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Dunlop continues to produce the MX3S front tire and I am happy about it? Yes, that’s right, at least for now it’s still available and I have not been shy in saying that this is my favorite front tire because of lean angle traction and carcass comfort. No, the MX3S is not going to give you that durable/long lasting front tire that you may be looking for as this is a pure performance driven product. The Dunlop MX3S has given me the most front tire contact feeling when compared to other front tires that I have tried the last couple years. However, I have been riding with (and seeing other top SX/MX athletes) riding on the AT82 front and have come away impressed as well. I have been seeing/hearing your comments and questions about the AT82 so I thought I would give you all a little comparison of each in hopes it may guide you on which one is right for you.
The MX3S is engineered for soft to intermediate terrain, providing excellent traction and control. I appreciate its predictable handling and solid grip/feel on lean angle cornering. However, at times I have noted that it may not perform as well on hard-packed surfaces, where its performance can diminish. This is not surprising though because the MX3S is made for soft to intermediate terrain. Additionally, the MX3S may experience faster wear compared to other models like the MX34 and AT82, potentially affecting its longevity.
The AT82 is a slightly more versatile tire designed for a broader range of terrain, including soft, intermediate, and hard-packed surfaces. It features a taller profile and a softer carcass, enhanced bump absorption and provides a compliant ride. I have felt superb front-end grip as well as stability, particularly in cornering. When inside a rut with chop or small rocks, the AT82 felt like it had a little more cornering stability than the MX3S. However, I have felt that the softer carcass can lead to a slightly bouncy feel in hard pack conditions if I don’t run the pressure up a little (compared to a MX3S). Additionally, the AT82 may experience increased wear over time, especially under aggressive riding similar to a MX3S.
Dunlop MX3S/AT82 Overview:
The MX3S carcass is stiffer than the AT82 (still softer than the MX34 though).
AT82 is 2mm narrower and 3mm taller than the MX3S
MX3S and AT82 have same tread pattern but the AT82 has PCBT blocks on side knobs
Both can be run at 13.5-14 PSI.
Comparison:
Terrain Suitability: The MX3S excels in soft to intermediate terrain more than the AT82, as it offers more contact feel than the AT82 in these conditions. In contrast, the AT82 is more versatile, performing well on lean angle across a wider range of terrain overt the MX3S, including hard-packed surfaces. The AT82 has more control when leaning when track goes from hard pack to loose and vice versa.
Handling and Comfort: The MX3S provides predictable handling (straight line on/off throttle) with predictable lean angle cornering grip. 13.5 PSI is required with the MX3S to ensure the correct amount of lan angle flex. If you’re in pure sand then going to 13 PSI is fine. The AT82 offers slightly more bump absorption with a little more compliant ride on hard pack bumps, contributing to improved comfort in front end feel (in intermediate terrain with sharp bumps). As long as you keep air pressure around 13.5-14PSI on the AT82 it will reward you with a wide contact patch feel on intermediate terrain.
Durability: The MX3S may wear slightly faster, potentially requiring more frequent replacements. Just like the MX3S, the AT82, may also experience increased wear over time in intermediate to hard terrain so to me durability of each tire is very similar feeling. The carcass feeling of the MX3S does last a little longer than the AT82 so rolling of tire doesn’t feel as apparent as the tire wears down. If you experience knobs chunking then you have gone way passed the point of where the carcass is predictable. The carcass of these tires will break down before the knobbies will so just note this. I can usually get 7-10 engine hours of Southern California time on both of these tires (depending on how conditions are). If you live in soft conditions then this time will be much better.
In summary, the choice between the Dunlop MX3S and AT82 front tires depends on your specific riding conditions and preferences. If you primarily ride in soft to intermediate terrain and prioritize maximum traction, the MX3S may be the preferable option. If you seek a slightly more versatile tire that performs well across soft/intermediate/hard terrain with a small amount of enhanced comfort, the AT82 could be the better choice. What I took away from this comparison is that I now have another option for a front tire that gives me predictable lean angle feel and comfort without making my front end of my bike harsher feeling. Even though the AT82 is marketed for “off-road” I think it’s a great choice for the moto rider as well. If the professional MX/SX paddock is any indication, the AT82 front tires is also an option for riders on factory teams too.
*Note* If you do run a AT82 front tire on your bike and you have a front end push in area 2 of corners, simply raise your fork height 1-2mm to compensate for the taller tire size. I personally didn’t have this sensation on a KX or a KTM but on the YZ, I preferred raising my fork up from 2mm to 4mm with the AT82.
