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Let’s just start this article by saying there was no one happier than me when Dunlop said they were introducing their new MX34 tire. To say that I wasn’t a huge fan of the MX33 front tire would be an understatement so to have a new Dunlop offering got me excited to possibly ditch my trusty MX3S front tire. So after a few months on the MX34 here is what I really think.
MX34 Front Tire: The MX34 has a new Progressive Cornering Block Technology as well as new pattern and a new rubber compound. This all sounds great but does it actually work? The Dunlop MX34 front tire has a predictable feel when leaning into corners unlike the MX33 did for me. Much like the MX3S the MX34 has a solid lean angle grip that does give you warning before washing out. With the old MX33 I could never tell when I was leaning too far and it would wash without warning. With the MX34 I can start my lean early (much like the 3S) but now has more front end grip when the track gets hard. The MX3S wasn’t great when the track would turn hard pack for the second motos but the 34 front tire leans in more consistently and doesn’t slip/wash out as easy when forcing the side wall under heavy loads on hard surfaces. Bump absorption is much better on the MX34 when comparing the 33. Hitting braking bumps gives the rider more comfort with the MX34 so slap down landings are much of a nicer feel to the hands. Overall, the MX34 gives me some MX3S vibes when I ride with it with maybe slightly less aggressive bite. I still think the MX3S is better when the track is soft, but over the course of the day the MX34 is more consistent. I will say that the MX34 wears much better and will not break down or chunk knobs like the MX3S does. After 10 hours of use I still found the tire fairly predictable without chunking. Front Tire Pressure: 13-13.5 PSI.
MX34 Rear Tire (120/80-19): Now I didn’t have a huge issue with the MX33 rear since I steer more with my front tire but I do notice more forward bite when the track gets hard pack with the MX34 versus the MX33. I also notice less slide (when braking) on the MX34 versus the MX33, which I prefer. I steer with my front end and not my rear so less sliding from the rear for me is better. Another added bonus to me is the MX34 carcass feel is much more compliant to me than the MX33 but the MX34 is heavier of a tire by almost a pound compared to the MX33. If you go with a 120/90-19 you will save a pound over the 120/80-19 which is odd to me, but nonetheless the 90 sizing is lighter than the 80. Wear of the MX34 is comparable to the MX33 but it keeps its lean angle integrity longer than the MX33 does. Getting to 10 hours on the MX34 is much friendlier than the MX33. Even when the knobs are worn down, the MX34 gives you more traction than the MX33. What I like is that I can trust the MX34 in a wide variety of terrain and get the same feel. I also notice (and this could be luck) but I get less pinch flats with the MX34 over the MX33. Now, I don’t know why, but for sure I have had less flats with the MX34 with the same tubes that I have been running for two years. If you do decide to go to a 120/90-19 on your 450, you’ll notice a little better front end cornering (as it’s a taller rear tire) and more squish compared to the 80 sizing. You may have to compensate your sag if you go with the 90 size because your bike might sit taller in the rear with the 90. Most professional motocross riders choose the 90 size for tire comfort on braking bumps. The 90 rear tire size will feel less maneuverable (slightly slower change of directions) when trying to change lines compared to the 80. Rear Tire Pressure: 13 PSI
Overall, the Dunlop MX34 is my favorite tire to go to when racing. The Dunlop MX34 may not have the most comfort in class (that goes to the Pirelli MX32 mid soft) but it certainly is most consistent for a rider who is looking for a blend of performance and longevity out of their perforce mx tires.
