Dunlop launches RoadSmart IV

Dunlop is introducing a new generation of its RoadSmart line-up next year and promises that this, the RoadSmart IV, will be the brand’s “most versatile sport-touring tyre yet.” It will offer the tyre in a 21-size and 24 SKU range that brings Dunlop’s total portfolio of RoadSmart sport-touring tyres to over 40 sizes, covering more than 700 models and 97 per cent of the sport-touring radial tyre segment.

The sport-touring sector has become incredibly diverse as motorcycle genres overlap each other. Naked roadsters, crossover designs, road-focused adventure bikes, hyper-nakeds as well as traditional sport-tourers, were all in the design remit for RoadSmart IV.

Dunlop saw this broadening of the segment as an opportunity to create an all-new RoadSmart generation that fits the needs of commuters, long-distance tourers and riders using their bikes for a Sunday morning blast. When developing the RoadSmart IV, it pursued the goal of setting “new standards in handling, stability, wet grip and mileage across the wide spectrum of motorcycles and rider styles in the sport-touring sector.” Achieving this involved employing a mix of innovative technologies to “create a multi-talented tyre,” the manufacturer adds.

The design process was shaped by Dunlop’s research. It found that riders wanted a tyre that could deliver a perfect balance of outstanding dry performance and exceptional wet grip, neutral and stable handling and deliver consistent performance even after several thousand kilometres. From that brief, RoadSmart IV was born.

Two distinct specifications

Dunlop developed the RoadSmart IV to fit 17 of the top 20 selling motorcycles in Europe. From on-road users of adventure bikes such as the BMW R1250GS, crossovers like the Yamaha Tracer, roadsters such as the Yamaha MT or Kawasaki Z ranges or larger touring bikes, Dunlop’s development team focused on creating an incredibly versatile tyre.

In the most popular sizes (120/70ZR17 front; 180/55ZR17 and 190/55ZR17 rear) Dunlop has developed two distinct versions of the RoadSmart IV. The SP variant is optimised for lighter and sportier road machines, whereas the GT variant is tuned to bring greater handling prowess to larger touring bikes.

All variants of the RoadSmart IV feature a package of patented Dunlop technologies, with the compound incorporating four all-new grip resins and the JointLess Tread application for the key sizes headlining a host of technologies and features.

Just Ride philosophy

“Our research told us that road riders wanted outstanding wet grip, good mileage and confidence-inspiring handling,” comments Luca Davide Andreoni, marketing manager, Dunlop Europe. “By bringing together a range of technologies, we’ve created a tyre that can cater for the demands of an incredibly diverse sector of riders and machines. Dunlop has a Just Ride philosophy of providing riders with unparalleled grip and protection, allowing them to have the confidence to focus on the joy of riding. By applying this mindset, we’ve created a new level of tyre in RoadSmart IV. It is a sport-touring tyre that goes well beyond the sport-touring segment.”