Need rubber? Dunlop’s brought out the new Roadsmart IV sport touring tires, promising longer life, good performance and “Greater compliance, ride quality, and comfort.”
Sport tourers have lost some ground to adventure bikes over the past few years, but they’re still a big deal for those riders who want speed, but also want to lay down some miles. That’s the trouble for sport touring tires—they have to provide longevity, but remain pliable enough fun in the twisties. Generally speaking, hard tires last longer, soft tires are more sticky, so it’s hard to meet these two goals at once.
According to Dunlop’s press release, the Roadsmart IV accomplishes this goal through “new tread patterns, construction, compounds, and profiles.” They’ve put top minds on it, top minds!
Supposedly, the updates mean the rear tire can last up to 26 percent longer, and the front tire has up to 23 percent more life. Steering is supposedly lighter, with easier turn-in, and “class-leading grip in wet and dry conditions.”
As you’d expect, this is a dual-compound tire, with a long-lasting centre section and sticky shoulders. Dunlop also used a third compound beneath the surface rubber to help the tire heat up more quickly.
The Roadsmart IV doesn’t replace the Roadsmart III; instead, that tire is now intended to serve as a budget option. We haven’t seen Canadian pricing yet, but in the US, the new Roadsmart IV sees pricing start at $181 for a 17-inch front (also available in 18-inch), and $224 for a 17-inch rear. If you visit Dunlop’s website, you can see if there’s a size that fits your specific bike. See Dunlop’s press release below:
Press release
Dunlop’s Roadsmart IV sets a new Sport-Touring benchmark
Buffalo, NY: Sport-touring riders have unique demands. They want sport-bike level grip and handling, a compliant ride, and most of all high mileage.
Dunlop exceeded customer expectations with the Sportmax Roadsmart III® (RSIII), a tire with class-leading mileage and performance that lasted deep into its lifespan.
Now the benefits of the RSIII have been elevated in the all-new Sportmax Roadsmart IV® (RSIV), which joins the RSIII in Dunlop’s sport-touring line. Dunlop’s two-tiered market strategy gives riders the option to choose between the high-performing and now lower-priced RSIII or opt for the class-leading performance of the new RSIV.
The RSIV establishes a new benchmark for best-in-class mileage and stays close to its peak performance throughout its lifespan. Additionally, the RSIV offers performance upgrades compared to the RSIII, including quicker steering response, more nimble handling, and greater wet-weather performance—grip, stability and overall response.*
The RSIV is a completely new tire—new tread patterns, construction, compounds, and profiles. And while the RSIV utilizes Dunlop’s exclusive MT Multi-Tread™ technology for high mileage and high grip, the tire features innovative new technology that expands the performance envelope.
Benefits include:
– Increased mileage (up 26% in the rear, up 23% in front**)
– Class leading grip in wet and dry conditions
– 15% lighter steering
– More neutral steering and rider feel
– Quicker warm-up
– More even wear across the life of the tire
– Greater compliance, ride quality, and comfort
Widest Range Available
With the addition of the Roadsmart IV, Dunlop has created the most market-driven sport-touring tire range available in sizes to fit a broad variety of motorcycles. Additionally, Dunlop continues to be the only brand offering sport-touring tires that perform on both “Standard” and “GT” bikes, eliminating the need for two separate versions of its sport-touring tires.
The Roadsmart IV joins Dunlop’s premium performance products by offering what other tires cannot: class-leading mileage, the handling of a full-on sport tire, and tremendous wet-weather grip—all while letting riders enjoy these advantages throughout its lifespan.
To find out more about Dunlop’s new Sportmax Roadsmart IV, go to www.dunlopmotorcycletires.com
*Testing performed at the Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. proving grounds in Japan on a 2016 Suzuki GSF1250 with tire sizes 120/70ZR17 front and 180/55ZR17 rear. Individual results may vary.
**Testing performed by Dunlop in Japan on a 2018 Honda CB1300 SB with tire sizes 120/70ZR17 front and 180/55ZR17 rear on 40% public roads and 60% highways. Individual results may vary.
