The Ultimate List Of Off-Road Bike Tyres For Desert And Sandy Trails

Experience unrivalled adventure with our handpicked selection of top motorcycles tyres for off-roading, packed with features and specs for your thrilling escapes.

 

Key Highlights

• These top bike tyres are meticulously curated to elevate your off-roading experience.

 

• These tyre patterns are specially designed for popular bikes like the Royal Enfield Himalayan, Hero Xpulse Triumph Tiger, and Ducati Scrambler, among others.

 

• A wide variety of models and tyre sizes are available, with international brands such as Michelin, Pirelli, and Metzeler and domestic makes like Apollo, CEAT and MRF.

 

When it comes to sandy or desert terrains, maintaining control over your motorcycle can become quite challenging due to unstable surfaces and constantly shifting sands. This is where specialised off-road bike tyres come into play, providing superior traction, durability, and handling capabilities required to dominate such environments. 

 

In this post, we will explore the top eight models with their ideal tyre size, designed specifically for conquering dunes and deserts. These tyres cater to various riding styles while ensuring safety, performance, and longevity.

 

 

1. Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR

With its unique tread design promoting self-cleaning properties and consistent grip on soft surfaces, the Scorpion Rally boasts excellent stability in dry conditions. The tyre is composed of multiple layers of rubber-coated fabric which offers great traction on gravel and dirt. 

 

Its radial-built carcass enhances comfort during long rides without compromising performance while the bias-belted construction featuring an aramid strap and innovative design effectively dampens vibrations and distortions. Overall, the Pirelli Scorpion Rally does well in all-weather conditions especially offering excellent off-road stability and traction.

 

Tyre Pattern	Tyre Size Front	Tyre Size Rear	Compatible Bikes
Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR	110/70-17	150/70-18	Hero Xpulse, KTM Enduro, VT 1300CX, KTM Travel, Triumph Tiger, Honda Africa Twin

 

2. Michelin Anakee Adventure

Featuring innovative dual-compound technology, the Anakee Adventure offers exceptional grip both on wet and dry grounds. Its robust carcass ensures high resistance against punctures and abrasions, making it ideal for adventurous expeditions across diverse landscapes. 

 

The stiffer silica-based compound in the centre is meant for even wear resistance and high-speed stability, while the rubber-based softer compound on the shoulders offers decent grip at the corners while benefitting in dry and wet conditions as well. Overall, the Anakee Adventure is a durable tyre that offers decent performance both on and off-road.

 

Tyre Pattern	Tyre Size Front	Tyre Size Rear	Compatible Bikes
Michelin Anakee Adventure	90/90-21	150/60 R17	Hero Xpulse, Triumph Tiger, Benelli TNT, Royal Enfield Himalayan

 

3. Ralco Moto Cross

Specifically engineered for extreme off-roading activities, these tyres deliver remarkable traction even in the deepest sands. Their reinforced sidewalls ensure maximum protection from sharp rocks and other hazards commonly found in desolate areas. 

 

The large stabilised shoulder blocks with zig-zag knurls offer remarkable cornering grip, while the tyre casing construction and nylon-fabric cutting contribute to the precise balance required for high-speed stability. The low-rolling resistance and cool compound technology further make the Ralco Moto Cross an excellent value for money.

 

Tyre Pattern	Tyre Size Front	Tyre Size Rear	Compatible Bikes
Ralco Moto Cross	90/90-21	120/80-18	Hero- Xpluse 200 4V, Yezdi Adventure, Royal Enfield- Himalayan

 

4. CEAT Gripp XL

Combining aggressive knobby treads with stiffer casings, the Gripp XL guarantees enhanced control and manoeuvrability on loose surfaces. Additionally, its extra-deep grooves facilitate effective mud evacuation, further solidifying its position as a reliable choice for harsh terrains.

 

CEAT Gripp XL is a bias-ply nylon tyre with a strong and durable tread pattern that gives you a good grip on wet roads, even on rough surfaces. Similar to tough off-road vehicles, the Gripp XL tyre can handle rocky terrain easily. Its directional block pattern automatically channels away water and mud. Overall, when it comes to handling both on and off-road, the CEAT Gripp XL is one of the top choices among adventure enthusiasts.

 

Tyre Pattern	Tyre Size Front	Tyre Size Rear	Compatible Bikes
CEAT Gripp XL	90/90-21	120/80-18	Hero Xpulse, KTM Enduro, Triumph Tiger, Ducati Scrambler, Honda Africa Twin

 

5. Reise TrailR 50-1

Known for their versatility, TrailR tyres provide impressive performance, whether you’re navigating city streets or traversing rugged paths. They offer superb straight-line tracking and braking power, along with commendable cornering stability. The nylon-based tyre and the grooves dig through the hardest of the terrains.

 

The tread geometry of the TrailR allows it to offer equal performance on and off-road. The tyre ups the adventure riding game through its tread depth which progressively decreases towards the shoulders to help the rider at tight corners. In short, the Reise TrailR provides commendable feedback and grip on a variety of terrains that off-road tracks can throw your way. 

 

Tyre Pattern	Tyre Size Front	Tyre Size Rear	Compatible Bikes
Reise TrailR 50-1	110/70-17	150/60-17	TVS Ronin, KTM Duke 390, Honda CB 200X, KTM 200 Duke

 

6. Apollo Tramplr XR

Ideal for those seeking affordability without sacrificing quality, the Tramplr XR sports a large block pattern tread optimised for dirt roads and gravel tracks. It provides adequate traction and shock absorption, ensuring comfortable journeys regardless of terrain.

 

The Apollo Tramplr XR with its steel radial technology, sets high performance standards. It comes with extended shoulders with ‘W’ patterned grooves which prevent hydroplaning, offering excellent performance on wet surfaces. In summary, the Tramplr XR apart from handling the off-road abuses, also does fairly well on the tarmac. 

 

Tyre Pattern	Tyre Size Front	Tyre Size Rear	Compatible Bikes
Apollo Tramplr XR	110/70 R17	150/60 R17	Mahindra Mojo XT300, KTM 390 Duke

 

7. MRF Mogrip Meteor-M

Recognised for their exceptional durability, MRF Mogrip Meteor-Ms are perfect for high-speed adventures through vast expanses of sand. Thanks to their wide footprint and uniform pressure distribution, they deliver outstanding stability and road contact. The aggressive computer-generated block design and directional tread pattern ensure durability, along with outstanding stability on off-roads.

 

The centre block further strengthens the grip on off-roads with good cornering and keeps the rider in line even while scraping the foot pegs. Overall, the MRF Mogrip is a bliss for off-road enthusiasts. 

 

Tyre Pattern	Tyre Size Front	Tyre Size Rear	Compatible Bikes
MRF Mogrip Meteor-M	90/90-21	120/90-17	Royal Enfield Himalayan, Yezdi Adventure, Honda Africa Twin

 

8. Metzeler Karoo 3

Lastly, the Karoo 3 stands out for its interlinked tread blocks contributing to improved mileage, handling, and overall reliability. Suitable for all weather conditions, this tyre promises peace of mind when tackling daunting desert trails. The design of this dual sport tyre is enough to attract the eyeballs with the rounded profile and large contact patch giving the impression that it’s a street-based tyre.

 

However, looking closer reveals the scoops that are designed to dig into loose surfaces. The large flat stripes of rubber provide a sizable contact patch increasing stopping power during hard braking on hard-packed dirt. The tread design featuring tightly spaced knobs and narrow grooves offers more surface area while leaning over during a turn, alongside channelling water away quickly. The Karoo 3 remains an excellent choice for enthusiasts desiring confident traction on off-roads.

 

Tyre Pattern	Tyre Size Front	Tyre Size Rear	Compatible Bikes
Metzeler Karoo 3	110/80 R19	150/70-17	Adventure, Benelli Trek, Benelli Leoncino, BMW R1200 GS, Moto Guzzi V85, Suzuki V-Strom, Triumph Tiger

 

Final Takeaway:

Choosing the right set of off-road bike tyres significantly impacts your ability to navigate treacherous terrains confidently and safely. By understanding the distinctive attributes of each tyre discussed above, you can make informed decisions tailored to your individual needs and preferences. 

Remember, investing in premium off-road tyres ultimately leads to increased enjoyment, satisfaction and confident riding experience when exploring remote terrains.

 

FAQs:

• What factors influence my decision when selecting off-road bike tyres for Triumph Tiger?
  Consider aspects such as terrain type (sand, rock, etc.), climate conditions, budget constraints, and desired ride characteristics before purchasing new tyres.

 

• How often should I replace my Royal Himalayan bike tyres?
  Depending on usage frequency and maintenance practices, expect to change the tyres between every 15,000 to 20,000 kilometres.

 

• Are tubeless off-road tyres better suited for sandy terrains?
  Tubeless designs generally minimise weight and reduce susceptibility to pinch flats, thus benefiting sand riding applications.

 

• Do wider off-road tyres enhance stability on soft surfaces?
  Wider tyres distribute weight more effectively, thereby increasing floatation and stability on sandy terrains.

 

• Is there any difference between front and rear off-road tyres?
  Typically, rear tyres emphasise traction and propulsion, whereas front tyres focus on steering accuracy and responsiveness.

 

• How do I clean my off-road bike tyres after dirty rides?
  Use a low-pressure hose to remove excess debris, followed by gentle scrubbing with a brush and mild soap solution. Allow thorough drying before storage.

 

• Can I mix different brands or models of tyres on my Honda Africa Twin bike?
  For consistency and predictable behaviour, it’s advisable to stick with matching sets of tyres unless specified by the manufacturer.