Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart on a Suzuki GSX1250FA

[Hitcher]

Yesterday the GSX1250FA (technically not a Bandit, or TNAB) got its fourth set of tyres in 25,000km. This time I fitted a set of Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmarts and, after only a handful of kilometres ridden so far, I rate these as the best so far.

So what else has the TNAB had fitted?


The OEMs were the disturbingly average Bridgestone Battlax 021s. Bridgestone make lots of different types of tyres, but they can't make sports tourers for shit. Indeed after previously suffering 020s and 021s I'm not prepared to believe that they've learned anything that would make the 023s worth buying.
Next came a set of Metzeler Z8 Interacts. Nice. Indeed very nice, apart from the fact that the front wore out well before the rear was ready to expire.
Then came a set of Pirelli Diablo Rossos. An interesting experiment that proved the superiority of sports touring tyres in all respects compared with so-called "performance" tyres like the Rossos.


So why pick the Roadsmarts?

A couple of bikes ago I owned a Yamaha FJR1300T. While touring on it in the USA, I needed a new set of tyres and was persuaded by a friendly dealer in Flagstaff Arizona to try the Dunlop Roadsmarts. I did. I loved them. They were still on the FJR when I sold it, so I don't know at what distance ridden they finally expired.

I had thought about Roadsmarts at previous changes but then they were appreciably pricier than were other sports touring tyres. However that has recently changed, perhaps due to the recent competition that has appeared in motorcycle tyre retailing in these parts.

So how do they ride?

They're just marvellous. Grippy and true from cold. It's nice to have a TNAB with appreciably lighter steering. That steering is also now fast and neutral. One thing I really appreciate in tyres are the ones that when set a course, hold to that course. Some just want to stand the bike up, particularly under braking. Other riders may like tyres that do that. I don't.

Suzuki should fit these as OEM. They'd sell more TNABs and Bandits if they did, as the Roadsmarts transform a reasonable handling bike into a great handling one. No shit.

As always, I will be interested to see how the Roadsmarts perform as they wear, and how long they last. Given the TNAB's tendency to eat front tyres, I will also be interested to see whether the front outlasts the rear. I'm really hoping to be impressed on all counts because, out of the crate, these tyres are just fantastic.

Hitcher initial tyre rating: 10. Seriously, they're that good.

Here are some web links: http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/tirecatalog_tire.asp?id=101 http://www.motorcycle.com/products/dunlop-roadsmart-tire-review-75375.html

[White trash]

Where'd ya get 'em and what'd they cost?

[caspernz]

If you like the Dunlop Roadsmart then you'll love Michelin Pilot Road 3s....

[Hitcher]

If you like the Dunlop Roadsmart then you'll love Michelin Pilot Road 3s....

So people say. However after what my FJR did to a Pilot Road 2 front, and after seeing all of those finely cut grooves on the PR3s, I'm a bit nervous.

[Gremlin]

So people say. However after what my FJR did to a Pilot Road 2 front, and after seeing all of those finely cut grooves on the PR3s, I'm a bit nervous.
FWIW, I've run out most of a set of the PR3 on the BMW now (most of the time loaded with gear). Their profile is more sporty than the PR2, ie, the handling is not so neutral, with a bit more tendancy to fall off centre. They are softer than the PR2, won't last as long, but wet weather grip is really awesome. Bike is heavy enough, at 225 dry, 260ish fully fueled, no luggage.

Rear is definitely squaring off after 6k ish, and naturally remember tyre preference is extremely subjective. Sipes... mmm well, wet performance is good, haven't noted them being a liability to the tyre yet?

[Hitcher]

In 10,000km time, or by Easter, whichever comes first, I should know whether I'm still smitten with the Roadsmarts.

If I'm easy osy, then I may try a set of Conti RoadAttack 2s. I had a set of those on the Shiver when we parted company and had been very impressed with those.

I tend to be a loyal consumer, as demonstrated my my dedication to Avon's cause with several sets of the previous model Storms, before they fucked with them and made the significantly less good Storm Ultras.

[shafty]

An interesting read as always.

Just re shod the Pan Euro, this time with Z6 Metzelers fitted by Drury Performance Centre, funnily enough in Drury.

Tried to spend my $$ more locally but was told they just couldn't compete price wise. Very happy with the service I was too. The added benefit was the nice 950 km round trip via the Forgotten World Highway.

Strange how some tyre manufacturers go a bit feral on certain models....

Thanks to KoroJ and Dougie for sharing tyre advice.

[SPman]

Always watch Mr H's reviews with interest. Missus needed a new front - PR3 wasn't in stock in the right size, so we threw on a Pilot Pure. Running a nearly stuffed PR2, but she's rapt in the PP front - reckon's it's changed the whole feel of the bike (FZ1).

what is it with women who can detect a 3 psi. drop in pressure in tyres?

[Stylo]

Interesting read and I must say I know nothing about the Dunlop 'SR's until I read this thread. Took note of Hitchers comments about the Z8 Metzeler front tyres wearing out prematurely so I just swapped the rear on the 'Busa to a Z8 but kept the BT015 on the front at mileage 4600km's . Done about 1000 kms so far so good. I had a set of Z8's on my previous 'Busa but only did around 3000kms and they were looking fine when I traded it but, that's early days for a tyre.

Be interested to hear if Hitcher has any better luck with the Dunlops re mileage and wear and I'm not sure of the weight differential - front vs rear on the new 1250 vs my Bike and would that be a reason the Z8 front wore out so soon ? I'm sure the weight Bias might be more front on the 1250 as my Bike is slightly longer in the wheelbase ? Tell me I'm wrong ...

If I can get 8000 km's out of the rear , I'll be more than happy - any more I'll take that as a bonus !

[caspernz]

Always watch Mr H's reviews with interest. Missus needed a new front - PR3 wasn't in stock in the right size, so we threw on a Pilot Pure. Running a nearly stuffed PR2, but she's rapt in the PP front - reckon's it's changed the whole feel of the bike (FZ1).

what is it with women who can detect a 3 psi. drop in pressure in tyres?

Haha, the Pilot Power Pure is a sweet tyre, but it won't last long. After my last set of PR3s I've taken a set of Power Pure from my stockpile for some playtime over summer, then will be back onto PR3s.

I will agree with Hitcher in that the PR3s appearance with all them little grooves or sipes....it's kinda odd, but hey it's awesome in wet weather and grippy from the get-go. Be interesting to hear how the Dunlop Roadsmarts hold up on the TNAB though, as I've been tempted to try them.

[SPman]

. Be interesting to hear how the Dunlop Roadsmarts hold up on the TNAB though, as I've been tempted to try them. Had the option of Roadsmarts, but knew very little about them. Times have changed from the TT81

[yod]

My current Road2's are haggard after around 11 thousand kms. I was intending to go for either the Road 3s or the Metzeler Z8s but you've added another, apparently cheaper, option to the mix, Mr Hitcher. :niceone:

[Hitcher]

Over 3,000km on these Roadsmarts now. Awesome, just awesome. The ultimate determinant for these will now be their longevity.

[yod]

My local chaps have offered a cheaper deal on Z8s than either PR3s or the Roadsmarts, so I think I'll give them a crack first. I usually get 11-12k from a PR2 rear and 9-10k from a front so I wait to see whether the Metzelers can perform and/or last similarly well.

[NZsarge]

My local chaps have offered a cheaper deal on Z8s than either PR3s or the Roadsmarts, so I think I'll give them a crack first. I usually get 11-12k from a PR2 rear and 9-10k from a front so I wait to see whether the Metzelers can perform and/or last similarly well.

It'll be interesting to see what happens on the Metzlers, as i have said i'm loving the M5's but different design brief to a certain degree.

[yod]

It'll be interesting to see what happens on the Metzlers, as i have said i'm loving the M5's but different design brief to a certain degree.

Yes. I expect I'll get a few extra miles out of the Z8s than you will from the M5s, at least I bloody well hope so!!! AFC are doing them about $50 off retail per tyre so that was enough justification to try them out. Won't get them for a couple of weeks, just waiting for the finances to sort themselves out :shifty:

I also noticed Cycletreads are doing Conti Road Attacks for $370 a set - pretty cheap deal except they don't last long enough to make it worthwhile!

[banditrider]

It'll be interesting to see what happens on the Metzlers, as i have said i'm loving the M5's but different design brief to a certain degree.

Brian has about 10,500km on his rear Z8 at the mo'. He's probably a bit easier on his tyres than me but it looks like it's probably got 1-2,000km left in it. He's changing it for another one in Chch before the start of the TT.

[NZsarge]

Brian has about 10,500km on his rear Z8 at the mo'. He's probably a bit easier on his tyres than me but it looks like it's probably got 1-2,000km left in it. He's changing it for another one in Chch before the start of the TT.

Interesting, sounds quite promising although it also looks like PR2's may have the milage edge but not by a whole lot etc...
What are Brian's thoughts of the Z8's in the wet? (is brian your mate riding a Bandit or the one with a Concours?)

[banditrider]

Interesting, sounds quite promising although it also looks like PR2's may have the milage edge but not by a whole lot etc...
What are Brian's thoughts of the Z8's in the wet? (is brian your mate riding a Bandit or the one with a Concours?)

He's the Connie rider and he reckons they've been fine in the wet. I used to be a big Metzler fan on my Bandits - never had a problem with them but haven't tried them on the Connie as yet as the PR2's have been so good. When I get back from the TT it will be interesting to see how the PR3's look as they'll be starting to get a few kms on them by then...

[NZsarge]

He's the Connie rider and he reckons they've been fine in the wet. I used to be a big Metzler fan on my Bandits - never had a problem with them but haven't tried them on the Connie as yet as the PR2's have been so good. When I get back from the TT it will be interesting to see how the PR3's look as they'll be starting to get a few kms on them by then...

Yep,hard to argue with PR2's, not many bikes they don't go well on. I'd be interested to know if those Z8's flat spot much.

[Hitcher]

It's time to interrupt the Michelin Fan Boi hijackers and get this thread back to a discussion about Roadsmarts.

In about a week's time the GSX1250FA will get its 30,000km service. The Roadsmarts will have done almost 4,500km by then. And they'll be getting replaced.

The disappointment is crushing, particularly after having talked them up massively.

I'm disappointed because the set I had on my FJR1300 a few years ago was just magnificent. A fully loaded bike, plus pillion, on extremely hot roads in the USA and then some spirited one-person riding on their return to New Zealand. 6,000km ridden when I sold the bike with absolutely no signs of distress or angst.

GSX1250FA? Completely different story. The sides of the rear were starting to get furry and scabby after 1,500km, and have accelerated wear since. The rear's harder centre is just fine but the rest of the tyre would probably struggle to pass a WOF.

Handling wise, these tyres are just magnificent. More like what I imagine a sports tyre should ride like than most sports touring tyres I've ever used. However in terms of their wear, particularly the rear, they're wearing like a sports tyre, rather than the sports tourers they're supposed to be.

Yes, I had a nail puncture and preceding slow leak that may not have helped, but I've done that to Avon Storms a couple of times in the past with nowhere near the ill effects that the Roadsmarts are showing.

So on balance and careful reflection, as sports touring tyres the Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart scores a 4.5 on the Hitcher scale. In other words they're crap. And I'm really disappointed. Tyres and fitment don't come cheap and I expect much better value than this.

Now I have to weigh up what to try next. That choice won't include Roadsmarts nor anything with a Bridgestone logo on.

[NZsarge]

Back to Z8's Hitcher? I maybe well be wrong but I think there is a Roadsmart 2 just been released...... ?

[Coldrider]

Three years ago I bought 2 sets of metzler sportec M3, I fitted one year after the other, the first rear got 8,000ks and was still a smidgeon off the indicators, the 2nd rear barely got 3,800ks. Same bike, same ralleys, roads, speeds , same loadings, same everything. :yawn: Ended up fitting a pilot road as that was all I could find in Invers at the time (at a rip off price), just to get me home.

[Hitcher]

Back to Z8's Hitcher? I maybe well be wrong but I think there is a Roadsmart 2 just been released?

Z8s? The rear wore well. I wasn't overly fussed with the front's steering nor with its wearing.

There is indeed a Roadsmart 2. I don't know if these have been released in New Zealand yet. Cost will also be a consideration, unless Mr Dunlop wants to avail himself of my services as a test mule.

I may go for a set of Conti Road Attack 2s or Avon Storm Ultras. My jury is still out on all of those slotty groovy things cut into the PR3. I think that those are my choices.

[caspernz]

On reflection it might be cheaper to trade the bike in as it seems rather harsh on rubber Mr Hitcher??

See how I got that whole line out without showing my membership of the Michelin fan club haha...

[Scruffygit]

Yes. I expect I'll get a few extra miles out of the Z8s than you will from the M5s, at least I bloody well hope so!!! AFC are doing them about $50 off retail per tyre so that was enough justification to try them out. Won't get them for a couple of weeks, just waiting for the finances to sort themselves out :shifty:

I also noticed Cycletreads are doing Conti Road Attacks for $370 a set - pretty cheap deal except they don't last long enough to make it worthwhile!


Any chance of an update on the Z8's?

The Avons on my Blackbird will need replacing soon and I fancy trying the Z8 next as I've read good things about them but I'm always suspicious of PR blurb and track day hero journalists so a real world opinion would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Hitcher]

Any chance of an update on the Z8's?

Read the title of this thread. How about starting a Z8 thread?

[Scruffygit]

Read the title of this thread. How about starting a Z8 thread?

OK.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=1130318370

[nzspokes]

So what did you change to?

My 1200 bandit came with Avon Storm ST2 ultras, seem good and grippy to me. But then Im new to the bike and not pushing it.

May I ask your recommendation on what pressure i should run in them?

[Hitcher]

So what did you change to?

My 1200 bandit came with Avon Storm ST2 ultras, seem good and grippy to me. But then Im new to the bike and not pushing it.

May I ask your recommendation on what pressure i should run in them?

I changed to Conti Road Attack 2 GTs. So far, so good. I'm running these at 36 front and 40 rear. I've found 42 a bit hard. 38 is a bit spongy.

Mrs H is a religious adherent to Avon Storms on her K6 GSF650. She's currently running the Ultras. Never tried them myself and haven't run Storms since my FJR and Shiver days. These were all pre-Ultra era Storms and ran just brilliantly. The FJR loved them and they could be guaranteed to churn out about 12,000km on a rear.

[nzspokes]

I changed to Conti Road Attack 2 GTs. So far, so good. I'm running these at 36 front and 40 rear. I've found 42 a bit hard. 38 is a bit spongy.

Mrs H is a religious adherent to Avon Storms on her K6 GSF650. She's currently running the Ultras. Never tried them myself and haven't run Storms since my FJR and Shiver days. These were all pre-Ultra era Storms and ran just brilliantly. The FJR loved them and they could be guaranteed to churn out about 12,000km on a rear.

Cheers. Just realized that the 1250 bandits run higher recommended pressures from another thread. My spec for the 1200 is 36. My try the rear a bit harder as it feels to move about a bit at times.