Dunlop Trailmax Raid for Suzuki special edition

Suzuki Italy has revealed a special edition of its popular V-Strom model, featuring Dunlop Trailmax Raid tyres as part of a package of adventure-focused upgrades that aim to “evoke memories of Suzuki’s historic off-road prowess.”

Unveiled at the Motor Bike Expo in Verona in January, the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Djebel features graphics reminiscent of the brand’s enduro models of the 80s and 90s, and the DR-Z which raced in several editions of the Dakar Rally.

A key technical upgrade is the selection of Dunlop Trailmax Raid tyres for the 21- and 17-inch rims. Dunlop developed this 50/50 on/off-road tyre for riders who “require confidence-inspiring off-road performance without compromising on wet and dry on-road traction” and debuted it last year. With a rally raid-inspired design, Dunlop says Trailmax Raid offers a more “off-road ready” style than the Trailmax Mixtour tyres available on the standard V-Strom 800DE model.

High versatility

“We wanted to further emphasise the off-road soul of the V-Strom 800DE Djebel by preparing it so that it would be ready to tackle any road,” says Marco Quaglino, sales manager Moto & Marine, Suzuki Italy. “The choice of tyres fell on Dunlop Trailmax Raid, which provide excellent performance both off-road and on asphalt, offering high versatility to customers.”

In the last 12 months, Trailmax Raid has become a key product in the trail and adventure tyre market, increasing Dunlop’s offering to the segment, which also includes Trailmax Meridian for 90 per cent on-road adventure touring use, the Mutant crossover tyre with its excellent wet weather performance and Trailmax Mission for long-distance adventure riding in tough terrains.

These sit alongside products, such as Trailmax Mixtour and D908RR, which together combine to create Dunlop’s most comprehensive trail offering yet.

Designed to look the part

“It is exciting to see Dunlop Trailmax Raid chosen as a key upgrade to the special edition V-Strom 800DE Djebel,” comments Roberto Finetti, marketing manager, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe. “Not only does Trailmax Raid provide on and off-road performance worthy of this heritage edition bike, but it has been designed to look the part on adventure-focused models like this, too.

“Since launching Trailmax Raid a year ago, we have been pleased with its reception in the market, helping to solidify Dunlop’s stronger than ever trail/adventure range, following the introduction of Trailmax Meridian, Trailmax Mission and Mutant to offer wide-ranging options that suit all types of adventure riders.”