tires play a big part in getting hooked up but it really comes down to the rider. if you had 2 bikes exactly the same and 2 riders of the same weight one rider will be faster. its all about getting that feel and good throttle control. the bike can only accelerate as fast as traction will let it. not enough throttle and you accelerate slower, to much throttle = wheel spin and you will accelerate slower. you can do a lot to the bike but in the end its the guy sitting on it that makes the difference. there is not a tire sold that will hold the full power of a 500 in the dirt.