Road Test Dunlop Q2's

[ZX9R01]

Road Test Dunlop Sportmax Q2
First again let me say again that I sell tyres for living. I may not be the quickest out there but I certainly push along at a respectful pace.
Last Friday I got a set of Dunlop Q2’s now having already tried the Alpha a11’s, I was a bit hesitant to test these. I mean would they make a tyre to rival their own sport tyre released only 4 mths earlier. The short answer is yes.
Ok, I put them on Saturday morning and it was raining. I have the missus on the back and we are off over Clear Mountain, my favourite test road. (At legal speeds).
The profile feels steep, because it is. But progressive, not fall into the corner but steady all the way to my maximum lean in the wet at least. All thru Clear Mountain, while wet, the pace quickens, I cant believe the tyre has so much wet grip and this is out of the wrappers. So just a quick few k’s out to Samford for lunch and then we head home as it’s still raining.
Sunday dawned damp but drying and of to Mt Mee we go. The missus is on the back again, dam I really want to try these tyres. Anyway out to Dayboro I notice the bike tracking nicely and feeling taught. The front tyre adds to the stability like the Alpha a11’s as well.
Turn right at the pool and of we go. Up and over Mt Mee. Half way up the mountain I give the throttle a good twist and we are off. All the while shaking my head, corners that I take at 50 are now genuinely 60+. I touch a peg, at long last, on a sweeping right hander. I am still shaking my head when the missus asks what’s wrong, why are you shaking your head? I can’t believe how good the tyres are.
Mid turn is where I notice the stability the most. Sometimes as you hit the apex on slower corners the ZX can feel like it wants to fold in 2 on some tyres, please note the suspension is a compromise we are 2 up and I weigh ½ a ton, but not on these. Whether it’s because I am entering the corner faster and have a higher corner speed I am not sure. But I like it.
Finally pull into home for lunch and mull over the tyre in my mind. Why have they built a tyre that will by all the testing accounts out there equal their sport tyre. Well they haven’t have they.
After rereading my notes from the alpha test I did, this is great tyre but the wear in the middle is the secret I think. The Continental and Alpha11’s steer quicker that the Q2’s and they wear quicker as well. The tyre, after 1000k’s, now looks brand new still. This is a street tyre for occasional track use. I will keep an eye out on wear over the next few weeks and let you know how they travel. My gut feeling is this a tyre for all horse power bikes and the bigger they are the more the rider is going to love them. If you ride a 8/10ths then this is perfect for you as a tyre that will give you long life and excellent grip.
If you ride at 10/10ths you should be on a track but the Alpha a11 is your tyre.
Prices in the tyre section.

[Blurr]

agreed with most things you have said after riding on them down to PI and back except one point............

why does my tyre look farked after just over 1000kms, it's replacement time for the rear already

[ZX9R01]

agreed with most things you have said after riding on them down to PI and back except one point............

why does my tyre look farked after just over 1000kms, it's replacement time for the rear already

Excessive tyre wear is mainly due to tyre pressures being wrong. I run 36psi front and rear and get good wear. The higher you go from 36 psi to a maximum of 42 will increase milage but you may suffer over bumpier roads.

Mick

[Glen]

agreed with most things you have said after riding on them down to PI and back except one point............

why does my tyre look farked after just over 1000kms, it's replacement time for the rear already

Excessive tyre wear is mainly due to tyre pressures being wrong. I run 36psi front and rear and get good wear. The higher you go from 36 psi to a maximum of 42 will increase milage but you may suffer over bumpier roads.

Mick

I thinks it's probably got a bit to do with young Russell's exuberant nature when he gets on a bike..... well that and the blackies that are no doubt all up and down the backroads between Vincentia and Phillip island

[ZX9R01]

All good then. Cant have fun and milage. I mean. LMAO

[Blurr]

yep used 36psi in the rear so it only leaves Glenno's possiblity


Not that it may mean that much but in all seriousness I gave these tyres a pretty hard time on my trip down the PI and back and not once could i fault them (well other than the fact the a stick punctured my rear over Granya). They tip in alot quick the the BT016's I was running previously and hook up really well in the rear even under pretty hard acceration .

A very good quality tyre for a great price.

[Blurr]

yep used 36psi in the rear so it only leaves Glenno's possiblity


Not that it may mean that much but in all seriousness I gave these tyres a pretty hard time on my trip down the PI and back and not once could i fault them (well other than the fact the a stick punctured my rear over Granya). They tip in alot quick the the BT016's I was running previously and hook up really well in the rear even under pretty hard acceration .

A very good quality tyre for a great price.

[Nelso]

agreed with most things you have said after riding on them down to PI and back except one point............

why does my tyre look farked after just over 1000kms, it's replacement time for the rear already

Excessive tyre wear is mainly due to tyre pressures being wrong. I run 36psi front and rear and get good wear. The higher you go from 36 psi to a maximum of 42 will increase milage but you may suffer over bumpier roads.

Mick

Knowing how young Russ rides I laughed at this statement a bit as well. The tyre is fucked because the things always got its arse end hanging out under WOT.

[Gosling1]

I will have to try one of these when the Roadsmart on the rear finally dies.....I was pretty impressed with that Roadsmart on the recent CDT just quietly.......

[Six Addict]

Just not the shagged pilot power front

[UncleChopChop]

blurr, if thats your real name...i seemed to be able to ride round the outside of you whilst steering with one hand and whilst texting shazza that I will need a polish when I get to sydders down hotham just fine on my macadams..

htfu poof..

Love UCC..

[greenmeanie]

Nice report Mick.

Mt Mee is a great place to test tyres!