
5/10/2014
Location
Los Angeles, CA
US
I grew up racing and riding in the midwest, with lots of rich soil and loamy tracks = traction! usually ran 13-16lbs depending on conditions. Been out to the desert a lot, lately, and traction is sometimes scarce. One guy I spoke with says he goes as low as 6lbs to get more grip.....seems crazy to me!!! What do you all run for a mix of hardpack and sand...(often together, to keep things interesting) ....anyone go as low as 6 lbs?....
Is it flat? No, run it. Yes, air it up to something around mid teens
In trials, Is it flat? No, run it. Yes, air it up to 4-6ish.
Don't see a huge difference on the dirt bike majority of the time. I ride a variety from woods & some roots one day, to rocks largely the next, and high speed sections here and there. Higher air pressure seems to work good all around and never will be perfect for every scenario. This way i'm not constantly worrying and having to air up/air down my tires.
I notice it more on trials where if i'm over aired it makes every section harder, but once again, 4 or 6 psi, not a good enough rider to know the difference typically.
My 2012 WR450 came with Dunlop MX tires and they scared the shit out of me in the desert. The front would knife just looking at sand.
I switched to a Maxxis Desert IT and haven't looked back. I run a 120 instead of a 110, which helps with the straight-line stability as well as helps in the sand. I've even used a 90 upfront instead of an 80 and liked that as well. If you ride a ton of sand that 90 front helps a lot but will make turning on hardpack slower. I also use a heavy duty tube front and rear which is 3mm.
As far as PSI I run 12 front and rear. Seems to have a good combination of being soft enough for traction but firm enough to hold up to jumping Trophy Truck whoops in fifth.
Traction has never been an issue.
The Shop
Keep in mind that your tire pressures WILL rise a bit more than you're likely expecting, too. Mine did for sure. The heat generated by friction (sand/other) is not trivial.
Post a reply to: New to the desert...PSI recommendations?