CDR Yamaha’s Dean Ferris has shared his opinion on Motorcycling Australia’s controversial ban of tear-offs in 2017, revealing he is in favour of the decision.

Ferris, a regular user of roll-off systems throughout the Motul MX Nationals series in 2016, explained that the new changes align with Belgium and Holland’s ruling, which the former grand prix rider was forced to abide by during his time in Europe.

“I think it’s something that was a long time coming,” Ferris told MotoOnline.com.au. “Obviously, I’m less affected because I choose to run the roll-offs more often than not, and it’s something that Belgium and Holland have had in place for a very long time – probably a decade or longer.

“I do think it’s good – there is a lot of litter. Throughout your farm, you wouldn’t throw that much rubbish around. You know, roll-offs are quite a lot better than what they used to be – I believe they’re easier to ride with. Some people think otherwise, but I’m not very opinionated on whether it’s better or not, it is what it is and I’m happy to run roll-offs.”

A common misconception of roll-off systems is a reduction of vision and likeliness of failure, however the 2016 MX1 champion denied he has had any problems with roll-offs, and also stated he uses them to enhance his vision in certain conditions.

“I’ve had no problems running them – I have a lot of trust in them. Quite often at dry rounds I [still] run them, if the sun is low and in your eyes, I find it’s easier to look through one film instead of a bunch of tear-offs,” he continued.

“The other reason is that if there is a cloud in sight and you do get any rain, quite often water will get in behind the tear-offs and ruin your whole stack, where as roll-offs are extra safe. That’s just a couple of reasons of why I run them anyway.”

The tear-off ban will be implemented from 1 January 2017 across all disciplines of motocross and off-road racing.