VOLUME 56 ISSUE 39 OCTOBER 1, 2019 P37
higher lean angle. A lot of attention went
into improving on the MX52's softer-terrain
capabilities, so Dunlop designed the MX53
to have a broader spectrum of usability. It
now crosses farther into the intermediate
range than the MX52 did without,
Dunlop says, sacrificing anything
in the way of durability. In other
words, the MX53 is designed to
offer a wider range of intermedi-
ate/hard-terrain traction than
the MX52 while still offering the
same tread life.
Dunlop says its goal with the
MX53 was to maintain the well-
liked handling characteristics of
the MX52 while also excelling in
a wider variety of terrain.
But some things haven't
changed. Like the MX52, the
MX53 will be made available in all
sizes, ranging from mini bikes to
full-size bikes.
Dunlop recently invited the media to
Perris Raceway in California, the same
place where Dunlop introduced its first
Geomax MX tire in 2008, to experience
the all-new MX53 tire. It's impossible to
thoroughly test a motocross tire in just one
day, but our first outing on the MX53 left a
good first impression with us. On a track
that went from ultra-soft to semi-hard-
packed as the day progressed and the
sun got hotter, the MX53 left nothing to be
desired in the traction and compliance de-
partments. We fitted the MX53s on a 250
and 450 (both four-strokes) and were quite
pleased with their performance on both
bikes, but it will take many more hours of
testing on a variety of tracks before we can
get a real feel for them and, more impor-
tantly, get a good idea as to how long
Dunlop's latest creation will hold up.
The MX53 are already available for
purchase. CN
(Above) The
MX53 replaces
the MX52
as Dunlop's
intermediate/
hard-terrain tire,
but it now crosses
farther into the
intermediate
range, which is
good for those
soft and muddy
mornings at the
track. (Right) The
Dunlop crew was
busy at Perris
Raceway, which
is the same place
where Dunlop
introduced its first
Geomax MX tire
in 2008.
