Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart on a Suzuki GSX1250FA

**Hitcher** · 14th January 2012, 14:48

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/tire...ire.asp?id=101 http://www.motorcycle.com/products/d...iew-75375.html

**White trash** · 14th January 2012, 18:30

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

**caspernz** · 14th January 2012, 21:14

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

**Hitcher** · 14th January 2012, 22:02

Originally Posted by caspernz

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** · 15th January 2012, 02:27

Originally Posted by Hitcher

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** · 15th January 2012, 13:27

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** · 15th January 2012, 18:21

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** · 15th January 2012, 19:26

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** · 16th January 2012, 17:40

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** · 17th January 2012, 17:00

Originally Posted by 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?

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** · 17th January 2012, 17:13

Originally Posted by caspernz

. 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** · 1st February 2012, 10:28

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.

**Hitcher** · 1st February 2012, 19:02

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

**yod** · 2nd February 2012, 18:44

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** · 2nd February 2012, 19:11

Originally Posted by 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.

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.