Tyre Talk: My 2 Cents on Pirelli MX Tyres & Off-Road Compounds

Tyre Talk: My 2 Cents on Pirelli MX Tyres & Off-Road Compounds

david goosen

@bikewise.za @pirelli

This past weekend at the @westerncapeoffroad race in Vredendal was an eye-opener, not just for the terrain, but for how important tyre choice really is in off-road racing. I’ve always been a believer in using the right tool for the job, and when it comes to tyres, that tool is compound-specific.

So, here’s my quick take, my 2 cents on Pirelli MX tyre choice and what I’ve learnt over time about running the right compound in the right conditions.

Terrain Changes Everything

The Western Cape has such a mix of terrain — sand, rocks, loose gravel, and hardpack. It’s a tyre killer if you’re running the wrong setup. That’s where understanding Pirelli’s compound structure becomes essential. If you’re racing off-road and not just sticking to the MX track, you can’t just throw on any tyre and expect performance or durability.

Why Pirelli?

For me, it comes down to a few key things:

  • Consistency: Pirelli tyres give me predictable feedback — I know what the bike will do under braking or acceleration.
  • Compound Quality: Whether I’m on the MX32 Mid Soft or something firmer for hard terrain, Pirelli’s compounds are purpose-built.
  • Durability: In long off-road loops, where the terrain changes constantly, these tyres hold up better than most.

Compound Selection = Smart Racing

Think of compound choice like suspension setup — it’s all about matching to conditions. A soft compound will hook up beautifully in loose or loamy dirt but might wear too fast on rocks or dry hardpack. A firmer compound won’t give you that same initial grip but will last longer in harsh terrain and protect your rim and carcass better.

In Vredendal, the trick was running a setup that could take the beating — and that’s where Pirelli’s hard terrain options really proved themselves.

Rear Traction vs. Longevity

We all want the rear to hook up, but in off-road racing, you’re not changing tyres every moto. You need something that balances bite with lifespan. That’s where the MX Extra X and other reinforced options from Pirelli come in handy — solid edge retention, good feedback, and they don’t chunk after one loop.

My Advice? Know What You're Racing On.

You wouldn’t wear sand goggles in the bush, and you shouldn’t run soft compounds on rock. Sounds obvious, but I’ve seen it too often — good riders losing traction or wrecking tyres because they didn’t take 5 minutes to match compound to terrain.

Trust me, it matters.

Final Thoughts

The more I race, the more I realise that tyre choice isn’t just performance — it’s survival. Especially in off-road racing, where one wrong move can leave you limping back to the pits.

Big thanks to @bikewise.za and @pirellimx for always having me dialled with the right setup. If you’re heading into a long off-road race or just want to ride smarter, take a moment to look at what you’re running. It could be the difference between finishing strong… or not finishing at all.

See you out there. Ride smart. Choose right.

 

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