Spec Tires: Are They Necessary?

Motorcycle racing is an exciting experience both as a participant and as a spectator. However, the constant pursuit of making it fair, and therefore interesting, can lead to some unexpected rules. While you can put whatever cruiser tires you like on your own bike, professional racers may be more limited. The idea of spec tires, the requirement that all racing teams use the same tires, is gaining traction.

What Are Spec Tires?

Historically in racing, teams have been allowed to use the tires of their choosing. In many cases, this decision comes down, in part, to the deals the team is about to make with manufacturers. However, tire choice can have a major impact on performance, especially on the racetrack. Consequently, certain racers are starting with an advantage that has little to do with rider skill or bike design.

Some people in the MotoGP world are advocated instituting spec tires. This would give every team the same tires to use. Consequently, the tires, which are always provided by a third-party to the racing teams, would be less of a factor in determining the outcome.

Are They Needed?

Some proponents of spec tires say that it will make the races more exciting. They argue that factories’ ability to build great bikes and rider skill should be the deciding factors. Finding the best street motorcycle tires may be fine where there is no competition, they argue, but on the racetrack, it makes the event less exciting.

Other are indifferent about the change. Many of the racing categories, such as superbike, already use almost standardized tires simply because they are the best.

Of course, many are against spec tires. They argue that it would slow the development of new tire technologies. If everyone is using the tires of whichever manufacturer holds the contact, no one is incentivized to innovate.

Try For Yourself

While the MotoGP debate is still ongoing, you can see the effect that getting the best street motorcycle tires has for your riding experience. Whether you want the best dirt bike tires or new tires for your cruiser, the change can have a huge impact. Give it a try.