Dunlop Mutants 1000 mile Report

As promised, an update on the Dunlop Mutants that were fitted to the Svartpilen 2 or 3 months back.
I think that you'll be able to tell from the video that I quite like them ;)
Rob
Music by: LESFM, Chill Escape
Stavro's Svartpilen video: • ep01: SCRAMBLERS / SVA...
Find Chill more, Chill Escape here: lesfm.net/trac...

[@garylinnert1574]

This was very helpful to see the radiator POV on the wet asphalt footage. Rooster tails are the best revenge. Best sequence of dry gravel and someone else eating dust for a change. Best audio "They seem to go everywhere the Scorpians do" Tall wet grass, very impressive !! Will be installing a set in Jan '23 ... Thanks very much for posting this review.

[@CampbellZeroOne]

I tried to be thorough Garry. Don't get much opportunity to go off-road up here, but I needed a better performing road tire which would also still let me use the odd farm track if I got the chance. Other than the Scorpions there's not a huge choice due to sizing. The Mutants are definitely better road tires. Maybe not as good off-road, but good enough for what I do. Best thing is that they keep the tracker look. Thanks for watching. Appreciate it 👍🏻

[@garylinnert1574]

@@CampbellZeroOne My sentiments are the same as yours - want a great road tire to putter around on the back roads. In my area, the roads aren't much better in town. Nothing wrong with the Pirelli's, they're just more than I need 90% of the time. IMHO, Dunlop should send some coin to you - your footage of the tires under use in real world conditions would be a valuable sales tool for them. Here near SF, rain tires aren't top of mind except a few weeks of the year. What you reported about performance/mileage/versatility sealed the deal for my purchase decision. Cheers from NorCal 😊

[@CampbellZeroOne]

@@garylinnert1574 Thanks for the positive feedback. Not something that you get much of on social media these days 😂 People are very quick to tell you what you got wrong, but hardly ever commend you for the free 5-10 minutes of content. I'm not looking to turn the channel into anything other than a hobby. But if manufacturers want to give me products to try without the guarantee of a positive review I'm happy to oblige! The Svartpilen must be pretty much perfect as transport for the streets of San Francisco? Lots of fun. You'll also get to ride all year round I bet? I wish I could, but it's just not very enjoyable for about four months of the year.

[@rzracer69]

Added these to my DRZ400SM and love them too. 👍🏻 Great video.

[@CampbellZeroOne]

@@rzracer69 Thanks. Yeah, they are great do it all tyres for sure 👍🏻

[@jamescornflake1542]

Just ordered these. Thank you.

[@CampbellZeroOne]

Hope that you get on with them James. Still enjoying mine 👍🏻

[@alexnicol7104]

Great overview, looks like I'll be swapping my 401's Pirelli's for a set of these this summer. Cheers from Canada

[@CampbellZeroOne]

Thanks Alex. Have fun!

[@flatlandriver2471]

Thanks for this. Svart has the same tire size as the new Triumph Speed 400 which I recently put a deposit on. Won’t arrive here in Canada until “spring”🙈 But I’m already looking for gravel road rubber for it. Not much available in traditional dual sport tires. There are no youtube videos that illustrate the type of gravel we have here on the prairies. The gravel is applied in the spring to a depth of anywhere from a half inch to 2 inches. Then heavy traffic creates a type of three track hardpack. Then it rains and the hardtracks become mud. Then the road is graded and the gravel is slightly less thick. This cycle continues until freezeup when the gravel will be mostly graded to one shoulder of the road where it’s stored until next spring. It’s horrible. Can only take the bit in your teeth, hold the grips loosely and let the squirming happen.

[@CampbellZeroOne]

That sounds like fun mate 😂 We don't get much opportunity to ride on stuff like that here in Scotland. Kind of have to 'take a wrong turn' to get onto tracks. We are allowed to walk, push bike, horse ride most places. But forget about motorcycling unless you get prior permission. Great tyre for the wet and for maybe some types of gravel. Not so good for miles of slick mud though. Is your gravel a fine shale? Looking at the Triumph Scrambler 400 X myself. Quite similar in specs but a bit more roomy. Hopefully will get a test ride in spring.

[@flatlandriver2471]

@@CampbellZeroOne The Prairies exist on the surface of the Western Canadian Sedimentary basin which is mostly overlain with various sized aggregate melted out of the last glaciation. So the glaciers and water have rounded off the edges. Rarely is it shale, mostly marbles. I ride 90% pavement but it’s the last 10% that’s usually the issue. I might swap the deposit for the X too, but I’m old and my leg doesn’t like swinging over much seat height anymore. Speed 400 is enough lower in the specs that I think I’d like it better. Old rodeo injuries.

[@CampbellZeroOne]

@@flatlandriver2471 The Speed or X will definitely give you a bit more legroom than the Svartpilen. I've managed plenty of big mile days on it. But it's a bit petite compared to them. That's the only reason that I'm looking to swap. It's surprisingly tall though. Tall and narrow, but short. I've been to the prairies. Way back in the late 1980's. On exercise with the military. Near a big town called Medicine Hat. I remember there being posters for rodeos. Are you in that neck of the woods?

[@flatlandriver2471]

@@CampbellZeroOne I’m about an hour west of Winnipeg, Manitoba right on the TransCanada highway. Family farm is pretty well on the Manitoba/Saskatchewan border. Brother still lives there. That’s where the gravel is. Medicine Hat is a very scenic place. Couple of years ago, pre-covid, they made a commitment to find solutions for all their homeless population. Achieved the goal, made national headlines. Unintended consequences from best intentions and a couple of years of covid and now they have a real problem.

[@CampbellZeroOne]

@@flatlandriver2471 Okay. So I only over shot you by over a thousand miles or so 😂 That's a real shame about Medicine Hat. It was a nice town. Also had ten days in Montreal back in 2012. Another lovely place. Everyone that we spoke to kept telling us to visit Quebec City. So we'll have to give that a go at some point. Canada's size blows my mind. It's so vast compared to Scotland. And then there's the whole French thing on one side and Midwest farming (almost American to us) part in the middle. I love it. Follow quite a few KZbin outdoors channels based in Canada.

[@sv7017]

I have to say, finally a tyre from Dunlop that succeeds. Have them on the Svart701 and will buy them again.

[@CampbellZeroOne]

I hadn't really thought about it @sv7017. But you're right. These are the first Dunlops that I've bought in a very long time. Usually I opt for Pirelli or Michelin. As you know, these have the right look, grip and longevity.

[@CampbellZeroOne]

Gotta say - I've never even tried the 701, but if I was ever looking to upgrade from the 401 that's where I'd be headed. Great looking bike with a little more pep and legroom.

[@sv7017]

@@CampbellZeroOne I once tried the 401. It has almost the same sitting height and ergonomics. I just love the power/weight ratio of the 701. Will never by a bike over 200kg again. Greets from Bavaria.

[@CampbellZeroOne]

@@sv7017 Bavaria. You have the perfect sized bike for those roads. Lovely place.

[@sv7017]

@@CampbellZeroOne Scotland is not to be scoffed at either :)

[@danytheunicorn95]

My brother in christ. I own the svart, and the pirellis last me between 12000 km and 13000km rear and 22000+ the front, I often carry pillion and do aggressive on and offroad riding. The only explanation I can find are the roads in Scotland are more abrasive. And I know they are not perfect tires, especially at extreme lean angles on the road (dry), but they are hard to beat. I just bought a dunlup arrowmax rear 140 70 17 because I got a dirtbike and I use the scart to commute mostly now. I'll let you know

[@CampbellZeroOne]

@@danytheunicorn95 I can only dream of mileage like that 😯 They seem to square off real quick around here, and they've done the very same thing on my Desert Sled at a similar distance. We do tend to have quite abrasive road surfaces which are mainly granite based. That could be what's behind the fast wear.

[@nipso4367]

Well impressed with the wee 401 and the tyres and your skills are deserving of a stripe on the shoulder of your adventure jacket . More ground clearance will equal more fun 😉

[@CampbellZeroOne]

Suspension will get a look at... Eventually 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@josha4913]

Do you think the Mutants outperformed the scorpions in any condition/riding style? Why did you decide to change them in the first place.

[@CampbellZeroOne]

Hi Josh. On the road and in the wet the Mutans are definitely better. Lots of grip in the dry when you're pushing on and they clear away rain water no problem. Off-road the Scorpions would be the wiser choice. They are better in mud and heavy sand. I'm not from an MX/ADV background. I've only ever ridden on the road. So from the very first time that I swung a leg over the Svartpilen (there's a 'New Bike' vid in my Project 401 playlist) I've not really liked the sensation they gave on tarmac. I found the front end feel was a little vague, slow to turn in and a bit viby. I bought the bike used and so the tyres were around half way done and probably not at their best. By the time it was time to replace the Scorpions I'd gotten pretty used to them. But still thought I'd like to try to find something with more road bias which kept the right look for the Svartpilen's styling. As I said in the video, I ride on normal back roads for 95% of the time as we're not allowed to green lane or off-road in Scotland. Occasionally we can get permission to use an estate road or use an old track, but that doesn't happen often and it's mostly beginner level stuff. Not true adventure riding. The Mutants are 'good enough' to still allow me to do that when the opportunity arises. Hope that helps?

[@josha4913]

@@CampbellZeroOne thanks for the thorough response 👌

[@yzwiazwiezekotekodkopaprez5428]

@@CampbellZeroOne Thank you for that comment, it helps a lot. I am about done with Scorption STRs which I bought new for my Yamaha WR250X when I bought it with tires to be replaced. I have since done 25 000 kms on them and they are about done, gravel, single track, commuting all year round, trackdays. They were pretty good and lasted a long time. I will try the Mutants now.

[@CampbellZeroOne]

@@yzwiazwiezekotekodkopaprez5428 That's a LOT of mileage out of a set of tyres. I don't know of the Mutants will last nearly that long, but let me know how you get on with them 👍🏻

[@yzwiazwiezekotekodkopaprez5428]

@@CampbellZeroOne I am surprised as well but being a low powered light bike it might be a factor. I hope to remember to report when I do the change over and some riding

[@CodgerBiker]

Perfect match for the bike. Lighter bikes can embarrass any heavy Adv. Top footage 👍

[@CampbellZeroOne]

Footage was all legally obtained... Honest guv!

[@cnrom]

I'm considering these for my Duke 390, i don't do off road but a lot of commuting and playing in the, not very grippy, roads around here. I'm willing to give up some grip for longevity, but i'm worrying about their feedback and handling.

[@CampbellZeroOne]

Honestly, these handle just fine. Been out in them in all weathers and leaned on them hard. They've never let go. Yeah, maybe not as sticky as a full on sports tire, but a sports tire isn't going to be any use in the rain or last as long.

[@CampbellZeroOne]

Saying that, have you looked at the Michelin Road 5 or 6? Same Idea. I've been running those on my 790 Duke. Just didn't have the right look for my Svartpilen. Would suit the 390 though.

[@cnrom]

@@CampbellZeroOne I did but for some reason i can't find them where i live Thanks mate, you've been most helpfull I think i'll go for the Mutants

[@CampbellZeroOne]

@@cnrom You're welcome. Have fun!

[@Bl0ckHe1d]

Need these for my Tiger 900 RP; where in Scotland were you guys off-road, trying to find somewhere near Glasgow

[@CampbellZeroOne]

Mainly we sneak around farm tracks and estate roads in the North East of Scotland mate. Aberdeen-shire Moray-shire. It's getting more and more difficult to find somewhere to do it without someone shaking their heads in disapproval. Even if you are taking your time and being courteous.

[@Bl0ckHe1d]

@@CampbellZeroOne thanks; I think there’s a trail near Strathaven and will keep my eyes peeled for a farm track somewhere 😉

[@CampbellZeroOne]

@@Bl0ckHe1d My mate spends hours scouring Google Maps for farm tracks that connect to main roads without gates. There's more than you think. Just don't visit them more than once a year and behave yourself and nobody needs to get hurt 😂

[@seanachie69]

Hey mate, great vid, love the Svartpilen and am looking hard at the Mutants as my next tyres. Curious about your bike, was that a rack where the pillion seat usually is? Lack of luggage options is holding me back from getting the 401. Cheers!

[@CampbellZeroOne]

Hi Sean. Yeah, the rack lines up with the pillion seat. There's still room for you to sit with camping gear behind you. Here's the link to how I made the rack fit and where I bought it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqbPh4Gnp9hjfbssi=6yiPh8uBV5U9WLUt If you are talking about the seat rack, it was only made to fit 1st gen (older Svartpilen) But if I'm being honest it's not any more practical for tying down luggage than the normal seat is. It just looks more cool 😎 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aX6oeWevidNsoK8si=xAj9wEeZ4fmW9WLr If that's not substantial enough there's stuff like this available nowadays: hyperrider.in/product/husqvarna-top-rack-type-1/ Hope that helps Sean 👍🏻

[@seanachie69]

@@CampbellZeroOne Fan-bloody-tastic, I've been searching high and low for a proper rack system like that Hyperrider one! Thanks so much 😁

[@CampbellZeroOne]

@@seanachie69 Glad to have helped 😉👍🏻

[@jpa208]

Which scorptions are you comparing with the rally or the ralley str?

[@CampbellZeroOne]

@@jpa208 STR

[@DukeOfTwist]

DUDE - What Street Tracker she's more Dual Sport than my KLX230 was lol

[@CampbellZeroOne]

Husqvarna originally aimed it at the hipster city riding market. But it turned out that it's way more versatile than that. Only thing that's really holding it back from being a fun little dual sport is the road biased suspension. Might do something about that at some point in the future. I really don't want to risk ruining the handling through the twisties though.

[@DukeOfTwist]

@@CampbellZeroOne Maybe look at the Suspension used on the 390 Adventure might give you some clues.

[@CampbellZeroOne]

@@DukeOfTwist The guy (Stavro) that I mentioned has put thicker oil in his front forks, which he says helped a lot. Hasn't done anything with the back end. I could do that and buy a better rear spring that suits my weight and the extra gear I tend to carry.

[@BodybuildingSteve]

my friend has the dunlop roadsmarts and said they are amazing on his sx, not sure to go for these or the roadsmarts, I have a vfr so maybe a pure road tire would be better

[@CampbellZeroOne]

Hi Steve. Not sure how much difference in performance there would be between them. I only went with this tread pattern because it was more in keeping with the styling of the Svartpilen. Although 97% of the time it is ridden on tarmac I still wanted it to look like a tracker style bike. They are seen as a road tyre. Not mentioned anywhere that I should be using them for trails 😂 Don't know if you've seen this video before. But worth a watch if your riding in the wet a fair bit: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4nYYn2Cbd9lr68si=HhXK0NDLV69Ej3Zk Also, I run Michelin Roads on my KTM. They are plenty sporty enough and fantastic at clearing rain as well as lasting a lot longer than a full on performance sports tyre.

[@prometeo0136]

Una amiga montó los Dunlop Mutant en una cbr 650 por q la usa a diario por zonas de asfalto frío y lluvia en invierno y hasta 35 grados en verano y dice q en asfalto seco agarran genial y buen grip,pero que con asfalto mojado y frío son los mejores q ha probado jamás,se calientan rápido y disipan muy bien el agua. Para uso diario son lo mejor

[@JCF69700--]

J'ai une paire de Mutant sur ma Triumph Trophy 3 depuis juillet 2023, ils sont parfaits.

[@RubricoA.]

how would this tire would compare to Pirelli Scorpion Trail? Because the Mutant is not available in our country

[@CampbellZeroOne]

Hi there @RubricoA I've no idea mate. Never ridden on that tire. I take it that like me you are just looking at something more road biased than the standard tire? Something that'll handle better and still move rain water? If so, it looks like an okay compromise. You could always do a long-term review while you put it through its paces.

[@RubricoA.]

@@CampbellZeroOne Mostly that can handle rain due to the unpredictable weather. My city is closely situated in the Typhoon belt so I expect rain from time to time. Thanks for your input.

[@CampbellZeroOne]

@@RubricoA. In that case, I'd say you've nothing to lose. Give them a go!

[@twanvanbalkom9230]

just finished my 3rd set of Mutants on my Duc Multi 950s, get around 2,700mls/ 4300km out of them. Great tyre, if you like and enjoy them, why switch. Stock Pirelli Scorpions where rubbish, no feedback and really sheit in the rain. Replaced them after 7500km, still had 2000km in them, but really disliked them. I strictly ride holidays/mountain roads.

[@CampbellZeroOne]

@@twanvanbalkom9230 Thanks for the feedback. Yeah, I'm at just over 3k now and they are slightly squared off, but good for a few more miles yet. When the time comes I'll be putting a fresh set of Mutants on for sure. I love the feedback and they've been great in the rain. Well worth the deficit in mileage over the Scorpions.

[@ScottD1]

Great video! question..are these any wider than the stock pirelli's?

[@CampbellZeroOne]

Hi Scott. Same sizing: 150/60-17 but likely a sportier/steeper shoulder profile. Hard for me to say as the Scorpions were well used when I bought the bike.

[@Ben-nj3lv]

Really cool video and just what I was looking for. I’m currently riding TKC 70 Rocks on my Duke 390 scrambler conversion and love them for the gravely twisty farm roads and trails I generally ride on but craving a bit more pep than the smaller cylinder puts out so planning to upgrade to a Svartpilen 701 if I can find one or probably a 690 SMT soon. Was planning on carrying on with the TKC Rocks but after watching your review I’m thinking the Mutants may be a better option, I’m guessing they’re better on the road but not as stable on the gravel/looser stuff, have you tried the TKC’s at all? Cheers from Toulouse. Ben.

[@CampbellZeroOne]

Thanks Ben. No, I'd never even heard of the TKC Rocks until you mentioned them. I had to go have a look. I'm guessing from the tread pattern that they would be much better off road than the Mutants. The Dunlops are great road tyres and allow me to have a sneaky run down the occasional farm track, but that's not really what they are for. Keeps the tracker look though. If I was to sell my 790 Duke and little 401 I was looking at filling the gap with a 701 Svartpilen too. Or maybe a Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled. Both similar power and still great fun on the back roads. Let me know if you manage to get yourself onto the 701 👍🏻

[@etc-and-more]

@@CampbellZeroOne I was looking at the Desert Sled too but it weighs an extra 100 lbs! Maybe the 690 smcr?

[@CampbellZeroOne]

Quite a few of those around here, and I like to be different 😉😂 Only thing putting me off the Scrambler is the price. They cost a fair bit more than a Svartpilen. And I think I'd miss the single cylinder.

[@Ben-nj3lv]

yeah, that scrambler looks great but it's got quite a long distance between wheels so although very stable it's apparently not that nimble and at my level nimble is a must! I'm more interested in their 660 Hypermotard rumoured for release next year-now that could be the unicorn with some Mutants or Rocks thrown on. The Rocks are fantastic hybrid on and off road but when i get a supermoto i plan on learning to get slideways so the mutants may well be just the ticket! @@CampbellZeroOne

[@Ben-nj3lv]

I also enjoy being a black sheep which is why that unique Svartpilen look appeals to me too but I'm afraid of dropping it on that beautiful gas tank opposed to supermoto plastic which is a non issue. Can't believe they didn't sell! @@CampbellZeroOne

[@markpoole5390]

Nice video mate, one quick question on the tyres what are they like in the damp slippery road, like after it has not been raining for a while then you get some light rain

[@CampbellZeroOne]

Hi Mark. They're as good as any other tyre that I've used. Even the Michelin Road 5 that I have on my 790 Duke. They seem to have a really big operating window. I rode into work this week and it was -2 degrees centigrade and the roads were slimy and damp and I had no issues at all riding at 60mph along twisty B roads. The only time that I backed off a bit was negotiating a couple of big roundabouts. That was because I was worried about diesel and knew that the gritters had been out.

[@antoniogambale8176]

Hi dude, were online in the uk can you order these tyres?

[@CampbellZeroOne]

Pretty much anywhere Antonio. Any tyre supplier will be able to source them for you if you ask. Try here for starters: www.mytyres.co.uk/rshop/tyre/Dunlop/Mutant/150-60-ZR17-TL--66W--Rear-wheel--M-S-marking--M-C/R-439039 Here are your sizes: Front 110/70 17 Rear 150/60 17

[@sn00pgreen]

I'm so tempted to stick them on my duke 890r

[@CampbellZeroOne]

What have you on there at the moment? These are similar in nature to the Michelin Road series of tyres rather than a full on sports tyre. Plenty good enough for riding in mixed conditions or on a fast touring holiday. But I'd not buy them over a full on sports tyre if you mainly plan to ride on track days etc

[@roadwarrior8560]

Hi what mileage did you get? thanks.

[@CampbellZeroOne]

Hi there @roadwarrior8560 In the end the rear was replaced at 3,500 miles/5,600km. It still had a little life left in it at that point and was mainly squared off. But I decided to put on a fresh Mutant as I'm going to be selling the bike. If you want to see what they were like at just over 3,000 miles watch this video from 2m 30secs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3-XkoGpiZecras I think I probably did another 300 miles or so on them after that before putting the bike away for winter.

[@gavinswanson2101]

Did you ever test ride the 701?

[@CampbellZeroOne]

No Gav. Never had the opportunity. I've never seen one in a showroom. It'd be a great 2nd bike for sure. Cost a bit more than my little 401 though. You tried one?

[@gavinswanson2101]

@@CampbellZeroOne no, I haven't tried the 701 husky, had a test ride on a 690 duke r a few years back, it was pretty good. Don't see many of them for sale here either, lots of 401's though, more vitpilen than svartpilens though

[@CampbellZeroOne]

@@gavinswanson2101 Vitpilen would be great for the twisties, but that's about it. The good thing about the Svart is that you can ride it all day. It feels like you are nipping on just because of the work involved in keeping any speed up. My other two bikes aren't even trying at the same pace. Just feels like fun.

[@gavinswanson2101]

@@CampbellZeroOne I'll have to test ride the Svartpilen, looks more upright / less cafe racer as well than the Vitpilen

[@CampbellZeroOne]

@@gavinswanson2101 Give it a few miles so you've time to tune into it. It'll suddenly make sense once you get dialled into the engine. It doesn't mind being revved out.

[@relevation0]

Need them in 18's for Interceptor. 😢

[@CampbellZeroOne]

Unlucky 😔 Never noticed that they only have one tyre in that size. And that's a front!

[@Ukmongoose3]

Is that Ben Loyal?

[@CampbellZeroOne]

The village?

[@Ukmongoose3]

@@CampbellZeroOne Nooo, the mountain 😃

[@CampbellZeroOne]

​@@Ukmongoose3Yeah. I suddenly clicked after I'd already replied. No. Not as far north as that. Looking back at Assynt and Coigach range from near Achiltibuie.

[@Ukmongoose3]

Lovely round there. I lived by Melvich for ten years.

[@CampbellZeroOne]

@@Ukmongoose3 Aye, it's a stunning part of the world. Plenty of quiet wee hidy-holes even with the NC500 passing through it. Quite often have a week somewhere around Lochinver and explore from there. I'll be doing a couple of roads up that way soon for my Places I Go playlist.