Dunlop SportSmart mk4 marks first anniversary with double tire test victory

The all-new Dunlop road-focused hypersport tire marks its first anniversary with two major comparative test wins, one year on from its innovative virtual launch event

Dunlop Motorcycle Europe is marking the first anniversary of the introduction of its SportSmart mk4 hypersport tire with two major comparative test victories in leading European motorcycle publications, reinforcing its status as one of the leading road-focused hypersport tires on the market.

The success comes one year after its introduction through Dunlop’s innovative Curvemaster virtual launch event, which reimagined the traditional tire introduction format through a groundbreaking digital experience that gave more than 150 journalists and influencers control over their own testing environment.

SportSmart mk4 now continues its strong run of success, claiming victory in the 2026 sport tire test conducted by German motorcycle publications MOTORRAD and PS. The results mark the second consecutive year that SportSmart mk4 has taken top honours in both respected tests, underlining the tire’s consistent performance and cementing its reputation as a benchmark in the hypersport tire category.

The tire has also received major industry recognition over the past year, winning the Jury’s Special Award for Safety at the Automobile Awards in December, and Neumáticos & Mecánica Rápida’s Premios Neumático del Año (Tire of the Year Awards) for 2025.

Commanding performance across the board

In this year’s sport tire comparisons by MOTORRAD and PS, SportSmart mk4 delivered a balanced performance across all key categories, securing overall victory against leading competitors in the segment.

Both magazines tested tires in popular sizes on a BMW S 1000 XR, assessing road riding behaviour, wet performance, dry track handling and durability after extended mileage.

MOTORRAD's editors praised the tire’s agile handling, direct steering response and clear rider feedback in dry conditions, describing a “very direct” riding experience that “provides the rider with transparent, unfiltered information about the asphalt”. They added that “sporty, ambitious riders will love this tire, because every metre feels like riding on a race tire.”¹

In wet conditions, the editorial team highlighted its rapid warm-up and confidence-inspiring grip.

PS testers also highlighted the tire’s handling and balanced all-round performance. Editors noted it “steers more easily when turning in than its competitors and makes bulky motorcycles more agile.” In wet conditions, the tire impressed from cold, “quickly inspiring confidence in its grip”. 

Summarising the result, the editorial team wrote: “Leading the way is the test winner, the Dunlop SportSmart mk4, which shows that in such a closely contested test field you cannot afford any weaknesses. Excellent handling, very good wet and dry grip, and low wear deliver the highest points total.”²

Roberto Finetti, Marketing Manager, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe, commented: “SportSmart mk4 was designed to deliver confident, consistent hypersport performance on the road, and these results prove those capabilities. In its first year, the tire has won multiple comparative tests, and become a go-to choice for hypersport riders across Europe. To win these two tests again is a super way to mark the tire’s first anniversary.”

¹ MOTORRAD issue 6/2026. Five sport tires tested, sizes 120/70ZR17 (front) and 190/55ZR17 (rear). Test bike: BMW S 1000 XR. Comments translated from original German.

² PS issue 4/2026. Five sport tires tested, sizes 120/70ZR17 (front) and 190/55ZR17 (rear). Test bike: BMW S 1000 XR. Comments translated from original German.