Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/137546
TEST P76 DUNLOP SPORTMAX Q3 Fiber Technology (CFT), which is now incorporated into the sidewall design in order to increase stiffness and cornering performance. By bonding the carbon atoms together in crystals that are aligned parallel to the long axis of the fiber, a high-strength-to- volume ratio is created. Locating these carbon fiber elements in the lower side wall/bead area of the tire increases sidewall stiffness, which results in better high-lean angle stability and steering performance. Carbon fiber is a wonderful material with its outstanding stiffness, high tensile strength, low weight, high temperature tolerance and low thermal expansion. It's the perfect match for a tire such as the new Sportmax Q3. The new Sportmax Q3 also features Dunlop's outstanding Intuitive Response Profile (IRL). In other words they studied the IRL profile of the Q2 and after extensive cross-section analysis by the Dunlop engineers, they decided a change was needed. So for the new Q3 they created a slightly taller profile in conjunction with sides that taper in more aggressively. This new design increases the contact patch and deals with controlling the tires contact patch pressure distribution more evenly. At first glance you can't even notice a profile change, but at closer inspection at the rear tire there is a slight difference. The new rear Q3 tire profile enhances turn-in and gives greater control when hard on the gas exiting the corners. Dunlop's Multi-Tread technology is also a welcome feature present on the new rear Q3. This technology incorporates a cool-running, long-wearing central tread while the sides feature enhanced lateral-grip compounds developed for maximum grip at both moderate and full lean angles. The new Q3 rear also benefits from Dunlop's Joint-less Band construction: A process by which the tire construction is continuously wound of joint-less bands for a more consistent tire diameter in all operating conditions. Wet-weather grip is also improved with the tread Dunlop had two different 600cc sportbikes Sometimes a tire will fold over fitted with new Sportmax Q3s to a bit, giving the sensation of the help us evaluate the tire. For my front end tucking under while first go around I chose the Kawa- trail braking, but I never got to saki 636 and for the most part that point with the Q3. This is a everything felt good, but I was direct result of the stiffer sidewall mostly preoccupied with learning carcass constructed with Dunthe course layout. It was not until lop's new CFT process. Not only mid-way through my second stint does the front Q3 keep its shape that I started to sense some real under braking, but it is also very improvements with the new Q3. bump compliant. The layout features a long straight One might think that with a stiffthat leads you into a very tight er side wall a tire would become left/right section that requires unruly in the bumpy section. Not some extreme braking. I was on so with the new Q3. Instead it a GSXR-600 this time and the just soaked up the bumps and braking abilities of the Q3 were was very capable in all scenarios. put to the test. Just as they said, The profile of the front Q3 is the Q3 front gave a very stable retained from the Q2 while both feel under hard braking and the the front and rear Q3's share the transition from off the brakes to same compounds. I also found the new Q3 front to work very leaning in was precise.