If you’ve spent any time in the motocross or off-road scene, chances are you’ve heard of ProTaper. Maybe you’ve run their handlebars, grips, or controls. Maybe your bike already has some of their gear bolted on.
For decades, ProTaper has been a go-to name in off-road controls, known for tough, well-engineered parts that can take a beating while still delivering performance. Now, they’re stepping into entirely new territory: tires.
The company recently launched its first-ever motorcycle tires—the SMX 04 and MXT 04. At first glance, it might seem like just another product drop. But in reality, this move is a pretty big deal, not just for ProTaper but for the off-road world in general.
ProTaper built its name on innovation. These guys basically redefined what motocross handlebars could be back in the ’90s with the original oversized bar. Since then, they’ve stayed at the forefront of off-road controls, becoming a trusted name in both amateur and pro circles. Their reputation is built on performance and durability—two things you absolutely need in a tire. So, while tires are a new category for them, performance is still very much their wheelhouse.
And when it comes to tires, performance is everything. In motocross and off-road riding, your tires make or break your ride. Grip, braking, cornering feel, bump absorption—it’s all tire-dependent. That’s why riders tend to be incredibly loyal to the rubber they trust. Switching tire brands isn’t like switching grips or levers; it’s a major decision that can impact lap times and confidence.
That’s what makes this launch so bold. ProTaper is stepping into one of the most competitive and loyalty-driven segments in the industry. Riders swear by their Michelins, Dunlops, Bridgestones, or whatever brand they’ve dialed in for their terrain and riding style. Earning space in that rotation won’t be easy.
But ProTaper isn’t coming in blind. The SMX 04, built for soft-to-intermediate terrain, promises solid grip and predictability thanks to its polygon blocks and dual stair lugs that are designed to help with cornering stability. Meanwhile, the MXT 04 is aimed at intermediate-to-hard surfaces, with asymmetrical tread blocks that balance acceleration and braking grip. On paper, both tires bring solid features to the table—and ProTaper is clearly leaning on its experience in off-road performance to guide the design.
Getting riders to make the switch, though, will take more than just good spec sheets. It’s going to come down to visibility, results, and—let’s be honest—a bit of hype. Expect to see ProTaper pushing hard with sponsorships, demo events, and probably a few fast riders running their tires in key races. If a trusted name starts winning races on ProTaper rubber, people are going to pay attention.
That’s the strategy most new tire brands have to take, and ProTaper has the community reach and industry connections to pull it off. If they play their cards right, these tires won’t just be another product—they’ll become part of a full-system approach for riders who already trust the brand for controls and cockpit parts.
Of course, the real test will be long-term rider feedback. First impressions can get people to try something new, but lasting performance is what turns a new tire into a go-to choice. ProTaper knows this—they’ve built their whole brand on earning trust over time. That same mindset will be key if they want to carve out space in the crowded world of motocross tires.
Sources: ProTaper, Motorcycle & Powersports News
