Do I Gear Up or Down With Paddle Tires on a Motorcycle?

Motorcycle paddle tires are made specifically for use in soft sandy riding conditions such as deserts or beach dunes. Some riders also use paddle tires for snowy conditions. Paddle tires do not have treads like conventional tires. There are 6 to 8 paddles on a tire. The paddles are scooped out to improve traction.

  1. Gearing Down

    • Gearing down refers to replacing the engine's chain gear with a gear that has fewer teeth. Some riders do this to offset the engine's extra workload in off-road conditions.

    Gearing Up

    • Gearing up is the opposite of gearing down. These riders replace their stock engine chain gear with a gear that has more teeth. This allows the rider to remain in first gear longer which improves traction and speed.

    Conclusion

    • Most riders will have to try both methods to see how if affects their motorcycle's performance. Unless the engine is not powerful enough for off-road riding the stock gear should work fine.

    Tip

    • Off-road riding with paddle tires is always an extra burden on the engine. Use racing gasoline which is formulated to help the engine stay cool and stop every 30 to 45 minutes to let the engine cool on its own.