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SPRING 2020 ISSUE 01 / VOL . 05
graded on a curve
PRODUCT REVIEWS
Dunlop Trailmax Mission Tires
After two years of development — a year spent on the aggressive Staggered Step tread pattern and compound alone — Dunlop has plugged the “ 50 / 50 ” hole in its ADV tire lineup with its new Trailmax Mission tires . These are really 60 / 60 tires , since they deliver close to DOT knobbylike performance off-road and footpeg-dragging levels of grip and stability on the street . They also promise better wear — Dunlop says independently contracted test riders got 8,000 miles out of a rear on a Suzuki V-Strom 1000 .
The Missions start with a rugged bias or bias-belted construction rather than radial , since the tread area and sidewalls are a single tough unit and can be thicker to resist cuts and punctures . Construction varies based on fitment — some sizes have reinforcing belts and others don ’ t depending upon how much load capacity and / or compliance is required — but all can be used with or without tubes .
PHOTO BY SIMON CUDBY
PHOTO BY KEVIN WING