Dunlop launches the StreetSmart

Dunlop says it has completed its current touring segment offering with the introduction of the StreetSmart. This new range, which was introduced on 1 January, has been specifically designed to meet the fitment needs of classic bikes, targeting a market that is growing year-on-year.

Recent research shows that classic bikes are making big waves in Europe. In Germany alone, figures indicate that the average age of bikes on the road has moved from 12 to 14 years in a mere four years. The move towards classic bikes is being driven by an increasing number of riders in their 40’s and 50’s who are taking to two wheels primarily as a hobby. The data following this trend is supported by sales figures that show classic bikes now claim over half of all sales in key European markets.  Growing demand in this segment is fuelling a need for tyres that deliver up-to-date technological capabilities.

“The market figures tell us that a majority of riders out there are StreetSmart riders,” says Sharon Antonaros, director Dunlop Motorcycle Business Unit EMEA. “As we observe a large segment of the European population reach their 50’s, we are seeing an increasing demand for classic bikes. This group then is, in part, fuelling a demand for state-of-the-art products to support a hobby, and StreetSmart plays on this demand.” 

New technology for the classics

Built as an upgrade of the Arrowmax GT501 cross-ply touring tyre, the StreetSmart also replaces the Arrowmax D103. The new tyre thus combines a successful design with an additional value: the latest technologies in casing materials and compounding. Dunlop says these deliver highly improved handling, combined with a superior comfort not often found in this segment. The tyre consists of a new generation of silica tread compound for improved grip in cold and wet conditions.

“We wanted to deliver tyres for classic bikes with all the benefits of newly developed ones. The result is that Dunlop’s StreetSmart is now on the market to meet the demand for classic, yet highly performing tyres,” Antonaros commented.

Less weight, more mileage

The profile and construction of the StreetSmart is new. Overall tyre weight has been reduced by up to 25 per cent compared with its predecessor, and Dunlop says this helps to improve handling and comfort. Larger tread grooves are also present to ensure an enhanced wet grip. Furthermore, the rear tyre has been constructed to offer an increased tread depth, while both the front and rear feature a cosecant curve profile design for reduced wear. Completing the picture is the front tyre, which features continuous centre grooves, enabling improved wet grip and steering.

StreetSmart not only includes some of the latest technologies – it was also designed by the latest computer generated modelling tools. This technology enabled its developers to ensure the shape of the inflated tyre was close to the shape of the non-inflated tyre; Dunlop says doing so has significantly reduced overall carcass stress.  The new tyre has been designed to deliver a comprehensive pressure distribution contact patch, thereby reducing uneven forces by as much as 16 per cent compared to its predecessor.

“In short, we have built a tyre that delivers some of the latest innovations, encased in a classic design to suit the specific needs of a majority of Europe’s riders,” Antonaros concluded.