Pirelli Scorpion STR Rally Review: Better For On Or Off-Road?

The Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR promises enhanced performance across varied surfaces. After testing these tires myself, I had lingering questions – do they actually deliver balanced road and dirt abilities?

Can they handle gravel confidently or get stuck in mud easily? In this pirelli scorpion str review, I aim to uncover how they truly perform in real-world riding.

But the main question I will answer will be: Are these the best dirt bike tires for you? Let’s find out!

Our Verdict On The Pirelli Scorpion STR Rally Tires

After testing the Scorpion Rally STRs myself, I’m thoroughly impressed by their versatility and performance across different surfaces.

The chunky tread gives them a rugged look that suits the dual sports mission while providing excellent dry-weather grip on the pavement. Traction holds up nicely on gravel roads, too – the material and tread pattern keeps slippage minimal, so I feel in control.

That said, the knobby design does require more effort to turn on the tarmac compared to road-focused rubber. The center tread wears faster as well, so you lose some on-road comfort over time. And while they handle packed dirt decently, thick mud can get lodged in the grooves, which limits grip.

Overall though, the Rally STRs strike an optimal balance of off-road competence and on-road manners for a 50/50 tire.

Before purchasing, be sure to check Revzilla.com for special deals to get the best price on these tires. Their prices fluctuate, and you can take advantage of a price-matching guarantee.

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Comparison To Other Dirt Bike Tires

Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR	Dunlop K180 Flat Track	Kenda K760 Trackmaster II
50/50 knobby tire good on gravel/dirt roads	Hard terrain flat track racing tire	Intermediate-level dirt bike tire

The Dunlop K180 Flat Track tire is a niche racing tire designed specifically for hard dirt flat track circuits, while the Kenda K760 Trackmaster II is a more affordable performance option for intermediate-level dirt bike riders pushing limits on trails.

The Pirelli Scorpion Rally occupies the middle ground as a 50/50 option balancing on and off-road versatility.

Design and Aesthetics

The Scorpion Rally STR tires sport a chunky design that lends a unique aesthetic to any bike they’re fitted on.

Despite some skepticism over mounting knobbed tires on a Yamaha Tracer, we can confidently say that the tires’ distinct look sets it apart from other bikes and adds a hint of rugged charm.

Riding Experience and Performance

Our Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR test, over a span of about 2000 miles, including a ride through the Scottish Highlands and several weekend blasts on windy back roads.

The tires performed excellently, offering a lot of feedback, minimal vibration, and negligible tire noise. The tires create a distinctive hum, which riders must get accustomed to.

Despite their chunky design, the tires deliver confidence-inspiring performance, even in wet conditions. They offer a solid grip and excellent handling, allowing riders to tackle corners with ease.

Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR Mileage

I am a heavy rider, so my tires lasted about 4,500 miles, but my friends lasted 6,200 miles. My friend’s rear tire lasted around 20,000 kilometers (approximately 12,427 miles) on an STR rear tire.

Please note that these figures are based on individual experiences, so the Pirelli Scorpion Rally mileage may vary.

Off-road Performance

In off-road conditions, the Scorpion Rally STR tires deliver good performance. While the rear wheel tends to spin up a bit, it’s a significant improvement over standard road tires.

They handle gravel and dry mud well, but riders should avoid wet and thick mud as it can clog up the tire’s grooves.

Pros of Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR

• Offers excellent traction and grip on both tarmac and off-road terrains.
• Confident handling in both wet and dry conditions.
• The chunky design lends a unique aesthetic to the bike.
• Can confidently handle patches of gravel on the road.

Cons of Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR

• Takes a while to warm up, which can lead to a squirmy feel in the initial minutes of riding.
• Requires professional installation due to stiff sidewalls.
• Offers a lower mileage compared to standard road tires.
• Performs sub-optimally in wet and thick mud.

Should You Buy the Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR?

The Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR is an excellent choice if you spend most of your time riding on the road but occasionally venture off-road.

While the mileage offered may be less than that of road-focused tires, the unique combination of off-road performance and road grip makes these tires a worthy investment.

If you’re an avid off-roader who frequently encounters sand and deep mud, you may want to consider other options like the TKC80 or other off-road-focused tires that will offer better performance in those conditions.

However, the Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR ticks all the right boxes for the road-focused rider with an occasional penchant for green lanes and fire roads.

FAQ

What type of tires are the Scorpion Rally STRs?

The Scorpion Rally STRs are knobbly enduro off and on-road tires marketed primarily for use on a variety of terrains, including gravel, mud, and normal roads.

How does the performance of Scorpion Rally STRs compare on-road and off-road?

On the road, Scorpion Rally STRs provide excellent grip and confidence with minimal vibration and noise. Off-road, they perform well on green lanes and gravel tracks, although their performance in deep, wet mud is limited due to clogging.

How long does it take for the Scorpion Rally STRs to warm up?

These tires take a little longer to warm up compared to standard road tires. When cold, they may feel slightly squirmy but stabilize after being ridden for about 20 minutes.

What is the reported mileage for Scorpion Rally STRs?

The mileage can vary significantly depending on your riding style and type of bike. However, the mileage of 6,000 miles was recorded on a 75-horsepower bike primarily used for commuting and occasional off-roading.

Are there any downsides to installing the Scorpion Rally STRs?

The sidewalls of Scorpion Rally STRs are very hard, making them difficult to fit onto the rims. It’s advised to have them professionally fitted to avoid damage to the tire or rim.

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