I see a lot of guys say they don't like to Dunlop on their Connie but I haven't seen anyone say anything about the roadsmart can I have some reviews and input please?
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Dunlop roadsmart iv
- Thread starter nomoreusmc6802
- Start date
I wrote up a report (nothing too detailed) back in 2021 when I tried at least 5 different models of tires and landed on the Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart IV as the tire of choice for longevity without loss of our demanding riding needs. We ride 2-up and many times loaded with supporting gear. We do ride relatively spirited and enjoy the full range of the C-14's capabilities (well as much as an average joe can on the street without dying)...
We generally ride 12K - 16K miles per year. Our challenge has always been tires wearing out prematurely. We do not trailer to/from our target riding spots and naturally have some extended high speed droning (longest single day last year 973 miles) then when at the mtns or canyons it's full game on. So we need our tires to perform and last across a large exposure of variables and abuse.
Rather than finding my previous post I summarized our findings in 2021. Your mileage may vary (pun intended... I think) but this is one crazy C-14 rider's experience.
- Michelin
- Pilot Road 4 GT - Smooth at first, after 3K miles started feeling notchy and wearing oddly. Actually melted the edges tearing through the mountains, kind of disappointing. The first 3K miles were smooth and plush. I would believe more tame riding this tire would be an ideal Michelin tire.
- Road 5 GT - I thought these tires did not feel quite as planted as the PR4 GT. Tires totally done before 5K miles. Comfort faded at between 3K and 4K miles. The first 3K - 4K miles smooth.
- Pirelli
- Angel GTII - Stuck to dry roads great like the Michelins however the longitudal grooves I found tracked the road siping on concrete surfaces and tracked VERY badly on open grate bridges. Also found tar snake edges resulted in a tracking challenge. Other than this the tire handled well on dry pavement, no wet conditions tested - I could not live with the aforementioned shortcomings and I swapped them at under 3K miles
- Dunlop
- Sportmax Roadsmart III - Stuck the same as the Michelins on dry, smoothness lasted longer than Michelins. Did lose the rear traction once on a combination of cold tire and wet road, pucker factor engaged. Lasted ~6K miles. Mostly maintained performance throughout tire life, got a little rough/rigid toward end.
- Sportmax Roadsmart IV - Stick solid like the Michelins and last >30% longer. No issues in wet, cold, heat and mileage is ~7K which is outstanding from our experience.
We run a Penske double adjust rear and stock front suspension.
I hope this helps, if you are on the fence I would say give them a shot. Oh I do run the taller rear 190/55 profile tire, the extra contact patch seems to feel good when deep in the corners and turn-in a little quicker too.
Wayne, Carol & Blue
Woops I just noted this was for the C10 not the C14.
Well I will leave my experience for the C14 up for your reference.
Wayne, Carol & Blue
Similar bike. I think I am going to give them a shot
Isn't 17 in wheels stock for an 05? I looked it up on Google to get size
They offer only a front Roadsmart tire in a C-10 120/70-18 size.
They do not have a 16" rear tire in any size.
I have the Metzler Roadtech Z8 on the front of my C-10 in the 110/80-18 size.
And now for a little controversy; The rest of the story.
On the rear (as an experiment) I replaced the 160/80-16 with a 180/60-16 radial. (180/60ZR-16 Shinko Journey)
The big tire is squeezed onto the rim and that "squeeze" reshaped the tire so that it has the profile of a front tire.
The result of the 2 tires is "really" quick cornering response...
IIIiiiiiiiii Like it!!
forum.concours.org
Ride safe, Ted
They do not have a 16" rear tire in any size.
I have the Metzler Roadtech Z8 on the front of my C-10 in the 110/80-18 size.
Metzeler ROADTEC Z8 INTERACT Motorcycle Tire | Front 110/80 ZR 18 (58W) TL (M) | eBay
Riding easiness, comfort, predictability, easy turn in, progressivity in lean, are provided by the interaction of Sport Touring profiles with the Greek P tread pattern and the patented Interact™ technology.
www.ebay.com
On the rear (as an experiment) I replaced the 160/80-16 with a 180/60-16 radial. (180/60ZR-16 Shinko Journey)
The big tire is squeezed onto the rim and that "squeeze" reshaped the tire so that it has the profile of a front tire.
The result of the 2 tires is "really" quick cornering response...
IIIiiiiiiiii Like it!!
Will this fit a C-10?
I've been considering a lower profile Radial for the rear of my C-10. I've seen several reports of wobble after some mounted the few radials that are currently available. Thought that maybe part of the problem is the sidewall height/profile of a C-10 rear tire. {150/80R-16} Was unable to...
forum.concours.org
Ride safe, Ted
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As Johnny Carson used to say, I did not know that. Never heard that mentioned as an option in previous discussions. Interesting.
Roadsmart 3 on OEM front, 110/80-18 size; Roadsmart 4 on Mean Streak rear, 170/60-17 size. It's been a really good combination for me; probably the best combination of mileage & stick for this flatlander. Might try the RS 4 120/70-18 next time, but I do like my quick turn-in on a 110.
RoadSmart III rear - 160/70ZR17 on a meanie.
RoadSmart IV front - 120/70ZR17 on a ZR7/S front
upgrades to forks and rear shock and brakes as well. this likely contributes to the RS results I've had.
C10
over 6K. handling, traction remain constant throughout tire life. they feel very planted when leaned over hard in tight corners, wet traction very good as well (important up here in the wet side of PNW). absolutely way better handling/braking than stock setup. confidence inspiring in the corners to the point of no chicken stripes on the rear tire. still some on front, but that might be due to suspension geometry as I've dragged pegs before and still the fronts don't get out to their edges. I just wish Dunlop would release a 160/70ZR17 rear in the RS IV configuration. a nicely balanced tire in terms of performance and longevity.
one advantage of doing the 17" wheel conversion on the C10 is the newer tire designs are available.
RoadSmart IV front - 120/70ZR17 on a ZR7/S front
upgrades to forks and rear shock and brakes as well. this likely contributes to the RS results I've had.
C10
over 6K. handling, traction remain constant throughout tire life. they feel very planted when leaned over hard in tight corners, wet traction very good as well (important up here in the wet side of PNW). absolutely way better handling/braking than stock setup. confidence inspiring in the corners to the point of no chicken stripes on the rear tire. still some on front, but that might be due to suspension geometry as I've dragged pegs before and still the fronts don't get out to their edges. I just wish Dunlop would release a 160/70ZR17 rear in the RS IV configuration. a nicely balanced tire in terms of performance and longevity.
one advantage of doing the 17" wheel conversion on the C10 is the newer tire designs are available.