Dunlop’s latest groove – a new TT100 GP Radial for the retro look (but with loads of tyre tech)

Dunlop will reveal its latest tyre for the growing modern retro and heritage markets at the Classic TT which begins on August 17th on the Isle of Man Mountain circuit.

The Dunlop TT100 GP Radial is Dunlop’s new tyre for one of the fastest growing segments in the European motorcycle market – the retro sports roadster market, which comprises machines as diverse as the BMW R NineT, Yamaha XSR and the Kawasaki Z900RS.

The Dunlop TT100GP Radial draws inspiration from one of the company’s greatest racing arenas. Dunlop is the most successful tyre in the history of the Isle of Man TT, with more wins than any other tyre manufacturer in the 2019 races. 50 years ago, it was another landmark year for Dunlop. Malcolm Uphill rode his works Triumph Bonneville to victory with the fastest lap of 100.37mph riding on Dunlop K81 tyres. This was the first time a production tyre had been used to break ‘the ton’ on the 37.7 mile (60.6km) mountain circuit and Dunlop rechristened the K81 as the TT100 to commemorate this achievement. The TT100 has remained in production since, underlining Dunlop’s commitment to providing tyres for classic motorcycle owners.

Modern technology in a familiar style

The Dunlop TT100GP Radial incorporates the look of the TT100, blending the classic tread pattern with technology that can harness the sportsbike-level performance of a modern retro bike.

The tread pattern has had a minor revamp to improve rigidity and improve precision in bends, but the big changes are under the tread.  

The front tyre has a contemporary construction making the bike easier to handle. Dunlop has focused on ensuring the new tyre provides the feedback needed at everyday speeds in built-up, urban areas. 

The rear tyre features Dunlop’s JLB (Jointless belt) construction. This eliminates the belt overlaps resulting in smoother handling and a more stable contact patch with the road. This technology is derived from Dunlop’s latest hypersport tyres, which is appropriate as many of the latest retro sports bikes have the same engines and suspension as their modern-styled equivalents and demand tyre performance to match.

The compound brings modern performance to the retro look of the tread pattern. It features silica which increases compliance at lower temperatures by allowing the compound to key into the road surface, boosting grip and rider confidence. This silica, combined with a contemporary Dunlop polymer, also helps to enhance durability.

Luca Davide Andreoni, Marketing Manager, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe, said: “We’ve wrapped some of Dunlop’s latest innovations in one of our most iconic tread patterns. Whether riders own a classic bike that’s been tuned to give a modern level of performance or a new retro-themed sports bike, the Dunlop TT 100 GP Radial gives them an authentic look with contemporary technology.”