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Replacing my tires soon and there's as many opinions out there as there are people. Help me out here. Please define:

Soft Terrain (I assume...dunes, very soft topsoil farm dirt, etc.?)

Hard Terrain (I assume rocks, heavy roots, extremely hardpack (like concrete or asphalt, etc.)?

Intermediate Terrain (not quite Soft terrain, but not quite Hard terrain?) If so, I believe I am an Intermediate Terrain (Nebraska) rider as we don't "normally" have the above types of stuff where we ride.

Sorry to keep bringing up the tires thing. It's almost as bad as the "what oil should I use?" topic. I believe I have settled on a set of tires that will probably work for me (450R.) I know Doug would have me on trials tires (which I will try on the KTM when the time comes,) but for now, I'm looking at the Maxxis IT Rear/ Maxxis SI-Front or the Dunlop 952-Rear/Dunlop 756-Front for the 450. Can I get a "woop-woop" if I'm on the right track? Of course, I want good traction, but I also need a tire that will last decent (as I don't own my own bank) and hold up okay in the rougher terrain should I ever visit that type of terrain. I am NOT a super-aggressive rider...yet ...so I guess I am just looking for something that is a decent performer with a better than average life span. I'm replacing the stock tires so I imagine ANYTHING will be better, but would like some confirmation that I'm looking at a good combination.

Also having a little problem understanding the sizes (100/110/120.) I understand the 18/19 thing, but I'm not sure about the other numbers and the difference they make. Mostly trail riding, some track. What would you do? Thanks!

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Take a look at this tire size calculator. It is set up for cars so the sizes will not be correct for a motorcycle.

Play with the numbers and you will begin to see the how they change profile and width in the graphic. Be sure to look at both side and end views.

hi
i was talking to a guy at the weekend and he had a maxxis (dont know what type ) tyre on and after one day took it back off ! ive never used them myself

I think you've got the terrain down pretty good.
I'd be sticking with the stock width personally.
Maxxis IT's I've never ran but a lot of guys really like that tire, say it really lasts too. MXA just wrote some nice things about it this month.
I just put on a 952 rear, I'd roached the 756 after 20 hours, most of which were spent at an indoor facility which is pretty nice,deep loamy dirt. The 756 is a great tire, but our big bores eat 'em up pretty quick.
I'll let you know how this 952 feels. Doug

MAXXIS' desert tire is a good product. I have rode threw bad rock sections, sand, brush, broken glass and have never got a flat.

I have run several Maxis tires and like them on back but was not thrilled with the front, it seemed to wear pretty fast. I just put a Pirelli MT18 up front based on numerous posts from folks whose opinions I value. Only one ride on it but first imprssion is good.

The Maxis has it's detractors but I would buy another for the rear.