The tire industry’s discussions can sometimes become heated, with debates regarding the best options setting friendships on the rocks.
Yet, amid all the controversy, we’ve found our unequivocal favorite – a tire so outstanding it’s as though it was created specifically for soft to medium-soft terrains. Today, we’re casting a spotlight on the revolutionary, street-legal Metzeler MC360 Mid Soft tire.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best dirt bike tire for you? Let’s find out!
Metzeler MC360 Mid-Soft Review
Pro and Cons
- Effective braking traction and directionality
- Diamond-shaped side knobs
- Voids between knobs
- Cuts between knobs
A First Glance at the Metzeler MC360 Mid Soft
After logging approximately 1200 miles (2000 kilometers) on the factory-fitted IRC tires, we made the exciting switch to the Metzeler MC360 Mid Soft.
This transition was prompted not by the IRC’s wear (they still had about 60% of their tread left) but by our pursuit of a superior tire for soft and medium-soft terrains.
Upon initial contact with the freeway, a decrease in top speed was noticeable, a common occurrence when transitioning to a more aggressive tire.
We also observed that the tire could be loud at higher speeds. Nonetheless, its overall performance on the tarmac, even in wet conditions, was satisfactory for such a knobby tire.
Key Features of the Metzeler MC360 Mid Soft
This remarkable tire exhibits a range of distinct attributes that contribute to its impressive performance:
| Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Wide and curved center knobs | Effective braking traction and directionality |
| Diamond-shaped side knobs | Enhanced carving efficiency, lateral support, and durability |
| Voids between knobs | Aid in self-cleaning from mud and dirt and effective braking |
| Cuts between knobs | Improved comfort and facilitated self-cleaning from di rt |
On Soft Terrains
On loose, sandy, and occasionally deep sand tracks, the Metzeler MC360 Mid Soft performed remarkably, making it feel like our Honda CRF300L had gained an additional 20 horsepower.
This off-road tire offers remarkable traction and control on loose, dry sand or technical sections teeming with deep roots.
The Metzeler MC360 Mid Soft continued to impress when the rubber met the rocky trails. Its predictable behavior and ease of direction changes made navigation straightforward, even on slippery hard-packed climbs.
Conquering Diverse Terrains
The Metzeler MC360 Mid Soft proved itself as a tire that can tackle a multitude of terrains. Whether we were testing it on rocky trails, sandy climbs, or technical sections with deep roots, it consistently delivered traction, control, and predictability.
Regrettably, we didn’t have the opportunity to evaluate its performance extensively on wet and muddy trails, as our review occurred during the summer months.
The Ultimate Tire for Sand Trails
The Metzeler MC360 Mid Soft tire really shows its prowess on loose and sandy trails. Its unique combination of wide curved center knobs and diamond-shaped side knobs act as paddles, significantly boosting the Honda CRF300L’s performance on the sand.
FAQ
What is the Metzeler MC360 Mid Soft tire?
The Metzeler MC360 Mid Soft tire is a street-legal tire specifically designed for soft and medium-soft terrains. It’s a robust and aggressive tire that offers excellent performance even in harsh conditions.
How does the Metzeler MC360 Mid Soft tire perform on the tarmac?
On the tarmac, the Metzeler MC360 Mid Soft tire performs satisfactorily. It might be a bit louder at high speeds, and the top speed could decrease slightly due to its aggressive nature, but it offers stable and comfortable rides, even in wet conditions.
What are some unique features of the Metzeler MC360 Mid Soft tire?
The Metzeler MC360 Mid Soft tire has wide, curved center knobs for effective braking traction and directionality. It also features diamond-shaped side knobs for improved carving efficiency, lateral support, and durability.
The tire has voids between the knobs for self-cleaning from mud and dirt and cuts between the knobs for enhanced comfort.
How does the Metzeler MC360 Mid Soft tire perform on different terrains?
The Metzeler MC360 Mid Soft tire excels in various terrains, including loose sandy tracks, technical sections with deep roots, rocky trails, and slippery hard-packed climbs. It consistently provides impressive traction, control, and predictability.
Is the Metzeler MC360 Mid Soft tire a good choice for sandy trails?
Yes, the Metzeler MC360 Mid Soft tire is an exceptional choice for sandy trails. The tire’s design features, including wide curved center knobs and diamond-shaped side knobs, significantly enhance performance on sand, making it a go-to option for such conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Metzeler MC360 Mid Soft is not the best dirt bike tire for both on and off-road, but if you’re looking for a road-legal tire that offers predictability, decent durability, and exceptional traction on loose, sandy, and deep sand trails, the Metzeler MC360 Mid Soft is your go-to option. You might want to explore other alternatives if these traits aren’t on your checklist.
Previous Article: Kenda K270 Review
Next Article: Kenda K760 Trackmaster II Review
The title says 3k miles. How many miles you actually have in the tires? Did you use it in agressive trail ridding like enduro or just dual sport type of terrain?
Hi Tito
The title means I created my review after using this tire for 3000 miles. The tire actually lasted to just over 14000 before I needed to change it. I am an aggressive rider so I think it should last longer.
Thanks for the reply!
Been considering this tire and the Kenda Trackmaster II. I have a CRF450RL fitted with Dunlops 606s F/R. But found a nice set of $1500 wheels in clearance for $900 and they are 21/19. So I need a new set of tires. I guess this ones will be the ones since I ride lots of sandy trails here in eastern NC.