Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 Review | Honda CBF1000

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I hope this answers some questions for the people who asked did I like these tyres on the CBF :)

[@skylersheegra1261]

These came on my 2021 Z650 and I wanted some info on them. Every mention I found was dated at the most recent 2019. Except for your video. I have a wet ride coming up and I really appreciate the info! Subscribed.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Ah glad you found it useful! Just take it easy on them and you'll be fine in the wet :) Thanks! :)

[@paddywaters1247]

Loving all the videos. I've just binged on most of them, and am looking to get a cbf1000 soon. Keep it all coming. Its been good to watch these during another lockdown, makes me feel like was living vicariously through you

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Haha thanks! Binge watching is always appreciated :) Ah very good, you won't regret the CBF they're honestly a class bike! I will do! Glad they've helped a bit, that's why I make them :)

[@stephencartwright5046]

Tyres are a very subjective and personal thing. The problem when you try a new set of tyres, you are always impressed because of course they a always going to be better than the ones you took off. I had some species of Dunlop on my Buell and the were excellent, my memory suggests they were "developed" for that bike. I have always loved Metzelers for their grip and feel. I don"t like Michelins because II always feel road noise through them. I will soon be looking for tyres for the Viar. That will be governed by price/availability, as with so much here. Interesting video.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

They are indeed, and some people may not even enjoy the performance characteristics that I do. Thats why I tried to keep it all balanced. Funnily enough the worst tyre I ever had was a brand new set of BT023s I put on the Fazer which were the recommended from factory tyre. Really hated they way they made the bike feel, it was never sure of itself. The Metzler roadtec 01 is the best tyre I've ever used. What sort of price do you pay over yonder? Thanks Stephen!

[@motogspot]

I really haven’t had any issues with the dunlops on my cbr, i have complete confidence in them, but as always go very easy in the wet 😁👍🏼

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Which Dunlops do you have on the CBR G? I've seen you offroad that bike so I'm not sure I can believe that statement :D

[@motogspot]

@@TheGorillaBiker haha road smart 3 I think, I went out without my glasses 🤣🤣

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Hahaha I do like roadsmarts :) I had about 4 sets of the 2s :)

[@mick951]

Thanks for helpful review I’ve got a set on my zx9r and really impressed with the grip from them, although I was genuinely surprised with how much grip they offer in the wet I didn’t think they’d be great at all.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

No problem!! :) I never was super comfortable with them in rain in comparison to more touring orientating tyres, but for what they are they were great! If you're buying a new set please do check that date however as these have been out of production a few years now.

[@hachewie]

Ja. I have tried German Beer. Nice accent. I feel for you man. It will end soon man. By the summer I'd say you'll be riding ( I hope). Thanks for the stickers man. I will feature them in a video soon.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Tis tasty. Thanks :P I dunno will it, I'm just trying any avenue to escape Ireland now tbh. It's gone on too long for me and the thought of the financial "fix" they'll put in scares me so I'm just leaving. We still have the "temporary" extra tax that was brought in during the last recession. No problem amigo I'm just glad they got there :)

[@MrMcguffin007]

1st time. Nice work! Thank you, I just purchased a pair.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Hope they work well for you!

[@Milen4u]

I got them as factory fitment on my BMW F900R. I was skeptical in the begining, because they are placed as a budget sporty tyre. However I've ridden them from August last year, trough the winter and up to now - 7600km. In my experience they do well on the cold and wet. I've ridded them in -5 and they still grip. The front was good on the brakes and I really had to provoke the ABS to kick in to test the limits. The rear is not so impressive. In the dry and once they warmup they do feel well - the traction control doesn't intervene often even on hard corner exits. In terms of longevity, the rear has maybe around 1500 to 2000km more in it. It's noticeably squared off at this stage. The best thing about them is the price. I can get a 188/55/17 for 104 EUR! There is one leftover at an online shop, and I guesse they want to get rid of it. I will help them and buy it in advance, so I have a reserve after the current one finally expires.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Oh they're definitely good in wet, just not the best, I never liked how they felt under braking in the wet :) That's a brilliant price, I'll eventually get the newer range on the bike, for now I'm trying out Mitas Touring Force. I did a track day on the Dunlops as their final send off and they were absolutely brilliant there too :)

[@stuartguillot4172]

Thank you very much for your straightforward and honest review, please keep up the good work. Just a recommendation. We Americans love hearing about the Irish culture. You could probably triple your ratings if you add more of your culture.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! I have 500ish videos out now so you could say I kept up making videos anyway, not sure how good they are :D Out of interest what would adding Irish culture to these videos be to you?

[@stuartguillot4172]

Yes Sir, your videos are very good, I believe they are good, because you put your heart into them with a sincere effort to help, inspire and inform. I would to love learn more about the Irish culture, food, drink, common sayings, stories and more about Irish motorcycle ride culture. Ride culture that may differ from American and Canadian ride culture. God Bless you and keep up the great work 👍🏻

[@mathiashammar1]

Just some feedback. Dunlop D214 was OEM tyre on many Kawasakis. Those tyres are outright dangerous in wet weather and slips the tyre on lean in legal speeds corners. Kawasaki then made Dunlop Sportmax II their new OEM tyre. I can with joy tell you these tyres are just as good for regular road riding as Pirellis. I rode these sportmax II, 450 miles in mixed heavy rain, in one of the worst touring rides of my life. And the tyres had all the grip i needed even when leaning in some sharper corners. The drygrip is good and progressive lean-in, and my skill level i cant outride these tires in the dry weather on country roads. Bikes i ownd, Daytona 959,SV1000, GSX1400, VFR800, Z800, Z900 and have been riding for 20 years.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I've ridden with the sportmax another 1000 miles or so since making this video and I'm still not convinced with the wet grip. I wouldn't get them again for wet riding. The best wet grip I've ever experienced was the Metzeler Roadtec 01, if wet grip is your goal I'd give them a try :) These videos are of course only my opinion and the dry grip is excellent, but like I said I've used better in rain :) Nice bike history!

[@eddmelter1012]

I can confirm the Dunlop D214 is pure shite.

[@Francismoore-qq7pb]

Nothing better than a bit of rubber under you that you trust . I have run flats on mine so they have a much thicker profile than road tires itself .

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Yes indeed!! Run flats on a bike? I didn't even know that was a thing to be honest! Are they not really heavy? What brand are they? I'm intrigued now.

[@Francismoore-qq7pb]

@@TheGorillaBiker yes they are heavy actually. They have a different shape to road tyres so if they say we’re to be slashed or air leaked the tyre would keep its shape until you can repair it. I think they are metzelars if that’s the correct spelling I will have a look and dm you if I’m wrong.

[@kelvinharrison6702]

Hi.my preferance on tyres are Road 5s rearly good tyre would recommend a try.feel good grip in dry with soft compound on sides also improved hard centre for touring.👍🏍

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I'd get road 5s happily when this set wears out, I've heard only good thigns, but at the same time I'd very likely go for the Metzeler counterpart. Had them before and they were brilliant.

[@HippoDrones]

I've never tried the tyres so can't comment, but interesting to hear your thoughts on them. Tyres are so very subjective, and I've heard folk have one bad experience on a knackard old tyre and then hate the brand that made them forever. Is grand you get on with them, but worrying to hear the lack of confidence in the wet on braking

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Tyres are mad subjective, even depends on suspension setup, weight, age, heat, road condition etc. I do think that's an awful pity when it does happen, personally I'm still very much a Dunlop man as I've used them so much despite having one bad experience. Yeah it's an odd one....it's just like they don't have the right amount of feedback at all...and it hasn't gotten better!

[@HippoDrones]

@@TheGorillaBiker I was hugely impressed with the Michelin Road 5 tyres I fitted to my Street Triple, great in the wet, loads of feel too. And considering it is effectively a touring tyre, I had no issues with them on track either 🙂

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I honestly think they'll likely win out for the next set on the CBF. I've never heard a bad word about them :)

[@HippoDrones]

@@TheGorillaBiker :-)

[@mathiashammar1]

@@HippoDrones Next time try some softer metzler. Those Pilots are like hockey pucks in comparison :D.

[@cathallennon5968]

As always good factual and practical advice fair play. Yes really getting cheesed with it I'm just dying to get out the odd time I can take mine to work with me witch is 30 min ride it just doesn't cut it 😭😭

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Thanks Cathal :) Yeah my commute is grand and can be madeong but my god am I getting fed up of it being my only spin 😂😂

[@cathallennon5968]

Yes can't wait for restrictions to be lifted I never released how many places I haven't been on this fine island of ours untill watching a fue of your many castle vids but first one on my list as soon as I can is the ring of Kerry ( I know disgrace iv never been) 😉

[@TheGorillaBiker]

You've never been to Kerry! Ah lord 😂😂 Yeah I'm completely fed up of the lockdowns now just want to go ride places.

[@cathallennon5968]

@@TheGorillaBiker I know the shame of it 🙈 from Monaghan myself so it's mostly the northern half I be mostly going but that's going to change 👊👌

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Sure look once you fix it we'll say nothing 😂 I haven't been up that was ina. Few years myself,mad how time gets away from you. Had great road trip plans for last year. Maybe later this year I can spin around a bit!

[@mathiashammar1]

To compare these Dunlops with other tire manufacturers . Nr1 Metzlers are my favorites Roadtec01 (soft and grippy) , Nr2 Pirelli Angel GT II (a bit harder bit very good grip). Nr3 Any Continental tire(reliable but pricy), Dunlop sportmaxx II ( super affordable, predictable). Tires i would not recommend, any Michelin stiff and hard and lack grip in corners wet (road-4, road-3,road-2 , Pilot power 2CT). Any Bridgestones (T30,T31, BT23) ( stiff and hard and lack grip in corners wet). Why because they have caused me to crash or near crashes several times over the years and they scare the hell out of me.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Yeah the Roadtec 01 would be my favourite as well and I've been using mostly Dunlop for years. The BT23 I didn't like at all and wouldn't buy again. I've only heard great things about all of the michelin pilot road series, so surprising to hear that. I'll have to try them myself some time

[@Jake-pd6ct]

Eyyyy Yamaha fleece talking about a Honda bike. The only time I ever get my knee down is when it is wet out These reviews are good for your channel. It'll get more people This is not my first time here but still. Hallo Love the accent. Never tried em Yeah I miss a breakfast spin of a sunday l8r g8r

[@TheGorillaBiker]

You know I'm a Yamaha boy at heart. Is that when you kneel down in the rain to pick up your keys you dropped cus they were slippy from water? I hope they are anyway...I hope that about all my videos tho :D Hi. Accents? Do it. It's fun. They're not accents tho they're people in my head. Me too :( In a while Krokodilian.

[@Jake-pd6ct]

Ive never tried the tyres silly! I do a fabulous african accent. Cant tell if its racist or not

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I don't think accents can be unless you're intentionally mocking someone in a harsh way. Otherwise I couldn't do any accents ever.

[@ChopperFett]

Dude great unbiased review of these tires. May I ask what you are using for your camera? Also the lighting in your garage is killer!

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Thanks man :) Canon M50 is the main one with a 16mm Sigma lens. Haha it's actually terrible, the lens is just incredible!!

[@drewmorg.]

Very helpful, these are super cheap here in So Cal. The GPR300 is the same price... what do you guys recommend?

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I am a single guy not multiple ones unless you're asking everyone in the comments :) I haven't used the GPR300 myself so couldn't say. Be careful with checking the year of manufacture on these tyres now though as they went out of production quite a while ago and it may be why they're cheap.

[@Saitaverorwhatever]

Thats amazing~! I feel the exact same way about those tires being dogshit in the rain braking. Those are my first tires ever, (On my first bike ever a 05 Kawasaki ZX6R). And I also felt while riding the "Yyy i'm not feeling so good right now" when riding in the rain, but regardless, i didn't crash ...until~ some muppet forced a turn when i had a right on way in the rain. I grabbed the front brake, and even though i tried easing into it, just instantly front slipped, handlebars twisted and i was sliding through the intersection. I always thought that what I felt about those tires couldn't be right because i'm just a motorcycle newbie, but there you go :D But on the sidenote, the dry weather performance is absolutely phenomenal. I managed to drag knee on the highway ramps (the upward snail ones they just invite you to lean over :D) and i felt glued to the ground even at higher speed when doing this. But I guess you can't have everything ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Yeah I had zero confidence in them in the rain, which is odd as I'm since on my 3rd set of Sport force +s on this bike and they're pretty good all round, but also a sportier tyre like the dunlop. Sorry to hear about your accident! Glad you seem to have came out of it ok at least!! In the dry they're pretty amazing, used them at a track day and couldn't get over how well they did!!

[@drewmorg.]

Makes ya wanna pay the extra for Roadsmart reading stuff like that! I read these tires perform well once warmed up. I guess that might go for rainy conditions too but it's usually cold in the rain so go figure.

[@m7streetpilot542]

Thank you my Brother. Hello from America. M7

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Hello! :)

[@sschrybu]

Mine squared off at 6k km with 2.3mm over the wear indicator. I agree dry performance is pretty good. It doesn't feel great in the wet even though it grips.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

My life of tyres is definitely affected by my weight too, that's good going for what is a decently softer compound! Yeah they just felt so vague in the wet. Not mad on that feeling :D

[@SmokinBob]

I'm running flat slicks on my bike atm 🙈 im gonna try change the tyres myself this time and see how that goes

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Haha they gone that bad? :D I know I got home from work years ago and gave the rear a quick look....rubber was just gone. Whoops :D Bets of luck! It's one thing I've not tried to do yet....just seems like something I'd mess up badly :D

[@chamaileon81]

I've always used Qualifier2 on my Hornet 600 and I'm thinking changing to these. Personally the Qualifiers never troubled me in wet conditions and I ride in all kinds of weather all the time (as far as Greece's weather can be thought of as all kinds of weather), so does anyone has any experience for both and how the RoadSport reacts in wet in comparison to the Qualifiers? Also, nice video, liked that it is natural and not scripted or forced! 👍

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Honestly, if you find the Qualifiers good for the rain over there you don't need to worry about these I don't think :) The wet conditions I generally have to deal with are sub 8 degrees celsius on very wet roads. And even at that they're not the worst tyre I've used in the wet by a long way :) Not used qualifiers as I know they a lot less touring as rain orientated so at a guess I think you'd be 100% good swapping :) Thanks!

[@chamaileon81]

@@TheGorillaBiker Talk about an immediate response! Yeah, here it's mostly warm for the best part of the year, nothing in comparison to Ireland, so if it's good up there it doesn't seem to be a problem over here. Thanks for the feedback. Now, I'm off to see what you've done with your poor CB500. Cheers :)

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Haha I try 😂 You'd likely be fine so and get better performance out of them too :) Not at all! Haha i won't spoil anything 😂

[@bexpoking1]

1st time viewing your channel... I really enjoyed the review!!! Stickers???🤣

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Thanks! Glad you liked it! Haha sorry no stickers left!

[@bexpoking1]

@@TheGorillaBiker no worries the content was great...

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Thanks.

[@burgholte]

Trying to decide between this and the Bridgestone s22.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Having used both I'd say S22.

[@burgholte]

@@TheGorillaBiker thanks for the fast reply, I’ll go with the s22 then

[@arjunp1835]

I was thinking of getting them. How is their performance in spring time where the temperatures are 40s and 50s . or less than 7 Degree Celsius?

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I depends a lot on if it's raining or not. If it's dry then the same as I said in the video. I ride mostly in temps ranging from 0-18 Celsius so what I said in the vid should cover you.

[@crumblymal8479]

Their are sooo many tyres to choose from out there how do you really make the right choice ,I have Metzelers on mi XJR I mostly ride in the dry unless I get caught out . The feel in the dry is I would say ok with a bit of what I would call creep when cornering if ya know what I mean in the wet I would guess " cos I don't push it at all in the wet " it's the same . I think the trouble is until you've spent the money out after doin a bit of research and now of course we have the internet and You Tube to help but in the end ya don't know until ya got them on yer bike .Hope ya get my meaning here good topic cheers : ) .

[@TheGorillaBiker]

A fair question, it's impossible really. My Metzeler Roadtec 01s I felt as confidant in the wet as the dry with them, I'd get them again at some point!! I don't really but that's alright :D I made this video for a few who asked what they were like on the CBF :) I still have to make one for the tyres I have on the Supermagna for others too! If you mean you'll never know does a tyre suit you until you use it then I agree, but the same could be said for pretty much every video I make :D

[@crumblymal8479]

@@TheGorillaBiker Yeh totally get that would you say that the best scenario would be to have a set of wheels shod with tyres for the winter months when it is more wet cold and greasy and another set for the summer months " probably not practical " I think it's a very interesting subject really but hey maybe I am a bit odd like that ha : D Cheers for your reply man : )

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Yeah tbh that'd be the ideal scenario! Like what the do in colder countries they have two sets of wheels all the time :) I wonder would that be worth exploring cost wise hmmm. Nah I agree, I wouldn't make a video on it if I didn't find it interesting :) No thank you for commenting and watching :)

[@CMYKPOn]

Never tried dunlops, going with michelins for my next set on the sporty. Haven’t really heard anything good or bad about dunlops for cruisers either so that’s worth something, I guess?

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Which michelins are you going to get? I honestly don't know I've only used Michelins on my Magna and I have a review coming out hopefully tomorrow on early access for you so that may help!

[@CMYKPOn]

@@TheGorillaBiker I'm looking att the road commander 3's because f9 Said they we're good. I really don't have anything to go on, so...

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I have the commander 2s. They are not good in rain! I'll have the review up asap for ya :)

[@CMYKPOn]

@@TheGorillaBiker huh... probably not a good choice for Sweden then.. :(

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I shall have the full explanation soon! Don't make decisions yet!!

[@tylerbee1083]

Hi! Just got these on my Honda ctx 700..seem good!

[@TheGorillaBiker]

I was very happy with them anyway :) Hope they serve you well!

[@Tini1117]

Hi, you have mentioned S22. Can you tell me some difference between those two? For mor sporty riding... Thanks

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Hi, I've also done a review on the S22s, I personally would go for the S22s for sportier riding. Especially as Sportmax Roadsmart 2s are old now so any one you buy is likely out of date, or close to it.

[@iNFiN3]

I got it on my Ninja 650. and I dont feel confident pushing it in the cold and damp, as a commuter tire its great and perfectly fine, but any more then that I just dont feel the confidence, I will probably just replace it for S22s from Bridgestone.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

They've been out of production for a while I think so so check how old your ones are. Ive used them on track on a very heavy bike with great results and honestly never got the same feel from s22s, still a great tyre but just less feel imo :) In the wet they're not great at all tho.

[@998RC]

How much mileage did you eventually get out of these tires and would you buy them again?

[@TheGorillaBiker]

About 7500km out of the set, but I did do a track day on them which kind of finished them off. If they were still in production - absolutely. Due to the fact anything would have been sitting on a shelf quite a while now it really depends on how old they were and how much they cost.

[@intergalacticbasketballdro7186]

0:06 That's the Road Sport 2 Tire. (Not a Road Smart 2)

[@TheGorillaBiker]

It's in the title and I correct myself onscreen.

[@hachewie]

You are a lot harder on the rear hey? WP???? Where are you? G???

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Hahahahaha. I haven't seen WP in ages!

[@hachewie]

I watched half of this hours ago, then got lost in my studio recording drums. After that edited and uploaded 2 videos to be released over the next couple of weeks. Naturally you have ridden wet roads. I ride with wet underpants. ;) I got about 15k out of my last rear tyre. Current one is due for a replacement and has only done about 7k.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Now that is class. The dream realised :) Sadly I have :( Hahaha get some moisture wicking ones they help I hear :P Wow 15k is insane! 7k is more down my far too heavy alley :'(

[@EvendimataE]

i dont ride when the road is wet. i dont also ride at night....i dont also go freeway...i like accelerating very fast but only on straights and maybe for only 5 seconds.LOL

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Eh, interesting information I suppose :D You probably don't need super sticky tyres then at least :D

[@BryTheBiker]

Looks like you need to heat :-)

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Heat would be pleasant in there I won't lie!

[@mightyakkylex]

I guess they must be good if they come stock on the 2024 CBR650R xD ( I FUCKING HOPE SO)

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Id be surprised if it was the twos, last I saw they were out of production! Unless they remade them which is possible :) I doubt you'll be disappointed :)

[@mightyakkylex]

@@TheGorillaBiker honestly it might have been something slightly different, I only remember Dunlop sport and 2. I'll come back one I actually take delivery of mine since I'll be in less of a rush 😆

[@TheGorillaBiker]

@@mightyakkylex that's fair enough 😂 Best of luck with your new bike :)

[@mightyakkylex]

@@TheGorillaBiker thank youu

[@mightyakkylex]

@@TheGorillaBiker yeah so I went to the dealership today twice, once to get the owners manual and the second time for the paperwork and they are indeed Dunlop Sportmax roadsport 2s