Dunlop Unveils New Motorcycle GP Racing Tyre: D211

Having shod the winners of the 2009 Isle of Man TT, Dunlop will no doubt be a name to spark interest among racing bikers, especially given the news released today that the brand is to launch the latest addition to its high performance Sportmax range at the National Motorcycle Show, staged at the NEC, on 26 November. Dunlop states that it has used technology derived from its race tyres to produce the GP Racer D211, specifically the technology from Dunlop’s D211 GP race tyre which helped to provide 165 podium finishes, 25 rider championships in top-class Superstock/Supersport and hundreds of club level race wins.

The GP Racer D211 will, says Dunlop, satisfy the needs of the most hardcore track day enthusiast as well as the pure sports road rider without compromising on any of the performance requirements found in a road going tyre, such as mileage and wet road grip. Featuring Dunlop’s 7000 series Multi-Tread compound, the rear tyre has seven zones of compound which maximises side grip, drive traction and rapid warm-up as well as handling response, tread stability and tyre life. The front tyre features three compound zones focusing on secure cornering and braking stability.

The latest technology to be used in this new tyre is called NTEC. Developed at Dunlop Motorsport for the parent race tyre, the technology allows the rear tyre to run very low pressures (down to 17psi) on track. The tyre will also be available as a slick that will offer the same technology and features but with even more dry grip, adding to a track day experience.

“By introducing the GP Racer D211 to the fast road as well as track day market we are opening riders up to a whole new on road experience. The tyre will enable smooth, responsive transitions between maximum lean angles as well as remaining stable with more grip than you will ever need” said Lisa Faulkner, Dunlop Motorcycle Manager. “We set out to create an unbeatable race tyre which exceeded expectations. From this we have enabled ourselves to offer this outstanding tyre for use on the road. The tyre will be officially launched into the UK market in January 2010 but to give riders a little teaser of what they can expect, we decided to unveil the tyre at the prestigious Motorcycle Show” commented Lisa.

The tyres will be available in the following sizes from January 2010:

Front (Soft, Medium and Endurance compounds):

120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W) TL
120/70 R17 TL NHS (Slick)

Rear (Soft, Medium and Endurance compounds):

180/70 ZR17 M/C (73W) TL
190/70 ZR17 M/C (75W) TL
200/70 ZR17 M/C (78W) TL
180/55 R17 TL NHS (Slick)
190/55 R17 TL NHS (Slick)
200/55 R17 TL NHS (Slick)