Dunlop Roadsmart IV Tires 10,000-Mile Test (Rider Magazine)

[Grumpy Goat]

On 13-Feb-2021 Rider Magazine published an article titled "Dunlop Roadsmart IV Tires 10,000-Mile Test" which was based on our own Darrel's comprehensive tests of the tires on his 2016 R1200RS.

We all know how meticulous Darrell is with his bikes and his data, so the article was no surprise.

I have not only linked to the article, but I have created a PDF file of the article just to make sure that it is not lost.

  Rider Magazine - Dunlop Roadsmart IV Tires 10,000-Mile Test.pdf (Size: 1.06 MB / Downloads: 38)

Congratulations to Darrell on the article!

[Olgry1]

I second that Wayne....Congratulation Darrell!!

[MrVvrroomm]

Darrell is our rock star!

[Chris216]

Nice Darrell!
Chris

[Lee]

I had almost missed it.
The article was in one of the emails Rider sends out several times a month.

[runnerhiker]

The picture in the foggy snow is Darrell, Wayne, and I crossing Monarch Pass in Colorado, last September, leaving Gunnison. That's probably Wayne in front of Darrell, I think I was bringing up the rear.

I can't show this picture to my wife, she doesn't like me riding the motorcycle, this would not help her peace of mind.

[Grumpy Goat]

The picture in the foggy snow is Darrell, Wayne, and I crossing Monarch Pass in Colorado, last September, leaving Gunnison. That's probably Wayne in front of Darrell, I think I was bringing up the rear.

Actually I was in the rear (filming you both) and that that was you in front of me (middle) and Darrell was leading. Watch the video and you'll see.

[runnerhiker]

The picture in the foggy snow is Darrell, Wayne, and I crossing Monarch Pass in Colorado, last September, leaving Gunnison. That's probably Wayne in front of Darrell, I think I was bringing up the rear.

Actually I was in the rear (filming you both) and that that was you in front of me (middle) and Darrell was leading. Watch the video and you'll see.

Got it, thanks.

[fr8dogjoe]

Thanks for the great read. Just read the article, and I know what my next tire will be. Bike looks great with many loving miles on it.

[Ray]

Initially skeptical - traction almost always suffers with durability..., but this looks like a big step in technology and engineering - a profile I like, no loss of rear wheel traction like I had with the RS 3s, and I'm not replacing them a 6000 miles.

Photos at 6000 miles following a lot of Butler gold routes rough forest service roads, some dirt, temps to 115 F, and about 500 miles of hot, high-speed interstate....

Center rear, shoulder rear, profile rear. (Measurement in mm)


Center front, shoulder front, profile front.


Rear - lots of tread where it counts. Even the little Dunlop logo refuses to wear off.


Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[darrell]

Appreciate your follow up on the RS IV. Appears you have found they are an improvement over the RS III.

[Lee]

Ray, what is the center-most rear measurement and the center front measurement?

[Ray]

Ray, what is the center-most rear measurement and the center front measurement?

2.6 mm front center (3/32 inch)

3.3 mm rear (4/32 inch)

(Measurement were taken next to central wear indicators.)

Last night, simply curious as to how much I have left (though I recall Darrell reported accelerated wear the last few thousand miles).

(Dates of manufacture for mine - 42/20 front and 20/20 rear.)

From Darrell's data on the RS IV:

Tread depth is measured in 4 spots in each of 3 areas around the tire in the order of 1” from left sidewall, center, and 1” from right sidewall. Depths listed may be slightly more the number listed but less than the whole number above the listed number.

Tire pressures are check and adjusted if necessary every 2 days regardless of miles rode. Pressures are checked in the morning before riding so tires are cold. Pressures are maintained at psi 38 front and 42 rear. Using a calibrated dial gauge for pressure checks.
September 14, 2020
Mileage at 113326 - Prior Lake, MN
6326 miles on tires
Front - 4.5, 3.0, 4.5
Rear - 6.5, 4.0, 6.5 (5.0 depth in tear drop near center of tire)
Road conditions - about 1600 of the 2277 miles were on 2 lane roads in the Rocky Mountains riding at an accelerated pace with many miles on tighter curvy roads. The remaining approximately 677 miles were mostly 2 lane roads across the central plains finishing with 100 miles on 4 lane roads that were very flat with few curves. The roads were mostly well worn asphalt.
Speeds - the majority of miles were run at 50 - 75 mph. 70% were run in the higher range of these speeds.
Temperature/Weather - ranged from 40 to 95 with the 50% of the time in the high 70's and low 80's and the remaining 50% in the 40 - 65 range. I did cross Monarch Pass in Colorado at 11,312 ft with about 12 miles at a temperature of 28 degrees, thick fog, blowing snow and what I assumed was some black ice. Felt comfortable at 35 - 40 mph in these conditions.

Darrell’s comments [at 6000 miles] - I remain totally surprised at the wear characteristics of the front tire. There is very minimal cupping developing with no affect on handling. The front tire has maintained a very round profile which has allowed handling to be as it was when new. The rear tire has started to develop a slightly flatter center profile but not to the point it affects handling in the curves. Probably not unusual considering some the flatter roads I rode at speeds of 70 - 80 across the central US plains.

[Lee]

Ray, what is the center-most rear measurement and the center front measurement?

2.6 mm front center (3/32 inch) - rechecked at 3.0 mm (4/32)

3.3 mm rear (4/32 inch) - rechecked at 3.8 mm (5/32)

(Measurement were taken next to central wear indicators.)

Thanks

[Ray]

Appreciate your follow up on the RS IV. Appears you have found they are an improvement over the RS III.

Right - on the basis of my limited experience, hard to believe these are from the same company.

[Ray]

Thanks

(Re-edited my follow-up post for clarity and context.)

[azqkr]

Just got the RS4's installed for the upcoming trip starting this Sat morning. 6 states in about 3 weeks on the rode after reading that article.

My brother who I'm meeting in Moab, Utah for the trip also installed the RS4's on his 07GT.

[Grumpy Goat]

Just got the RS4's installed for the upcoming trip starting this Sat morning. 6 states in about 3 weeks on the rode after reading that article.

My brother who I'm meeting in Moab, Utah for the trip also installed the RS4's on his 07GT.

Good move. I think that these tires may be the best bang for the buck out there, but if they keep raising the prices then Michelin would be back in contention for me. For now its the RS IVs unless Darrell can say that his Mutants are even better.

[Motorhead1977]

Just saw this thread and it makes me pleased as I just ordered a set of RSIV today in advance of my trip to Abingdon VA next week. I've been using Michelin Road 5s but Dunlop is currently running a $100 rebate if you buy a set and installation from a Dunlop dealer so that sealed the deal for me. Then I see this thread and now I'm very happy with my choice. Thanks Darrell for the article and GG for posting it here. ?

[Grumpy Goat]

You are very welcome. I am sure that you, like a bunch of us on this Forum Community, will find these are great tires and excellent value. I have them in both bikes (to some degree) and have a spare new set I bought at the last National Rally. Even have a couple used ones as well.