Dunlop introduce RoadSmart III SC for Scooters
- Scooter tyre uses the Innovative iGT tread from the sport-touring RoadSmart III
- Introducing a new technology: Camber Thrust Tuning (CTT) for progressive and effortless cornering.
- First use of JLB (Jointless tread belt) in a scooter rear tyre
- Yamaha chooses RoadSmart III SC for the 2017-model Tmax 530 DX
Following the success of Dunlop’s latest RoadSmart III in independent tests, Dunlop have announced the extension of the acclaimed range with a new variant designed for the growing premium touring and sport scooter market.
The new Dunlop RoadSmart III SC has been designed to provide a high level of all-season performance and durability and sits above the well-established ScootSmart in Dunlop’s comprehensive portfolio.
The top-level of the scooter market has become popular with riders seeking a comfortable commuting bike but also demanding sporty and agile handling akin to a nimble sports-touring bike. This crossover of requirements presents an interesting challenge for tyre design which is why Dunlop have chosen to combine proven and new technologies to meet these tough demands.
The RoadSmart III SC uses the same Interconnecting Groove Tread (iGT) pattern as the RoadSmart III. This gives optimal water evacuation and even wear. The Jointless Belt (JLB) construction is another technology inherited from the sport touring tyre. The use of JLB, (which maintains a stable contact patch and reduces distortion and excessive heat build-up) is a first for the Scooter sector.
Introducing a new technology : Camber Thrust Tuning (CTT)
RoadSmart III SC features a new Dunlop technology. Camber Thrust Tuning. This provides progressive and effortless cornering.
When a bike is leaning and turning, the difference in camber between the angled front tyre and straight-ahead rear tyre can lead to heavy steering and handling characteristics. Whilst this may be desirable on a sports bike to provide greater feel and feedback at very high speeds, for the scooter version Dunlop have reduced the steering effort required with the use of CTT technology. Dunlop have tuned the shape of the tyre sidewall to improve the ease of turn-in – ideal for city commuters seeking agile and quick steering response.
The RoadSmart III has already been acclaimed in independent tests. Motorrad* described the Sport Touring tyre as a ‘very well-balanced all-rounder which is great fun on back roads” and stated “(The) Dunlop inspires confidence on wet roads” By extending this range to cover premium scooter fitments, Dunlop’s European Product Manager, Dmitri Talboom, is confident that riders will find the RoadSmart III SC to be a sector leader: “By combining proven technologies such as the iGT tread and JLB with the latest Camber Thrust Tuning, we believe that we have the optimum choice for riders of more powerful and sporting scooters from manufacturers such as BMW, Kymco, Suzuki, SYM and Yamaha.
Indeed, the Dunlop RoadSmart III SC has also received endorsement from a leading premium scooter manufacturer. Yamaha has chosen to equip the 2017-model Tmax 530 DX with the RoadSmart III SC”
The RoadSmart III is available in two front sizes (120/70R14 and 120/70R15) and two rear sizes (160/60R14 and 160/60R15) to suit a wide range of scooters
* Comments taken from the Motorrad ReifenTest, edition 13/2016, published in June 2016.
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