Anyone using Dunlop Roadsmarts yet?

[dave hendy]

Hi I believe Dunlop Roadsmarts are now available for the GS (finally) although not in big numbers? Has anyone got the first batch and what do you think of them? I have booked my bike in for new tyres on the 27th June and have asked for some only to be told there is no stock of the front tyre at present They are hoping to get them by the time i need them otherwise I will have to decide what to use for road use only I am using BT020 at present and don't find them that good. As the Dunlop Roadsmarts have such a good name on larger sizes I would like to try them.

Dave

 

[ampthill]

Hi I believe Dunlop Roadsmarts are now available for the GS (finally) although not in big numbers? Has anyone got the first batch and what do you think of them?

Got some fitted last week Well pleased with them so far First impressions are that they handle very well with a nice progressive turn in. They also take the corner as if on rails- none of the squirming about you some times get with the less road orientated tyres. haven't tried them in the wet yet as for onece it hasn't rained so can't comment on wet weather grip.

They also appear more compliant than the previous tyres - battlewings- giving a smoother ride over minor road imperfections.

The only minor downside I've found so far is that they are not quite so rock solid at 'progressive' speeds with just a hint of bar wiggle when accelerating 'enthusiastically' out of fast corners. Bit like the Conti RA I've had previously but those seemed to settle down so maybe the RS will do the same. suppose I could also play with tyre pressures but not yet done so.

But overall highly recommended and the best tyres I have had yet for my type of riding

Peter

 

[dave hendy]

Got some fitted last week Well pleased with them so far First impressions are that they handle very well with a nice progressive turn in. They also take the corner as if on rails- none of the squirming about you some times get with the less road orientated tyres. haven't tried them in the wet yet as for onece it hasn't rained so can't comment on wet weather grip.

They also appear more compliant than the previous tyres - battlewings- giving a smoother ride over minor road imperfections.

The only minor downside I've found so far is that they are not quite so rock solid at 'progressive' speeds with just a hint of bar wiggle when accelerating 'enthusiastically' out of fast corners. Bit like the Conti RA I've had previously but those seemed to settle down so maybe the RS will do the same. suppose I could also play with tyre pressures but not yet done so.

But overall highly recommended and the best tyres I have had yet for my type of riding

Peter

Hi Peter

Thanks for the reply, glad you like them at present let me know once it's rained how they are, being England I am sure it wont be long

I have got a week or two to change my mind and could always change to a BT021 rear or even back to Tourance which I was always happy with

Dave

 

[dave hendy]

Hi Peter

Thanks for the reply, glad you like them at present let me know once it's rained how they are, being England I am sure it wont be long

I have got a week or two to change my mind and could always change to a BT021 rear or even back to Tourance which I was always happy with

Dave

Hi Peter

Have you been out in the rain over the weekend? As you have been the only response to my post it is not filling me with confidence
Tyres always a question over which is best and as they aren't cheap you don't want to choose the wrong ones

Dave

 

[GS Chris]

The only minor downside I've found so far is that they are not quite so rock solid at 'progressive' speeds with just a hint of bar wiggle when accelerating 'enthusiastically' out of fast corners.
Peter

No probs in this department with Roadsmarts on my Backbird . Would put any wiggle down to the nature of the GS; wide bars, softer suspension etc.

On my second rear now. Excellent in the dry, wet, or deluge. Would question Dunlop's claim of longevity, only doing the same miles as previous Avon Storms.

Happy with the Conti TAs on the GS, but might try the roadsmarts after.

Chris

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

Dave, I remember you were after a set of these when I was, when they first came out.

FWIW at the time I eneded up getting the Avon Azaro/ST combination. They are light years ahead of 020's so, if you still can't get the Dunlops I'd consider going for the Avons

I'm so pleased with them I'm sticking with them now, not sure I'd bother trying the Dunlops.

Andres

 

[dave hendy]

Dave, I remember you were after a set of these when I was, when they first came out.

FWIW at the time I eneded up getting the Avon Azaro/ST combination. They are light years ahead of 020's so, if you still can't get the Dunlops I'd consider going for the Avons

I'm so pleased with them I'm sticking with them now, not sure I'd bother trying the Dunlops.

Andres

:

Thanks Andres, I had Avon's on my Fazer 1000 and they were fine. My wife had BT021's on her SV650 and they worked well not sure about mixing the 020 front and 021 rear though Oh I hate getting new tyres

 

[dave hendy]

Hi Andres, forgot to ask what sort of tyre millage are you getting from the Avon's? I expect I will go with the Dunlops if they can get them I just want to sort a second option!

Dave

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

Hi Andres, forgot to ask what sort of tyre millage are you getting from the Avon's? I expect I will go with the Dunlops if they can get them I just want to sort a second option!

Dave

Very similar to what I used to get from 020's i.e. 4-5000 on the rear with the front lasting half as much again.

Hope you do manage to get the Roadsmarts as I'm still interested to hear more opinions on them but, at the risk of getting boring, you won't be disappointed with the Avons if the Dunlops are not in, they seem to suit the GS really well (top tip; reduce front preload to one notch softer than standard; I thought the Avons were a bit slow until somebody suggested I try this, it makes an unbelievable difference!).

Good luck
Andres

 

[dave hendy]

Very similar to what I used to get from 020's i.e. 4-5000 on the rear with the front lasting half as much again.

Hope you do manage to get the Roadsmarts as I'm still interested to hear more opinions on them but, at the risk of getting boring, you won't be disappointed with the Avons if the Dunlops are not in, they seem to suit the GS really well (top tip; reduce front preload to one notch softer than standard; I thought the Avons were a bit slow until somebody suggested I try this, it makes an unbelievable difference!).

Good luck
Andres

Cheers Andres, I'll let you know

 

[Bertie]

I'm completely with Andres with the Avon Azaro/Storm combo, even down to the front preload adjustment. Great tyres, wet or dry (in my humble experience) and at, ahem, "making progress" speeds.....

 

[mr badger]

:
not sure about mixing the 020 front and 021 rear though Oh I hate getting new tyres

I have to say, after 3 sets of 020 front and rears on my Varadero with nothing but delight, I went to 020/021 and didn't like the changes. Made the front wobble on deceleration. OK, the GS is a different beast (mine's on Trail Attacks) but I know some have had similar issues.

 

[dave hendy]

Cheers Andres, I'll let you know

Update: I emailed Dunlop yesterday to check availability and have had an answer today Not good apparently there wont be another delivery until August as they didn't anticipate demand

So it looks like I will have to make a new choice

I am considering the Avon combo but may stay with my BT020 as I will be taking off a half worn rear for a 3500 mile trip next month so would be able to re-use it at some point My present tyres might last the trip but I don't want to risk it.

Dave

 

[Bem]

Dave
After my 020`s were down to the flats I ordered 021`s late last year, but ended up with 020 F/021R combo. Not unhappy with this, had a slightly different feel, but now after 5K seem quite sorted.
Enjoy the trip.

 

[dave hendy]

Well they're fitted! Well not Roadsmarts, they couldn't get them STILL or Avons (I was tempted) but I have gone for the BT020 front and BT021 rear and I've done 126 miles on them this afternoon and so far I can't really tell any difference from the BT020 pair. Still 2 weeks and 3500 miles await that will tell, bring it on

 

[dave hendy]

Well they're fitted! Well not Roadsmarts, they couldn't get them STILL or Avons (I was tempted) but I have gone for the BT020 front and BT021 rear and I've done 126 miles on them this afternoon and so far I can't really tell any difference from the BT020 pair. Still 2 weeks and 3500 miles await that will tell, bring it on

Ok back from my trip now so the tyres have done over 3.5K not sure if the 020/021 combo is any better than the 020/020 I had before. Had a few slides on the over banding, both in the wet and dry (when hot). Had very mixed conditions 0 to 33 degrees and every type of weather condition. The tyres worked but I am sure there is something better out there

As usual the bike was effected by strong wind especially when the panniers were on

 

[steveboy]

roadsmarts

08 gs 1200,phoned loads of dealers this week for a set of roadsmarts,Im told none available anywhere in the country,My oe tyres were tourance exp (rear lasted 5000 miles)but the tyre dealer i have used fitted tourance (non exp) can anybody tell me what is the difference between the both.

 

[t'other dave]

Tourance exp
The Metzeler patented 0° steel belt technology on front and rear tyre provides great straight lane and braking stability, maximum precision in curve and excellent bump absorbtion performances also in full loaded conditions.
Improved compound for high grip on wet and dry surfaces: the perfect combination for long distance journeys
New tread pattern design engineered to ensure best on-road performances in all weather conditions

old Tourance

Dual Purpose tyre developed and tuned for the big, modern street-oriented Enduro bikes
Improved carcass structures for enhanced straight line stability at high speed with smooth rolling characteristics for long distance journeys
Perfect combination of long mileage capability and great traction also on light off-road surfaces thanks to the specific compound
Great grip with light and precise handling make riding easier in all weather conditions


Is what Metzeler say in all the old one lasts longer and is prefered by most.

 

[steveboy]

Thanks Dave,Old tourances it is then eh.

 

[Deleted member TF]

Roadsmarts are available for GS's now,I got a pair two weeks ago.
They're EFFIN CRAP,I got halfway 'round Donington last Sunday and slid off.
Yours Sincerely
V.Rossi
p.s.
only kidding,hav'nt had them fitted yet.