| Author | Message | ||
     Tommy_2stroke |
Dunlop is introducing a new top-of-the-line street tire to go up against the Diablo/Sportec series. Looks like it would be perfect for Buells. Sean Alexander over at motorcycle.com reviewed them (as part of a superbike shoot-out article, subscription required) and said: A race tire for the street, was Dunlop's claim, but I suspect their actual target was Pirelli's Diablo Corsa. After spending some time on the new Qualifiers, I have no reservations about saying they hit the bulls eye. The grip and durability might be similar to the latest Pirellis and Michelins, but with the front tire retaining Dunlop's traditional triangulated profile, I think the Qualifiers have a nicer turn-in and better mid-corner feel. Gone is the mushy carcass of the D207 street tires. Gone is the inferior grip of the D207/208 family. What we have here; is the best street and trackday tire you can buy, and that's high-praise indeed, when you consider my well-known love for the Pirelli Diablo / Metzeler Sportec line. If I were buying a set of sportbike tires today, they'd have "Qualifier" written on the sidewall. There's also a pdf over on Dunlop's website comparing the 208s to the new tire. http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/default.htm | ||
| Buell666 |
uh oh. after all the bad things i have said about dunlops, they just might have caught on.  those just might be my next set of tires. if they work out well, then i will eat my words. | ||
| M1combat |
Looks good to me  . I may wait to see what Metzeler comes up with next though. | ||
| Mikej |
I wonder how a new Qualifier on the front will mix with a newish D208ZR on the rear. I'll probably be due for a new front on the S2 this next summer. Wonder what the pricing will be like, and if there will be closeout 208ZR pricing on unsold inventories. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
The current issue of Sport rider also reviewed the Qualifier. They liked the handling, but felt the tire might wear more rapidly than others . The next highest rated tire was the Michelin Pilot Powers, which just happens to be the tire I use  | ||
| Tommy_2stroke |
Michelin? Ain't they FRENCH? You hear about the new French tank? 6-speed gearbox... all reverse. You hear about the new French flag? Its white-on-white. (sorry... just couldn't resist... heh) | ||
| Gearheart |
To throw in on the it must be good if those guys like it commenting on new tires. The guys are motorcycle online really dug the qualifiers and thought that they wore well when they did track and street on the same set of em and didn't see any sort of serious wear. Mostly though what it will really come down to is seeing how the more adventurous members of badweb fare on them and making a decision based on their experiences. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
You're right Gear, the MO guys didn't notice any wear. That is why I mentioned the Sport Rider review. Always good to get several different points of view, I believe. Anyway, the Sport Rider article covers about a half a dozen manufacturers, and a variety of different tires of each one. A very good read, I recommend all brothers take a look at it. just my .02¢ | ||
| Blackbelt |
if they are decent prices i may get a pair to try em out.. My set on my X1 are shot and i have to get some before next season. so just call me Ginnea pig... lol | ||
| 12r |
It'll be interesting to see how they shape up. I never had any outright grip issues with my ole 207s but I've always found that Dunlops tend to warm up erratically and slide rather unpredictably compared to Mich/Pirelli. I know people who've tried the 208RR and they're the same (but to a lesser degree) so maybe it's a Dunlop thing. | ||
| Daves |
Blackbelt, Your bike is going to be sold so you can get a new 12R, remember? | ||
| Midknyte |
Nah, what will be interesting is if these tires end up on the XB's from the factory... | ||
| Jkhawaii |
I bet Buell buys tires in bulk so they probly have to use up there D208s first | ||
| Kaudette |
So they dump crap rubber on us for the past 3 years and finally come out with a competitive product. Good for them. I'll stick with my Pirelli's thank you very much - had enough of poor handling, slipper 207's to go back there again. If Buell had shipped the XB's with decent rubber I can GUARANTEE that he would have a close rate on the test ride purchases MUCH better than what they were. Simply night & day compared to the stock rubber. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Excellent point Ken. Inexpensive tires aren't such a good idea if the motorcycle doesn't sell. And US sales are down a very large percentage. Good thing foreign sales are up so much. | ||
| Blackbelt |
yes Dave, But my tires need replacing before i sell it, and ok you win... someone else test em.. lol |
