Anyone have experience running Dunlop Qualifiers on the track? I just bought a used bike with a new Qualifier on the back, so I put one on the front, but I've never ridden Dunlops so I don't know what to expect. Are they going to grip? Are they going to slip? Will they be totally shagged hauling my fat bod around a track day? Appreciate any input.
I ran a set last season after uusing Pilot Power's previously my impressions were that they: because of their more rounded profile, they were really reluctant to initiate turns, then fell in abruptly. in moderate temps, they stuck like glue. when it was hot, they got really greasy. The Pilot Powers will give a little warning when they're about done, with gentle little slips telling you that it's time to change the tires; not so with the Qualifiers- one minute they're sticking like the pages of a soldier's porno mag, the next, you're saving the front end from tucking, with little or no warning. I didn't like em' & switched to Michelin PR's if you're in Novice or Intermediate, you'll probably be fine.
I ran the set that came on my R6 for 6+ trackdays doing both novice teaching and Advanced sessions. I experienced slip only toward the end and only when i pushed too hard for a street tire. I found them very predictable and comperable in some ways to the Powers. That being said, i still prefer the powers for their longer life and handling. Overall, i thought they were great tires for what they are... essentially a street tire that is trackday capable. I didnt experience any issues with turn in or handling, but I found the profile of the PR-C and slicks works better for me.
I used them while breaking in my R6 at Barber. I found them to have a lot of grip for a street tire. Turn in was a little slow but over all they handled well. After two days they were shot.
Funny you should ask about this tire. My husband just purchased a new bike with these Qualifier tires on it and said we needed to some research on them. You guys are making this easy for me. Your feedback is great! Thanks.
Appreciate everyone's thoughts. I've been riding Michelins for the last 7 years and have not heard much good about Dunlops, so the direct experience was useful. Not sure about Monte's "POP" statement regarding the Dunlops, though - Perfect On Pavement? [GRIN] I'm doing an LED later this month and will consider the tires as the limiting factor whilst I'm learning a new bike. Ride safe!
Re: One word...... +1 on the pop Follow their line in the racing world and you'll find that Monte is telling the truth. About a month ago they had two failures in one race. Dunlop constantly says they don't have a failure issue, but they continue to fail. Tires that DON'T fail are cheap insurance. :wink:
Nevermind the Road Atlanta race that had to be shortened because Dunlop tires wouldn't go the distance.
I can't remember if it was Dave Sadowski or John Kozinski, but during one of the Daytona races some time ago his rear tire exploded, blew through the tail section and launched him over the handle bars down the front straight. I seem to recall the tire being a Michelin which is very odd because its normally the Dunlops that do this. Anyhow, check out past issues of RoadRacingworld for tire comparisons. Dunlop has more tire failures than any other motorcycle brand tire of which I'm aware (in AMA racing). All you have to do is pay attention and remember what's going on. BTW The Dunlop Qualifer is a very good tire for a novice to intermediate track day rider. HOWEVER; it has always been my opinion to use a race compound tire on the track because you will be riding harder than ever before and the added traction, while not always being used by this level rider, may come into necessity becuase of rider error or some kind of emergency. With the added traction available a save is much more likely. Remember also that its the most highly skilled rider that can take full advantage of a less than great tire, suspension, motorcycle, etc...