Feedback on newer Dunlop Roadsmart II rear tires

[ToyQuest]

Anyone running the newer Dunlop Roadsmart II rear tire and have any plus/minus feedback as compared to the original version?

I just put on my last set of Pirelli Angel front + the original version of the Roadsmart rear. A combo that I've been very happy with (understanding the shorter tire life tradeoff for greater performance). I get ~5k miles out of the front and around ~3k out of the rear riding 95%+ double up with the wife. The original Dunlop rear compound wears evenly given the profile of riding that we do in the NC/VA/TN mountains. Definitely not a tire for long flat slab riding.

Looking to order a couple more sets if nothing bad has shown up.

 

[Blind Squirrel]

I have the Roadsmart II tires on front and back. I love these things! I have never ran the Roadsmarts. I went from a set of PR IIs. I used this set of tires on my trip across America this spring.

 

[leedavis]

I'm using a RS2 rear and it's at least as good operationally for bendy roads as the RS1. The RS2 profile looks identical and the feel is much the same which is a good thing. RS1 rears literally always give me 3400 miles until the wear bars are gone. It looks like my verdict for the RS2 will come down to mileage to see if Dunlop accomplished something or just marketing to pique people's curiosity.

 

[wheatonFJR]

I have the Roadsmart II tires on front and back. I love these things! I have never ran the Roadsmarts. I went from a set of PR IIs. I used this set of tires on my trip across America this spring.

What sort of mileage did you get on the RS2s and what have you previously gotten on PR2s?

 

[ToyQuest]

OK, so I ordered up 2 of the new RS2 rears to test out. They'll again be paired with the Angel front (ain't broken, don't fix it). Definitely a price bump from the last batch I bought.

 

[leedavis]

OK, so I ordered up 2 of the new RS2 rears to test out. They'll again be paired with the Angel front (ain't broken, don't fix it). Definitely a price bump from the last batch I bought.

If you want to experiment and get back some of the premium you paid for the RS2 you might try a Conti Motion front. They're inexpensive, run true to end of life and are made from relatively soft compound with excellent grip. It's another performance for longevity tradeoff but the Conti is cheap so you're still ahead. My only mild gripe is occasional howling noise when leaned over at higher speeds as they wear. The Conti rear is also a lot of fun but the FJR wipes it out quick...not recommended unless you want to vent your inner sport touring hooligan.

 

[scubatech]

Anyone running the newer Dunlop Roadsmart II rear tire and have any plus/minus feedback as compared to the original version?

I just put on my last set of Pirelli Angel front + the original version of the Roadsmart rear. A combo that I've been very happy with (understanding the shorter tire life tradeoff for greater performance). I get ~5k miles out of the front and around ~3k out of the rear riding 95%+ double up with the wife. The original Dunlop rear compound wears evenly given the profile of riding that we do in the NC/VA/TN mountains. Definitely not a tire for long flat slab riding.

Looking to order a couple more sets if nothing bad has shown up.

I just took off a rear RSII with 9000 miles on it riding solo. That was the longest wearing tire I have owned so far. I put on PRIII's. The bike handles nice with new tires on both ends. Typically I was getting 6-7000 out of tires. So i'm hoping for 10000 out of the PRIII.

 

[ToyQuest]

So the new RS2 rears arrived yesterday. Wow some big changes that are immediately obivous from the previous RS1 rears.

Dunlog wasn't lying when they said they added tread depth. It is now sporting a 5/16' depth at the center is of the tire. That is a lot of rubber to chew through. I don't have a virgin RS1 lying around but I recall it was only in the 1/4" range. The other big change is that the tread grooves no longer fully crosses the center section of the tire like the previous gen. In effect adding more rubber for slab riding to/from the twisties.

Looking good so far. :clapping: Time for some performance testing...

Thanks Lee on the info for the Conti Motion front. I may try that option once I eat through the new Angel fronts.