Choosing the right tires is crucial for any Honda 250 Dirt Bike rider, especially if you’re like me and split your time between pavement and trails. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various tires on my Honda 250cc dirt bikes – starting with a 1993 Honda XL250 Degree and now riding a 2003 Honda XR250 Baja. Since I spend about 99% of my time on paved roads and only occasionally venture onto dirt or mud, I’ve been on the lookout for tires that offer a good balance, typically rated around 80/20 or 70/30 on-road/off-road. This review shares my experiences with five different tire sets, hoping to guide fellow Honda 250 dirt bike enthusiasts in their search for the perfect rubber.
Vee Rubber Trail Wolfs: A Lesson in Wet Weather Grip
My first set was Vee Rubber Trail Wolfs. Unfortunately, my experience with these tires ended prematurely and dramatically. Riding on a wet road, I had to brake suddenly, and the front tire completely lost traction. It locked up, skidded, and down went the bike. This incident made me seriously question the tire’s performance, especially in less-than-ideal conditions. Determined to find a more reliable option, I decided to switch away from Thai-manufactured tires and explore other brands.
Dunlop D604: Long-Lasting but Lacking Cornering Confidence
Next up were the Dunlop D604 tires. One thing I can say about these is their durability. The rubber compound seemed quite hard-wearing. After clocking 20,000 kilometers, both the front and rear tires still showed a significant amount of tread. While longevity is a plus, performance is paramount. My main issue with the Dunlop D604s was their tendency to slip when cornering. This lack of grip in curves made me feel less confident, particularly on tighter bends. Seeking better handling, I moved on to my third set.
Michelin Siracs: An Improvement in Grip, But Still Imperfect
For my third try, I opted for Michelin Siracs. In terms of grip, these tires felt like a step up from the Dunlops. They seemed to hold the road a bit better, offering slightly more confidence in various conditions. However, the Siracs weren’t without their drawbacks. I still experienced occasional slippage, especially when pushing the bike a bit harder or encountering uneven road surfaces. Mileage-wise, they lasted around 21,000 kilometers, a decent figure. Despite the improvement, I continued my search for tires that could offer even better performance and grip for my Honda 250 dirt bike.
Metzeler Enduro 3 Sahara: My Top Pick for Honda 250 Dirt Bikes
My fourth tire experiment led me to the Metzeler Enduro 3 Sahara tires. Right away, I noticed a difference in the rubber. It felt softer compared to the Michelin Siracs, suggesting potentially better grip. And indeed, my experience confirmed this. These tires provided noticeably better grip than the previous sets. They instilled more confidence in cornering and felt more planted on the road. While I did experience one minor instance of slight slippage in a curve, the tires recovered quickly and predictably, which was reassuring. The Metzeler Enduro 3 Saharas lasted approximately 15,000 kilometers for me. Impressed with their performance, I decided to return to a previous choice for my next set, but ultimately came back to the Metzeler.
Pirelli MT 90s: Initial Enthusiasm Fades with Wear
For my fifth set, I tried the Pirelli MT 90s. I had read many glowing reviews about these tires, and initially, I was quite happy with them. They seemed to grip well and provided a good feeling of control. However, as time went on and the kilometers accumulated, my initial enthusiasm waned. The Pirelli MT 90s began to slip occasionally, and despite wearing slowly (after 21,000 km, there was still considerable tread remaining), this slow wear indicated to me that the rubber compound was quite hard, similar to the Dunlops. This hardness likely contributed to the decrease in grip as they aged. Disappointed that the long wear didn’t translate to consistent performance, I decided to revert back to what I knew and liked.
Back to Metzeler Enduro 3 Sahara: The Winning Choice
Currently, I’m back on the Metzeler Enduro 3 Sahara tires – and for good reason. Comparing them directly to the Pirellis on the same roads where the MT 90s had slipped, the Metzeler tires consistently offered superior grip. They are, without a doubt, my favorite among the five sets I’ve tested on my Honda 250 dirt bikes. For riders who prioritize grip and reliable handling in mixed conditions for their Honda 250 dirt bike, I wholeheartedly recommend the Metzeler Enduro 3 Sahara. While sourcing them might require a bit of planning ahead, as availability can vary, the performance benefits are well worth the effort. In my experience, these tires provide the best balance of grip and performance for my riding needs on my Honda XR250 Baja.
