Hey guys! Today, let's dive deep into the Dunlop SportSmart TT tires, a set of rubber designed for serious performance, both on the road and, more importantly, on the track. If you're a rider who loves carving corners and pushing your bike to the limit, you've probably heard whispers about these tires. But are they worth the hype? Let's break it down and see what makes the SportSmart TT tick.

What is Dunlop SportSmart TT?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s understand what exactly the Dunlop SportSmart TT tires are all about. These tires are positioned as a premium sport tire, bridging the gap between pure track-day tires and high-performance road tires. Dunlop aimed to create a tire that offers excellent grip and handling for track use while still providing reasonable longevity and wet-weather performance for street riding. This is a tough balancing act, but Dunlop has a reputation for producing quality rubber, so expectations are high.

The SportSmart TT is designed for riders who demand the best possible performance from their machines. We are talking about superbikes, sportbikes, and even some high-performance nakeds. These tires are not your average touring tire; they’re built for speed, precision, and maximum lean angles. Dunlop uses a combination of advanced technologies and materials in the SportSmart TT to achieve this performance, including their NTEC RT technology, which allows riders to adjust rear tire pressure for optimal track performance. More on that later!

Key Features and Technologies

The Dunlop SportSmart TT isn't just a name; it's packed with features and technologies designed to enhance your riding experience. Let's explore some of the most important ones:

• NTEC RT Technology: This is arguably the headline feature. NTEC RT (Road and Track) technology allows riders to lower the rear tire pressure for track days, increasing the contact patch and maximizing grip. This is a huge advantage for serious track riders, as it allows for a significant boost in performance when it matters most. Imagine being able to fine-tune your tire pressure for the exact conditions of the track – that's the power of NTEC RT. Lowering the pressure increases the tire's footprint, providing more rubber on the road and, therefore, more grip. However, it's crucial to note that this feature is intended for track use only, and you should always revert to the recommended road pressure for street riding.
• MultiTread Technology: Dunlop's MultiTread technology uses different rubber compounds in different areas of the tire. The center tread features a more durable compound for longer life, while the shoulder areas use a stickier compound for enhanced grip during cornering. This clever design provides the best of both worlds: longevity and performance. You get the mileage you need for everyday riding, plus the extra grip for when you're really leaning into those turns. This is a common feature in many performance tires, but Dunlop's implementation is particularly well-regarded.
• Intuitive Response Profile (IRP): IRP is Dunlop's proprietary design philosophy that aims to provide predictable and linear handling. The tire profile is carefully designed to ensure smooth transitions from upright to full lean, giving the rider confidence and control. This is especially important for track riding, where split-second decisions and precise inputs are critical. A tire with a good IRP will feel natural and intuitive, allowing you to focus on your lines and braking points rather than fighting the bike.
• Jointless Belt (JLB) Construction: Both the front and rear tires feature Dunlop's Jointless Belt construction, which uses a continuous belt of aramid or nylon to provide exceptional stability and reduce tire distortion at high speeds. This technology is crucial for maintaining consistent performance, especially on demanding tracks with long straights and high-speed corners. The JLB construction helps the tire keep its shape under extreme stress, ensuring maximum contact with the road surface.
• New Rayon Ply Carcass: The SportSmart TT utilizes a new rayon ply carcass, which is lighter and more rigid than traditional materials. This contributes to improved handling, feedback, and overall performance. A lighter carcass reduces unsprung weight, which improves suspension response and makes the bike feel more agile. The increased rigidity also helps the tire maintain its shape under load, providing a more consistent feel.

On-Track Performance

Okay, let’s get to the juicy part – how do these tires perform on the track? In short, the Dunlop SportSmart TT tires are exceptional track performers. The combination of NTEC RT technology, MultiTread compound, and the overall design results in a tire that inspires confidence and allows you to push your limits.

One of the most noticeable aspects of the SportSmart TT on the track is the grip. These tires offer immense levels of grip, both in the dry and, surprisingly, in damp conditions. The stickier shoulder compound really shines when you're leaned over, providing a secure and planted feel. You can feel the tire digging into the asphalt, giving you the confidence to carry more speed through the corners. This level of grip is crucial for shaving off those precious seconds on your lap times.

The handling is also superb. The Intuitive Response Profile (IRP) works wonders, providing predictable and linear steering. The tires transition smoothly from upright to full lean, with no sudden or unexpected behavior. This makes it easier to dial in your lines and maintain consistent corner speeds. You feel connected to the bike and the road, allowing you to make precise adjustments and corrections as needed. The stability provided by the Jointless Belt (JLB) construction is also noticeable, especially at high speeds. The bike feels planted and composed, even when you're pushing it to the limit.

The NTEC RT technology is a game-changer for track days. Being able to lower the rear tire pressure provides a significant increase in grip and feedback. It's like unlocking another level of performance. However, it's crucial to experiment with different pressures to find the optimal setting for your bike, riding style, and track conditions. And, again, remember to revert to the recommended road pressure when you're back on the street.

Road Performance

While the SportSmart TT is primarily designed for track use, it's also important to consider its performance on the road. After all, most riders will spend the majority of their time on the street, even if they occasionally hit the track. So, how do these tires fare in everyday riding conditions?

The good news is that the SportSmart TT is surprisingly competent on the road. The MultiTread technology helps to provide decent mileage, which is a common concern with track-focused tires. The more durable center compound resists wear during straight-line riding, while the stickier shoulder compound is still available for spirited cornering on your favorite twisty roads. You won't get the same mileage as a dedicated sport-touring tire, but you can expect a reasonable lifespan, especially if you're not constantly riding at the limit.

Wet-weather performance is another area where the SportSmart TT exceeds expectations. While these tires are not designed specifically for wet conditions, they offer surprisingly good grip in the rain. The tread pattern effectively channels water away from the contact patch, and the silica-rich compound provides decent traction even on slick surfaces. However, it's important to remember that these are still performance tires, and you should always adjust your riding style to the conditions. Don't expect them to perform like a dedicated rain tire, but they're certainly capable enough for occasional wet-weather riding.

The ride comfort is typical of a sport tire – firm but not overly harsh. You'll feel the road, but the tires do a good job of absorbing minor bumps and imperfections. The handling remains predictable and stable on the road, just as it does on the track. You'll enjoy the precise steering and the confidence-inspiring grip, even when you're not pushing the limits. However, be aware that the SportSmart TT can be a bit noisy on certain road surfaces, which is a common characteristic of high-performance tires.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, let's take a look at the pros and cons of the Dunlop SportSmart TT tires:

Pros:

• Exceptional grip on track: These tires offer immense levels of grip, allowing you to push your bike to the limit.
• Predictable handling: The IRP provides smooth and linear steering, inspiring confidence in corners.
• NTEC RT technology: The ability to lower rear tire pressure for track use is a game-changer.
• Decent road performance: The MultiTread technology provides reasonable mileage and wet-weather grip.
• High-speed stability: The JLB construction ensures consistent performance at high speeds.

Cons:

• Shorter lifespan: Compared to sport-touring tires, the SportSmart TT will wear out faster.
• Road noise: These tires can be a bit noisy on certain road surfaces.
• Not ideal for dedicated wet riding: While competent in the wet, they're not a replacement for rain tires.
• Price: Premium performance comes at a premium price.

Who are these tires for?

The Dunlop SportSmart TT tires are ideal for riders who:

• Frequently participate in track days or race events.
• Demand the highest levels of grip and handling from their tires.
• Ride high-performance sportbikes or superbikes.
• Are willing to sacrifice some mileage for track performance.
• Want a tire that's competent on both the track and the road.

These tires are not the best choice for riders who:

• Primarily use their bikes for commuting or touring.
• Prioritize long tire life and low noise levels.
• Ride frequently in wet conditions.
• Are on a tight budget.

Alternatives to Consider

If the Dunlop SportSmart TT isn't quite the right fit for you, there are several other excellent performance tires to consider:

• Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II: A popular choice for track days and spirited road riding, offering excellent grip and handling.
• Michelin Power GP: Another top contender in the performance tire category, known for its track-focused performance and quick warm-up times.
• Bridgestone Battlax S22: A versatile tire that performs well on both the track and the road, offering a good balance of grip, handling, and mileage.
• Continental SportAttack 4: A relatively new tire that has quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional grip and feedback.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word on the Dunlop SportSmart TT tires? They're fantastic performance tires that excel on the track while still being surprisingly capable on the road. If you're a rider who demands the best possible grip and handling, and you frequently hit the track, these tires are definitely worth considering. The NTEC RT technology is a real game-changer for track days, and the overall performance is top-notch. Just be prepared to sacrifice some mileage and deal with a bit of road noise. But for the thrill of carving corners and pushing your bike to the limit, the Dunlop SportSmart TT is a worthy investment. Ride safe, guys! And remember to always check your tire pressures!