Category Archives: Dunlop

Dunlop, Tyres

Ready to win on a wider range of terrain: Dunlop launch all-new Geomax MX53

Dunlop has introduced Geomax MX53, replacing the MX52 hard-terrain motocross tyre. The MX53 will give riders class-leading performance on a wider range of terrain than its predecessor. The tyre sits between the ‘super-hard’ terrain MX71 and the highly versatile MX33 in Dunlop’s wide Geomax portfolio.

Race winning pedigree
This year has been an incredibly successful season for Dunlop Geomax riders. Cooper Webb (KTM) won the AMA Supercross title in a championship where every 2019 race winner chose Dunlop. Also in North America, Eli Tomac (Kawasaki) matched this feat in the Pro Motocross Championship. In the FIM World MXGP Championships, five of the last nine motos have been won by Dunlop riders, with KTM riders Max Anstie and Glenn Coldenhoff showing scorching form in the closing stages of the season. In the Women’s World Championship, Courtney Duncan dominated on her Kawasaki with Amandine Verstappen also winning the Dutch GP for Yamaha.

“This range of success shows how the Dunlop Geomax range can complement a wide range of different bikes. We are proud that many of these successes were with the standard ‘off the shelf’ Geomax MX33 and this is a tradition we aim to continue with MX53 on the hard-packed circuits. The MX53 development tyres were tuned and proven in these top-level battles during the 2018 and 2019 seasons.” said Luca Davide Andreoni, Marketing Manager, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe.

The Dunlop Geomax MX53 features a range of new technologies with the goal of delivering winning performance on a wide range of terrain.

Increased shock absorption & lighter weight: All new construction
The construction of the tyre casing features Dunlop’s Advanced Apex Design. This was one of the secrets to the MX33 success and delivers superior shock absorption, uniform rigidity in the sidewall, and a smoother ride with a firmer feel. Critically, it delivers this without adding weight.

Traction, durability and confidence: Revolutionary tread design
Dunlop’s testing has shown a step forward on the MX52 performance on hard terrain, but even greater gains on intermediate surfaces. This is in part due to the all-new tread design.

On the front tyre, a horseshoe-shaped pattern provides enhanced braking as the claw-like blocks dig into harder terrain. The blocks are 1mm higher than on its predecessor. This would normally affect stability, but Dunlop has added tie bars between the blocks to provide consistent performance and improve durability.

The rear tyre has distinctive staggered paired blocks. This provides traction and improved acceleration – vital for winning the holeshot! The block spacing has been optimised to ensure grip on softer terrain whilst maintaining the performance on firmer, hard-packed surfaces. Luca stated: “This target of more versatile performance is a consistent theme with MX53. We know that conditions can change from lap to lap and even from corner to corner, so we’ve built on our winning MX33 philosophy of providing a wide window of top-level performance.”

For increased rider confidence at all lean angles, Dunlop’s patented Progressive Cornering Block technology allows each block to flex. This gives more biting edges under heavy cornering loads.

New compound – strength and durability
Dunlop’s work on increasing the versatility of MX53 also meant a completely different compound to the MX52 was developed. The advanced compound mix has a high number of molecular polymer particles, resulting in higher strength, meaning more durability by increasing the shear resistance.

Geomax range: more complete than ever
“We can be really proud of all the work and joint development with winning teams and riders from all over the world to create such an amazing product and line-up. Our ultimate objective is to deliver the best tyres for riders who share our passion for motocross and our constant search for improvement. With the addition of the MX53, our Geomax range is now more complete than ever” added Luca.

Dunlop Geomax MX53 is available in 6 front sizes and 11 rear sizes.


Dunlop, Tyres

The Dunlop TT100 GP Radial

Dunlop will reveal their latest tyre for the growing modern retro and heritage markets at the Classic TT Races, which begins on August 17th on the infamous and challenging Isle of Man mountain circuit.

The Dunlop TT100 GP Radial is Dunlop’s new tyre for one of the fastest growing segments in the European motorcycle market. The retro sports roadster market, which comprises machines as diverse as the BMW R NineT, Yamaha XSR and the Kawasaki Z900RS, has captured the imagination of riders looking to combine state of the art performance with a heritage look.

Many riders in this segment will choose a contemporary design such as Dunlop’s RoadSmart III for touring or the latest SportSmart TT for occasional track riding. However, an increasing number of riders are seeking an authentic look to suit their bike’s image.

The Dunlop TT100GP Radial draws inspiration from one of the company’s greatest racing arenas. Dunlop is the most successful tyre in the history of the Isle of Man TT, with more wins than any other tyre manufacturer in the 2019 races. 50 years ago, it was another landmark year for Dunlop. Malcolm Uphill rode his works Triumph Bonneville to victory with the fastest lap of 100.37mph riding on Dunlop K81 tyres. This was the first time a production tyre had been used to break ‘the ton’ on the 37.7 mile (60.6km) mountain circuit and Dunlop rechristened the K81 as the TT100 to commemorate this achievement. The TT100 has remained in production since, underlining Dunlop’s commitment to providing tyres for classic motorcycle owners.

Modern technology in a familiar style
The Dunlop TT100GP Radial incorporates the look of the TT100, blending the classic tread pattern with technology that can harness the sportsbike-level performance of a modern retro bike.

The tread pattern has had a minor revamp to improve rigidity and improve precision in bends, but the big changes are under the tread. A radial carcass structure gives a great feeling of confidence.

The front tyre has a contemporary construction making the bike easier to handle which is important in the cut and thrust of urban riding. Dunlop has focused on ensuring the new tyre provides the feedback needed at urban speeds.

The rear tyre features Dunlop’s JLB (Jointless belt) construction. This eliminates the belt overlaps resulting in smoother handling and a more stable contact patch with the road. This technology is derived from Dunlop’s latest hypersport tyres, which is appropriate as many of the latest retro sports bikes have the same engines and suspension as their modern-styled equivalents and demand tyre performance to match.

The compound brings modern performance to the retro look of the tread pattern. It features silica which increases compliance at lower temperatures by allowing the compound to key into the road surface, boosting grip and rider confidence. This silica, combined with a contemporary Dunlop polymer, also helps to enhance durability.

Luca Davide Andreoni, Marketing Manager, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe, said: “We’ve wrapped some of Dunlop’s latest innovations in one of our most iconic tread patterns. Whether riders own a classic bike that’s been tuned to give a modern level of performance or a new retro-themed sports bike, the Dunlop TT 100 GP Radial gives them an authentic look with contemporary technology.”

The Dunlop TT100 GP range now comprises two front and four rear sizes. This portfolio caters for over 60 different motorcycle models from 16 different manufacturers.


Dunlop, Tyres

Dunlop claim new SportSmart Mk3 ‘tears up the rule book’

Dunlop has revealed the SportSmart Mk3, creating a new position in the Dunlop hypersport range, with the new tyre focusing on dynamic road performance, sitting alongside the recently launched SportsSmart TT which is designed for a mix of road and track use. It is the fifth new hypersport tyre from Dunlop in just two years, underlining Dunlop’s commitment to providing a tyre for every type of sportsbike rider.

The tyre features innovative new technologies with Dunlop claiming that it ‘tears up the rule book’ for hypersport tyres due to its ability to perform at a high level in both wet and dry conditions.

All new compound – don’t let the weather stop the ride
The SportSmart Mk3 features an all-new Multi-Tread (MT) compound, with a trio of compounds in the rear tyre developed to give riders extra confidence in more challenging conditions. This contributes towards a 20% gain in wet grip*, but with similar gains in the dry, proving Dunlop’s claim that the tyre ‘tears up the rule book’ in not compromising performance in the wet by improving dry weather grip.

The MT technology comprises a hard wearing central tread compound providing strong traction which also runs underneath the softer shoulder compound to help stiffen the construction. The MT shoulder compound features Dunlop’s all-new wet grip resin, blended with the latest ‘Hi Silica’ and ‘Fine Carbon’ technologies. This exotic mixture is designed to give a fast warm-up time and allow riders to accurately feel the high cornering potential, even in colder weather.

The increased ratio of silica in the compound helps the tyre gain grip and traction on colder days. It has the added benefit of reducing rolling resistance, which improves tyre mileage. The use of fine carbon, which bonds with the polymers in the compound, speeds up the warm-up time. The fine molecules also bond with the road surface more accurately, which increases the contact area under heavy cornering.

The front tyre features the same wet-grip resin with ‘Hi Silica’ and ‘Fine Carbon’ technologies. This gives confidence and stability under heavy braking as well as allowing the rider to better judge the grip levels when turning at speed.

Dramatic new tread pattern
The dramatic grooved pattern complements the compound technology by boosting wet grip, with no compromise on mileage. By maximising water evacuation but limiting the movement riders would feel on a conventional tread pattern, the SportSmart Mk3 provides exceptional handling in all road conditions, rapid warm-up and even wear for longer lasting performance.

Construction technology
The SportSmart Mk3 brings together acclaimed technologies from other members of Dunlop’s hypersport range. The Dynamic Front Formula builds on the innovation seen on the more track-orientated SportSmart TT, lowering steering effort and optimising turn-in grip. Dunlop’s Carcass Tension Control System (CTCS) controls casing stress distribution. This increases straight-line traction and provides improved feedback with the stability required for a demanding hypersport bike on a challenging road ride.

Dunlop’s Jointless Belt technology (JLB) has been well-proven in the brand’s extensive range of hypersport and sport touring tyres, offering extra casing reinforcement and reducing the tyre expansion at speed. This provides the rider with consistent and predictable feel.

These technologies combine with a new construction shape. Compared to Dunlop’s existing road-orientated hypersport tyre, the SportSmart2 Max, the cross-section of the tyre has a profile that increases the footprint when cornering, but also provides a more consistent contact patch as the tyre wears. This means there is little reduction in performance between a brand new and higher mileage tyre.

Luca Davide Andreoni, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe Marketing Manager, stated: “I’m proud of what the Dunlop development team has achieved with SportSmart Mk3. We asked them to tear up the rule book by creating a hypersport tyre that performs at a very high level in the wet and dry. They’ve done it, and as a result we now offer a tyre for every type of hypersport rider ranging from everyday road riders to Isle of Man TT winners.”

The SportSmart Mk3 sits in the Dunlop hypersport range alongside SportSmart TT (50/50 road/track use), D212 GP Racer (Track Day focused) and GP Pro D213 (the ultimate race tyre for championships that mandate road-legal tyres). The existing SportSmart2 Max will be repositioned as a mid-level hypersport tyre.


Dunlop, Tyres

Dunlop adds endurance-winning expertise to the GP Racer D212 range

Dunlop has announced new Endurance specifications of the highly-regarded GP Racer D212 track tyre. These new variants are aimed at track day riders who demand high levels of durability as well as consistent high performance. The existing GP Racer D212 was a race-winning tyre from its debut. Available in slick and road legal versions, the latter has been used to win Supersport races at the highest National level, including in the French Superbike Championship. Dunlop has now brought their FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) winning expertise by adding a new GP Racer D212 ‘E’ Endurance specification to the range.

Dunlop Motorcycle Europe Product Manager, Dmitri Talboom, explained why the time was right to introduce a new Endurance option: “The track tyre market has broadened into distinct segments. Many serious track day riders and racers are choosing professional racing tyres such as the Dunlop KR slick range and our Isle of Man TT winning D213 GP Pro for bikes with a full race set-up. Amateur racers and regular track-day riders have been praising the user-friendly nature of the GP Racer D212 which is much less sensitive to set-up. By adding an endurance option to the existing GP Racer D212 range, we offer a tyre for every type of track rider”

Dunlop is the most successful tyre company in the history of the EWC and we’ve learnt a lot about durable and consistent compounds in those long-distance races. We’ve taken those learnings from the Bol d’Or and Le Mans 24h to offer a long-lasting track day and club racing tyre.”

The upgraded Endurance (E) version is available in both 190/55R17 and 200/55R17 rear sizes and either as a road legal treaded version and as a slick.

The revised Multi-Tread compound configuration of the “E”-version offers greater durability but still features the revolutionary NTEC system, which allows pressure tuning for optimum performance for race track use.



Dunlop, Tyres

Dunlop introduce RoadSmart III SP front tyre

SP variant brings additional sport performance to the test-winning RoadSmart III range.

Dunlop has widened its RoadSmart III range by adding an additional sporting variant of the award-winning tyre. The RoadSmart III SP front tyre goes on sale this month to complement the existing SP rear option and is suitable for sport-touring fitments on roadster and crossover models.

The standard RoadSmart III can enhance the handling characteristics of even very heavy touring bikes by boosting agility. In the 2018 Motorrad Sport Touring tyre test, RoadSmart III was the overall winner, with the leading German magazine proclaiming ‘In curves, its handling abilities were top-level’.

Dunlop’s philosophy of designing the right tyre for every type of rider meant there was an opportunity to refine the RoadSmart III for crossover and touring roadsters. The Sport Touring segment is widening, with models at the lightweight end overlapping into the hypersport sector and for bigger touring bikes to cross over towards the road adventure market. This broad scope has prompted Dunlop to ensure that their tyre range is tuned to suit a wide range of models.

At the sportier end of the market, the new Dunlop RoadSmart III SP front tyre (120/70ZR17) matches the existing RoadSmart III SP rear range (180/55ZR17 and 190/55ZR17). These SP variants aim to improve high-speed stability on models that are especially sensitive in this area and don’t require the design elements that help the standard RoadSmart III improve agility when fitted to bigger touring bikes.

Luca Davide Andreoni, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe Marketing Manager explained: “The basic construction of the SP front is the same as the test winning standard RoadSmart III front, but it has a section shape and mould profile optimised for sportier bikes. This design is called Dynamic Front Formula (DFF) and combines an intricately balanced combination of mould shape, section profile, casing material properties and assembly processes.

“The aim of the RoadSmart III SP front is to provide owners of roadsters and crossover bikes with the same kind of feel and feedback you get from hypersport tyres. The standard RoadSmart III can make a bike feel lighter, which is ideal on bulkier touring bikes. For spirited riding, the SP’s slightly higher level of resistance to steering inputs can give more confidence and feel.”

To help riders choose the right RoadSmart III combination, Dunlop has included guidance for each model in their 2019 fitment guide. On some models Dunlop recommend using either the standard or the SP versions both front and rear. On other models, Dunlop recommend a mix of RoadSmart III standard and SP.

Dunlop has barely issued the new spottouring tire RoadSmart III…


Dunlop, Tyres

Dunlop Introduces D429 – A purpose designed new Harley-Davidson tyre

The long-standing Dunlop and Harley Davidson relationship begins a new journey this year, with Harley Davidson announcing that their 2018 series Fat Bob and Fat Bob S will be fitted with Dunlop’s new D429 tyres.

The distinctive new Dunlop D429 has an aggressive scrambler-like tread pattern. This was developed by Dunlop in close conjunction with Harley-Davidson to match the specific needs of the Fat Bob and Fat Bob S.

This new pattern was designed to match the all-new Harley-Davidson Softail chassis line, which offers a potential for dynamic riding never seen before on the legendary American V-Twins.

Dmitri Talboom, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe Product Manager, explained the importance of the bespoke tyre. “The Fat Bob has a 1.8 litre engine producing muscular torque at low revs. This places very specific demands on a tyre, which is why the D429 features a computer-optimized tread profile to help durability and promote even wear.”

The D429 features Harley-Davidson/Dunlop branding on the sidewalls.

The D429 launch continues an official OEM supply partnership which began 37 years ago when Dunlop was chosen as the approved tyre for the Sportster.

Last year, Dunlop celebrated having supplied 10 million original equipment tyres to Harley-Davidson.

The D429 is available in Europe through Harley-Davidson dealers and Dunlop motorcycle tyre specialists.


Dunlop, Tyres

Dunlop Geomax MX33 launched

Dunlop Geomax tyres are chosen by race winners in the FIM World Motocross Grand Prix Championship (MXGP). In 2017, top level riders such as Shaun Simpson and Clement Desalle chose Dunlop to win MXGP races. MXGP is not only an environment where Dunlop win, but it is also where Dunlop develop new technologies.

Last year, Dunlop tested new technologies in MXGP races. An improved tread pattern was tested with tie-bars between shoulder blocks.

This, coupled with a new block arrangement provided higher resistance against cracking when ridden on firm intermediate terrain. Dunlop also found this resistance was also helped by an all-new compound with higher shear resistance. By incorporating such technologies into the Geomax MX33, Dunlop has created a tyre with a greater range of capabilities than its forerunner, the race-winning Geomax MX3S.

Dunlop has also proven its unique and patented ‘Progressive Cornering Block Design’ across the Geomax range. This technology, sometimes described as better known “Block-in-a-Block” technology. This gives a more progressive cornering action and helps riders control slides. For Geomax MX33, Dunlop has added this technology to the front tyre as well.

Versatile ‘multi-surface’ performance
The Geomax MX33 has optimised performance at both ends of the terrain spectrum. Therefore, unlike its predecessor which was focused on providing grip in soft conditions, the Geomax MX33 also excels on harder intermediate surfaces. This is designed to give competing riders and advantage in mixed conditions, but also gives the regular off-road rider a much more versatile ‘multi-terrain’ tyre.

Feel and Feedback a focus for Geomax MX33
Dunlop’s close liaison with top MXGP riders has also guided Dunlop to focus on improving rider feel, comfort and control on the Geomax MX33.

Dunlop found that a thinner and longer apex shape enables the sidewall to deflect evenly when a load is applied to tire. This provides enhanced stability and feedback. Combining this design feature with a more compliant tyre construction, gave a better controlled casing deformation and improved shock absorption. Dunlop also included this ‘Carcass Tension Control System’ to improve rider feel and control. Coupled with the all-new ultra-fine particle compound, it provides much enhanced grip.

“Our success in FIM World Championship MXGP has helped Dunlop riders win at the highest level. But it is a two-way benefit. Top level riders have also given us clear feedback on what they need from a tyre to win. That’s why we have focused on widening the versatility of the Geomax MX33 and producing an industry first – a true hybrid tyre for soft and intermediate conditions” said Dmitri Talboom, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe Product Manager.

The launch of Geomax MX33 provides a full portfolio of Dunlop MX tyres. The recently launched Geomax MX12 is perfect for sand and mud conditions while the Geomax MX52 is a proven winner in intermediate-to-hard terrain conditions.

The Geomax MX33 is available in six front and eleven rear sizes.

Front:

60/100 – 10

60/100 – 12

60/100 – 14

70/100 – 17

70/100 – 19

80/100 – 21

Rear:

70/100 – 10

80/100 – 12

90/100 – 14

90/100 – 16

100/100 – 18

110/100 – 18

120/90 – 18

100/90 – 19

110/90 – 19

120/80 – 19

120/90 – 19


Dunlop, Tyres

Dunlop SportSmart TT – race winning technologies for track and road

Dunlop has revealed more detail on the technologies included in their latest hypersport tyre.

The SportSmart TT is the fourth new Dunlop hypersport tyre to be launched since the beginning of 2017, underlining Dunlop’s ambitious product development strategy. The Dunlop SportSmart TT has been developed to meet the needs of riders who want to use the same tyres on road and track, and who demand the highest level of pure performance which is still suitable for road use.

A new tyre for every hypersport rider 

Professional Rider  – D213 GP Pro – Launched Summer 2017

Seasoned Track Rider – GP Racer D212 – Launched January 2017

Experienced track rider with road use: SportSmart TT –Launch March 2018

Road Rider with occasional track use – SportSmart2 Max –Launched March 2017

Isle of Man TT and FIM Endurance World Championship winning technology 
The TT in the tyre name refers to ‘Track Technology’ and this is backed by an impressive pedigree. Dunlop has applied learnings from the 2017 success of Ian Hutchinson and Michael Dunlop in winning the Isle of Man TT Superbike and Senior races and the experience gained with GMT94 in winning the FIM Endurance World Championship, including both the Bol d’Or and Le Mans 24h races.

In these races, Dunlop developed a new motorsport polymer for grip and durability. The new Dunlop SportSmart TT uses this as part of a MultiTread compound. This is proven to provide consistent performance and a versatile operating range – vital for combined road and track use.

NTEC evolves into NTEC RT 
Dunlop has introduced innovative NTEC RT (Road and Track) technology on the SportSmart TT. The new NTEC RT technology allows a tuning of rear inflation pressure to maximise the footprint on trackdays. It allows riders to keep the standard manufacturer pressures for road use, but increase the contact patch by up to 24 percent when riding on track. NTEC provides grip that is close to 100% track-biased tyres.

SV Tread makes its debut 
The most visually impactful feature of the SportSmart TT is the distinctive tread pattern featuring a Speed Vent. This ‘SV Tread’ optimises temperature control with an intricately calculated tread groove pattern and footprint. The front tyre is cooled by aerodynamic effect in a straight line. When turning, the SV Tread improves the way the tread grooves open and close, ensuring both optimum grip and improved heat dissipation.

Dynamic Front Formula 
The Motorsport-proven construction and section shape gives the kind of precise feedback that race riders crave. Dunlop’s experienced test team focused on achieving the sweet spot of agility and stability, leading the engineers to develop a new formula comprising JLB (JointLess Belt) construction and Rayon Plies. This, coupled with the new compound technologies, gives SportSmart TT users the supreme confidence they need for fast riding.

Xavier Fraipont, Managing Director, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe, is proud of the development team’s efforts: ‘To launch four new hypersport tyres in one year proves the ability and agility of our technical centre. Our race and road tyres are developed by the same team and this synergy has allowed us to apply Endurance and Road Racing winning learnings to our road range very quickly. Dunlop SportSmart TT showcases the very latest technologies, such as the innovative NTEC RT and SV Tread, and completes the youngest and most innovative hypersport tyre range on the market’


Dunlop, Tyres

One year, four new tyres. Dunlop leads in hypersport tyre development

GP Racer D212

The addition of the Dunlop Sport Smart TT to the tyre manufacturer’s portfolio gives Dunlop the youngest and most innovative range in the hypersport sector. 

The SportSmart TT is the fourth new Dunlop hypersport tyre to be launched in the past year and completes the strategy, announced last year, of taking a new approach to the segment. Dunlop chose to redefine their hypersport range around the goal of a ‘tyre for every rider’.

The launch of the SportSmart TT marks Dunlop’s comeback to a segment of the hypersport market where they last competed with the renowned Qualifier RR over a decade ago.

Dunlop has the youngest and most innovative hypersport range. 

Professional Rider  – D213 GP Pro – Launched Summer 2017

Seasoned Track Rider – GP Racer D212 – Launched January 2017

Experienced track rider with road use: SportSmart TT –Launch March 2018

Road Rider with occasional track use – SportSmart2 Max –Launched March 2017

“Because of this proactive and continuous development, Dunlop now has the youngest and most innovative range in the market. This intensive year of launches shows Dunlop’s focus on developing new technologies. We have taken the time to listen to the needs of riders. This has helped us define a range that proves we understand the subtly varying needs of the different types of hypersport rider. In some cases, the bikes may be the same, but the type and mix of riding may be very different. Our new range gives riders the choice they need to ensure they have a tyre that exactly matches their needs” commented Dmitri Talboom, Product Manager, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe.


Dunlop

Dunlop to remain tyre supplier to Moto2 and Moto3 until 2020

The FIM Moto2™ and Moto3™ World Championships will continue racing on Dunlop tyres until at least the end of the 2020 season, with a new contract extension securing the future of this long-standing partnership for at least another three years. This announcement continues Dunlop’s proud history in World Championship motorcycle racing that began in 1949, when Les Graham rode Dunlop tyres to glory in the first 500 Championship for motorcycles.

MotoGP™ is a leading global sport with far-reaching international impact which in 2017 featured 86 competing riders from 18 different countries. Moto2™ and Moto3™ are an integral part of both MotoGP™ race weekends and the entire Championship, showcasing some of the closest racing on the planet as well as the talents coming through the ranks who will one day redefine the possible in the premier class.

Moto2™ was launched in 2010 and Moto3™ in 2012, replacing the outgoing 250 and 125 classes respectively. Dunlop have been the exclusive tyre partner from the beginning of both Championships, after also having proven the most successful tyre company in the 250 and 125 categories – including claiming 17 250 World Championships before the category was replaced by Moto2™. Since the introduction of the new categories, Champions have included Marc Marquez, Maverick Viñales, Johann Zarco and Pol Espargaro – showing the effectiveness of the categories in creating MotoGP™ frontrunners.

As well as this new three-year agreement to continue as official tyre supplier to Moto2™ and Moto3™, Dunlop will also continue to promote the unique #ForeverForward Award, which rewards the rider who has made the most overtakes during a season across both categories. In 2017, the winner was Moto3™’s Italian GP winner Andrea Migno, who gained a record-breaking 137 positions over 18 Grands Prix.

Xavier Fraipont, Managing Director of Dunlop Motorcycle and Motorsport EMEA: “We are proud to continue our long and successful relationship with Dorna in Moto2 and Moto3. We are constantly pushing forward and bringing new technologies to the sport. Indeed, we introduced a brand-new specification of Moto2 tyre at Valencia for the final round of the 2017 season and this was chosen by the race winner, Miguel Oliveira. Top level motorcycle racing allows us to test and develop new constructions and compounds. We then apply the learnings to our award winning tyres such as the Dunlop SportSmart MAX and the new SportSmart TT.”

Pau Serracanta, Managing Director of Dorna Sports, Commercial Area: “It is an honour for us to count Dunlop as one of our longstanding collaborators within motorcycle Grand Prix racing. Tyres are one of the cornerstones of truly world-leading competition, and Dunlop are the perfect collaborator for Moto2 and Moto3 as both categories continue to provide some of the greatest racing and battles on earth. Another three seasons racing together is cause for celebration for all involved.”

The push for innovation and constant progress now fires up once more over the winter, before Moto2™ and Moto3™ get back on track for the Qatar GP in March.

Biker Tshirts by Superbike News 

Dunlop, Goodwood, Shows and Events

Dunlops Star In Bike Line-Up At 2017 Festival Of Speed

The high-pitched throttle of motorbikes accelerating up the famous hill climb will thrill enthusiasts flocking to this year’s Festival of Speed, presented by Mastercard. The star- studded line-up of bikes and drivers will satisfy all those followers of GP, superbike and TT events.

Special displays include a tribute to the Dunlop motorcycling dynasty- perhaps the most legendary name in two-wheel history.

Forty years since ‘Yer Maun’ Joey Dunlop took his first Isle of Man TT victory, the Festival will not only celebrate Joey, but also his brother Robert and nephews Michael and William. With a grand total of 41 TT wins and 37 North West 200s between the quartet, the Dunlops can lay claim to be THE first family of road racing.

Joey’s final TT-winning bike will no doubt be one of the highlight machines, with Honda bringing the iconic Vimto SP1 from their collection hall in Japan specifically for this year’s FOS. Meanwhile, the National Motorcycle Museum will have a fantastic display of Rotary JPS Nortons, including the bike that Robert took to a trio of wins at the North West 200.

Michael and William will bring the story full circle, with Michael bringing his Superstock Suzuki GSX1000R and William bringing both his Superbike Yamaha R1-M and Supersport Yamaha R6, all fresh from this year’s TT Races.

Also lighting up the Hillclimb direct from the Manx roads include Bruce Anstey aboard the Padgett’s Honda Superbike, James Hillier on his JG Speedfit Kawasaki ZX-10R, Gary Johnson aboard a Triumph Daytona 675 and Dan Kneen, who will be riding a selection of Joey Dunlop machinery in the Dunlop Dynasty Class.

The stars will be coming up the hill thick and fast as Britain’s first ever winner of the Dakar Rally, Sam Sunderland, makes his FOS debut aboard his KTM Dakar machine, while motorcycle legend Giacomo Agostini will be back in action on an MVAgusta.

Maria Costello will also bring her brand new JG Speedfit Kawasaki LCR F2 sidecar with her passenger Kirsty Hauxwell. The duo became the first ever all-female pairing in the British Sidecar Championship earlier this year.

Honda will also be out in force, celebrating 25 years of the Fireblade, which will see current Honda BTCC stars Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden take the current British Superbike Honda CBR1000RR up the hill, alongside Jenny Tinmouth on her #DareToBeDifferent-liveried sister machine.

There will be plenty for two-wheel fans to feast their eyes upon, including a selection of Brooklands bikes on-show to tie in with the 110th anniversary of the Surrey circuit; mighty Formula 750 steeds; BMW’s brand new 212bhp HP4 RACE