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Long Term Review Of Maxxis Supermaxx Tyres - By Ren Withnell
Being tighter then cramp I looked for the cheapest tyres for my Fazer FZS 600 (the first models). I found the cheapest options available with the slightly less common 110/70 - 17 size of the early Fazer's front were the Maxxis Supermaxx. I knew Maxxis were originally known as really cheap nasty tyres from the far east much like the "Cheng Shin suicide tyres of death". I also had recently learned that a friend of mine fitted them to his bike with success and that they'd turned the quality around.
Further reading online suggested that although the modern Maxxis were never going to "beat" the established brands they were certainly "catching up" and the sport tour Supermaxx model was a perfectly acceptable tyre. Not being of a sporty persuasion ultimate grip was not my primary concern, longevity and cost were. Oponeo were offering a £25 saving over anything else so I took a flyer and ordered the tyres.
The tyres proved to be just...tyres! They were not deadly or worrying, did not fall apart or de-laminate, did not ruin the handling and they worked as I'd expect a tyre to work. They did not offer endless grip or superior confidence either. They are what you may expect them to be, reasonable budget tyres. They did impress me on a warm sunny ride from Ullapool to Gairloch. Not by being amazing but by allowing the gf and I to rip up the road and bends with security. They also held firm when we almost met a wayward driver on my side of the road. These are the first tyres I've ever owned to feather and shred on the edges while riding hard. I'm not really that fast you see.
It's not very often I can ride a tyre hard enough to cause feathering and stippling at the edges...
Which brings me to the downside of these tyres, wear. I managed to squeeze 6,000 miles out of the rear which in fact is what I'd previously managed on other brands. What is different is how these tyres felt when they became worn. Terrible! I've read plenty of reviews where riders complain of tyres "squaring off", I've seen this too but it never really made much difference to the handling at my genteel pace. I assumed they were being finicky and pretentious having read too many "professional" journalists talking of such things.
You know you're seriously squared off when you can stand the tyre up like this...
The Maxxis were different. I lost all confidence in the tyre towards the end as it felt like I was steering through mud and gloop. It felt vague and insecure. You don't notice as wear is gradual so you adjust your riding accordingly then after the winter a dry day beckoned but still no "wahoo!" grippy feeling returned and all my mates scooted off ahead like they're on rails leaving me teetering behind. I put it down to me being slow...until I fitted new tyres.
The wear profile isn't just flat at the bottom, it's worn into a jaunty speed-bump shape.
So all in all the Maxxis Supermaxx are NOT a bad tyre, but they ARE a budget tyre. I'd take a strong look at your budget and your riding requirements when looking at this rubber. Can you afford the extra for a more established brand? Are you a corner demon or rock steady commuter? I'd not be put off a bike with Maxxis rubber, but to be honest I'm not going to choose them again.
Reader's Comments
Martin said :-
I’ve used these tyres for ever and have no issue 7k on Vfr 800. 6k sprint st. Only 3k bandit 1250. All same riding. Handle ok when worn and I’m out all weathers.
Trying new st2 tyre on bandit. If you’re squeamish don’t try Pirelli or Michelin road. They followed patches in tarmac like rails.
08/10/2021 15:17:09 UTC
David Hall said :-
I have used Maxis on all my bandits since 2009 and I ride hard, cornering is good and I feel safe, I can not comment on riding in the wet as these days I don’t. But I get good mileage and they do what I want them to do. I don’t do much straight line riding so they don’t suffer from flattening off. Mainly around the Yorkshire Dales, and previously around north Wales, so hardly ever not on a corner. I honestly recommend these tyres.
23/01/2024 09:42:34 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Thanks David Hall, I'm glad they're doing the business for you. However it's come to my notice that Maxxis are no longer showing up in the cheap section when I'm looking for my tyres. I figure they've upped their quality and along with it their prices.
25/01/2024 08:12:37 UTC
Snod said :-
Sadly the Supermaxx seems to be getting phased out of production, possibly to be replaced by the CST branded Ride Migra. I have one in the tyre stack in the wardrobe but it'll be a while before it's fitted so I have nothing to say about that so far.
However, I have a £50 (!) Supermaxx on the front of my TRX850 and it has been brilliant for 9000 miles and counting. To the touch it seems to be made of plastic but it somehow really works on the road. The shoulders are now heavily worn but I think it has another 2K or so left in it. I'm a big fan.
25/01/2024 20:21:12 UTC
Sam said :-
I had expensive tires on my gsxr 1000 fitted maxis best tires I ever fitted road holding when I was in a very nasy situation, saved by the maxis tires. Wouldn't ride on anything else ,
31/05/2024 17:29:01 UTC
Darren said :-
My KTM 790 Duke came with Maxxis Supermaxx tyres as standard and I've never had a problem with them apart from the rear squaring off. I don't ride beyond the tyre limit and have just bought a new rear from Maxxis to keep them paired. The rear has only lasted just over 4000 miles.
26/06/2024 13:35:27 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Judging by the wear on the lower edge of the tread in the centre I'd say you've been using that 790 motor "firmly". A more leisurely use of the throttle will give you a few more miles! Of just ride it and enjoy it and accept that tyres along with fuel and other parts are simply "fun tax".
27/06/2024 08:10:22 UTC
Perry said :-
Hey hi you all, I've got a zx12r changed the tyres about over a year ago to pirellis diablos never had them before and never will again,done just over 1500 miles and they won't pass an mot this October coming, don't get me wrong the tyres got really good handling on dry or wet weather but the mileage is really poor,so I'm just wondering will the maxxis be any good or better than the pirellis,well in my case i think any other tyre it'll better than pirellis,thanks in advance ?
23/08/2024 18:18:14 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Hi Perry. This is a REALLY old review so my experience of the Maxxis is well out of date.
The Pirelli Diablos are a full sports tyre and not a sports tour tyre. I've recently been running the Pirelli Angels on my CB500X and I reckon I'll get about 8,000 miles out of the rear, the front perhaps 13-15 thousand. The Angels are a sport touring tyre.
HOWEVER - I ride like "Driving Miss Daisy" most of the time, keeping to speed limits and not giving it large all over the shop. There's 2 things that wear out tyres - speed and weight. You've gotten a fast and heavy bike, it's going to eat tyres.
Plus if you're a fast rider you may find the Angels or any other of the sports touring tyres won't provide the grip you require. It's a trade off.
23/08/2024 20:05:28 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Bridgestone Battlax S21?
23/08/2024 23:34:47 UTC
Daniel said :-
I agree with Darren on the low tread wear life and center squaring off. I as well have a 790 Duke that came with the MAXXIS supermaxx ST tire and I just hit 4200 miles and my rear tire is shot. Front tire is at about 50% life. I think I'll be switching over to the Dunlop Roadsmart 4 tires based on the positive reviews of great corner handling and long tread life.
P.S yes, I am aware of the nail sticking out of the tire.
25/08/2024 15:29:44 UTC
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