Dunlop’s SportSmart mk4 launch revolutionises motorcycle tire testing

Dunlop has redefined the motorcycle tire launch experience by creating a groundbreaking virtual event, Curvemaster, to introduce the all-new SportSmart mk4 tire to the European market. This online event, which has already captured the attention of the industry, challenged traditional tire testing methods by offering more than 110 European journalists and influencers unprecedented control over their own testing environment.

A road-focused hypersport tire, the new SportSmart mk4 represents a substantial development thanks to relentless continuous improvement of every component in the tire. Designed for use predominantly on roads, SportSmart mk4 sits in the Dunlop hypersport range alongside the road/track-focused SportSmart TT.

The sheer versatility of SportSmart mk4, which is able to be fitted on the most popular naked, crossover and sports bikes, and on road or track, led Dunlop to consider how to give journalists and influencers more freedom to test it ‘their way’ rather than in controlled proving ground conditions. This inspired Curvemaster, proving Dunlop is not just launching a new tire; it is also launching a new way of thinking about product testing and collaboration.

The first stage of the event was presented in the style of a videogame, emphasising that testers can choose the route, the track, the conditions and the bike, as they will be testing SportSmart mk4 in their own chosen environment. The result is an unprecedented opportunity for Dunlop to gather feedback and real-world data. 

More than 110 prominent European motorcycle journalists and influencers from 14 countries are now preparing to put the SportSmart mk4 to the test in their own environments. Their experiences, results, and perspectives will contribute to authentic, rider-focused reviews that will showcase the tire’s true potential. This user-driven approach is a departure from traditional product launches and is designed to engage riders on a more personal level.

Curvemaster is not just another product launch, explains Roberto Finetti, Marketing Manager, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe: “It is a revolutionary shift in how journalist tire testing is conducted and experienced. We’re not following the old playbook—we’re rewriting it. Unlike traditional tire tests, which often take place on controlled tracks under predetermined conditions, Curvemaster gives journalists and popular content creators the power to choose the bike, select the conditions, and pick the road or track they want to test the tire on.

“We are so confident in the performance of the SportSmart mk4 that we’re giving testers complete freedom. No more constraints. You decide the variables, and we’ll see how it performs in real, authentic situations.”

Master the turns: The development behind SportSmart mk4

SportSmart mk4 was developed and manufactured fully in Dunlop’s motorcycle centre of excellence in Montlucon, France, where many of its racing tires are also produced. Relentless continuous development of every component in the tire has resulted in an all-round improvement over the predecessor, particularly in wet weather performance. 

Technology derived from Dunlop’s extensive experience in top level superbike and supersport racing includes Dynamic Front Formula on the front tire, which helps to obtain the perfect balance between reduced steering effort, grip, stability and feel for the right match between both tires, and Carcass Tension Control System, which tunes the casing tension and optimise the footprint to get the most out of the tread compound. As a result, SportSmart mk4 gives riders an easy turn-in, low-effort direction changes, excellent steering precision and neutral behaviour in corners. Rider comfort is improved for a more enjoyable and precise ride on bumpy or poorly maintained roads.

At launch, SportSmart mk4 is present in one front and five rear sizes, all 17-inch, to fit the most popular naked, crossover and sports bikes on the market.

For more information about SportSmart mk4 and to follow the latest developments, visit dunlop.eu and follow Dunlop on Instagram at @dunlopmoto and Facebook.