New Dunlops help retro riders tread carefully
APPEARANCES ARE IMPORTANT, and so is sticking to the road. Modern retro owners can add all kinds of goodies to give their bikes a heritage look. Now Dunlop have launched a range of new tyres that follow the lines of the classic TT100 tyre using modern compounds and sizes.
The TT100GP Radial suits the modern Triumph twins particularly well but also the likes of the BMW R9T, Kawasaki Z900RS and Yamaha XSR.
The Dunlop TT100GP range comprises two front and four rear sizes. It can be fitted to more than 60 different motorcycle models from 16 different manufacturers. The tyre is also proving popular with custom builders.
The tyre’s tread pattern draws inspiration from Dunlop’s heritage at the Isle of Man TT. The T100 name was coined when Malcolm Uphill rode his works Triumph Bonneville to victory in 1969 with the fastest lap of 100.37mph riding on Dunlop K81 tyres. This was the first time a production tyre had been used to break ‘the ton’ on the mountain circuit and Dunlop rechristened the K81 as the TT100 to commemorate this achievement.
The old style TT100 has remained in production since and is still popular with classic motorcycle owners. The Dunlop TT100GP Radial incorporates the look of the TT100, blending the classic tread pattern with technology that can harness the sportsbikelevel performance of a modern retro bike. The tread pattern has had a minor revamp to improve rigidity and improve precision in bends, but the big changes are under the tread.
The tyre’s compound features silica which increases compliance at lower temperatures by allowing the rubber to key into the road surface, boosting grip and rider confidence. Visit www. dunlop.eu to see the whole range.