Fresh Meat Dunlopsportmax Q3
FRESH MEAT DUNLOPSPORTMAX Q3
IGNITION
NEWS
Carbon fiber meets the road
Don Canet
THE NEW Dunlop Sportmax Q3 introduces “Carbon Fiber Technology (CFT)” to the motorcycle tire market. Dunlop technicians tell us that very fine carbonfiber “elements” have been mixed into the rubber compound in the tire’s bead area. They say the high stiffness of carbon fiber, as well as its
excellent tensile strength, low weight, chemical resistance, temperature tolerance and low thermal expansion, make it well suited for use in a performance tire.
Dunlop maintains that the superb reinforcement properties of CFT result in improved cornering stability at deep lean angles, plus more precise and responsive steering. It’s also
claimed to make bikes more predictable and smooth in transitional-steering performance. In short, Dunlop says CFT results in confidence-inspiring handling without a weight penalty.
I tested the Q3 and its Sportmax Q2 predecessor back to back at the Dunlop Proving Grounds in Huntsville, Alabama. I noted the Q3’s
improved stability under hard, straightline braking and its lighter steering response when trailbraking.
The Sportmax Q3 offers a modest improvement in stability and hand-
ling over its predecessor, which is good progress considering the retail price has remained the same. Front sizes range from $165.73 to $170.64, while the rears sell from $204.75 to $290.51.
