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View Full Version : Which Dunlops were they?

Chris Bird
17-06-11, 04:03 PM
Long story short, a couple of years ago I rode from Swindon to Donnington to watch the GP. I was treated nicely to a puncture in the rear while pulling out my local petrol station. Nothing was gonna stop me from getting there so I bought a foot pump, stuck it in my bag and got on my way. Stopping every now and again to pump the badger up.

I managed to score a tyre off the Dunlop crew that were there. I can't remember which tyre it was. The guy described it to me as being only just road legal and the last road legal tyre they do before getting onto slicks.

I've never had so much grip before or since. It really felt like you were being thrown forward out of the corners. It was so sticky that even when it was cold, gravel used to stick to it.

Admittedly it didn't last to long and in the wet it was very skittish. The back would spin up with anything more than the gentlest if acceleration. Apparently the tyres were used in some level of racing for about 2-3 races.

I'd like to know if anyone may have an idea which tyre this may be. From the Dunlop website it looks it may be the 'SportSmart.'

Also on a side note: 160/60 ZR 17 (69W) TL

When it comes to tyre sizing, I know what the '160/60 ZR 17,' refers to but what does the (69W) TL refer to?

Cheers
TazDaz
17-06-11, 04:30 PM
Sportsmart hasn't been out for a couple of years so I doubt it would've been that one.
Chris Bird
17-06-11, 04:44 PM
Okay. I think it would of been Donnington 2008 if this helps.
Shawthing
17-06-11, 06:45 PM
69 is the load index = up to 325kg
W is speed rating = up to 168mph
TL is probably Tubeless
andrewsmith
18-06-11, 02:21 AM
2008

Likey to be a D207 or a D209 as they were the slickest road legals dunlop did at the time
Chris Bird
20-06-11, 02:20 PM
Cheers Andrew.

Quick one about tyre sizing. Is it okay to use a tyre smaller than 160 on the back. I've read in other places about someone using a 150 instead of 160 for increased turn in. Come to think of it, the dunlop I had on mine always looked slimmer and pointier than any other tyre I've had.
andrewsmith
20-06-11, 03:14 PM
you mean this one
http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=161084
Chris Bird
20-06-11, 03:29 PM
Excellent... Cheers again.