MotoZ tires 200 mile report...

You get the gross understatement of the day award for that one.

Hammering that tire on gravel roads, brake slides, roost etc. was the order of the day for the 55 miles I rode with Kelly.

On the brief 5 miles I tried those tires they did nothing strange, were very controllable and reacted to large doses of throttle with great forward momentum. I still think 450's have more power than anyone needs.

Hmm, do they come in 17" they may work well on my Transalp.

Later,

I put a 18/130 Desert HT on my DRZ and rode 500 miles this weekend, mostly off road, with about 150 miles of pavement, most of that at 70mph. We rode from San Diego to Arizona and back, mostly off-road. Mixture of rocky trails, gravel roads up to 80 mph, sand washes some straight high-speed washes and some slow winding 1st and second gear stuff. Through the Imperial dunes and the sand around Superstition and typical desert cross country stuff. I was packed fairly heavy, bike, rider and gear about 560 lbs. I ran 15 lbs of pressure and I have to say I am very very impressed with the traction in every condition I came across.

A couple of things I had to get used to was, in deep sand I am used to just dumping the clutch and spinning until I can get up on top of the sand, but this tire bit so much I found myself using the clutch often to keep the revs up so as not to stall. Also on fast gravel roads I like to steer with the rear and drift on the corners, but I couldn't do that with this tire, I tried to break it loose a couple of times and just gave up and let it follow the front.

The times I did manage to get the back loose (usually in sand or off camber turn) some power and weight on the peg and it would bite very predictably.

If the little grooves in the tire are the wear bars, it looks like I am about halfway there with no signs of chunking at all. The groves are not very deep and I will continue to use the tire until it stops preforming well. I will have to keep you posted on that.

On the pavement I got a little tire noise at speeds around 20 to 30 mph and a little vibration at lower speeds also, but once I hit 40 it was smooth and quiet. At 60 I could feel almost no vibration in the bar or pegs, with a good seat and 20 years younger, I could ride comfortably all day at that speed.

I would say this tire gives me better straight line acceleration than my 18/140 Terraflex, and it looks like it will last twice as long. Much easier to put on and take off the rim also (forgot it was directional the first time I mounted it).

I am not the worlds best rider, and I have not tried but about 6 different rear tires on my bikes, but this one is the best so far. I will be ordering some more before you guys snag them all and I have to wait for the next batch to arrive. Ken

I have the Tractionator HT 130/18 on my TE 610. Ive got over 800 miles now on the rear and its about half way worn. Most of it was this years baja 1000 course, and considerable pavement miles.

The one word that comes to mind--used in both the prior posts--is how 'predictable' these tires are.

Its really something, the rear is just SO freakin predictable, gives great confidence. Under power the traction is un-real. The point at which it starts to break away is far beyond any other tire ive used. And it just hangs there, slightly breaking, still getting things done. Its a neat feeling.

Ive run 20 lbs air with excellent performance. No chunking. Great wearing. Awesome hook up, breaking, etc. Its their idea to run more air. The natural rubber has far more give and take. Hence the higher air to prevent pinch flats, but the feeling of a conventional tire with, say 12-14 lbs. As stated the natural rubber makes the tires a breeze to mount.

I've run every type of tire i know of. Even some weird brands from east europe. And ive gotten 'sponsorship' help from Dunlop, and my race partner is sponsored by Maxxis, i go thru 15-20 rear tires a year, just sayin i spend a lot of time spinning the rear wheel, going nowhere.......but from now on i will mostly use MotoZ.

Its the real thing. An advancement in tire technology. Might not be for everyone--its not a trials tire, its not DOT, not sure how it will work with a mousse, and its not FIM legal--but for me these tires are simply amazing. Plus the cost is really nice. With the strengthening dollar they should be able to keep the costs down-these tires are from Australia, which has lost 30% to the dollar in recent months.

I know MotoZ tires are getting buzz in the baja race world now, and will be used by a few teams in the coming baja 1000.

In 2-3 years they will be common. Early adaptors rejoice.

I have zero relation with MotoZ. But im glad to read others are having a good experience with them, and thats in terrain i dont usually ride.

Some of you have some great ride reports but don't mention the other tires you have tried and are drawing your comparison opinions from.

How much for a set?

Kelly,

What do you think of the sizing? Are they the same as what they read, or are they like some where their size arent close to what they read? What sizes are you carrying? What style do you carry?

Thanks,
mike

I run S-12 and really love them, but am always willing to try something new. Which motoz tire would you think is similar for Michigan sand and roots.

Thought i would post their website - its got some good info.
www.motoz.com.au