Best Dirt Bike Rear Tires for Off-Road Traction

Choosing the right rear dirt bike tire can greatly affect grip, handling, and stability across soft dirt, loam, sand, and hard-packed trails. The selections below focus on rear tire options and complete tire sets suitable for a wide range of dirt bikes, including models used on trails, motocross tracks, and electric off-road bikes. Each product is evaluated for tread design, durability, and terrain compatibility to help riders pick tires that match their riding style. The list also includes rear-only options for riders upgrading a specific tire without replacing the front.

Summary of Selected Products

Product Rear Tire Size Terrain Type
Tusk EMEX T-35 Front & Rear Set (80/100×21, 120/80×19) 120/80×19 Soft to intermediate Tube Type
80/100-19 Rear Tire For Sur Ron 80/100-19 Off-road, dirt Rear Tire
Tusk EMEX T-35 Front & Rear Set (60/100×14, 80/100×12) 80/100×12 Soft to intermediate Tube Type
Tusk EMEX T-35 Front & Rear Set (80/100×21, 110/100×18) 110/100×18 Soft to intermediate Tube Type
Pirelli Scorpion MX Extra X (Front 80/100-21 & Rear 110/90-19) 110/90-19 Mid-soft to mid-hard Two-Pack

Tusk EMEX T-35 Front & Rear Set (80/100×21, 120/80×19)

Tusk EMEX T-35 Front & Rear Tire Set image

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The Tusk EMEX T-35 set delivers a front 80/100×21 and a rear 120/80×19, designed for soft to intermediate terrain. The aggressive tread provides reliable traction on loose dirt, sand, loam, and hard-packed trails. Its durable rubber compound aims to resist wear for extended off-road use, making it a balanced choice for riders who ride varied surfaces. This tube-type Motocross tire set covers common dirt bike platforms and offers a straightforward swap for those upgrading both front and rear tires.

Key features include a complete front-and-rear package, a deep tread pattern for versatility, and a compound engineered for durability. Riders who prefer a broad, aggressive look and ready-to-run performance on mixed-terrain courses may find this set suits mid-season track work and trail riding alike.

80/100-19 Rear Tire For Sur Ron

80/100-19 rear tire for Sur Ron image

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This rear tire is listed for electric dirt bikes such as Sur Ron, Segway, and Talaria. It emphasizes a tough sidewall to support lower air pressure and improved traction, with a note recommending a rim lock to prevent tire slippage on the rim. Potential buyers should verify rim size before ordering, as not all models use a 19″ rear rim. While offering strong grip, riders may need to adjust power delivery or sprocket size to offset the longer lug length and increased outer diameter, particularly on stock setups.

Considerations include rim compatibility, recommended rim locks to prevent bead slip, and the impact on low-end torque. This option is well-suited for riders prioritizing traction on challenging off-road sections of electric dirt bikes and who are prepared to manage rim protection and fitment details.

Tusk EMEX T-35 Front & Rear Set (60/100×14, 80/100×12)

Tusk EMEX T-35 60/100x14 and 80/100x12 tire set image

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This rear tire set includes a front 60/100×14 and a rear 80/100×12, both tuned for soft to intermediate off-road terrain. The aggressive deep tread pattern enhances traction on loose dirt, sand, loam, and packed trails, while the durable rubber compound resists wear over time. This tube-type motocross tire set is particularly suitable for smaller-displacement bikes or older models with 14″ and 12″ wheels, offering a compact, dual-purpose solution for riders who want a reliable setup for light to moderate off-road riding.

Riders should check compatibility with their bike’s front wheel diameter and rim width. The smaller sizes can be appealing for youth or trail bikes, but ensure clearance and chain alignment are maintained when upgrading both tires.

Tusk EMEX T-35 Front & Rear Set (80/100×21, 110/100×18)

Tusk EMEX T-35 80/100x21 and 110/100x18 tire set image

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This EMEX T-35 set pairs an 80/100×21 front with a 110/100×18 rear, designed for soft-to-intermediate terrain with deep tread for reliable off-road traction. The durable rubber compound supports extended use on dirt and trail surfaces, and the tube-type construction is compatible with many motocross bikes. The 110/100×18 rear size is common on mid-sized dirt bikes, giving a balance between grip and handling on varied courses.

Considerations include rear tire diameter affecting gearing, suspension, and weight distribution. This combo works well for riders who prefer a consistent, rugged rear-end performance across diverse trail conditions and who want a matching front and rear setup for balanced handling.

Pirelli Scorpion MX Extra X 80/100-21 & 110/90-19

Pirelli Scorpion MX Extra X tires image

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The Pirelli Scorpion MX Extra X is a two-pack featuring front 80/100-21 and rear 110/90-19 tires. It emphasizes grip and traction across a broad range of terrains from mid-soft to mid-hard. The design includes wide carbon-black knobs for stiffness, reliability, and long-lasting performance. A multi-ply carcass adds puncture resistance while preserving flexibility to absorb shocks during jumps and impacts, making it a strong option for riders who demand durability on tougher tracks and rugged trails.

Considerations include the tire pair’s harmony with front tire characteristics and how the 110/90-19 rear size fits your bike’s rear wheel. This two-pack is suitable for riders who want a reliable, performance-focused combination for mixed terrain riding and repeated sessions on dirt courses.

Buying Guide

What to consider when choosing a dirt bike rear tire

Terrain type is the primary driver for rear tire choice. Soft, loamy, and sandy conditions benefit from aggressive, widely spaced knobs, while hard-packed or wind-blown trails require a compound and tread pattern tuned for stability and resistance to punctures. Consider whether you ride primarily on trails, motocross tracks, or mixed terrain, and select a tire with the appropriate tread density and side-knob support.

Tire size, rim compatibility, and wheel type

Rear tire size must match the bike’s rim diameter and width. Common sizes include 18″ and 19″ rear rims, with 19″ being prevalent on many electric dirt bikes and some gas models. Tubetype tires require inner tubes and compatible rims, while tubeless setups may offer weight and puncture advantages but require compatible rims and bead seating.

Tube-type vs tubeless and durability

Tube-type tires are traditional, easy to service, and compatible with a wide range of dirt bikes. Tubeless tires can offer lower rolling resistance and better heat dissipation but may require specific rims and sealant considerations. Durability depends on rubber compound and tread design; deeper, aggressive tread typically wears faster on pavement but performs better off-road.

Front and rear matching and balance

Many riders prefer matching front and rear tires for predictable handling. When a complete front-and-rear set is available, it can simplify setup and balance across steering and drive. If choosing rear tires separately, ensure the front tire complements the rear’s grip and profile to maintain cohesive handling characteristics on varied terrain.

Rider weight, riding style, and terrain preferences

Heavier riders or those carrying gear may benefit from a tire with a robust carcass and stiffer sidewalls, reducing pinch flats and improving stability under load. Riders who frequently tackle loose dirt or sand should prioritize aggressive lugs and reliable self-cleaning properties. For electric bikes, consider weight distribution and potential torque delivery when selecting a rear tire that can handle higher traction demands.

Maintenance and installation considerations

Regular inspection of tread depth, sidewall integrity, and bead seating is essential. Proper installation with correct tubeless sealant or tube setup minimizes bead leaks and pinch flats. Keep air pressure within manufacturer recommendations; too low pressure increases pinch-flat risk, while too high pressure reduces grip on uneven terrain.

How to compare options clearly

  • Rear tire size compatibility with your bike’s rim.
  • Tread pattern suited to your typical terrain (soft/intermediate vs. hard/mid-hard).
  • Tube-type vs. tubeless compatibility based on your rim and bike design.
  • Durability and puncture resistance relative to riding frequency and track conditions.
  • Cost and availability of front-and-rear sets for balanced handling.

Across the examined options, riders can compare rear-specific tires and complete front-and-rear sets to determine which combination best matches their riding style, terrain, and bike configuration. Always verify fitment with your specific model and consult with a bike shop or tire professional if you are uncertain about rim size, tube requirements, or bead seating for tubeless setups.