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Dunlop SportSmart TT impresses at Suzuki GSX-8R launch

Dunlop SportSmart TT impresses at Suzuki GSX-8R launchDunlop SportSmart TT was the chosen tire of Suzuki to equip the launch of its new GSX-8R in January, helping to extract maximum performance out of the new model.

The launch took place at the same Monteblanco Circuit that Dunlop used to launch SportSmart TT six years ago.

The Suzuki GSX-8R, announced at EICMA in 2023 and commercially launched in January 2024, is based on its naked GSX-8S predecessor, but features a host of updated features to focus it more as a sport bike. The GSX-8R comprises an exposed 776cc parallel twin-powered engine and seat rail, and is equipped with a fairing and separate handlebars, making it suitable for track riding.

Engineered for versatility across road and track riding, Dunlop SportSmart TT was expertly placed to highlight the advanced capabilities of the GSX-8R, with both products demonstrating the ability to strike an impressive balance between sporty, track riding and comfort.

SportSmart TT: Race-winning technologies for track and road
A track-capable bike requires a track-capable tire. In fact, the TT in the tire name refers to ‘Track Technology’ and signifies Dunlop’s commitment to superior performance on track.

SportSmart TT’s NTEC RT technology allows for its rear pressure to be lowered for track use, giving more grip by enlarging the tire’s contact patch. Its Speed Vent Tread, meanwhile, is a tread groove pattern that opens and closes when the tire turns, improving heat dissipation. On the front tire, a revised dynamic mould profile gives the rare balance between lower steering effort and optimum turn-in grip, delivering enhanced feedback and confidence when braking and turning.

Suzuki invited 50 journalists from more than 10 countries to the test, many of whom commented favourably on the bike’s behaviour with the SportSmart TT tires, noting it had “improved” when turning into corners, and that the tire gave “much more support” for the bike, resulting in good grip, stability and control when riding on tarmac.

“We are honoured to have played a crucial role in the launch of the new Suzuki GSX-8R,” commented Dmitri Talboom, Product Manager, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe: “Dunlop SportSmart TT’s combination of track-focused performance and road versatility perfectly complements the new GSX-8R, making it a great choice for riders that want to excel on both the road, and the track.”

Roberto Finetti, Marketing Manager, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe, added: “We developed SportSmart TT to allow riders to combine road and track riding, and are proud that this successful collaboration with Suzuki serves as a testament to the capabilities of both the GSX-8R and SportSmart TT. Congratulations to Suzuki for a highly successful launch.”

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Industry News, Tyres

Dunlop SportSmart TT chosen for BMW M 1000 RR

BMW Motorrad has unveiled the new M 1000 RR, the first M motorcycle from the manufacturer. It is based on the S 1000 RR and designed for riders who demand extreme, pure race-bred performance. BMW has chosen the Dunlop SportSmart TT for the road-legal version of the limited edition M 1000 RR. In a similar vein to the bike, the SportSmart TT offers race-derived technology in a tyre that’s equally at home on the street or the circuit.

Compared to the standard superbike, the M 1000 RR has additional competition-proven parts such as carbon fibre winglets and wheels. It is tuned to deliver 212 HP at a searing 14,500 RPM.

A race-inspired bike requires a race-inspired tyre. The SportSmart TT features the same NTEC RT technology as Dunlop’s Isle of Man TT winning tyres. This allows the rear pressure to be lowered for track use, enlarging the contact patch and maximising grip. A unique feature of the SportSmart TT is the Speed Vent Tread which has a tread groove pattern that opens and closes when the tyre turns. This creates a vent-like effect to improve heat dissipation.

Miguel Morais, Original Equipment Manager, Dunlop Moto Europe said: “We are proud that BMW has awarded Dunlop with an exclusive supply agreement for the first ever ‘M’ motorcycle. Every M 1000 RR will be fitted with SportSmart TT, which underlines and endorses the high performance and technology of the tyre.”

Winning in racing and in magazine tests

Dunlop has a proud history of success on track with the racing version of the S 1000 RR. The BMW Motorrad Team is within touching point of the lead of the FIM Endurance World Championship that concludes at Estoril this weekend. In the French Superbike Championship, Kenny Foray dominated the Ledenon races earlier this month on his Dunlop-shod BMW. On the roads, Peter Hickman has relied on the BMW and Dunlop combination to win the Isle of Man TT, the Macau Grand Prix and set the road racing lap record at the Ulster Grand Prix.

Magazine testers also rate the SportSmart TT as a winner. The UK Fast Bikes team rated the SportSmart TT as best superbike tyres in a ‘blind’ track test1 and it was awarded the accolade of ‘Best handling tyre’ by the German magazine ‘PS’ 2.

Luca Davide Andreoni, Marketing Manager, Dunlop Moto Europe, added: “Dunlop’s hypersport range features a tyre for every kind of superbike rider. From the road-orientated SportSmart Mk3 through to the race winning GP Racer and GP Pro tyres, Dunlop has the most comprehensive hypersport range. The SportSmart TT straddles both road and track, offering fantastic rider feedback and grip in both arenas. That’s why it is the perfect tyre for such highly-developed sport bikes such as the BMW M 1000 RR.”
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