Dunlop Qualifier Core – “superb but affordable” performance

Dunlop has launched Qualifier Core, the latest member in its hypersport tyre family and successor to the Qualifier II. It says this new tyre delivers “superb but affordable performance” for riders of a wide range of entry-level and mid-range sports bikes. The range arrived in January in three popular sizes: 120/70ZR17 (front), 160/60ZR17 (rear) and 180/55ZR17 (rear). Dunlop will release a further front size (120/60ZR17) and three new rear sizes (190/50ZR17, 190/55ZR17 and 200/50ZR17) in the final quarter of 2022.

In a statement announcing the tyre’s introduction, Dunlop Europe says: “Featuring the latest Dunlop technology, Qualifier Core delivers Dunlop’s renowned hypersport abilities at an affordable price, combining performance with value for riders of entry-level and mid-range nakeds, mid-size roadsters and sports bikes, sport touring models, and previous-generation sports bikes.”

Key Dunlop technologies in Qualifier Core include Dynamic Front Formula, Carcass Tension Control System and Jointless Belt. The manufacturer says these ensure excellent handling and stability, while innovations such as its silica-enhanced compound improve grip on wet surfaces and in lower temperatures.

The familiar tread pattern is inspired by the first generation of Dunlop Sportmax SportSmart, and the aim was to pair these with the key technologies to provide balanced tread stiffness, an optimised footprint and even wear. Dunlop also reports that the tyre’s revised groove angles and positioning deliver improved wet weather performance compared to the predecessor tyre. Through Dunlop’s Heat Control Technology, different cap and base compounds combine to ensure predictable performance as the tyre wears throughout its life, thus delivering the rider further value.

3 Dunlop hypersport family members

Qualifier Core sits within Dunlop’s hypersport family, which also includes the SportSmart TT and SportSmart Mk3 tyres. Both feature a number of innovations to supply impressive performance for riders of mid-range and premium sports bikes. “Just like the other members of Dunlop’s family of hypersport tyres, Qualifier Core gives dynamic handling and excellent feedback so riders can extract the exhilarating performance of their bike, whether it’s a naked, a sports bike, a sports tourer or a roadster,” comments Luca Davide Andreoni, marketing manager, Dunlop Europe.

“We have developed Qualifier Core with the philosophy of ‘affordable performance’, to distil the properties of our class-leading hypersport tyres SportSmart TT and SportSmart Mk3 into an affordable package that offers a great solution for bikers on a budget.”