Description
🛑 The Real Problem Riders Face
Ever launched your electric dirt bike into a soft, muddy berm only to feel the rear tyre spin, slide, or bog down? Poor traction on soft terrain doesn’t just kill speed, it kills confidence, ruins lap times, and risks injury.
✅ Your Competitive Edge: Starcross 5 Soft
The Michelin Starcross 5 Soft 90/100-16 NHS Rear Tyre is engineered to dominate soft and loamy conditions. With advanced tread block spacing and a flexible casing, this tyre delivers unmatched grip, cornering stability, and control — even on rutted, prepped race tracks or forest trails.
🛠️ How to Get Maximum Performance
Add the Starcross 5 Soft to your cart.
Mount it on your 16″ rear wheel — perfect for Sur-Ron, Talaria, KTM 85, and similar.
Set your PSI, drop the clutch, and feel the bite through every corner.
⚠️ What Happens If You Don’t Upgrade
Stick with a tyre that’s too hard or too worn, and you risk losing traction when it matters most. Expect washed-out corners, wasted throttle, and higher chances of crashes, especially on wet or prepped race days.
🏆 What You’ll Gain with the Starcross 5 Soft
Upgrade to the Starcross 5 Soft and you’ll instantly notice more control in corners, less spinning off the line, and greater confidence on soft soil. That translates to faster lap times, safer rides, and more podiums.
🚀 Ready to Ride Smarter?
💥 Don’t let your tyres hold you back. Order your Michelin Starcross 5 Soft now and give your electric MX bike the edge it deserves on soft terrain.
🏋️♂️ Weight: ~4.10 kg (9.04 lbs)
✅ That’s lightweight for a 16″ rear motocross tyre — making it a perfect choice for:
🔋 Electric off-road builds like Sur-Ron and Talaria
🏁 85cc youth MX bikes that benefit from quick rear suspension response
🌱 Soft terrain riding, where unsprung mass reduction improves grip and shock absorption
💡 A lighter tyre means better acceleration, improved rebound control, and less fatigue over long motos or trail sessions.
🗝️ Key Features
🌧️ Optimised for Soft Terrain
Engineered to dominate in mud, sand, and soft soil, delivering superior traction in loose and shifting ground conditions.
🏍️ Rear Tyre – 16″ Fitment
Designed for 85cc motocross bikes and modded electric dirt bikes with a 16″ rear wheel setup (KTM 85 SX, YZ85 LW, Sur-Ron, Talaria).
🧱 Deep, Open Tread Pattern
Wide knob spacing improves self-cleaning in muddy conditions, preventing clogging and maintaining grip under throttle.
🧰 Tube-Type Construction (TT)
Must be run with an inner tube. Compatible with standard or heavy-duty 90/100‑16 tubes.
🛠️ Flexible, Lightweight Casing
Offers a plush ride and enhanced shock absorption, perfect for rough tracks and rutted sections.
🚫 NHS – Not for Highway Use
Off-road specific tyre – Not road legal. Built for motocross, practice tracks, and trail events.
🧪 Race-Developed Performance
Developed through Michelin’s championship-level R&D, the Starcross 5 Soft is trusted by riders worldwide for its predictable cornering and aggressive grip.
🏍️ Applications – Where This Tyre Shines
✅ Youth Motocross Bikes
Perfect fit for 85cc class dirt bikes running a 16″ rear wheel, including:
KTM 85 SX (Big Wheel)
Yamaha YZ85 LW (Large Wheel)
Husqvarna TC 85
Kawasaki KX85 Big Wheel
GasGas MC 85
⚡ Electric Off-Road Bikes (Modded)
A serious grip upgrade for rear wheels on:
Sur-Ron Light Bee X (with 16″ rear rim conversion)
Talaria Sting R / MX3 (with 16″ rear upgrade)
Custom electric MX builds tackling soft terrain tracks or forest mud
🏁 Off-Road Use Only (NHS Rated)
Purpose-built for:
Motocross tracks with soft or rutted soil
Sand tracks, deep loam, and muddy circuits
Practice days, club races, and non-FIM off-road events
💡 If you ride on muddy woodland trails, loamy berms, or wet clay tracks, this is the rear tyre that grips when others spin out.
Why Choose the Starcross 5?
Michelin’s Starcross 5 range is trusted by top-level motocross riders worldwide for its durability, cornering precision, and terrain-specific performance. The Soft compound variant is your go-to choice for racing or training on softer ground.
Upgrade your ride with confidence. Conquer soft tracks like never before.
✔️ Premium Brand. ✔️ Track-Tested. ✔️ Race-Ready.
Note: Always check fitment and clearance with your specific motorcycle model before installation.
Technical Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Michelin Starcross 5 Soft |
| Tyre Size | 90/100-16 |
| Position | Rear |
| Compound | Soft – for mud, sand, and soft terrain |
| Type | Tube-Type (TT) |
| Speed/Load Index | 51M |
| NHS Rating | Yes – Not for Highway Service (off-road only) |
| Manufacturer Part No | 546228 |
| GTIN / EAN | 3528705462284 |
| Weight | ~4.10 kg (9.04 lbs) |
| Rim Compatibility | 16” x 1.85” to 2.15” width rims |
| Recommended Pressure | ~1.2 bar (17.4 psi) – adjust per terrain |
| Tread Pattern | Open block, deep knobs for soft soil clearance |
| Use Case | Motocross, soft trail, youth MX, e-Moto rear fit |
Compatibility Table
| Brand | Model | Engine Size / Type | Rear Wheel Size | Fitment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KTM | 85 SX (Big Wheel) | 85cc | 16″ | Direct OEM rear fit |
| Yamaha | YZ85 LW (Large Wheel) | 85cc | 16″ | Fits LW version with 16″ rear wheel |
| Husqvarna | TC 85 (Big Wheel) | 85cc | 16″ | Perfect fit for big wheel model |
| Kawasaki | KX85 Big Wheel | 85cc | 16″ | Compatible with big wheel rear setup |
| GasGas | MC 85 (Big Wheel) | 85cc | 16″ | OEM rear wheel fit |
| Sur-Ron | Light Bee X (Modded) | Electric | 16″ (conversion) | Requires 16″ rear rim mod; clearance may vary |
| Talaria | Sting R / MX3 / XXX | Electric | 16″ (conversion) | Fits with rear wheel upgrade and appropriate spacing |
| Custom Builds | E-MX Conversions | Varies | 16″ | Ideal for soft terrain electric MX builds |
Ensure your rear rim is 1.85” to 2.15” wide for optimal bead seating and performance.
This tyre is best suited for soft soil, loam, and muddy MX tracks — not recommended for hardpack.
Fitment on Sur-Ron & Talaria
| Model | Fitment Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sur-Ron Light Bee X | Rear (modded) | Requires 16″ rear rim conversion. Ideal for muddy trails and loam. |
| Soft compound = better torque grip. Check swing-arm clearance. | ||
| Talaria Sting R / MXX | Rear (modded) | Compatible with 16″ aftermarket rims. May need chain guide tweaks. |
| Great for chalk, clay, and wet woods. | ||
| Talaria MX3 | Rear (modded) | Performs well with heavy-duty tubes. Check fender spacing. |
| Custom E-MX Builds | Rear (16″ setup) | Excellent for custom soft-terrain electric builds. |
| Lightweight design reduces unsprung mass for improved suspension feel. |
Always verify swing-arm clearance and rim width (1.85″–2.15″) before installation. For best results, use with a heavy-duty 90/100-16 tube and a rear rim lock.
Tyre Size: 90/100 – 16
Understanding the sizing helps ensure proper fit and performance:
| Component | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 90 | Tyre width in millimetres (90 mm) |
| 100 | Aspect ratio – tyre height is 100% of its width |
| 16 | Designed to fit a 16-inch diameter rim |
This size is commonly used on 85cc motocross bikes and modded electric dirt bikes with 16″ rear conversions (e.g., Sur-Ron, Talaria, KTM 85 SX, YZ85 LW, etc.) The slightly taller profile enhances traction, shock absorption, and rim protection on soft terrain.
Ideal rim width: 1.85” to 2.15” for optimal fit and performance.
Tyre Type: Tube-Type (TT)
This tyre is a Tube-Type (TT) model, which means it requires an inner tube for proper inflation and operation.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Tube Required | Yes, must be paired with a suitable 90/100-16 inner tube |
Heavy-Duty Option | Recommended for off-road and motocross use to prevent pinch flats |
| Valve Type | Schrader valve inner tubes are standard for this application |
Unlike tubeless tyres, Tube-Type tyres provide better performance and durability in rough terrain when used with rim locks and heavy-duty tubes.
Perfect for motocross, trail riding, and e-Moto conversions where reliability off-road is key.
NHS – Not for Highway Service
- This tyre is NOT road-legal
- Designed exclusively for off-road use: motocross, enduro, trails, and electric dirt bike tracks
Rim Compatibility
To ensure proper fit, bead seal, and handling performance, this tyre is designed for use with:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Rim Diameter | 16 inches |
Recommended Width | 1.85” to 2.15” (standard MX sizes) |
| Tyre Width | 90 mm (3.54”) |
| Aspect Ratio | 100% (90 mm sidewall height) |
Fitment Tips
- Use rim locks to prevent tyre slip on acceleration (especially for torque-heavy e-MX bikes).
- Make sure your rim tape and spokes are properly seated to avoid inner tube pinch or abrasion.
- A 1.85” rim will provide a slightly rounder profile (good for cornering), while 2.15” offers more footprint stability.
Always confirm swing-arm clearance and chain alignment before mounting wider knobby tyres like this one.
Michelin Starcross 5 Terrain Comparison
| Feature / Terrain | Starcross 5 Sand | Starcross 5 Soft | Starcross 5 Medium | Starcross 5 Hard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Deep sand / dunes | Mud, soft soil | Mixed / hardpack | Rocky / hard terrain |
| Terrain Type | Very Soft | Soft to Intermediate | Intermediate to Hard | Very Hard |
| Knob Pattern | Tall & paddle-like | Widely spaced | Balanced / staggered | Tight / dense |
| Traction in Sand |  | ☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆ |
| Grip in Mud | ☆ | ☆ | ☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆ |
| Hardpack Stability | ☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆ | ☆ | |
| Cornering on Ruts | ☆☆☆ | ☆ | ☆ | ☆ |
| Durability | ☆☆☆ | ☆☆ | ☆ | |
| Weight | Lightest | Light | Medium-Light | Slightly Heavier |
Starcross 5 Soft = The Ultimate Soft-Terrain Weapon
- Built for loamy, muddy, or freshly prepped dirt, where grip is everything.
- Excels in soft-to-intermediate terrain like forest trails, farm tracks, and race-prepped motocross circuits.
- Perfect for aggressive racers, youth riders, or electric MX bikes that demand instant traction and responsive handling.
- Performs consistently when the surface is deep and loose, giving you confidence through ruts, corners, and launches.
Bike Tyre vs. Performance
Diagram: Line graph showing Michelin 90/100-16 NHS STARCROSS 5 Soft upgrade
Here’s a performance comparison chart focused specifically on soft terrain motocross tyres, featuring:
- Michelin Starcross 5 Soft
- Dunlop Geomax MX33 Soft
- Pirelli Scorpion MX32 Soft
- Bridgestone Battlecross X20
Each tyre is rated across key performance categories including soft soil traction, intermediate versatility, hardpack capability, durability, handling, and grip.
Diagram: Radar graph showing Michelin 90/100-16 NHS STARCROSS 5 Soft upgrade
Here is the radar chart comparing soft terrain motocross tyres across key performance metrics:
- Michelin Starcross 5 Soft (bold blue)
- Dunlop Geomax MX33 Soft
- Pirelli Scorpion MX32 Soft
- Bridgestone Battlecross X20
This visualisation helps highlight each tyre’s strengths and trade-offs in categories like soft soil traction, durability, and grip.
🔧 What is the Michelin Starcross 5 Soft designed for?
The Starcross 5 Soft is purpose-built for muddy, loamy, and soft soil conditions. Its widely spaced knobs and flexible carcass offer excellent grip and responsiveness on freshly prepped or rutted motocross tracks.
🛠️ Can I use the Starcross 5 Soft on hardpack or mixed terrain?
It’s possible, but not ideal. The soft compound and open tread design can wear quickly on hardpack surfaces. If you ride on mixed terrain, consider the Starcross 5 Medium for better durability and versatility.
🛞 How do soft terrain tyres differ from hard terrain ones?
Soft terrain tyres:
- Have taller, more widely spaced knobs for digging into loose ground.
- Use softer rubber compounds for better traction.
- Offer less durability on hard surfaces.
Hard terrain tyres have shorter, tighter lugs, are made from firmer compounds, and last longer on rocky or compact tracks.
🔄 How often should I replace my soft terrain MX tyres?
It depends on how aggressively you ride and your terrain:
- Racing use: every 3–6 race days
- Recreational: every 10–20 hours
Check for rounded knobs, chunking, or casing fatigue as signs to replace.
🏁 Which bikes are compatible with 90/100-16 NHS tyres?
The 90/100-16 size is commonly used on youth motocross bikes and electric MX builds like the Sur-Ron Light Bee, KTM 85 SX, and similar models. Always check your bike’s manual or consult your dealer before purchasing.
🚫 Is the NHS tyre street legal?
No. NHS (Not for Highway Service) tyres are strictly for off-road use. They’re not road legal and lack the DOT markings required for on-road riding.
📦 What tyre pressure should I run for soft terrain?
Generally:
- 10.5–12 psi for standard tubes
- 12–14 psi for heavy-duty tubes or mousses
Lower pressures improve grip but increase risk of pinch flats.
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