MotoUtah: Motocross and Off-Road Riding in Utah

Got a trip planned and my DESERT IT has been on back order for over a month! I need to find a suitably peforming replacement that has the same cost to wear and performance as the DESERT IT.

Any ideas?

Also, anyone here good with changing tires and willing to swap them out for me? I'll pay ya $10 a tire or lunch or dinner? I can't afford to try my hand again and put more holes in tubes.

The Bridgestone m303 and m403 are a good set up maybe a little less wear time than the dessert it but probably better performance also the IRC enduro tire is a legit tire as is dunlop's dessert terrain tire. any of those are comparable and should keep you roosting for a good amount of time

I can't think of a tire that isn't better then the desert IT but I am sure it would have to be a maxxis

The Dunlop mx51 last for over 35 hours on my 450 and got good traction

I had been using The Maxxis desert IT's for a long time as well and due to them being on backorder I ended up going with the M403 on front and the Dunlop D952 on rear and I have a handful of rides on them and have been happy with how they are wearing.

dun-loped all my knobs off!!

The Dunlop 952 is a good replacement or I will be trying out a Pirelli MXtra this weekend. I'll let you know how it works. We have a couple 120/100-18 Desert IT's in stock. If your interested PM me.

I also had Maxxis Desert IT's on backorder for over three months. Great tires but good luck getting them. I am currently running the new Dunlop MX 71 rear and the MX 51 front. I was not aware that the MX 71 even existed. It has a unique tight pattern, heavy knobs, and a tough sidewall. These tires hook up extremely well and are just as tough as the Desert IT. I canceled my order and will no longer be running the Maxxis tires.

Western Moto and ATV in Lehi will change your tires for $10 off the bike or $15 on the bike. They are opened 11am until 7 pm m-f and 8 until 12 on Saturdays. My buddy ownes it. 801.766.6342

stella92 wrote:


Good for Western Moto. They must be much better at changing tires then me. I'd wouldn't consider that job for 10 bucks.

Thanks for input guys. I decided to try out the Bridgestone ED78 Desert Terrain Tire. I probably should've mentioned i ride a man's bike, XR650R. They like to eat motocross tires, therefore a heavy duty desert or hard terrain is the only option. I ride fast, rocky areas.

Still up for any insight on tire changers. Lehi ain't bad, but I'm in Tooele. So something in SLC would be easier.

Try South Valley They used to change the tire for free if you buy it from them. call them and check it out.

Here is a good vid showing the proper tire changing technique.



This guy makes it look easy. Desert IT's are still a pain.

michelangelo wrote:


Wrights does them $15 I believe. They've done lots of mine over the years.

If you still need help give me a call I sent you a pm