Dunlop continues the evolution of its hypersport motorcycle tire range with the unveiling of the all-new SportSmart Mk4, successor to the acclaimed SportSmart Mk3 launched in 2019. The SportSmart Mk4, a new benchmark in every sense of the word?
Dunlop retains "passion for the future" and unveils its SportSmart Mk4 tire
"Innovation never stops", so announced Dunlop in January 2019 when presenting -already- a fifth reference: the SportSmart Mk3, a tire designed for motorcyclists "looking for the highest level of overall performance on the road". Even today,"the performance level of our previous tire is very high, but we wanted to set ourselves apart", explains Roberto Finetti, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe's Marketing Director. So what can we expect from the new model?
Improved grip in all conditions
The SportSmart Mk4 marks a significant step forward in terms of grip, particularly on low-grip or wet surfaces. Compared with its predecessor, it offers a 20% improvement in wet grip and an 18% improvement on medium-grip roads, enabling more serene driving in wet weather. For lovers of sporty road driving, the Mk4 also guarantees optimized traction in dry conditions.
Competition-derived technology
To achieve this performance, the Goodyear Group company has enhanced the structure of its tire with racing-derived technologies. At the rear, the MultiTread compound combines a durable center band for longer life with softer shoulders for optimum grip in bends. At the front, the same soft compound guarantees precise feedback, whatever the angle of inclination.
The tread compound of the SportSmart Mk4 incorporates a new polymer, silica resins and ultra-fine carbon black. According to the tire maker, which manufactures the vast majority of its motorcycle tires at its Montluçon plant (03-Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes), this composition should enable a faster temperature rise and a reduction in rolling resistance.
Optimal riding experience
Dunlop also equips the SportSmart Mk4 with its Dynamic Front Formula (DFF) technology, specially developed to offer an optimum balance between handling, stability and grip. Thanks to this innovation, riders benefit from more precise steering, even on rough surfaces, with remarkable neutrality when cornering. Body Tension Control (CTCS) is another key innovation. From this, we can expect the footprint to be optimized to make the most of the compound's performance.
In short, these technical advances will result in a smoother ride and improved feel when braking or changing loads.
A new design and a complete range
The tread pattern has also been redesigned, taking inspiration from the SportSmart Mk3 and TT models, but adjusted to match the new Mk4 characteristics. The new tread pattern is designed to improve water evacuation and cornering performance.
Available in several sizes (120/70ZR17 at the front, and a wide range of sizes at the rear, from 160/60ZR17 to 200/55ZR17), the SportSmart Mk4 is part of Dunlop's premium hypersport range. It completes a range that already includes tires for mixed road/track use, such as the SportSmart TT, and purely circuit-oriented models, such as the D212 GP Racer and D213 GP Pro.
Dunlop SportSmart Mk4: for all riders?
According to Roberto Finetti, the challenge of designing a worthy replacement for the SportSmart Mk3 was a daunting one:
We knew we had to push the limits, and thanks to the improvements we've made, especially in wet weather, we 've achieved and even exceeded that objective. The SportSmart Mk4 is aimed at drivers of all levels, enabling them to master corners with greater confidence.
For his part, Product Manager Dmitri Talboom confirms that initial feedback has been very positive:
Feedback from test drivers indicates almost no lift under braking, and that the tire is insensitive to load changes in general. This testifies to the improvements made by our R&D team to all aspects of the tire's performance, to offer sportbike riders of all levels a rewarding experience.
While the Dunlop SportSmart Mk4 aspires to new heights, no release date has been given. The British manufacturer, whose name overlooks the Bugatti circuit at Le Mans, also states that "the existing SportSmart Mk3 will be maintained in a limited number of sizes".
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