KTM has selected the Dunlop Geomax MX33 as original equipment for the majority of models in its 2023 motocross range. Dunlop will supply the Geomax MX33 for all the larger capacity 2023-spec KTM SX bikes, including the KTM 450 SX-F and KTM 250 SX-F.
The latest generation of Dunlop’s RoadSmart is available in 21 sizes and 24 SKUs, a line-up that brings the total range to over 40 sizes that cover 97 per cent of the sport-touring radial tyre segment. Following the trade preview of RoadSmart IV at the end of 2021, Dunlop has released more information on the technologies that go into this tyre.
As the 2022 FIM Moto2 and Moto3 World Championships get underway this weekend, Dunlop respectively begins its 13th and 11th consecutive years as exclusive tyre supplier. In preparation for the packed schedule ahead, Dunlop recently tested new tyres during the official pre-season test held at Portugal’s Algarve circuit on 19-21 February.
On Sunday 20 February, FIM Motocross World Championship (MXGP) will begin its 2022 campaign at the MXGP of Great Britain in Matterley Basin. From there, the championship will host more than a dozen rounds across Europe and return to a global schedule with races in Argentina and Indonesia for the first time since 2019. Dunlop will once again fight for MXGP victories, supporting top teams and independents alike.
In addition to producing Dunlop tyres in certain international markets, Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) has held the global trademark for the Dunlop brand’s use on sporting goods and licenced products since 2017. In a move intended to enhance brand equity amongst golfers and fans of the sport, SRI is adding the Dunlop name to the caps worn by its contracted players. Starting with the Japan Golf Tour in March 2022, Dunlop will appear in place of the Srixon logo currently found on the back of these caps.
Electric vehicle-specific aftermarket Falken tyres will arrive in Europe next year, says Sumitomo Rubber Industries. The tyre maker reported the planned release of the Falken e.Ziex upon announcing the April 2022 launch in China of a replacement market range aimed at electric vehicles, the Dunlop e.Sport Maxx.
KTM has awarded Goodyear EMEA, owner of the Dunlop brand across the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, a Grade A supplier rating in its latest evaluation audit. The Austrian performance motorcycle manufacturer will present its Supplier Quality Excellence Award in recognition of the tyre company’s work across product design and development, manufacturing, supply chain, administration and sales functions.
The organisers of the Campionato Italiano Velocità (CIV) have selected Dunlop as the exclusive tyre supplier for the championship’s flagship Superbike category, in a deal spanning the 2022 and 2023 seasons. The arrangement was announced during a pre-season presentation at the MotorBikeExpo and makes Dunlop sole tyre supplier for three of CIV’s five categories, as the brand is already the tyre partner to the Italian platform’s Moto3 and Pre-Moto3 classes.
Dunlop has launched Qualifier Core, the latest member in its hypersport tyre family and successor to the Qualifier II. It says this new tyre delivers “superb but affordable performance” for riders of a wide range of entry-level and mid-range sports bikes. The range arrived in January in three popular sizes: 120/70ZR17 (front), 160/60ZR17 (rear) and 180/55ZR17 (rear). Dunlop will release a further front size (120/60ZR17) and three new rear sizes (190/50ZR17, 190/55ZR17 and 200/50ZR17) in the final quarter of 2022.
The Superstock class of the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) is set to become a Dunlop-shod contest thanks a broadening of the partnership that began in 2016. In addition to extending its agreement and EWC Official Partner status with championship promoter Discovery Sports Events for a further three years, a three-way deal between Dunlop Motorcycle Tyres, the promotor and the International Motorcycling Federation also confirms Dunlop as the exclusive tyre supplier to the popular Superstock class for near-standard superbikes.
Dunlop is introducing a new generation of its RoadSmart line-up next year and promises that this, the RoadSmart IV, will be the brand’s “most versatile sport-touring tyre yet.” It will offer the tyre in a 21-size and 24 SKU range that brings Dunlop’s total portfolio of RoadSmart sport-touring tyres to over 40 sizes, covering more than 700 models and 97 per cent of the sport-touring radial tyre segment.
The fifth consecutive FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship (WMX) title was won on Dunlop tyres on Saturday, 23 October. New Zealander Courtney Duncan was crowned champion for the third time in as many years. Eddy Seel, event leader MXGP, Dunlop, said he is “proud of Dunlop’s track record in this increasingly competitive championship.”
Dunlop is a winner twice over in the latest winter tyres tests conducted by German motoring association ADAC, taking first place in both the 195/65 R15 T and 225/50 R17 V categories. The Dunlop tyres were two of five products that ADAC rated as ‘good’, as were two tyres from sister brand Goodyear.
Toyota has a new flagship SUV that it will sell in 170 countries and regions around the world – but not in the UK or Western Europe. This 13th generation of the Toyota Landcruiser is called the Landcruiser 300, and the Japanese manufacturer considers it a “complete redesign” of the 2007-launched 200 series. Sumitomo Rubber Group continues as a key supplier and will provide the Landcruiser 300 with two Dunlop tyre models.
