Dunlop announces new products and OE fitments

The Dunlop SportSmart2 is a new technologically advanced tyre for sport bikes. It delivers comfort, superior handling, optimised wet and dry grip, durability and high speed potential. The technology behind SportSmart2 has been developed by Dunlop’s European R&D team and is derived from products that have won races.

Launched in September, SportSmart2 offers riders a tyre that meets the high performance requirements of the latest sport bikes and improves the riding experience of older models.

Wet performance has been improved by a new tread pattern. The front tyre has a central ‘reverse V direction’ pattern, which improves drainage. Wet grip is also enhanced due to the new rear tyre shoulder compound that utilises 100% of new highly dispersible silica. Dry performance is also optimised due to liquid polymer and grip resins from Dunlop’s racing programme.

The new front shape improves the footprint pressure distribution for better dry braking stability. SportSmart2 gives a reduction in shimmy plus a 23% faster steering response time1. The resulting lower twisting torque also means less steering effort is required.

Comfort for SportSmart2 has been improved by changing construction of both the front and rear. The front incorporates Steel JointLess Belt (JLB) technology, fewer components and a new shape while the rear includes the JLT (JointLess Tread) technology. The new front tyre is seven percent lighter and the new rear up to eight percent lighter than SportSmart. Steel JLB also improves the high speed capability, as does the replacement of two breakers in the rear construction with one floating ply. These features reduce excess heat generated at high speeds. A harder centre compound enables high mileage and increases the riding stability at higher speeds. Even wear maintains handling performance, extends tyre life and reduces vibration.