RideFast May 2018

TYRE TEST
DUNLOP KR451 RACING SLICKS
SLICKY
CUSTOMER
Dunlop’s new highly-rated,
and apporved by SA’s best,
slick racing tyre is finally
available in SA.
It’s a complete mind boggle why more
track day riders don’t use slick tyre’s. They
offer massive amounts of grip with more
longevity than most cut slicks, and are now
even cheaper. Dunlop have fi nally landed their
new top-grade racing slicks - the KR451.
Rob and a couple of other riders headed
out to Redstar Raceway to test the new
superbike range of slicks, which are the exact
same tyres used by SA stars Mathew Scholtz
and Cameron Petersen in the MotoAmerica
Superbike championship.
In order for us to get an in depth analysis
of the new Dunlops, we chose to conduct
the test over a two day period. This allowed
us to not only try a variance of geometry
settings and different tyre pressures, but also
to see the longevity and life we were able to
get out of a single set of slicks. With the 24
Endurance Race being held at Redstar in the
past, AJ Venter, Dunlop’s new tyre tester and
technical advisor, and his team also had a lot
of information on previous tyre’s and tyre life
that we could compare to.
In conclusion to our test, we found that
we were able to conclude 150 solid laps on a
single set of slicks, with the lap times varying
by a single second over the whole time (AJ still
felt there was life in the tyre, but time became
an issue on the day). We also measured the
amount of wear throughout the two days and
we found that the left hand side had worn 0.9
mm and the right hand side had worn 0.3mm.
We were highly impressed with not only the
grip and wear of the new Dunlop slicks but
also the agility and stability offered from the
tyres. Straight off the warmers we were able to
attack the track knowing full grip was available
instantly. The front tyre, despite not having the
best suspension setup on the bike, felt planted
when loading the front and trail braking hard
into the turns. The grip from the rear tyre was
insane, and had the front end pointing to the
sky more often than not.
It’s no wonder Mathew and Cam can do
the things they can on their superbikes with
tyres like these fi tted, and well done to Dunlop
SA for fi nally bringing in tried-and-tested slick
tyres for the masses to enjoy.
The Dunlop KR451 slicks are now available
at Lekka Racing (medium and medium plus
compounds on rear and soft and medium on
front). Priced at only R4500 a set, they really
are excellent value for money. Call AJ now on
011 238 7666 for more info.
20 RIDEFAST MAGAZINE MAY 2018