Tyre Tech Talk – May 2020 RideFast Magazine
by Bruce de Kock, Owner of Bike Tyre Warehouse
Original article published by RideFast Magazine, May 2020 Issue
Dunlop TrailMax Mission
Dunlops new 50/50 Adventure Tyre, the Trailmax Mission
Dunlop hosted the world launch of these new adventure tyres in the US at the end of last year. Dirt And Trail Mag did not crack the nod, but a few of our international colleagues were very impressed with what they say and felt. The tyres have taken a while to get here, so no local riders have tried them out just yet.
The Tyres are in SA – currently loafing at customs until normal business resumes. Knowing Dunlop, the prices will be sharp. This is a great addition to an already impressive Dunlop lineup.
We have ordered a pair and we’ll fit them on one of our bikes and get you our opinion in a local feature soon! But here is some info on the new rubber.
TRAILMAX MISSION TYRES ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLES
Dunlop spent time with aadventure people, at adventure rallies and all over the place getting feedback and information. These tyres are a result of direct feedback from adventure enthusiasts.
In collaboration with Falken Tyre, Dunlop has developed what they claim to be a 50/50 tyre that’s capable of tackling a variety of terrain and offering the best tread life in its class.
The positive side of this lockdown crisis is that I get to write this article, for the first time ever, during office hours on a Monday instead of late (too late!) on a Thursday evening, just hours before print deadline, with Rob on my case because he still needs to do the layout while dealing with late advert submissions!
I have never been jealous of full-time journos and the constant pressure they work under – except for when they get to test bikes and new rubber, of course.
Now onto some exciting news…
I am aware there have been riders waiting for feedback on the new Dunlop Trailmax Mission 50/50 Adventure Tyre – the latest offering from the Dunlop stable. I must be honest and point out that this is the first time I’ve ever written about a tyre product that I have not personally put through its paces. Instead, lockdown means that I’m going on the media presentation sent to me from Dunlop, which includes feedback from contracted test riders who test for a living for multiple brands around the globe, so I’m confident we have been
given fair and honest test results from these independent sources.
Let me kick off with a media statement by Mike Buckley, Senior VP, Sales and Marketing:
“This is a very difficult segment to tackle because of the wide variety of uses and fitments, but I believe customers will be surprised that the Mission delivers such a high level of grip no matter the surface and will also exceed their mileage expectations.”