Best Intermediate Dirt Bike Tire for Trails and Motocross

#1 · Best Overall

1. Pirelli Scorpion MX Extra X Set

• Size: 80/100-21; 110/90-19
• Rim Size: 21 in
• Vehicle Tire ISO Metric Size Description: 80/100-21F 110/90-19R

Best for: Matched motocross tire-set buyers.

Why it ranks #1: The matched 80/100-21 front and 110/90-19 rear set is specified for mid-soft to mid-hard terrain, spanning common intermediate conditions.

Directional front blocks and a bridged rear layout distinguish Pirelli’s Scorpion MX Extra X set, with the front pattern specified for directional accuracy and braking stability and the rear for rigidity and traction. The pair targets mid-soft to mid-hard terrain for training or racing.

The set includes an 80/100-21 front and 110/90-19 rear, so both positions are covered for a bike matching those dimensions. Arrow-like and V-shaped front blocks are intended to improve directional accuracy, braking stability, and cornering grip; the bridged rear layout supports rigidity and traction. Its multi-ply carcass is described as resisting punctures while remaining flexible to absorb jumps and obstacles, connecting construction to motocross use over uneven terrain.

Skip it if you need different front or rear dimensions; this Pirelli set is specified as 80/100-21 front and 110/90-19 rear.

A match for motocross training or racing on mid-soft to mid-hard terrain when both listed sizes suit the bike. Its set format covers both ends, but does not offer alternate dimensions in this listing.

Listed on Amazon as: Pirelli Scorpion MX Extra X 80/100-21 Front & 110/90-19 Rear Tire Set

#2 · Best Intermediate Front

2. Bridgestone Battlecross X30

• Size: 70/100×19 (7206)
• Rim Size: 19 in
• Vehicle Tire ISO Metric Size Description: 70/100R19

Best for: Acceleration-and-braking traction.

Why it ranks #2: It is explicitly an intermediate-terrain tire, with a raised center lug for acceleration and braking; its listed size is 70/100×19.

A raised center block is the Battlecross X30’s defining traction feature, specified to help during acceleration and braking. Bridgestone pairs it with an asymmetric front block pattern for stable grip in braking and cornering, making this intermediate-terrain tire relevant to riders prioritizing control through track maneuvers.

The listed 70/100×19 size and 19-inch rim specification identify the tire dimensions, while its features focus on front-tire control. Raised center blocks are intended to enhance acceleration and braking traction; asymmetric block placement targets stable grip during braking and cornering. Convex block edges catch the track surface, and the tire is described as producing high contact pressure to enhance traction. Those pattern details connect its intermediate-terrain role to both straight-line control and turning response.

Skip it if you need another tire size; this X30 is listed as 70/100×19 for a 19-inch rim.

A useful match for an intermediate-terrain rider seeking front-tire grip through braking, acceleration, and cornering. The listing specifies 70/100×19, so its appeal depends on that size matching the motorcycle’s front wheel.

Listed on Amazon as: Bridgestone Battlecross X30 Intermediate Terrain Motorcycle Tire

#3 · Best 18-Inch Rear

3. Maxxis Maxxcross IT Rear

• Size: 110/100-18
• Rim Size: 18 in
• Vehicle Tire ISO Metric Size Description: 110/100-18

Best for: 18-inch intermediate rear replacement.

Why it ranks #3: This intermediate-terrain rear tire is sized 110/100-18, making it a direct candidate for riders needing that specific rear fitment.

The Maxxcross IT is identified as an intermediate-terrain rear tire in 110/100-18, giving riders a clearly specified size and position for replacement shopping. Its listed dimensions make it relevant to an 18-inch rear setup, while the product information does not detail additional tread technologies or compound claims.

The 110/100-18 size and 18-inch rim specification provide the main fit information for choosing this rear tire, so riders can compare those dimensions with their existing setup. The product is identified as a Maxxcross Intermediate rear tire, placing its stated use in intermediate terrain. This listing is for one tire, and the wheel is not included; buyers replacing both ends or expecting a wheel with the tire will need to source those separately.

Skip it if you need a complete tire set or a wheel included; this listing supplies only one Maxxcross IT tire.

Choose it when replacing a matching 110/100-18 rear tire for an intermediate-terrain bike. The listing is narrowly a single tire rather than a set, and the rim or wheel must be sourced separately.

Listed on Amazon as: MAXXIS Maxxcross IT Intermediate Terrain Rear Tire 110/100-18 (TM73514000)

#4 · Best 21-Inch Front

4. Maxxis Maxxcross IT Front

• Size: 80/100-21
• Rim Size: 21 in
• Vehicle Tire ISO Metric Size Description: 80/100R21

Best for: Precise-steering front tire.

Why it ranks #4: The 80/100-21 front tire is identified for intermediate terrain, and its listed knob design targets steering across varied soil conditions.

A distinctive knob design is the Maxxis M7304’s central feature, specified to support precise steering across varied soil conditions. This 80/100-21 front tire also uses a specially formulated rubber compound intended to preserve knob edges and enhance straight-line traction, addressing both steering and forward control.

The 80/100-21 size and 21-inch rim specification identify the front tire dimensions for a matching wheel. Its knob design is described as offering precise steering across a wide variety of soil conditions, while the rubber compound enhances straight-line traction and keeps knob edges longer, including with concrete pad starts. The listing specifies tube-type construction and recommends pairing the front with the M7305 rear for best overall performance, giving buyers a stated companion model to consider.

Skip it if you need a rear tire rather than a front; this Maxxis M7304 is specified as an 80/100-21 front tire.

A candidate for riders seeking a precise-steering front tire across varied soil conditions, provided 80/100-21 matches the bike. The listing recommends the M7305 rear for best overall performance, so this is not a complete setup.

Listed on Amazon as: Maxxis M7304 Maxxcross IT Front Tire 80/100-21 TM88181000

#5

5. Bridgestone Battlecross X31

• Size: Rear 110/90-19

Best for: Mixed-terrain cornering grip.

Why it ranks #5: Its soft/intermediate terrain designation and rear 110/90-19 size suit riders leaning toward softer ground while retaining an intermediate range.

Castle Block Technology gives the Bridgestone Battlecross X31 an extra edge effect on the front shoulder blocks and rear blocks, with the listing tying it to cornering grip and traction. Its asymmetric rear pattern and lower block ratio are specified for a broader working range.

The X31 is listed as a rear 110/90-19 tire for a broad range of intermediate terrain in big-bike sizes, so its size and role matter when selecting a replacement. Its asymmetric rear block pattern and lower block ratio are described as improving traction performance and increasing working range. Castle Block Technology adds edges intended to support cornering grip and traction across terrain types, while Bunker Groove technology is said to improve casing flex for harder terrain and add biting edges for softer ground.

Skip it if you need a front tire or a different rear size; this X31 listing specifies a 110/90-19 rear tire.

Consider the X31 for a matching big-bike rear wheel and routes spanning intermediate conditions toward harder or softer ground. Its listed 110/90-19 rear size is the fit boundary, so it is not a complete set.

Listed on Amazon as: Bridgestone Battlecross X31 Soft/Intermediate Terrain Tire

#6

6. Tusk EMEX T-45

• Size: 100/100×18

Best for: Packed-trail transition rider.

Why it ranks #6: This 100/100×18 tire targets intermediate/hard terrain and is described as transitioning across surfaces, fitting riders whose routes include packed ground.

Aggressively deep, wide center lugs give the Tusk EMEX T-45 its clearest advantage: traction on packed surfaces with a tread pattern intended to transition across a broad range of terrain. Its intermediate/hard-terrain focus suits riders whose routes move beyond consistently soft dirt.

The 100/100×18 size and 18-inch wheel specification identify this as a rear-fit option for a matching setup, while its rubber construction provides the listed tire material. Deep, wide center lugs are specified to support traction on packed surfaces and transitions to varied terrain, making the pattern relevant when a ride mixes conditions. The listing includes the tire only, so riders sourcing a complete front-and-rear replacement will need to arrange the other tire separately.

Skip it if you need front and rear tires in one purchase; this listing supplies only the T-45 tire.

Choose it if your matching 18-inch setup needs a tire for packed trails that may shift across terrain. Its stated size is 100/100×18, and the listing does not supply a matching front tire.

Listed on Amazon as: Tusk EMEX T-45® Intermediate/Hard Terrain Tire

#7

7. Pirelli Scorpion MX Mid-Soft Stadium

• Size: 80/100-21 M/C 51M MST
• Rim Size: 21 in
• Vehicle Tire ISO Metric Size Description: 80/100-21

Best for: Soft-terrain front control.

Why it ranks #7: The 80/100-21 front tire is intended for soft and intermediate terrain, but it is a single front tire with a narrower stated terrain emphasis.

Pirelli’s mid-soft compound is the key draw of this 80/100-21 front tire, with the listing linking it to traction and stability on soft and intermediate terrain. Its advanced tread pattern is also specified to enhance grip while minimizing wear for racing or weekend off-road use.

The 80/100-21 size and 21-inch rim specification identify the front tire’s intended dimensions for a matching setup. A mid-soft compound is described as supporting traction and stability, while the advanced tread pattern is intended to enhance traction and minimize wear; together, those details speak to grip needs on soft-to-intermediate routes without overlooking durability. The supplied guidance recommends using the pressure advised by the motorcycle manufacturer, so setup should follow the bike handbook rather than an assumed universal pressure.

Skip it if you need both front and rear tires together; this listing supplies only the Pirelli front tire.

A fit for riders replacing a matching 80/100-21 front tire for soft or intermediate terrain, including motocross use. It does not provide a rear tire, and inflation should follow the motorcycle manufacturer’s guidance.

Listed on Amazon as: Pirelli Scorpion MX Mid-Soft Stadium 80/100-21 Front Tire – Motocross

#8

8. Tusk EMEX T-35 Set

• Size: 80/100×21 & 120/80×19
• Rim Size: 19 in
• Vehicle Tire ISO Metric Size Description: 80/100-21 (F) & 120/80-19 (R)

Best for: Soft-to-intermediate set buyers.

Why it ranks #8: The 80/100×21 front and 120/80×19 rear set covers soft-to-intermediate terrain, making it less tailored to riders mainly on firmer intermediate ground.

A matched front-and-rear package is the Tusk EMEX T-35’s practical distinction: it includes an 80/100×21 front and 120/80×19 rear for soft-to-intermediate terrain. Its aggressive tread is specified for loose dirt, sand, loam, and hard-packed trails, spanning mixed off-road routes.

The two stated sizes give riders a front and rear tire together, simplifying sourcing when both positions need replacement, provided the bike uses those dimensions. Deep, aggressive tread is intended to deliver traction across loose dirt, sand, loam, and hard-packed trails, so the set covers several listed surface types rather than only one. Tube-type construction is described as simplifying installation and maintenance, while the durable rubber compound is specified to resist wear and tear during off-road use.

Skip it if you need a different front or rear size; this set is specified only as 80/100×21 front and 120/80×19 rear.

A sensible option for riders replacing both tires on a bike matching the listed front and rear sizes, especially across soft-to-intermediate trails. Check the dimensions against your setup; the set’s stated sizing is specific.

Listed on Amazon as: Tusk EMEX T-35 Front/Rear Tire Set – 80/100×21, 120/80×19

#9

9. Kenda Millville2

• Size: 90/100-16
• Rim Size: 16 in
• Vehicle Tire ISO Metric Size Description: 90/100-16

Best for: Cornering-focused soft-trail tire.

Why it ranks #9: This 90/100-16 tire is engineered for soft-to-intermediate terrain, but its 16-inch fitment limits suitability to bikes requiring that size.

Biting edges are the Kenda Millville2’s clearest cornering feature, while its paddle-shaped pattern is specified to add braking traction during aggressive stops. Listed for soft-to-intermediate terrain, this 90/100-16 tire suits riders seeking those tread characteristics on motocross tracks and off-road routes.

The 90/100-16 size and 16-inch rim specification help identify whether this tire matches the intended wheel. Biting edges are intended to improve cornering traction, while the paddle-shaped pattern enhances braking grip, connecting its tread features to turning and stopping demands. Tie-bar knob support is specified to reduce squirm and increase durability, a practical consideration for riders seeking a more supported tread pattern. Its stated terrain focus is soft to intermediate.

Skip it if you need a different tire size; this Millville2 is specified as 90/100-16 for a 16-inch rim.

Consider it for a matching 16-inch setup used on soft-to-intermediate terrain, especially where cornering and braking grip matter. The 90/100-16 specification is the key fit boundary for this single tire.

Listed on Amazon as: KENDA Tire Millville2 90/100-16 129L1003

#10

10. WIG Racing Intermediate Tire

• Size: 90/100-14
• Rim Size: 14 in
• Vehicle Tire ISO Metric Size Description: 90/100-14R

Best for: Loose-dirt 14-inch rear.

Why it ranks #10: Its 90/100-14 rear size and 400-pound load capacity are specific fitment details, and the listing describes it for off-road use only.

Tread spacing that works especially well in mud and loose dirt or sand is the defining feature of this WIG Racing rear tire. Its intermediate compound and 90/100-14 size suit off-road riders seeking a rear tire for those conditions, with off-road use explicitly specified.

The 90/100-14 specification identifies a 14-inch-rim rear tire, giving buyers a clear size reference for a matching wheel. Its intermediate rubber compound is paired with a tread whose spacing is described as effective in mud and loose dirt or sand, linking the compound and pattern to varied off-road surfaces. The listing also calls it multi-directional, which provides flexibility in orientation during installation; its stated use is off-road only, not road riding.

Skip it if you need a tire for road riding; this WIG Racing tire is explicitly limited to off-road use.

Choose this rear tire for an off-road bike using the listed 90/100-14 size, particularly when mud or loose dirt and sand feature in the route. Its stated off-road-only use is an important boundary.

Listed on Amazon as: Intermediate Compound Off Road Dirt Bike Motocross Tire (90/100-14)