RoadSmart IV: Dunlop’s “multi-talented tyre”

The latest generation of Dunlop’s RoadSmart is available in 21 sizes and 24 SKUs, a line-up that brings the total range to over 40 sizes that cover 97 per cent of the sport-touring radial tyre segment. Following the trade preview of RoadSmart IV at the end of 2021, Dunlop has released more information on the technologies that go into this tyre.

Referring to the RoadSmart IV as its most versatile sport-touring tyre yet, the brand says it “features a combination of Dunlop’s innovations to create a multi-talented tyre that aims to set new standards in handling, stability, wet grip and mileage.”

Beyond sport-touring

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. It had to fit the needs of commuters, long-distance tourers and riders using their bikes for a Sunday morning blast. The design process was shaped by Dunlop’s research. 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 just a couple of thousand miles. From that brief, RoadSmart IV was born.

Two distinct specifications

Dunlop developed RoadSmart IV to fit 17 of the top 20 selling motorcycles in Europe. It is thus suitable for 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 and larger touring bikes.

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.

RoadSmart IV technologies

RoadSmart IV features a package of Dunlop patented technologies, including innovations such as JointLess Belt and JointLess Tread that were developed in the motorsport world, where Dunlop is the most successful tyre brand in Isle of Man TT history, a multiple championship winner in the FIM Endurance World Championship and the exclusive tyre supplier to the Moto2 and Moto3 Grand Prix World Championships.

The features include:

Dynamic Front Formula: An intricately balanced combination of profile design, advanced materials and construction to give light and confident handling.
MultiTread: Proven on the racetracks, developed for the road. The rear tyre has different compounds to give the perfect balance of durability and grip.
Carcass Tension Control System: Different tension zones in the tyre casing optimise handling and maximise the footprint.
JointLess Belt: Dunlop’s latest evolution of its race-winning JLB construction gives stability and precise feedback.
JointLess Tread: A more precise way of positioning the tread during manufacture boosts durability and consistency.
HiSilica: Cold or wet journeys are less of a worry with a more flexible compound at low temperatures.
Rayon Ply Casing: Using Rayon improves mileage and allows a rapid warm-up.

Just Ride philosophy

“Our research told us that road riders wanted outstanding wet grip, good mileage and confidence-inspiring handling,” says 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.”