Dunlop Geomax MX3S Front Tire Review | Soft – Intermediate Terrain Performer

Dunlop Geomax MX3S Front Tire Review | Soft - Intermediate Terrain Performer
Dunlop Geomax MX3S Front Tire

Dunlop Geomax MX3S Front Tire Review

Dunlop Geomax MX3S Front Tire Review | Soft - Intermediate Terrain Performer
Dunlop Geomax MX3S Front Tire

The Dunlop Geomx MX3S front tire is the manufacturer’s premiere soft to intermediate terrain front tire. Derived from top-level Monster Energy AMA Supercross and Lucas Oil Pro Motocross racing, the tire features a directional tread pattern, Enhanced Carcass Tension Control System (CTCS), staggered middle blocks, chiseled shoulder block, and the elimination of the tie-bar design.

The main difference with the directional tread pattern is for the rider or mechanic mounting the tire, as they need to pay attention to mount it in the correct direction. The CTCS is designed for carcass flexibility, which allows for enhanced feel and steering accuracy for the rider.

The staggered middle blocks and alternating mid-shoulder knobs on the MX3S are angled and sized differently to add side grip and light, responsive steering. At the same time, they are designed to be less prone to grabbing while navigating ruts. Dunlop opted to get rid of the tie-bar design in order to reduce the resistance toward bending within the blocks. The result is an enhanced steering feel and greater stability in muddy conditions. Lastly, the chiseled shoulder block, which is derived from the MX31, is designed to penetrate the surface to enhance grip on the side of the tire.

On the track, the MX3S hooks up very well. I was significantly surprised and impressed at how much better it connected with the surface than the stock tires on the 2016 Yamaha YZ250F, thanks to the softer rubber. While the tire works best in the soft to intermediate conditions, it also works wonders on the hard pack terrain as well. After testing it, it comes as no surprise Dunlop focused so heavily on steering capability as the front tires turned easily on flat surfaces as well as in deep, loamy ruts.

With the rubber being softer than a standard OEM spec tire on most machines, I anticipated the Geomax MX3S would wear quickly. However, this was not the case. The tire maintained a square edge after many motos and continued to offer a great amount of traction. I do believe that using the tire on mostly soft to intermediate terrain will help lengthen the life of it, as harder surfaces do tend to take their toll on softer rubber over time.

With a retail price of $127.95, the Dunlop MX3S front tire is a little more expensive than its harder compound counterpart, the MX52. However, the extra grip the tire offers in all conditions is well worth the extra cash. The riders who will benefit the most from running the MX3S are those who ride and/or race in soft to intermediate conditions.

This is very evident as nearly every top pro rider who runs Dunlop tires opts for the MX32 front tire. However, all riders will notice a significant improvement in traction, regardless of what terrain they regularly ride. Overall, I am very pleased with the increased traction and durability of the Dunlop MX3S front tire on our 2016 Yamaha YZ250F.

For additional information, visit Dunlop Motorcycle Tires.

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