The best tyres for sportsbikes and supernaked's? | Dunlop Sportsmart Mk3

The ultimate tyres for sportsbikes and supernaked's? | Dunlop Sportsmart Mk3
Choosing the best tyres for your sportsbike or super naked is a bit of a mine field with so many choices on offer, from so many brands and with so many different applications. So hopefully this review of the Dunlop Sportsmart MK3 should help you navigate your tyre choice and recommend what I believe are one of, if not the best tires available for Sportsbikes and super naked motorcycles that are being used on the road and on track.
Having put about 3,500 miles on the Dunlop Sportsmart MK3, with the majority on road in all conditions including wet weather and 2 track days and around 300 miles on track, I feel like I know the tyres pretty well. I have also tested a lot of the new and direct competitor tires including Bridgestone S22, Bridgestone S21, Michelin Power Cup 2, Michelin Road 5, Pirelli Road 5 and probably a few others along the way. While this isnt a back to back tyre vs test, I feel like this experience has given me a good bit of context from which to compare the Dunlop Sportsmart MK3 to its main modern rivals.
In terms of the road going performance, the Sportsmart mk3 tires are excellent in all conditions, faultless in the dry and excellent in the wet and cold. The road going ceiling of grip is second to none and a stark contrast to the tyres I had fitted to my GSXR 750 previously which were the Bridgestone BT-016. Obviously the Bt-016 is not the most modern tyre out there, but they are still available to purchase and were the tyres fitted previously to my GSXR.
Instantly, I noticed the front profile encourages a sporty and quick turn in to corners and this immediately improved the handling of my bike.
The Sportsmart MK3 has also provided an excellent platform for me to get into track day riding, and even in faster riding, knee-down cornering and hard braking sections, provided excellent grip. In our first track day, it was sunny in the morning, rained in the afternoon and then got out dry again. While a lot of other riders either went home or stayed off the track once it had rained, we went out and had a great time, confident in the grip of the Sportsmart MK3 in the wet.
It goes without saying that this tyre is not the best track day tyre, but as far as I am concerned, it is a very good track day tyre and has given me the confidence to get out there and do it without worrying about tyre warmers, rain or anything else, and I think that’s great!
So with all that in mind, we have no issues recommending the Dunlop Sportsmart MK3 to anyone who is looking for a performance tyre for Sportsbikes, Nakeds on road and on track.
You can find the latest details here and all the sizes available, www.dunlop.eu/....
Thanks for watching and hope that was helpful. Please like, comment and subscribe.
KNOX
www.planet-kno...

[@anonymous-le6kn]

Why is this channel so underrated!

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks! Aaron KNOX

[@jaudicedbrow]

Really helpful review, and very much mirrors my experiences with these tyres. I've just moved onto them after two years and multiple trackdays on the Roadsmart Mk3s (also excellent), and I've been very happy with them. Can I ask what pressures you ran on track? (Just a description, not a recommendation ;-)

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks a lot and so glad you agree! On track we dropped the rear to 35psi if I remember right and 32 on the front. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@davidheaton5765]

What pressures did you run these on track chap? I've got some on a K8 GSXR 1000 I've just bought and doing a track day next week, so curious to know what pressures are best for these.

[@KnoxArmour]

From memory, we were running about 32psi hot on the rear and 35psi front hot.. But its been a while so I would check with a tyre technician at the track to be sure! Aaron KNOX

[@LAGman91]

I@@KnoxArmourI've run them into the fast group with a rear cold of 35psi... Yeah you read that correct, this is what dunlopngoves for track pressure.

[@E88Atz86]

Great review I’m in the market for new tires I currently have T30 and not impressed with em. I’ve ran road 5, power 5, super corsa, Q3-4, power GP. All really great tires, but limitations to weather inspired and temps. So far all around tire I’ve had really good feedback from are power 5 they recently came out with the power 6 and power GP2 which have more improved performance over their predecessors. Well my question is how’d you compare mark 3 with power 5-GP what’s your opinion I just need some feedback thank you.

[@Mrfacts_ge]

Are you a European ?? I just love European brands KTM , BMW , Triumph ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ .....

[@KnoxArmour]

Hi, yes we're from the UK!

[@bastiTR]

How are those MK3 against the S22? I'm riding an 890 Duke R and looking for some more daily use tire as the OEM Power Cup2 need dry conditions and higher temperatures to operate in its ideal condition. For normal street riding almost to much sporty and difficult to get to its temperature on public roads.

[@KnoxArmour]

Hi, I would say they are relatively comparable.. however the MK3 are just faultless in pretty much every environment and I trust them a lot! Thanks Aaron Knox

[@paduloso]

Hi, which ones did you choose in the end? And how were they? Thanks

[@georgemoschovas811]

i have a cbr650r 2022 and i live in Athens. What type of tyre do you suggest me? Pirelli Diablo Rosso 4 Corsa, Pirelli Diablo Rosso 4, or Dunlop Sportsmart Mk3? Thanks in advance!

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

I was highly dubious Until I tried them on donnington track. Good tyres

[@KnoxArmour]

Agree, really good! Aaron KNOX

[@TheHortond]

The British are starting to sound more gay than the Germans when they speak English. So brave, so stunning.

[@darrenbutler160]

Excellent review with some really valid points and not just a track only test.

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks, glad you thought so. Tried the TT now as well, they are great too, a better out and out track day grip, but not as good in the wet. In all the MK3 is an incredible tyre! Aaron KNOX

[@hakancavusoglu1121]

👏👏👏👏👏

[@justaguy4real]

4:10 how hot is super hot? Can hold hand on it or not at all? What psi preferred?

[@muzichub8261]

Would they be good on a 701 SM?

[@justaguy4real]

0:10 what was that he peeled from his eye protection?

[@santoshcherukupalli2187]

Hi Aaron, Your Gsrx looks sensational. Always loved them but yours looks really clean. Cheers!

[@chirag4]

i agree, ... is it the best looking 1 litre sport bike (better than 1000cc bikes from honda CB-R Fireblade, yamaha R1-M, kawasaki Z H2, bmw S/M 1000R R) ? .... perhaps yes, but not above Ducati & MV Agusta, in styling / design-language, i guess !

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks Santosh! Trying to keep it clean! Also, i think it looks much better now the standard exhaust is back on in comparison to the aftermarket one. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@KnoxArmour]

@@chirag4 tbf, they are all pretty amazing looking.. my personal favourite at the moment is the Aprillia RSV4 Factory! Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@chirag4]

@@KnoxArmour thank you for your reply, I appreciate

[@Mrfacts_ge]

മലയാളി ആണോ?

[@ВасселМан]

Metzeller vs Dunlop review….interesting

[@justaguy4real]

4:12 it's that a video cam mounted there? Which one

[@Juks0101]

Hello, can you please tell me with what pressure you ride your bike with this tires? I have FZ1S 2007, what do you recommend for tire pressure for this tires on my motorcycle?

[@KnoxArmour]

Ran 36/42 F/R cold on road. Ran 34/35 F/R cold on track seemed to work pretty well. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@peterhambling3700]

Great review,and thanks for your help,i have a new Gen 3 Hayabusa that has S22 as OEM tyres,done 2,600km and although the front is perfect,the rear is just about toast at 1.5mm left,so I've ordered a set of the Sportsmart mk3 will be fitted in about another week,then I'm off for a few days riding around the New England high country of NSW Australia.Historically I've always liked the feel of Dunlop,so really looking forward to them..Cheers.

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks Peter! Modern Dunlop tyres are absolutely amazing! Hope you like them! Aaron KNOX

[@aidenlothian9642]

I've got BT016 pro's on my bike currently and I think they are really good lol. Going to try these next. I can't out ride the BT016's on the street and they are over £100 a set cheaper but I want see what the latest tyre technology feels like.

[@KnoxArmour]

Thanks Aiden. The Sportsmart MK3 will be a big jump up in performance from the BT016's in my experience, particularly in the cold and wet. Think they're fitted to a few new models from standard now too like the S1000r and a great choice for that machine. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@drewmorg.]

Fantastic review!!!

[@alecblanckaert]

Would you recommend them for a ktm superduke gen 2. Im considering these tyres but alsow in the pirreli diablo rosso 4 if you compare these two with one would you recommend belgium weather 😅

[@KnoxArmour]

Yes definitely, the sportsmart MK3 are phenomenal and highly recommended. We have a set of Rosso 4 that we bought to fit, but haven't used them yet so cant comment directly unfortunately. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@Chr-Re-ie]

heb al verscheidene sets mk3 gereden, op een S1000XR en multistrada 1260S ik heb pas een set diablo rosso 4 op mijn superduke gt gelegd, zondag een 330km lange extreem sportieve rit gedaan in luxemburg, ik heb ze gisteren verkocht.. geen gebrek aan grip maar de motor valt in de bocht iets waar ik niet van hou.. net terug een set Dunlop Mk3 besteld, deze stuurt iets neutraler en de grip is outstanding.. grtz uit België

[@UniversalBikers16]

Not enough time is taken to consider different tyre options when buying a new set, there are so many different options. Some better than others!

[@KnoxArmour]

Totally agree.. no one choice! Aaron KNOX

[@langetak1853]

How many miles can you get out of a rear tyre? Was it done afther the 3500miles? I've been looking for new tyres for my 1290R, guess this is a better pick then Metzler m7 or m9rr? Nice review by the way 👌

[@KnoxArmour]

Hi, yes could have got another 500 or so out of it probably. Just changed to the Sportsmart TT for track day season and will update on that! On the 1290r you need a tyre with amazing grip, cant go wrong with the Sportsmart MK3, just need to check if they do them in a 200 section which I think the 1290 SuperDuke R has! Aaron KNOX

[@langetak1853]

It runs stock with 190. Do you have any idea how the roadsmart 3 runs? Since I have to drive alot of highway to get to the good twisties.

[@davmanlop333]

What's it like to the power 5s or road 5s

[@KnoxArmour]

Not tried power 5, but road 5 are very good, great in the cold, wet and have a nice feel/feedback to them, probably not as good as the MK3 on track though as the Road 5 are quite soft. In all, and Ive tried quite a lot of tyres now, unless you are in advanced group on track, the Sportsmart MK3 are amazing and highly recommended. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@jaytownjunkyardfiles1999]

What happened to project bike Husqvarna 701?

[@KnoxArmour]

Great question... more coming soon on the 701! Aaron KNOX

[@jaytownjunkyardfiles1999]

@@KnoxArmour Thank you.

[@leroyjones769]

What about the durability. Could you comment on that please?

[@KnoxArmour]

Hi, so the stock tread depth on the rear is 6mm and now its about 3mm, so i think its got about another 1,000 to 1,500 in it if I wanted to push it on top of the 3,500 miles I've done. The front has a lot more life in it. So i think if you are doing a mix of road and track, you could probably get around 5,000 miles out of these. Track work does scuff a lot of the rubber off though, so its hard to tell what the mileage would be if it was just on road. Hope that helps. Thanks, Aaron KNOX

[@leroyjones769]

@@KnoxArmour .... thank you. Considering what that rubber is like , I consider that to be pretty darn good including the track days.

[@IronACD]

Those ones or the s22? Thx!!

[@KnoxArmour]

Both great, but having used and trusted the mk3 I would be super confident with them. Thanks Aaron Knox

[@4ce59]

did you try roadsmart iv?

[@KnoxArmour]

Michelin Road 5 yes and they are brilliant too. Bit less track focused though. 😀

[@4ce59]

@@KnoxArmour No, no, I meant Dunlop Roadsmart IV not Michelin Road 5. I see roadsmart iII and IV are both available at my place, and RS4 is available both - standard in GT version, but Dunlop wrote there is no GT version on its website...and there is no my size with standard version, but only GT, but no one knows what is a difference ;)))) Totally lost with the Dunlops... perhaps just need to buy RS3 and do not chase for a new RS4....

[@cesarsaurasilva6637]

Bull*!!! If you're a novice in the track you don't know your limitations and when you discover them, if you have a lower ceiling (road tires), the mos likely situation is that you are in the ground after a crash!!!!!

[@KnoxArmour]

Based on the fact that most people in novice group will struggle to keep a race tyre hot enough to be in the operating temperature I would disagree with that. Actually, on the MK3 you have more than enough grip to lean the bike very far on track and with a good amount of safety. Fact is, most people starting out are very far from the limitations of the tyres and that the reason for most crashes is bad riding (brakes mid corner, throttle too hard and too early etc etc). Thanks, Aaron KNOX