MXA PRODUCT TEST: RINALDI SUPERSIZE EXTREME TIRES: A Tire That Has Something Unique To Offer To The Right Buyer

December 6, 2009
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WHAT IS IT? As the name implies, a Rinaldi Supersize Extreme tire is bigger than the typical tire found on a 450 four-stroke. With extra air volume and taller sidewalls, the Rinaldi Extremes are very absorbent and provide a large contact patch.

WHAT’S IT COST? $85.95 (rear), $59.95 (front).

CONTACT? (909) 608-0082 or your local dealer.

Here’s a list of things that stand out with Brazilian-made Rinaldi Supersize Extreme tires.

(1) Spec accuracy. Before we discuss the specifications, it’s important to note that different manufacturers have different standards for measuring height and width. So, unless you already run Rinaldis, comparing the size of the tires you currently run to these tires may be comparing apples and oranges, depending on your brand.

(2) Rear specs. The standard height of a 120 motocross tire is 80 percent of its width (signified as a 120/80-19). The Rinaldi is a taller 120/90-19. It has a large (120mm) footprint and tall (108mm) sidewalls (compared to the 96mm sidewall height of a 120/80-19). The natural suspension travel of the tire is increased by the taller sidewall. Have you ever ridden with an 18-inch rear wheel? The outer diameter of the 18-inch tire is actually the same as a 19-inch tire, but they have a taller sidewall and more volume. These features typically add up to a more absorbent ride, better hook-up in soft terrain and a cushy feel. So why don’t we still use 18-inch tires on motocross bikes? Nineteen-inch tires have stiffer sidewalls, bounce less through whoops and hook up better on hardpack exits from corners. In essence, a 19-inch tire works better in a Supercross-style environment. The Rinaldi Extreme is a 19-inch tire that feels a lot like an 18 and, in our opinion, is a better offroad tire than motocross tire.

(3) Front specs. Standard motocross front tires are either 80/100-21 or 90/100-21. The 90/90-21 Rinaldi has an 81mm sidewall height, which pits it closer to the 80mm height of an 80/100 than the 90mm height of a 90/100.

(4) Performance. The RMX35 Extreme is a predictable, decent-performing intermediate tire that prefers at least a little dirt on the track. As the terrain gets hard, Rinaldi’s rubber compound struggles to hook up. Luckily, “supersize” tires have larger contact patches to improve their hardpack performance. Conversely, the big sneakers sacrifice performance through ruts to gain that traction on hardpacked surfaces. Additionally, the taller rear combined with the shorter front could change the geometry of your bike (steepening the head angle). This difference is only noticed by extremely sensitive riders and is easily compensated for with fork height.

(5) Durability. In the past, the MXA test crew was mightily impressed with the durability of Rinaldi’s rubber compound (although we did experience some chunking when we pushed earlier Rinaldi tires outside of their Intermediate comfort zone). The Rinaldi Supersize Extreme wore like iron, and because of the larger knobs it didn’t chunk.

(6) Weight. The front weighs 8.90 pounds and the rear weighs 13.30 pounds. We have run smaller tires that were heavier, but for comparison purposes a Dunlop MX51 rear (in the same 120 size) weighs about one pound less, and the MX51 front is eight ounces lighter.

(7) Price. When your Rinaldis eventually wear out, new ones are quite affordable. These tires are a great value.

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? Three quibbles: (1) Big tires rev a little slower because of their large contact patch and heavier weight. (2) The taller sidewalls squiggle under acceleration. (3) In ruts, the wide tires tend to climb the sides of the rut.

In the right applications and for riders who prefer a cushy feel, Rinaldi Supersize Extreme tires can be a very good choice. However, on a jumpy track with packed dirt and consecutive whoops, they have their limits.


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