In the Summer 2015 issue of Fast Bikes magazine, the team put the Dunlop SportSmart 2 under the spotlight in their popular ‘Grip Advisor’ section.
The latest hypersport option from Dunlop is known to be one of the most hard wearing in this segment, and was launched in late 2013 in France, an event we attended to check the tyre out for ourselves.
Here’s what Fast Bikes had to say:
“It’s not about ball-busting outright grip and chasing tenths, sometimes. On occasion, longevity, consistency and the fact you can do more than a few laps without a tyre being trashed means financial rewards outweights insane corner speed and massive lean angles. More road-biased rubber can still blend fun, safety and respectable lap times – with plenty of feedback, too.
The original Dunlop SportSmart was good in a variety of conditions, but there was definitely room for improvement in certain areas, which Dunlop knew. There was an element of Dunlop’s fabled carcass stiffness that made things sketchy in colder temperatures and the front tyre was often guilty of lethargic steering.
Dunlop has cured this with a sharper profile and a completely fresh compound for the front hoop, which equals a far more confidence inspiring ride and an eagerness to load the front end, as well as being more willing to meet an apex. Meanwhile, the rear also features a new compound for it’s Multi-Tread’ construction.
The overall product is a more, er, Pirelli-ish sensation with a softer attitude and plusher feedback, and having already sampled the SportSmart 2 on track – i’d highly recommend them. Within a lap of Brands indy, I was comfortably knee-down and the rubber’s limitations were always evident. Plus factor in you’ll do miles on these bad boys!”
Check out the whole Dunlop SportSmart 2 range here.
