Motorcycle Tire Review: Dunlop Sportmax Q2, Track Tested
Tuesday June 30, 2009
Leaning a sportbike over just might be the ultimate act of two-wheeled faith: Will your tires slide or maintain grip? If you need to emergency brake to avoid an obstacle, can they handle the added cornering load? How will they perform if they're not up to temperature?
I recently tested Dunlop’s newest tires—the Sportmax Q2— at the Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in Pahrump, Nevada, and the track setting allowed me to ride the rubber with an arsenal that included a Honda CBR1000RR ABS, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Kawasaki ZX6-R, and Yamaha R1.
How did this high-tech, two-compound tire fare on the twisting, 3.5 mile course? Read my Dunlop Sportmax Q2 Tire Review to find out.
Related:
- How to Prepare for a Track Day
- 2009 Honda CBR1000RR ABS Photo Gallery
- 2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000 Review
- 2009 Yamaha R1 Photo Gallery
Images © Brian J. Nelson, Dunlop;
Click for Dunlop Sportmax Q2 Tire Review
Comments
I used the original Qualifiers for quite a while on my VTR and pushing them as hard as any sane (?) person could on the street I figure them to be nearly flawless. The change before last they switched me to the Q2 tire and if they’re better than the originals, I don’t think any rational (there’s that word again) person can prove it on the street. I love them and they made a world of difference to my overweight Superhawk.
The difference to the carcass profile is easy enough to pick up on too…I had the original Qualifier rear scrubbed to the absolute edge…the new one…not within 5~6mm (1/4″)
Again – not on the street.
Dunlop…you can send the endorsement cheque to my home address.
Basem…how do they stack up against the Pirelli?
FWIW, my 2-cents…
Stuff like rapid warm up, improved confidence, better dry + wet grip is easily quantifiable on the street as well as the track.
I think M-USA agrees with Basem. These black, round rubber donuts up the ante as far as street sport tire performance goes.
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/545/3841/Motorcycle-Article/Dunlop-Sportmax-Q2-Product-Review.aspx
Pete,
It’s difficult to objectively compare the two, as the last time I rode Pirelli’s Corsa IIIs were several weeks ago at Road America on Buells… different bikes, different track, different conditions… which you’ll be reading about in the next week or two.
One thing I will say, though, is that visually the Q2s looked less abused after 20 minute sessions in the hot desert sun. Funny, they didn’t look as sticky since they didn’t bead up around the edges, but they definitely felt as grippy, if not grippier than the Pirellis.
Basem
Also interested to hear any comparisons to the Pirelli’s. I am looking to try a true sport tire on my Buell XB12Ss next time around. Currently running Pilot Road 2’s.
Thought about doing the PR2 rear and a Pilot Power front but I want to try a sport tire front and rear I think.
Was looking at Pirelli Corsa III’s and Rosso’s, until I saw this tire, which seems like the way to go.
Oh and is it dual compound front and rear like the 2CT’s or just rear like the Corsa III’s?