Dunlop’s Mireval test circuit in Southern France has recently been playing host to a number of journalists from across the globe who had all flown in especially to test the new SportSmart 2 Max.
Their latest hypersport tyre, the SportSmart 2 Max is ideal for fast road riding and occasional track day use, and replaces the old SportSmart 2 which has gone from the range altogether this year.
Based on market feedback, Dunlop have revised the front profile to give it a more defined edge and have also stiffened up the construction, with improved feedback and cornering stability for the rider as a result. New compounds are also said to offer increased durability, so riders can expect around 10% more mileage over the outgoing tyre.
Motorcycle News sent their new Senior Editor Matt Wildee to Marseille for some road and track test time.
In a recent review on their website, Matt said:
“We performed a back-to-back test with the old and new tyres on a Suzuki GSX-S1000 on super-challenging French roads and found that the new tyre feels more nimble and playful. It also holds a tighter line out of corners and needs less effort to steer. The new rubber flatters the flawed but forgettable GSX-S1000 and even makes its badly-controlled rear suspension feel a little better. This nimbleness and accuracy should make your bike that little bit more fun, too.
The Sportsmart2 Max works well from cool and isn’t upset by camber changes and poor road surfaces – but neither is the tyre it replaces. We rode at everything from sensible, conservative speeds to knee-down craziness on mountain passes and the new rubber tyre never was found wanting in any situation. You can really tramp on.
On the track, there is confidence and lots of feel from the front. We tried the tyres on a BMW S1000R, a Yamaha MT-10, a Suzuki GSX-S1000, a Kawasaki ZX-10R and Yamaha R1 and found the performance to be good.
If you’re at the front of the trackday fast group on sports 1000, they’re not for you – that’s what Dunlop’s new D212 GP Racer is for. But inters-level trackdayers and people on slower road bike-only days will be rewarded by their neutral feeling and front-end grip. You can trail-brake and push the front tyre – especially through Mireval’s curved braking areas. The nice transition between upright and full lean gives loads of confidence, too. It’s impressive.”
You can read Matt’s full review here.
Many SportSmart 2 Max sizes have now landed with us in the UK.
You can view the full range here.
