By Frank Stacy
Kenda Tire Design/Testing Consultant
 

Kenda rider Justin Waters

Everyone dreams of having the perfect tire that simply works in any type of terrain or course condition, but the reality is that single tire does not exist. 

Each tread pattern is designed for certain applications and Kenda, like other tire manufactures, do their best to build into each design as broad of a range of applications as possible. But it is still important to know which tire best fits your needs and why. I hope this information will be helpful.


First, the engineers must decide what the application is being designed for... Motocross, Cross Country, or Utility 4x4.

For instance, motocross tires use lower knob depths with each knob spaced close together to allow for a larger tread contact patch along with a light weight 4 PR casing and very sticky rubber compound. there are many jumps so the light weight tire helps the handling as well as reducing rotating wheel weight.

Cross Country (GNCC) tires generally are raced over longer periods of time and over a wide variety of terrain including rocks, tree roots, creek crossing, long up hills and down hills etc... so the tread is designed to have slightly taller knobs so they dig in deeper, more support at the knobs base to improve durability along with a 6 PR casing to protect against punctures and reduce tire roll over on off camber turns or rutted terrain.

 

The Utility 4x4 tire fits into it's own category of design. The tread pattern must provide a good balance between excellent traction for dry to muddy conditions, and smooth ride quality. These vehicles are generally loaded down with equipment for hunting or farming and they also encounter short runs on the pavement which can really wear the tread down in a hurry. Casing is 6 PR and very durable to resist punctures as the last thing anyone wants is a flat tire in the middle of nowhere.

The Utility 4X4 tire uses a rounder inflated profile or crown radius to allow for lighter steering, quicker handling and reduced rolling resistance as this vehicles are heavy compared to 2 wheel drive ATV's.

The latest tire technology for ATV racing and 4x4 Utility is the Radial casing, which features smooth ride quality, great handling, larger contact patch and improved mileage. The Radial casing helps smooth out even the roughest rocky terrain, reduces tire bounce on the bumpiest trails and provides more tire on the ground for extra traction on even the slickest surfaces. I do not think you will be disappointed!
 


 

Exactly how critical is inflation pressure?

In order to achieve the best performance under any terrain you need to start by setting your tire pressures before each outing.

ATV sport tires (2 wheel drive) in dry condition generally run pressures of 8-10 psi but it also depends on how aggressive you are on the quad so you may have to adjust up or down slightly to achieve top performance. If the condition becomes muddy try reducing the inflation pressure to 6-8 psi.

The 4X4 Utility vehicles generally use inflation pressure of 5-7 psi front and rear in dry or muddy condition. These are usually ridden at a slower pace and the low tire pressure provides a good balance between ride quality and traction.