At Troy Bayliss’s private track, we tested the new 2025 Pirelli Scorpion MX32 Mid Soft, the latest evolution of Pirelli’s legendary, race-winning MX tyre range. Pics: RbMotoLens

Pirelli has taken its motocross game to the next level with the release of the all-new SCORPION MX32 Mid Soft tyres. We tested them across a range of machines at Troy Bayliss’ private test facility and they certainly didn’t disappoint. Check out our review…

Dan has many years experience competing and training on Pirelli motocross tyres, so was keen to try these next generation MX32s. He rated them highly from the first few laps.

Pirelli’s new SCORPION MX32 Mid Soft tyres represent the latest evolution in the brand’s long-standing commitment to top-tier motocross performance. With input from riders at all levels, these tyres offer improved grip, stability and durability, perfectly suited for medium to soft terrain. I got a full day in the saddle to put them through their paces, on a range of bikes, and here’s how they went.

The Aussie launch of the new tyres was an exclusive event held on the Gold Coast, Queensland. After a flight up from Melbourne, I was welcomed by Marcel Bode, Pirelli’s Moto Business Unit Manager for the Pacific region. After settling in with the rest of the Aussie press at the Novotel, we headed out the next day to a pretty special location, Troy Bayliss’ private track, for a full day of testing.

The Pirelli SCORPION MX32 Mid Soft launch was held on Troy Bayliss's private track!

The Pirelli SCORPION MX32 Mid Soft launch was held on Troy Bayliss’s private track, prepped by the legend himself!

A paddock full of bikes from Yamaha, KTM, Beta, Kawasaki, Husqvarna, Ducati and GasGas awaited us, all fitted with the new Pirelli MX32 Mid Soft tyres and ready for a beating. After an in-depth technical presentation on the new features and compound design, it was time to gear up and get into it.

I started my testing on a 2025 Kawasaki KX450F, mainly because it’s a bike I’m familiar with, and that makes it easier to feel what the tyres are doing differently. From the first lap, the MX32s impressed. Even on freshly prepped, flat surfaces, they provided heaps of grip on both entry and exit, building my confidence almost immediately, so first impressions were strong straight out of the gate. The track was pretty awesome too, and was prepped to perfection for us. The entire Pirelli set-up was pretty special.

“I started my testing on a Kawasaki KX450F, mainly because it’s a bike I’m familiar with, and that makes it easier to feel what the tyres are doing differently.”

The front-end felt especially good under braking and while tipping into corners. I could push harder into turns and hold a tighter line than on the previous tyre, thanks to the extra grip and stability on offer. The bike felt noticeably more planted, which is always a bonus when riding hard in unpredictable terrain.

“The front-end felt especially good under braking and while tipping into corners”…

The front MX32 Mid Soft features a completely redesigned tread and compound. It includes two off-centre knobs that give better entry control, while the internal scoop-style centre knobs maximise lateral grip. This combination delivers confident turn-in, strong braking stability and superb feedback through the ‘bars, I was really impressed.

Another standout was the updated centreless knob layout, which not only helps with braking performance but improves bump absorption and stability on rougher terrain. Throughout the day, I found the front never let me down, no matter what bike I was on. And even after hours of testing, the tyre still looked almost new, a testament to the durability of the new compound.

“Throughout the day, I found the front never let me down, no matter what bike I was on.”

The rear Scorpion MX32 Mid Soft is visually very different from previous Pirelli motocross tyres. The redesigned tread looks like a hybrid between a scoop and a traditional knobby, which turns out to be more than just aesthetic.

This pattern includes lateral knobs shaped to increase torsional rigidity and trajectory precision, along with a scoop-shaped profile that adds serious forward bite. Off the line, out of turns and across flat corners, the rear tyre kept driving and allowed quicker acceleration and corner exits.

“Out of turns and across flat corners, the rear tyre kept driving and allowed quicker acceleration and corner exits.”

The wear rate on the rear was slightly more noticeable than the front after a full day, but still well within expectations. It looked ready to go again the next day without any drama, a great result.

What stood out the most over the course of the day was how well these tyres support all aspects of aggressive motocross riding, including landing from medium heights (there were no big jumps on the day). Whether it was hard braking, sharp turn-ins or getting the power down, the SCORPION MX32 Mid Softs delivered the goods. The level of grip they offer helps build confidence quickly, especially on unfamiliar terrain.

“What stood out the most over the course of the day was how well these tyres support all aspects of aggressive motocross riding, including landing from medium heights”…

Even switching between bikes from different manufacturers didn’t change the underlying feedback I was getting from the tyres. They consistently impressed in how predictable they felt through braking zones, into corners and when accelerating out.

Pirelli has clearly done its homework with the Scorpion MX32 Mid Soft. According to the technical brief, the front tyre is designed to enhance entry grip and absorb surface irregularities better, while the rear aims to increase traction, drive, and directional stability.

UPDATES:
Front Tyre:
Two new off-centre knob rows improve entry control.
Scoop-shaped centre knobs maximise lateral grip.
Centreless knob design improves braking and impact absorption.

Rear Tyre:
Lateral knobs increase trajectory precision and rigidity.
Scoop-style shape delivers increased traction and acceleration performance.
New compound enhances wear resistance and consistency.

Pirelli says the result is a tyre that bridges the gap between soft-terrain traction and mid-terrain stability, with extended durability to suit a full day’s racing or hard training.

After a full day of riding and a range of bikes tested on varied terrain, it’s safe to say the new Scorpion MX32 Mid Soft tyres deliver on everything Pirelli promises. They’re durable, predictable, grippy, and confidence-inspiring, everything a rider wants from a set of tyres, whether you’re out for a casual ride or aiming for a podium.

Pirelli continues to impress in the motocross segment, and these new tyres will absolutely be going on my personal bike. I’ve long been a fan of their MX range, and this next step forward only strengthens that trust. If you’re in the market for new motocross rubber and spend your time on mid-soft terrain, the MX32s are well worth a look.

Available Sizes and Pricing
Front: 80/100 – 21 M/C 51M MST — RRP: $155.95
Rear: 100/90 – 19 NHS 57M N/A, 110/90 – 19 NHS 62M — RRP: $185.95, 120/80 – 19 NHS 63M — RRP: $189.95, 120/90 – 19 NHS 66M — RRP: $189.95

The Australian distributor of Pirelli motorcycle tyres is Link International. You can visit their website here, the Pirelli website here or just pop in to your local motorcycle shop and ask about the new Pirelli SCORPION MX32 Mid Soft, which are available now…

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