Michelin Starcross 5 Soft 90/100-16 NHS Rear Tyre

🛑 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 increases crash risk.

If you’re running the wrong compound, you’re sacrificing grip when it matters most.

✅ Your Competitive Edge: Michelin Starcross 5 Soft 90/100-16

The Michelin Starcross 5 Soft 90/100-16 NHS Rear Tyre is engineered to dominate soft and loamy motocross terrain. Designed with advanced tread block spacing and a flexible casing, this soft terrain motocross rear tyre delivers aggressive traction, precise cornering control, and superior drive in deep soil.

Whether you’re racing prepped MX tracks or riding muddy woodland trails, the Michelin Starcross 5 Soft 90/100-16 provides consistent bite where others spin out.+

🛠️ How to Get Maximum Performance

1. Add the Michelin Starcross 5 Soft 90/100-16 to your cart.

2. Mount it on your 16″ rear wheel (Sur-Ron, Talaria, KTM 85, YZ85 LW compatible).

3. Dial in PSI for soft terrain conditions.

4. Drop the clutch and feel immediate traction improvement.

This motocross rear tyre 90/100-16 is ideal for both petrol MX bikes and electric off-road builds.

⚠️ What Happens If You Don’t Upgrade

Stick with a tyre that’s too hard or worn, and expect:

• Washed-out corners

• Excessive wheel spin

• Reduced braking control

• Higher crash risk on race day

The Michelin Starcross 5 Soft 90/100-16 eliminates these issues on mud, sand, and deep loam.

🏆 What You’ll Gain

Upgrade to the Michelin Starcross 5 Soft 90/100-16 and experience:

✔ Stronger drive out of berms
✔ Reduced rear-end spin
✔ Improved corner stability
✔ Faster, more consistent lap times
✔ Greater confidence on soft terrain

This soft terrain motocross rear tyre translates traction into performance.

⚡ Perfect Sur-Ron Rear Tyre Upgrade (16 Inch)

Looking for a Sur-Ron rear tyre upgrade 16 inch?

The Michelin Starcross 5 Soft 90/100-16 is a serious traction improvement for:

• Sur-Ron Light Bee X (16″ conversion)

• Talaria Sting R / MX3

• Custom electric MX builds

At approximately 4.10kg, this Michelin motocross rear tyre keeps unsprung mass low for improved suspension response.

🗝️ Key Features

🌧️ Optimised for soft terrain, mud, sand, and loam
🏍️ 90/100-16 rear tyre fitment
🧱 Deep open tread pattern for self-cleaning
🧰 Tube-Type (TT) construction
🚫 NHS – Not road legal (off-road use only)
🧪 Race-developed Michelin technology

🏍️ Applications

Youth Motocross Bikes

KTM 85 SX (Big Wheel)
Yamaha YZ85 LW
Husqvarna TC 85
Kawasaki KX85 Big Wheel
GasGas MC 85

Electric Off-Road Builds

Sur-Ron 16″ rear conversions
Talaria rear wheel upgrades
Electric motocross race builds

📘 Learn More About Michelin & Soft Terrain Tyres

For deeper technical insights and tyre technology details:

• Learn about Michelin motocross tyre innovation: https://www.michelinmotorsports.com/motocross/tires

• Michelin tyre technology overview: https://www.michelin.com/en/innovation/michelin-technologies/

• Motocross tyre buying guide (independent resource): https://www.cycleworld.com/story/buyers-guide/motocross-tyre-buying-guide/

These resources explain tread design, compound selection, and how soft terrain tyres maximise grip and control.

Why Choose Michelin Starcross 5 Soft?

The Michelin Starcross 5 range is trusted worldwide for durability, predictable cornering, and terrain-specific performance. The Soft compound variant is designed for riders who compete or train on loose, muddy, or sandy tracks.

If you ride deep loam, soft soil, or wet clay circuits, the Michelin Starcross 5 Soft 90/100-16 is the rear tyre that grips when others fail.

✔ Premium Brand
✔ Track-Tested
✔ Race-Ready

Note: Always confirm fitment and clearance 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.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

🔧 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.