Dunlop Qualifier Performance Radial Tires

The Qualifier Performance Radial Tire from Dunlop is the successor to the Dunlop D208ZR, which was Dunlop’s best selling sport bike tire in the United States in 2005. All of the performance features have been enhanced, Dunlop’s main goal was to preserve as much race tire performance as possible while engineering the new tire to meet the stability, durability and wet weather performance standards the D208ZR boasted. The rear tire retains the profile of the D208ZR but the compounding is now very similar to the medium-traction material found in our new Sportmax GP race tire. The compound is a blend of three polymers reinforced with a high-surface-area carbon black and a proprietary resin to maximize wet and dry grip and durability. For the front tire profile, we worked very closely with our UK race tire group. The front profile follows the aspect ratio of the Sportmax GP, while its compound is quite close to our D208GP tire. The more triangulated profile of the front tire promotes quicker turn-in and lighter steering, and also contributes to a larger footprint at maximum lean angles. On the Qualifier front, the amount of land area has increased 6.0 percent (to 93.1 percent) while the Qualifier’s rear land area is 92.8 percent, an increase of 3.4 percent compared to the 208ZR. Bottom line: Bigger footprints front and rear help increase grip at both ends.

Note: When new tires are fitted, they should not be subjected to sudden acceleration, hard cornering, maximum power or braking for at least 100 miles. Failure to do so may result in loss of control and serious injury. The 100 mile run-in is required to adjust to the feel of new tires versus the worn tires.