Originally published January 23, 2013. This article has been updated to preserve the specifications and historical context of GBC Motorsports’ 27-inch Dirt Commander tire expansion.
GBC Motorsports expanded its original Dirt Commander tire lineup in 2013 by introducing 27-inch front and rear sizes for 12-inch wheels. The additions gave ATV and side-by-side owners a way to move to a larger tire without changing to 14-inch wheels.
The new sizes were a 27×9.00-12 and 27×11.00-12. Like the other Dirt Commander tires available at the time, both used an 8-ply-rated bias construction intended to provide substantial load capacity and resistance to punctures and trail hazards.
Original GBC Dirt Commander Features
- Durable, puncture-resistant 8-ply-rated construction
- Deeply siped tread blocks that create additional biting edges
- All-terrain tread designed for hardpack, loose soil, desert terrain and cross-country riding
- Available in front-and-rear configurations for ATVs and UTVs
- High load ratings compared with many recreational tires of the period
Although GBC identified the narrower tire as a front size and the wider tire as a rear size, those designations were recommendations. Owners could select a different configuration when wheel widths, vehicle clearance and the intended application allowed it.
Why GBC Added 27-Inch Tires for 12-Inch Wheels
Larger tires were becoming increasingly popular as UTV performance and suspension capability improved. However, many vehicles of the period still came with 12-inch wheels, and not every owner wanted the cost or ride changes associated with converting to 14-inch wheels.
“We take customer feedback very seriously and often the expansion of our lines starts by talking to the people that are out there riding and racing,” said Kory Ellis, GBC Motorsports representative. “Larger tire sizes are gaining popularity, but not everyone is able or willing to move to a 14-inch wheel. As a result we developed these new sizes so that we could offer our larger 27-inch Dirt Commanders for 12-inch wheels.”
2013 GBC Dirt Commander Sizes and Specifications
The following specifications and suggested retail prices are historical figures published with GBC’s January 2013 announcement. They should not be treated as current pricing or availability.
| Part Number | Position | Size | Ply Rating | Weight | Published Max Load | 2013 MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AE122508DC | Front | 25×8.00-12 | 8PR | 21.7 lb. | 450 lb. | $116.17 |
| AE122510DC | Rear | 25×10.00-12 | 8PR | 26.5 lb. | 550 lb. | $148.62 |
| AE122609DC | Front | 26×9.00-12 | 8PR | 25.5 lb. | 410/570 lb. | $134.53 |
| AE122611DC | Rear | 26×11.00-12 | 8PR | 27.4 lb. | 480/680 lb. | $162.85 |
| AE122709DC | Front | 27×9.00-12 | 8PR | 26.5 lb. | 750/920 lb. | $137.84 |
| AE122711DC | Rear | 27×11.00-12 | 8PR | 30.4 lb. | 780/960 lb. | $164.87 |
| AE142609DC | Front | 26×9.00-14 | 8PR | 24.3 lb. | 700/1,000 lb. | $135.67 |
| AE142611DC | Rear | 26×11.00-14 | 8PR | 29.2 lb. | 730/1,045 lb. | $163.88 |
| AE142709DC | Front | 27×9.00-14 | 8PR | 22.8 lb. | 750/1,075 lb. | $139.14 |
| AE142711DC | Rear | 27×11.00-14 | 8PR | 30.5 lb. | 780/1,120 lb. | $167.30 |
The two 27-inch sizes for 12-inch wheels were new for 2013. GBC noted that tires could require up to 72 hours after mounting to reach their stated dimensions.
Competition Results
GBC promoted the Dirt Commander as both a recreational and competition tire. Drivers using Dirt Commanders earned several notable results immediately before and after the 2013 size expansion:
- Brit Mansell: 2012 ECORS Class U champion and second in the 2012 UTV Rally Raid Outlaw class
- Kayla Smith: 2012 Dirt Series UTV 700 champion and third in the 2012 WORCS SXS 700 class
- Lacrecia Beurrier: First in the Sportsman class and fourth overall among UTVs at the 2013 Best in the Desert Parker 250
Those results helped establish the original Dirt Commander as a versatile option for desert racing, cross-country competition and recreational trail riding.
The Dirt Commander Line Continued to Evolve
GBC continued expanding the original tire after this announcement. In 2015, the company introduced additional 29-inch and 30-inch Dirt Commander sizes as UTVs became heavier, faster and more capable.
The original Dirt Commander also appeared as original equipment on several production side-by-sides. Our 2019 Polaris RZR S 1000 review, for example, covers a machine equipped with 27-inch Dirt Commander tires from the factory.
GBC later developed the Dirt Commander 2.0 for newer UTV applications. While the original tire used bias-ply construction, the Dirt Commander 2.0 uses an 8-ply-rated radial carcass, a flatter tread profile, a square shoulder and elongated sidewall lugs. Those changes target the greater weight, speed and power of modern side-by-sides.
The Dirt Commander name also remains connected to current production UTVs. The Yamaha Wolverine RMAX2 1000 has been offered with 30-inch Dirt Commander 2.0 tires, illustrating how the tire family progressed from the 27-inch bias-ply sizes introduced here to radial tires developed for today’s heavier and more powerful machines.
For current specifications, sizes and availability, visit the official GBC Dirt Commander 2.0 product page.
