Just got my tires the other day, after being on backorder for several months. I run ITP Holeshot XC's on all my large sport bikes, and have run Holeshot XCT's in the past. So, my comparisons are made to the XC's (the absolutely BEST tire I have found for desert!), NOT to the stock tires. Out here in the desert, it is pretty much foolishness to leave the stock tires on, they just don't hold up! I threw them on the 400EX, and went for a ride in my local hills (San Timoteo/Reche Canyon for you locals). Conditions are a mix of lots of desert hardpack, some soft dirt and sand, and WICKED steep hill climbs, with lots of rain ruts left by the dirt bikes.

The H-D's have 30 rows of *****, and VERY aggressive side *****. The ***** are moderately soft, and fairly tall, with a fair amount of space between them. The XC's on the other hand, have 36 rows, and the ***** are shorter and stiffer, and more closely spaced. The tires are mounted on ITP 9X9" rims (wider and with a greater offset than stock), so the bike comes in at just over 48" wide. Wide enough for some increased stability for the open desert, but not so wide that it can't also be trail ridden.

As far as lateral stability (cornering), these are absolutely the best tires I have ever ridden! Even out on the pavement, you can tell that the bike is less likely to want to tip over. The back end was however not as willing to slide as the XC's are, no doubt because of the gnarly side *****. Had to give it a healthy burst of throtle, to help break the back free.

In the soft stuff (dirt or sand), traction was excellent! The tall, widely spaced *****, really take a bite out of the soft stuff. On hard pack, they didn't do as well as the XC's. My experience has been that the best hardpack tires have numerous small traction ***** (Turf Tamers for example). The more widely spaced H-D *****, just didn't take as good a bite. I found myself having to sit back further on the seat, to weight the back end and get traction on steep, hardpack hill climbs. These should be pretty good mud tires, with the tall blocks for better traction, and the wider spacing to shed mud more easily.

So, I think these will make very good ALL AROUND TIRES. I think they will really shine in conditions where there is a lot of SOFT SOIL or SAND. And, the increase in cornering stability is outstanding.

 

thank you for the great detailed review. have you ever tried the holeshot XCR's?

 

No, they really aren't a desert tire.

 

WHERE AT IN TEMPERANCE WHERE DO U RIDE I RIDE IN TANGLEWOOD

 

your from temperance? I'll send you a Private message.