Partnership renewal sees Dunlop supply brand-new FIM Production World Trophy. Dunlop and the FIM Endurance World Championship will expand their collaboration in 2025 with a multi-year partnership renewal that includes Dunlop becoming the exclusive tire supplier to the new FIM Production World Trophy class as well as continuing with the Dunlop Superstock Trophy.
As a result, Dunlop will provide its tires, expertise and support to every team in two of EWC’s three classes, as well as continuing to work with teams fighting for the overall victory in the Formula EWC category, which remains open tire competition.
Dunlop became the exclusive tire supplier to Superstock in 2022. Since then, the category has grown each year with lap times decreasing and the quality of racing constantly improving. Five teams entered this year’s season finale in contention for the title, underlining the sheer competitiveness of this class.
2025 Mitas will replace the Flat Track tires Mitas H-18 and the Mitas FT-18 with the new MITAS FLAT TRACK
The Mitas Flat Track product line takes it's design cues from the highly popular H-18 flat track tire. Designed with a directional/reversible pattern allowing you to make maximum use of both edges of tread to maximize life. The carcass and profile were designed with a focus on traction in short track and "cushion" style tracks. For shoulder season, pavement or extra hard surfaces the Super Soft compound provides even more grip and predictability.
The tire manufacturer Goodyear is selling the Dunlop tire brand to Sumitomo Rubber Industries.
However, the brand rights for Dunlop motorcycle tires in Europe and Oceania remain with Goodyear.
Which in turn means that we will see different tire profiles from Dunlop that are only built for certain markets.
Can I fit lower speed rated motorcycle tires?
Motorcycle tyres withe the M&S mark can be used with a lower speedindex then in your vehicle handbook.
For example when you want to mount on a BMW R 1250 GS offroad tyres.
You can get specific ‘winter motorcycle tires’. These are better known as M+S rated tires. M+S stands for Mud and Snow and tyres that are M&S rated usually have a snowflake symbol on the tyre wall or they will clearly mention M+S. In countries where winter tyres are a legal requirement, motorcycles are required to have them fitted.
In the most EU countries the Speedlimit with M&S Wintertires is Q = 160 km/h
Mitas tyres have been chosen for the newest Colibri M22 e-motorbikes, made for longer lasting road trips and offroad riding, too. Colibri’s selection of Mitas tyres shows their commitment to providing the best possible on road and offroad experience for riders. Mitas will give Colibri riders three tyre range options: the Mitas MC-25, Mitas MC-32 and Mitas SPEEDWAY tyres, made to ensure optimal grip on any terrain and in any weather.
Mitas tyres have been chosen for the newest Colibri M22 e-motorbikes, made for longer lasting road trips and offroad riding, too. Colibri’s selection of Mitas tyres shows their commitment to providing the best possible on road and offroad experience for riders. Mitas will give Colibri riders three tyre range options: the MC-25, MC-32 and SPEEDWAY tyres, made to ensure optimal grip on any terrain and in any weather.
Gustavo Pinto Teixeira, Head of Mitas Motorcycle Tyres remarked, "Mitas is committed to supporting sustainable means of urban transport, and this partnership is just one example of that commitment in action. Mitas continues to show our dedication to working with partners worldwide on initiatives that put our planet first, giving them the power and rides our customers need on any terrain they meet."
New road-focused hypersport tire offers huge improvement in precision, feedback and wet grip so riders can master the turns
Dunlop has revealed its latest road-focused hypersport tire, SportSmart mk4, featuring improvements to build on its predecessor’s high level of dynamic road performance for a wide variety of sports bikes.
The 2024 season once again presents a challenge for motorcyclists: choosing the right sport motorcycle tire. The good news: A bad purchase is almost impossible, as the differences between the test candidates are minimal.
The Test Motorcycle: BMW S 1000 R
The BMW S 1000 R serves as a representative model for an extremely powerful motorcycle category, whose performance (except for top speed) almost rivals that of a Superbike. With cutting-edge electronic assistance systems and a comfortable riding position, it offers optimal conditions for the test riders.
Test Candidates
Results at a Glance:
METZELER M9 RR : Very Good - Conclusion: Very good compromise between sportiness and everyday use. Whether in the wet, at sporty speeds on the country road or on a time trial: the Metzeler Sportec M9 RR copes very well with all conditions.
MICHELIN POWER 6 : Very Good - Conclusion: "Cool or wet conditions don't affect the Power 6 with its good handling. It has gained in sporting potential compared to the Power 5. A real recommendation for sporty everyday riders."
PIRELLI DIABLO ROSSO IV CORSA : Very Good - Conclusion: "Very sporty tire that focuses on dryness in the Corsa version. The sportier it is driven, the better it functions. The wet performance is uncritical and can convince sporty fair-weather riders."
BRIDGESTONE S22 : Good - Conclusion: "Very sporty tire with good feedback. The good feeling for the front tire in particular speaks for the S22. Another plus of the Japanese tire is its overall performance, which is still harmonious."
Since there wasn't enough time for the big comparison test, we subjected the new Bridgestone S 23 to a follow-up test against its established predecessor and a hot skin.
BRIDGESTONE S23 : The Bridgestone S23 surpasses the S22 in terms of turn-in behavior, stability and lateral grip in the dry. Sporty country road riders will love it for that. In the wet, the S23 really comes into its own, especially when leaning. Here it clearly outperforms the S22, which is clearly demonstrated by the 3.7 seconds faster lap time. In terms of braking distance and acceleration in the wet, the S23 remains at the high level of the S22.
DUNLOP SPORTSMART MK3 : Good - Conclusion: "The Dunlop Sportsmart MK 3 is a very agile and sporty tire. However, the stiff construction reduces feedback in cooler conditions, which costs points especially in the wet."
Dunlop is also launching the Dunlop SportSmart MK4 as its successor this year. Probably available from November 2024.
Additional Information:
RoadSmart IV GT receives BUYING TIP recommendation "Landstraße/Alltag"*
Test verdict "VERY GOOD" - also in the wetness score
After 2022 and 2023, the DUNLOP ROADSMART IV sport touring tire has once again achieved a very good test result. In this year's touring tire test by MOTORRAD magazine (issue 06/2024), the tested RoadSmart IV GT received the BUYING TIP recommendation "Road/Allday" (country road/everyday). Six tires were tested in sizes 120/70ZR17 and 180/55ZR17 on a BMW R 1250 RS.
The RoadSmart IV GT was the test winner in the 2022 touring tire test (issue 7/2022; tested sizes: 120/70ZR17 and 180/55ZR17). In 2023, the RoadSmart IV in the travel enduro dimensions 120/70ZR19 and 170/60ZR17 once again impressed the MOTORRAD test crew: In the "Landstraße/Alltag" category, the RoadSmart IV received the corresponding BUYING TIP award.
The MOTORRAD test crew was particularly impressed by the excellent handling on country roads: "The Dunlop's special feature is its very light-footed handling. [...] Sporty riders will be convinced by the good grip and the good feedback at a faster pace."
The RoadSmart IV was also convincing in terms of wet grip, so that the verdict was VERY GOOD here, as on country roads: "Saturated grip in the wet combined with light-footed handling result in good lap times in the wet test. The limit range is announced early, the traction is above average and makes it a well-predictable tire in bad weather."
A good grade was achieved in the third test criterion "wear": "It wears out on average, but very homogeneously front and rear. The profile wear does not harm the handling, and in direct comparison it remains ahead of the competition in this discipline even at the end of the wear test."
Here are some additional details from the test:
Overall, the RoadSmart IV GT performed very well in the MOTORRAD touring tire test 2024. It received the BUYING TIP recommendation "Landstraße/Alltag" and the test verdict "VERY GOOD."
If you are looking for a sport touring tire that offers excellent handling, grip, and stability in all weather conditions, the Dunlop RoadSmart IV GT is a great option.
Six tires were tested on a BMW R 1250 RS in the tire size 120/70 ZR17 and 180/55 ZR17 to prove their qualities. Five of the tires had already been extensively tested in the 2022 Touring Tire Test, but without the wear test together with the newcomer METZELER ROADTEC 02.
Handling on Land Roads and Everyday Use
Three brands with equal points prove how close the touring tires can be even after 2000 kilometers of test distance. Dunlop and Michelin retain their agile, handy character from the start, while Pirelli retains its stability when cornering quickly. The new Metzeler can't quite make it to the top and places itself in the midfield with Continental. The Bridgestone suffers badly from its wear, degrades heavily and therefore only gets a "good".
Wet Performance
Although this is not about absolute lap times, it reflects the level of the four best tires. Only 1.2 seconds separate the tires in the individual evaluation, and in the sum of all points, they are only separated by one point. Continental is also good, but with slight weaknesses in grip and steering precision. Due to its high wear, the Bridgestone no longer gives the rider a good feeling.
Wear Performance
Let's start with the most striking tire. The Bridgestone T 32 unfortunately stands out negatively from the test field, as it is already waving the white flag on the front wheel and shouting "I'm done". The Metzeler has also lost some feathers, but very evenly front and rear and without any major negative influences on the riding behavior. Continental does the same. Great, after 2000 kilometers there are still fun tires: the tires from Dunlop, Michelin and Pirelli.
For the complete test, get the Motorrad at the kiosk or online today.
In a notification published by the European Commission, Goodyear has recalled 477 potentially defective Dunlop motorcycle tyres.
The 2024 season begins for Dunlop with a tire recall: the tread on the Sportmax Roadsmart III sports touring tire can detach, which can lead to loss of control and a fall.
The wording from the manufacturer Goodyear:
"Goodyear-Dunlop has initiated a voluntary recall for the Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart III motorcycle tire in size 120/70ZR17 M/C (58W) with production weeks 34, 35, 36, 46 and 47 of 2023. The affected tires can be used over identify the following tire identification numbers (TIN): 1DK8B 6F1M 3423, 1DK8B 6F1M 3523, 1DK8B 6F1M 3623, 1DK8B 6F1M 4623 and 1DK8B 6F1M 4723."
Dunlop Motorcycle Tires is thrilled to present the most versatile off-road race tire it has ever created – the Dunlop Geomax AT82, the latest member to the Geomax family. Boasting champion-proven Progressive Cornering Block Technology (PCBT), a complete top-to-bottom redesign, and a bi-directional rear tread pattern, you can conquer any terrain with the AT82.
Dunlop revamped the construction, prioritizing improved overall handling, impact absorption, and dampening those harsh vibrations that often transfer to the rider. The new pattern offers sturdier braking performance and boosted predictability while accelerating.
Not stopping there, Dunlop crafted an all-new Bi-Directional rear pattern that amplifies the tire's performance across a wider range of conditions, cementing its status as Dunlop's most versatile off-road tire to date. The Bi-Directional center knob is finely tuned to excel on both soft and hard terrains, simply by adjusting its mounting direction.
Broc Glover, Senior Manager, Off-road Motorcycle, stated, "Creating a tire to replace the legendary AT81 was a challenging task. Designing a tire to perform consistently across a diverse range of terrains and obstacles is no easy feat. Thanks to decades of experience, insights from world-class off-road racers, and the meticulous work of our Huntsville test riders, we know the AT82 has raised the bar!"
Key Features and Benefits of the Dunlop Geomax AT82:
For the 17th time in total. The Avon brand will also have a stand again - two-wheeler fans will find it in Hall 20 (stand no. B07).
The most popular Avon profile in the scene is the AVON COBRA CHROME, which is available in over 70 dimensions for choppers, cruisers and touring bikes - the most impressive is certainly the size 330/30R17, which will also be on display at the trade fair stand. Other products on display will include the 3D Supersport hypersport tire, the AVON SPIRIT ST sports touring tire and the AVON ROADRIDER MKII diagonal touring tire.
In addition, Avon will be holding a trade fair competition this year in which a total of 5 sets of motorcycle tires will be raffled off - so there are many good reasons to pay a visit to the Avon stand.
Dunlop has revealed the newest addition to its enduro tire range: Dunlop Geomax EN91 EX. Based on the race-winning Geomax EN91, the new EN91 EX rear tire is designed for both highly skilled enduro riders racing in the most extreme events and weekend enthusiasts seeking improved performance for their enduro rides.
This super soft tire promises an unprecedented level of performance, offering enhanced grip, particularly on the most challenging and slippery terrains, as well as superior traction across a wide spectrum of landscapes. It has been designed for use in races where FIM-compliant and/or road-legal tires are not required by regulations.
Geomax EN91 EX features an uncompromising trials competition compound, delivering superior grip on exceptionally challenging and slippery terrains. Its block pattern incorporates taller blocks to assist riders in gaining grip beneath loose terrain, while the construction enhances absorption with modified carcass properties, yielding improved feedback and control for riders. In contrast to the standard EN91, the casing boasts greater rigidity, facilitating enhanced surface penetration for increased traction.
Luca Davide Andreoni, Motorcycle Marketing Manager, Dunlop Europe stated: “With the launch of the Geomax EN91 EX, Dunlop is taking enduro tire technology to new heights. This tire is designed specifically for highly skilled enduro riders, offering unmatched grip and traction on the most challenging terrains so they can get ultimate performance in the toughest competitions.”
The Dunlop Geomax EN91 EX is produced as a rear fitment, available in 140/80-18 and can be combined with any Geomax 80/100-21 or 90/90-21 front, according to rider preference and terrain condition. Geomax EN91 EX is best used with the Dunlop Enduro mousse for optimum performance. It is available from September 2023 in Europe.
Dunlop Motorcycle Tires is excited to introduce the latest addition to the Geomax family - the Dunlop Geomax MX34, an engineering feat designed to deliver unrivaled performance and control. The MX34 is a versatile powerhouse that can handle more terrain with greater ease. With an advanced mud evacuation system, new carcass material, and state-of-the-art Progressive Cornering Block Technology (PCBT), the MX34 provides enhanced grip and unbeatable traction. Whether you are competing professionally or hitting the trails on the weekends, you can trust the MX34 to provide the stability and control you need to perform at your best. With this new tire, you will have the confidence to take on any challenge and come out on top.
The Geomax MX34 truly excels in soft/intermediate terrain conditions, with an emphasis on softer conditions. Dunlop’s goal was to provide a tire that delivers real performance advantages to give racers a true competitive edge by improving overall performance in a broader range of conditions all while keeping its durability. To do this, Dunlop relied on top AMA Pro racers, Team Dunlop Elite amateur racers for small bike sizes, and the testing team at the Dunlop Proving Grounds in Huntsville, Alabama to develop the tire on a wide range of tracks and conditions.
In MOTORRAD (issue 07/2023), sport and sport-touring motorbike tyres were tested on the KTM 390 DUKE in the dimensions 110/70 R17 and 150/60 R17.
Three manufacturers received the test rating "very good" BRIDGESTONE S22, METZELER M9 RR, MICHELIN ROAD 6
One manufacturer received a "good" DUNLOP GPR 300
Two have to be content with a "satisfactory". CONTINENTAL CONTIMOTION CHENG SHIN CST CM-615 CM-616
How MOTORRAD tests
A quick tyre test on a country road? Not conceivable! Such tests are only seriously feasible on specially designed test tracks of the tyre industry. In this case, we were able to use the premises of the Japanese manufacturer Bridgestone in Nettuno (near Rome). For the asphalt test, we used the 2.2 km long "Carrera track" with many bends, for the wet test we used the permanently watered, 1.6 km long handling track. These criteria are the focus of the MOTORRAD evaluation:
*Sections marked with an asterisk are transferable to motorbikes that have a similar geometry to the KTM 390 Duke. **Indicated is the price range for a set of tyres (front/rear) in the tested version in common tyre online shops, as of 1 March 2023.
BRIDGESTONE S22 - "Conclusion: The Bridgestone S 22 is a sports tyre that shines in this test above all with its excellent everyday qualities. Perfect handling is joined by 1a rain qualities with the best braking values in the test."
METZELER M9 RR - Verdict: "Sportiness in sun and rain - the Metzeler is a recommendation for cornering junkies, whatever the weather. For a sports tyre, a very unusual and, in this test, very impressive combination."
MICHELIN ROAD 6 - Verdict: "The bottom line is that the Michelin offers a very balanced package for everyday riding. Beginners who ride their 125 or 48 hp bike year-round will quickly come to appreciate the Road 6's good-natured characteristics."
DUNLOP GPR 300 - Conclusion: "With the Dunlop, an entry-level bike like the 390 KTM in this test clearly gains in sportiness. Even in the rain, the GPR-300 delivers enough grip to push around corners with decent confidence."
CONTINENTAL CONTIMOTION - Conclusion: "In good weather, the ContiMotion is really fun on country roads, even if they are small and winding, and leaves a good impression. In the rain, its restrained grip quickly makes it lack confidence."
CHENG SHIN CST CM-615 CM-616 - "Conclusion: Fair-weather riders on 125s won't feel any shortcomings, but in the rain you quickly reach the CST's limit. On bikes in the 48 hp class, however, the tyre is not a recommendation on dry or wet asphalt."
The entire tyre test can be reordered as a print edition or PDF here.
Also in the next issue there will be a test and technical analysis tyre wear. Which factors are decisive for outstanding mileage?
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