The STI Chicane RX was introduced in September 2015 as a dual-purpose radial tire designed to combine precise steering, predictable traction and durability across hardpack, desert and mixed trail terrain.
Although the original Chicane RX has since been followed by newer Chicane tire designs, it became a familiar choice on performance UTVs during an important period when owners were moving from smaller factory tires to 30-, 31-, 32- and eventually 33-inch aftermarket tires.
Original STI Chicane RX Features
STI developed the Chicane RX around a split-knob, non-directional tread pattern. Closely spaced center tread blocks were intended to provide relatively smooth rolling and predictable tracking on hard surfaces, while the outer tread supplied additional cornering and sidehill traction.
- Eight-ply-rated radial construction
- Split-knob, non-directional tread pattern
- DOT-marked construction
- Reinforced bead and lower sidewall
- Deep rim guard for added wheel protection
- Shoulder tread extending toward the sidewall
- Designed for hardpack, desert and mixed trail riding
The reinforced bead and lower-sidewall construction allowed riders to adjust tire pressure for terrain and ride quality without relying on excessively high pressure solely to protect the tire and wheel. Actual operating pressure should always remain appropriate for the vehicle, tire load, terrain and wheel combination.
STI Chicane RX Size History
The Chicane RX range expanded several times after its original introduction. Smaller sizes were added for ATVs and compact UTVs, while larger versions addressed the rapid growth in performance-UTV tire diameter.
| Nominal size | Wheel diameter | Introduction or application |
|---|---|---|
| 26×10R-12 | 12 inches | ATVs and smaller UTVs |
| 27×10R-14 | 14 inches | ATVs and smaller UTVs |
| 28×10R-14 | 14 inches | Trail and recreational UTVs |
| 30×10R-14 | 14 inches | Performance UTVs |
| 31×10R-14 | 14 inches | Added in 2017 |
| 30×10R-15 | 15 inches | Performance UTVs |
| 32×10R-15 | 15 inches | Larger sport UTVs |
| 33×10R-15 | 15 inches | Added in 2018 with revised shoulder tread |
These were historical Chicane RX sizes. Availability may now vary because the original RX has been succeeded by newer Chicane models.
UTV Guide’s Chicane RX Testing
UTV Guide used Chicane RX tires on several project vehicles and in a wide range of terrain rather than relying solely on the original product announcement.
We installed 32×10R-15 Chicane RX tires on a stock Polaris RZR XP 4 Turbo and evaluated them in the California desert. The tires provided substantial cornering traction, predictable handling and excellent straight-line tracking. Read our Polaris RZR XP 4 Turbo desert review for the complete vehicle test.
We also ran 30-inch Chicane RX tires on our Ultimate Yamaha YXZ1000R Play Car. After more than 900 dirt miles, the tires had experienced no complete failures and required only a couple of plugs. We carried a full-size spare but never needed to install it.
On the YXZ1000R, the Chicanes delivered immediate steering response, strong forward bite and predictable side traction. Those characteristics made it easier to adjust the vehicle’s attitude while cornering at speed. The tire and suspension combination also worked well across desert terrain, rocky trails and dunes.
A set of 28-inch Chicane RX tires was used on our 2016 Kawasaki Teryx during a Hell’s Revenge test in Moab. The larger tires increased ground clearance while retaining predictable handling on high-traction sandstone.
Where the Chicane RX Worked Best
The original Chicane RX was best suited to riders looking for one radial tire that could cover several types of terrain. Its relatively tight center tread favored hardpack, graded roads and desert riding, while its shoulder blocks provided useful traction in rocks, loose corners and uneven terrain.
Its primary strengths were:
- Predictable steering and cornering behavior
- Good straight-line tracking on hardpack and desert terrain
- Strong forward traction
- A compliant ride for an eight-ply-rated tire
- Useful puncture resistance for recreational and performance riding
- A broad historical range of UTV tire sizes
Like any multipurpose tire, it was not a specialized choice for deep mud or dune-only use. Its appeal came from its ability to perform consistently across the mixed conditions encountered on typical trail and desert rides.
The Next Generation of Chicane Tires
STI Tire & Wheel later became part of High Lifter’s tire and wheel business, and the Chicane name continued with updated designs.
The High Lifter Chicane DS arrived as a next-generation dual-sport tire, retaining the combination of closely spaced center tread and wider shoulder lugs. High Lifter subsequently introduced the lighter Chicane LT tire for hardpack, semi-loose terrain and mixed trail use.
Shoppers encountering older Chicane RX inventory should verify its production date, condition, exact dimensions, load rating and availability before purchasing. For a current replacement, compare the newer Chicane DS and Chicane LT rather than assuming the original RX remains part of the active tire lineup.
Why the Original Chicane RX Matters
The STI Chicane RX arrived as performance UTVs were becoming faster, heavier and increasingly capable of using larger tires. Its expanded size range followed that progression from 28- and 30-inch applications through 31-, 32- and 33-inch options.
More importantly, UTV Guide’s experience showed that it was more than a product announcement. Across Polaris RZR, Yamaha YXZ1000R and Kawasaki Teryx applications, the Chicane RX proved to be a predictable and durable multipurpose tire for hardpack, desert, rock and general trail use.
