A New Genre of Touring Tires That Make Riders Less Tired | Dunlop Road Smart 4 Review [WMS2021]

Web Motorcycle Show

Dramatically reduces fatigue leading to stress

Since the introduction of the Dunlop RoadSmart series in 2003, the reduction of rider fatigue has been an important development theme. In fact, the III was a tire that made it difficult for riders to feel fatigue, but when I experienced the IV, the latest tire to go on sale in 2008, I began to wonder if the III had not yet reached its ideal characteristics.

High-quality feel of the suspension and honest and natural turning performance


The IV has a number of virtues, including quick warm-up when cold and straight-line stability. One of the things I liked the most was the high-quality feel of the suspension, as if the front and rear shocks had been replaced with high-quality aftermarket shocks. This tire, with its excellent ride quality and low susceptibility to external disturbance, is able to maintain a high average speed over long distances, regardless of road conditions, whether uneven or wet.

In addition to that, I was personally impressed with the way the steering angle around the front end was applied at the beginning of the turn. In fact, the previous generation II was sharp for a touring tire, while the III was a bit loose? However, the IV is neither aggressive nor loose, and achieves an honest and natural turning performance.


Incidentally, the MT-10 used in this test shares the same fundamentals as the supersport YZF-R1, and long rides can be tiring in their own way. But this time, wearing the Roadsmart IV, my body and mind were in great shape even after a full day of test riding. When I recognized this fact, I felt that it would be a good idea to use these tires not only on tourers and naked models, but also on sport models. I thought to myself, why not?


The tire sizes of the Yamaha MT-10 used in the test were 120/70ZR17 and 190/55ZR17, which are the standard for modern large-displacement road sports.

Treads show little performance degradation even as wear progresses


The tread pattern has been redesigned with new groove shapes to improve rigidity and reduce uneven wear. At the front, the angle of the main groove has been changed from 25° to 15° to improve drainage.


The first generation appeared in '07. Subsequent Roadsmart models have achieved a solid evolution every few years.

Verification of fatigue and stress with experimental data


With the cooperation of Professor Emeritus Junichi Koizumi of Yokohama National University and the Fatigue Science Institute, Inc., the sympathetic/parasympathetic nerve balance index of the rider was measured during development, comparing III and IV. Data on fatigue and stress were verified.

Deep compound contributes to grip


The PCL structure, which uses two layers of compound in the rear and a high heat-generating rubber in the deeper layer, is an adaptation of technology developed for the Road Sport 2. The rear surface compaction is split into three sections, with the center focusing on life and the left and right on grip.

Completely outperformed the previous generation III in terms of handling and life.


Dry grip and high-speed stability are the same as the 3, but the IV wins in all other factors. As is customary for the Roadsmart series, there is a wide range of sizes available, including 18-inch front and rear models designed for older motorcycles and neoclassic motorcycles.

ROADSMART Ⅳ

EquippedTire size
Front
120/60ZR17M/C (55W)
120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
130/70ZR17M/C (62W)
110/80R18M/C 58V
120/70ZR18M/C (59W)
Rear
160/60ZR17M/C (69W)
160/70ZR17M/C (73W)
170/60ZR17M/C (72W)
180/55ZR17M/C (73W)
190/50ZR17M/C (73W)
190/55ZR17M/C (75W)
190/60ZR17M/C (78W)
140/70R18M/C 67V
150/70ZR18M/C (70W)
170/60ZR18M/C (73W)

ROADSMART Ⅳ GT "Heavy Duty Specs"

EquippedTire size
Front120/70ZR17M (58W)
Rear
180/55ZR17M (73W)
190/50ZR17M (73W)
190/55ZR17M (75W)
Products featured in this issue
SPORTMAX ROADSMART IV
Tires that prevent fatigue and stress
High quality feeling unaffected by road conditions
Natural handling

 

 

See Accessories of DUNLOP
See YAMAHA Moto Index Page
See Accessories for YAMAHA MT-10 (FZ-10)
See Accessories for YAMAHA YZF-R1 (R1)

Copied title and URL