One of several new entries to the sport touring market for 2016, the first thing that hits you about the Dunlop RoadSmart III is that radically different tread design.
Despite a raft of changes to both compound and carcass, it’s the visual elements of the tyre that first catch the eyes of any rider. This new pattern has been optimised to offer improved wet grip and more even wear throughout the life of the tyre after years of intensive research and development work by Dunlop engineers. They’ve since named this technology Interconnecting Groove Tread, which has been proven to channel greater amounts of water away from the contact patch in testing.
So what are they like to ride in the wet?
With that in mind Motorcycle Monthly headed to the manufacturer’s Mireval proving ground, where a mile-long wet handling course with 2 – 8mm of standing water was awaiting them.
Riding a Suzuki GSR750 they got the chance to test three manufacturer’s latest tyres back to back in the wet, including Dunlop’s own sport touring tyre.
The Dunlop offered the sharpest handling of all three tyres tested, but only the second best wet grip, although it was still more than impressive.
With the high speed circuit almost dry by late afternoon there was also a chance to test the RoadSmart III at speed on a BMW S1000XR and in their August edition MCM say:
“The tyres felt good from the off and within a few corners had warmed up sufficiently to get some decent lean angle.
Their stability inspired confidence and I was once more impressed by how rapidly they made the big bike turn. With the tyres nice and hot, I began pushing them for grip and was pleasantly surprised by their consistent and planted feel, never experiencing any slides or bad moments, even when crossing through damp patches on the track.”
Now in stock for our UK trade customers, you can find out more about the new RoadSmart III here.
