When it comes to adventure and dual sport tyres, there is one European name that in recent years has carved out an increasingly authoritative place for itself: Mitas. And if you have been following Motoexplora for a while, you know we are not easily won over by fashions or slogans: what interests us is substance. Kilometres eaten up, real dirt roads, scorching tarmac in summer and sticky mud after a sudden storm. Tyres have to work there, not just in the brochures.
Mitas: European soul, adventure spirit
Born in the Czech Republic, Mitas built its reputation in off-road, enduro and rally, and then expanded decisively into the adventure and big-enduro segment. Today the brand is part of Trelleborg Group, a Swedish giant with a strong presence in specialist tyres. That means two things: industrial solidity and technological research behind it.
But what really interests us is how these tyres behave under a BMW R 1250 GS, a KTM 890 Adventure or a Honda Africa Twin. Because that is where the game is played.
The Mitas range: from 50/50 to pure knobblies
One of Mitas’s strengths is how clear its range is. No incomprehensible codes: each model is designed for a well-defined use.
Mitas E-07: the balance
The Mitas E-07 is probably the tyre that made the brand famous in the adventure world. A true 50/50: good performance on tarmac, excellent traction on compact dirt and a mileage that often surprises. The tread pattern, with well-spaced but not extreme blocks, lets you tackle long trips without too intrusive a “hum”.
For those who love mixed trips, where you go from the motorway to a mountain pass and then turn onto a forest track, the E-07 is a rational, practical choice, not very trendy but tremendously effective.
Mitas E-07+ and E-07 Enduro Trail: the evolution
With the Mitas E-07+, Mitas wanted to push a little further towards off-road, increasing stability and traction on loose surfaces. It is a tyre for those who do not stop at gravel roads, but go looking for rocky tracks, sand and technical sections.
The Mitas E-07 Enduro Trail version, on the other hand, is designed for modern big enduros, heavy and powerful, with carcasses and compounds developed to handle serious torque and loads.
Mitas E-09: when the going gets tough
If your idea of fun is taking the bike down a route that would make a dedicated enduro sweat, then the Mitas E-09 is the knobbly to consider. Here we are closer to 20/80 (tarmac/off-road). Pronounced blocks, a great ability to dig into soft ground and honest behaviour even in mud.
Of course, on tarmac it pays something in comfort and noise. But it was not made for cruising the seafront. It is a tyre for “real” trips, the kind where the map is only a suggestion.
How do they behave on the road?
Here comes the part that interests travellers most. Mitas tyres, especially the 50/50 versions, are surprisingly balanced on tarmac. Progressive turn-in, good stability at high speed and fairly even wear.
Sure, we are not talking about sport-touring tyres. But for those who ride a big enduro with exploring in mind, the compromise is more than acceptable. In fact, it is often that slight “movement” of the blocks that reminds you that you can turn the handlebars towards the dirt at any moment.
Mileage and value for money
Another topic close to Motoexplora’s heart is value for money. Compared with other premium brands, Mitas often offers a lower purchase price together with very competitive mileage. That means more trips, less worry about wear and more freedom in planning.
And when you are preparing a bike for a long trip – perhaps to the Balkans or North Africa – knowing you have a sturdy tyre underneath, with a solid carcass and good puncture resistance, really makes a difference.
Who do we recommend Mitas to?
If you are a rider who:
- travels loaded,
- loves alternating tarmac and dirt,
- wants a practical tyre with no frills,
- wants to keep to a budget without giving up quality,
then Mitas deserves to be on your shortlist.
These are not “bar talk” tyres, not the ones you buy because they are fashionable. They are tyres for travelling, for dust, for sudden rain and for sunsets seen from the top of a gravel road.
And if there is one thing Motoexplora likes, it is exactly this: products that do not shout, but do their job kilometre after kilometre.
