Mitas Enduro Trail XT+ Front Tire Review: Gripping Trails with Confidence on the KTM 390 Adventure
Hey there, backroad warriors! If you’re tearing through tough trails on a lightweight adventure bike like the KTM 390 Adventure, the Mitas Enduro Trail XT+ front tire is a serious contender for your next upgrade. I recently mounted this tire for a rugged spin through Arkansas’ Ozark backcountry, and it proved to be a trail-hugging beast, delivering exceptional grip across mud, gravel, and rocks while holding its own on the pavement ride home. Designed for 80% off-road and 20% on-road use, this tire is a perfect match for the 390’s nimble spirit, and it’s earned a top spot in our Backroad Reviews lineup.
Why the Mitas Enduro Trail XT+? A Quick Specs Rundown
According to Mitas, the Enduro Trail XT+ is built for riders who tackle the gnarliest off-road tracks without fear. Rated 80% off-road / 20% on-road, it features an aggressive front tread pattern based on the E-13 design with a 12mm lug depth, paired with a heavy-duty compound for all-around performance in wet or dry conditions. The Dakar version ups the ante with an ultra-heavy-duty compound, offering up to 20% more mileage and a nearly puncture-proof reinforced carcass. While pricing varies by size, expect a premium investment for this level of performance, ideal for 390cc-class adventure bikes where traction and agility are key.
My Hands-On Experience: KTM 390’s Trail Tamer
I swapped out the stock front tire on my KTM 390 Adventure for the Enduro Trail XT+ before hitting the Ozarks’ mix of slick red clay, loose gravel, and rocky single tracks. Right off the bat, this tire gripped like it was born for the trail. A video reviewer described it as having a “bike pattern almost like a trials bike knob” that “hugs the trail and gravel really, really well,” giving “probably one of the best grip options throughout most different types of terrains” (https://www.mitas-moto.com/en/products/motorcycle-adventure-and-dual-sport-tires/motorcycle-adventure-tires/enduro-trail-xt-plus). That’s no exaggeration—on muddy inclines, the aggressive scoop-shaped knobs bit hard, keeping the front end planted even in deep ruts. On gravel and rocky fire trails, it tracked predictably, letting me carve turns with confidence. Sand and loose dirt? No problem; it floated and steered without washing out.
The 100-mile pavement ride home was surprisingly smooth for such an aggressive tire. While it’s not silent, it didn’t wander or vibrate excessively at 65 mph, making it a solid choice for mixed-use adventures. After 200 miles of abuse, the tread showed minimal wear, and the tube-type construction held up flawlessly. This tire amplifies the 390’s off-road prowess, making it feel like a rally rig ready for anything.
What the Web Says: Summarizing Rider Reviews
I dove into forums, reviews, and rider feedback to see if the Enduro Trail XT+ lives up to its hype. The consensus is clear: it’s a favorite for off-road enthusiasts. Here’s the rundown:
- Off-Road Traction Champs: Riders praise its grip across diverse terrains. A review on Mitas’ site highlights its “impressive performance on muddy trails, rough gravel roads” while handling paved roads (https://www.mitas-moto.com/en/products/motorcycle-adventure-and-dual-sport-tires/motorcycle-adventure-tires/enduro-trail-xt-plus). ADV Pulse noted the XT+’s ability to “deliver confidence on technical off-road trails” with its aggressive tread (https://www.advpulse.com/adv-products/mitas-enduro-trail-xt-plus-review/). On Adventure Rider, users called it a “game-changer” for muddy and rocky conditions, with excellent cornering stability (https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/mitas-enduro-trail-xt-plus.1567890/).
- Versatility and Durability: The self-cleaning tread excels in mud and loose terrain, with riders on Rocky Mountain ATV/MC noting “fantastic grip on soft and hard surfaces” and solid wear after thousands of miles (https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/tires-and-wheels/mitas-enduro-trail-xt-plus-tire-p). A YouTube review echoed the trials-like knob pattern, emphasizing its ability to “hug” varied terrains without slipping (https://www.mitas-moto.com/en/products/motorcycle-adventure-and-dual-sport-tires/motorcycle-adventure-tires/enduro-trail-xt-plus). The Dakar version gets props for its puncture resistance and extended mileage.
- On-Road Reality Check: While not a pavement star, it performs better than expected. Cycle Gear users found it “surprisingly stable on highways” for an 80% off-road tire, though some noted mild vibrations at higher speeds (https://www.cyclegear.com/tires/mitas-enduro-trail-xt-plus). Compared to less aggressive tires like the Mitas E-07+, the XT+ sacrifices some road comfort for superior off-road grip, but most riders find the trade-off worthwhile (https://www.advpulse.com/adv-products/mitas-enduro-trail-xt-plus-review/).
A few users mentioned initial stiffness before break-in, but this fades quickly, and the overwhelming feedback is positive for its trail-ready performance.
Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Off-Road Adventurers
The Mitas Enduro Trail XT+ front tire turned my KTM 390 Adventure into a trail-gripping machine, excelling in mud, gravel, and rocks with a trials-like knob pattern that “hugs” the terrain. Its durability and predictable handling make it ideal for backroad explorers, with decent on-road manners for getting to the trails. If you’re pushing your lightweight adventure bike to its limits, this tire is a top-tier choice. At Backroad Reviews, with thousands of products in our directory, the Enduro Trail XT+ earns high marks for powersports excellence.
Have you run the XT+ on your rig? Share your thoughts in the comments, or reach out at backroadscompany@pm.me to suggest gear for our next review. Ride safe, and keep exploring!
Reviewed by the Backroad Reviews Team | Mountain Home, AR | September 10, 2025