Dunlop has revealed its latest hypersport road tyre, the SportSmart mk4, which features improvements that build on its predecessor’s high level of dynamic road performance for a wide range of sportbikes.
Replacing the very popular SportSmart Mk3 in the range, which was launched in 2019, the new SportSmart mk4 represents a significant improvement thanks to the continuous development of every component in the tyre. Designed for predominantly on-road use, the SportSmart mk4 sits in the range alongside the road/track-focused SportSmart TT.
Like its predecessor, The SportSmart mk4 has Dunlop’s MultiTread compound on the rear tirewhich combines a stronger center compound and a softer shoulder compound to provide the best combination of durability and cornering performance. The front tire has the same compound combination as the rear shoulder across the entire width of the tread, offering the same behavior and feedback regardless of lean angle.
The new tire compound allows for dramatically improved performance in wet weather conditions with a 20% increase in grip on low grip surfaces and an 18% improvement on medium grip surfaces, along with improved dry weather traction. The new MultiTread compound features a new polymer blend, resin for wet and dry grip and “fine carbon” technology. Together, this helps to reduce warm-up time and gain grip and traction on colder days, as well as reduce drag to improve mileage.
“We knew from the beginning that we were asking a lot from our development team,” explains Roberto Finetti, marketing manager of Dunlop’s European division. “Even today, the performance level of the previous tire is still very high, but we wanted to make a mark and make the new tire stand out in the fiercely competitive hypersport segment. We were delighted that the team not only reached the target, but in fact moved limits, especially due to improved performance in wet weather. The result is a hypersport tire that allows sportbike riders to conquer corners.”
Dunlop’s extensive experience in high-end superbike and supersport racing is the inspiration for much of the technology used in its premium hypersport range, and The SportSmart mk4 is the latest tire to use track-proven innovations.
These include the Dynamic Front Formula on the front tyre, which helps to achieve the perfect balance between reduced steering effort, grip, stability and feel for the right fit between both tires, and a Carcass Tension Control system to adjust casing tension and optimize the footprint to maximize the tread compound. layer
As a result, SportSmart mk4 allows drivers to turn easilychanges of direction with little effort, excellent steering precision and neutral behavior in curves. Driver comfort has been improved for a more comfortable and precise ride on uneven or poorly maintained roads.
Dunlop used Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to develop a distinctive new tread pattern, which is based on the SportSmart Mk3 and TT models, but modified to suit the new construction and compound properties. These elements work together to obtain the ideal footprint and body stiffness to achieve the desired handling characteristics and ride feel, as well as consistent wear and rapid warm-up.
“Feedback from test drivers indicates near-absence of stall when braking on an incline and that the tires are generally resilient to load changes”explains Dmitri Talbum, Product Manager at Dunlop.
“This is an indication of the improvements our R&D team has made to all aspects of the tire’s performance to give sportbike riders a rewarding experience. The most demanding riders will appreciate the incredible level of performance, especially in colder or wet conditions, while other riders will notice the precision, lightness turns and additional comfort to make your ride more enjoyable.”
SportSmart mk4 is in the premium hypersport range next to SportSmart TT, D212 GP Racer and GP Pro D213. The existing SportSmart Mk3 will be maintained in a limited number of sizes.
Sizes available at launch:
120/70ZR17 (58W)
160/60ZR17 (69W)
180/55ZR17 (73W)
190/50ZR17 (73W)
190/55ZR17 (75W)
200/55ZR17(78W)
Source: www.moto-berza.com
