TEST
P74
DUNLOP SPORTMAX Q3
introduce the new Sportmax Q3.
Dunlop has been the spec tire
in AMA Pro Racing for several
years now and has the contract
through 2015. And that commitment to the development of
racing tires here in the U.S. has
played a major role in the introduction and continued investment in the Sportmax Q series.
Having the ability to produce
tires in the U.S. has significant
advantages, especially since
Dunlop has a dedicated testing facility located in Huntsville,
Alabama. The Dunlop Proving
Grounds is the only one of its
kind in North America as it's devoted only to the development
of motorcycle tires. No car stuff
here - just a big fun area for twowheeled gearheads like us.
Within the confines of the Dunlop Proving Grounds there are
several different track layouts
available - plus an in-house sprinkler system to simulate wet weather conditions. We were there to
test the new Q3, but the grounds
also houses off-road testing areas as well. We got a tour of the
dirt area out back and it was very
inviting as it features a supercross- style track as well as a nice
outdoor track and woods trail section. What a job that must be - just
go out there and burn some laps
or hit that triple a few times.
So if you already have a great
product, what could you do to
make it better? Well luckily for
us Dunlop had arranged a press
into at its Proving Grounds where
Grip for the new Q3
continues to be at a
high level, making
it the perfect
track day tire.
I would be able to test the new
Q3 and let you know.
As a tire company you are always playing catch up with the
corresponding market your product is designed for. In the case of
modern sportbike, it's no different. With a relentless search for
increased power output, better
chassis and suspension components to maximize grip and
drive, you are never afforded the
chance to rest on your achievements. The mighty pace of technology marches on. So even
The tread pattern
is new and looks
more like a road
race tire than ever
before.
though the Q2 is a great tire, like
the bikes it is made for – there's
always a way to make it better.
The main focus of the new
Sportmax Q3 was to improve
the tire's contact patch and its
ability to maintain its consistency
under extreme conditions. To-
