Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the Pirelli MT21 Rallycross 120/80, an awesome tire that's been making waves in the dual-sport and off-road riding scene. If you're looking for a tire that can handle both the tarmac and the trails, you've probably heard about this one. This review will cover everything you need to know, from its features and benefits to its performance and suitability for different riding conditions. So, buckle up and get ready for the ride!

What is Pirelli MT21 Rallycross 120/80?

The Pirelli MT21 Rallycross 120/80 is a tire designed for riders who need a versatile option that performs well both on and off the road. It's part of Pirelli's renowned MT21 Rallycross series, known for its durability and grip. The 120/80 specification refers to the tire's size, indicating a width of 120mm and an aspect ratio of 80%, which means the tire's height is 80% of its width. This particular size is commonly used on mid-sized adventure and dual-sport motorcycles, making it a popular choice for riders who enjoy exploring various terrains.

The tire features a knobby tread pattern that provides excellent traction on loose surfaces such as dirt, gravel, and sand. The widely spaced knobs help to clear mud and debris, ensuring consistent grip even in challenging conditions. At the same time, the MT21 Rallycross is designed to offer reasonable performance on paved roads, making it a practical choice for riders who need to commute or travel long distances to reach their favorite off-road trails. The tire's construction incorporates a durable compound that resists wear and tear, extending its lifespan and providing good value for money. Whether you're tackling rocky mountain trails or cruising down the highway, the Pirelli MT21 Rallycross aims to deliver a balanced and reliable riding experience. Its reputation for versatility and performance has made it a favorite among adventure riders and dual-sport enthusiasts worldwide.

Key Features and Benefits

When it comes to the Pirelli MT21 Rallycross 120/80, the features are designed to provide a balanced and reliable riding experience across various terrains. First off, the aggressive knobby tread pattern is a standout. This design ensures excellent grip on loose surfaces like dirt, gravel, and sand. The widely spaced knobs do a fantastic job of clearing mud and debris, which means you're less likely to lose traction in mucky conditions. This is a huge benefit for anyone who loves hitting the trails, as it keeps you moving forward even when the going gets tough.

Durability is another major advantage. The tire is made from a tough compound that can withstand the wear and tear of both on and off-road riding. This means you won't have to replace your tires as often, saving you money in the long run. Plus, the reinforced sidewalls add extra protection against punctures and cuts, which is crucial when you're navigating rocky or uneven terrain. On the road, the MT21 Rallycross offers decent handling and stability. While it's not a sportbike tire, it provides enough grip and predictability for comfortable commuting and touring. The tire's construction also helps to reduce noise and vibration, making for a smoother ride on paved surfaces.

Another key benefit is its versatility. This tire is designed to perform well in a wide range of conditions, from dry and dusty trails to wet and muddy roads. This makes it an excellent choice for riders who encounter varied terrain on their adventures. Whether you're exploring remote backcountry areas or simply commuting to work, the Pirelli MT21 Rallycross offers a reliable and consistent performance. Finally, the tire's popularity and availability mean that it's easy to find and purchase, and there's plenty of online support and reviews to help you make an informed decision. All these features combine to make the Pirelli MT21 Rallycross a top contender in the dual-sport tire market, offering a blend of performance, durability, and versatility that's hard to beat.

Performance on Different Terrains

The Pirelli MT21 Rallycross 120/80 truly shines when you start talking about how it handles different terrains. Let's break it down, so you know what to expect whether you're on the road or tearing through the trails.

Off-Road Performance

Off-road, this tire is a beast. The aggressive knobby tread pattern is designed to dig into loose surfaces, providing excellent traction on dirt, gravel, and sand. The widely spaced knobs help to clear mud and debris, ensuring that you maintain grip even in the sloppiest conditions. Whether you're climbing steep hills, navigating rocky trails, or drifting through sandy washes, the MT21 Rallycross delivers a confident and predictable performance. The tire's durable construction and reinforced sidewalls also add an extra layer of protection against punctures and cuts, which is essential when you're riding in rugged terrain.

On-Road Performance

On the road, the MT21 Rallycross offers a surprisingly smooth and stable ride for a knobby tire. While it's not as refined as a dedicated street tire, it provides enough grip and handling for comfortable commuting and touring. The tire's construction helps to reduce noise and vibration, making for a more pleasant riding experience on paved surfaces. However, it's important to keep in mind that the MT21 Rallycross is still a knobby tire, and its performance on the road will be different from that of a street-oriented tire. In particular, you may notice a slight reduction in cornering grip and increased braking distances, especially in wet conditions. As long as you adjust your riding style accordingly, the MT21 Rallycross can be a capable and reliable companion on the road.

Wet Conditions

When it comes to wet conditions, the Pirelli MT21 Rallycross 120/80 requires a bit more caution. The knobby tread pattern can struggle to maintain grip on slick surfaces, especially on paved roads. It's important to reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and avoid sudden braking or acceleration. Off-road, the MT21 Rallycross can still perform reasonably well in wet conditions, as long as the mud and debris are not too deep. The widely spaced knobs help to clear water and maintain traction, but it's still important to be cautious and avoid riding in extremely muddy or flooded areas. Overall, the MT21 Rallycross is a versatile tire that can handle a wide range of terrains, but it's important to be aware of its limitations in wet conditions and adjust your riding style accordingly.

Pros and Cons

Before you make a decision, let's weigh the pros and cons of the Pirelli MT21 Rallycross 120/80 to give you a balanced view.

Pros

• Excellent Off-Road Traction: The aggressive knobby tread pattern provides exceptional grip on loose surfaces, making it ideal for dirt, gravel, and sand.
• Durable Construction: The tough compound and reinforced sidewalls offer excellent resistance to wear and tear, extending the tire's lifespan.
• Versatile Performance: The tire performs well on a variety of terrains, from paved roads to rugged trails, making it a great choice for adventure and dual-sport riding.
• Good Mud Clearance: The widely spaced knobs effectively clear mud and debris, ensuring consistent grip in challenging conditions.
• Reasonable On-Road Handling: The tire offers decent stability and handling on paved surfaces, making it suitable for commuting and touring.

Cons

• Reduced On-Road Grip: The knobby tread pattern can compromise grip on paved roads, especially in wet conditions.
• Increased Noise and Vibration: The tire can generate more noise and vibration compared to street-oriented tires, especially at higher speeds.
• Shorter Lifespan: While durable, the MT21 Rallycross may not last as long as some dedicated street tires, especially if used primarily on paved roads.
• Wet Weather Performance: The tire's performance in wet conditions can be unpredictable, requiring extra caution and reduced speeds.
• Not Ideal for Sportbikes: The MT21 Rallycross is not designed for high-performance sportbikes and may not provide the necessary grip and handling for aggressive riding.

Alternatives to Pirelli MT21 Rallycross 120/80

If you're not entirely sold on the Pirelli MT21 Rallycross 120/80, there are a few other tires you might want to consider. Each offers a slightly different balance of on-road and off-road performance, so you can find one that perfectly suits your riding style and needs.

Continental TKC 80

The Continental TKC 80 is a popular choice for adventure riders who spend a significant amount of time on both paved and unpaved roads. It features a blocky tread pattern that provides excellent grip on loose surfaces, while also offering surprisingly good handling and stability on the road. The TKC 80 is known for its durability and long lifespan, making it a great option for riders who clock up a lot of miles.

Mitas E-07

The Mitas E-07 is another excellent alternative, known for its exceptional durability and versatility. It features a unique tread pattern that provides a good balance of on-road and off-road performance. The E-07 is particularly popular among adventure riders who prioritize longevity and reliability, as it can handle a wide range of conditions with ease.

Dunlop D606

For riders who spend more time off-road, the Dunlop D606 is a great choice. It features an aggressive knobby tread pattern that delivers exceptional traction on dirt, gravel, and sand. While it's not as refined as some other tires on the road, the D606 offers excellent performance in challenging off-road conditions.

Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross AX41

The Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross AX41 is a more modern offering that aims to bridge the gap between on-road comfort and off-road capability. With a focus on enhanced grip and stability, it's designed for riders who want a versatile tire that performs well in a variety of conditions. Its tread pattern is optimized for both wet and dry surfaces, making it a reliable choice for mixed-terrain adventures.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word on the Pirelli MT21 Rallycross 120/80? Overall, this tire is an excellent choice for riders who need a versatile option that can handle both on and off-road riding. Its aggressive knobby tread pattern provides excellent traction on loose surfaces, while its durable construction ensures a long lifespan. While it may not be the best choice for dedicated street riding, the MT21 Rallycross offers a good balance of performance and versatility, making it a popular choice for adventure and dual-sport riders.

If you're looking for a tire that can handle a wide range of conditions and terrains, the Pirelli MT21 Rallycross is definitely worth considering. Just be sure to keep in mind its limitations in wet conditions and adjust your riding style accordingly. With its proven performance and reputation, the MT21 Rallycross is a reliable and capable companion for all your two-wheeled adventures. Whether you're exploring remote backcountry areas or simply commuting to work, this tire will help you get the job done.