Dunlop Q2 Tires?

BCMC · 08-12-2011, 01:34 PM

Took my bike to the track for the first time last weekend. Put new Dunlop Q2 on and rode 2 full days. This track was dominated by left hand corners so the left side of tire wore alot more than right. I noticed my front tire had rubber that was coming off werid or im picking up rubber. Look at pic Anybody have this happen? Is this normal wear? im 190lbs and set my pressure 32front 30 rear. The track was 70's in the morning up to 90 in the afternoon.

Also do you think these tires are toast for another track day? I thought you could get a least 5 or so track days out of a set of Q2.

The bike is completly stock but had a suspension guys "set the suspension.
"

**1000RR** · 08-12-2011, 02:07 PM

Looks like tire boogers to me... Must have been a hot day.

Rubber comes off the tires of other bikes, you're running along and your tires are heated up nicely, probably 175+ degrees, and that stuff off the track (that came from the other bikes) just sticks to yours like glue.

If it happens long enough, you end up with a new set of tires for free - OK, that part I was just kidding about.

As far as another track day. The front looks fine, the back might be getting close on the sides (where it wears the most) but it still has some life in it too it appears. Go for another day, take another set or buy one from the trackside vendor... then if it gets down past the wear bars, have the trackside vendor swap it for you... probably only $10 for the swap on the rear. You could also flip the rear and use the other side up. Manufacturers will tell you not to, but at the track it's done all the time.

Nikk777 · 08-12-2011, 03:04 PM

I'd probably flip the rear if you are going back to the same track for another day or two of use.

BCMC · 08-12-2011, 03:31 PM

Thanks for the tip on flipping the tire, I did not even think about doing that and I could at least get one more day out of them. The tires do have directional indicators but maybe thats for the grooves if its raining?

What your saying about tire boggers makes sense, I noticed alot of rubber when coming on/off pits.

Nikk777 · 08-12-2011, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCMC

Thanks for the tip on flipping the tire, I did not even think about doing that and I could at least get one more day out of them. The tires do have directional indicators but maybe thats for the grooves if its raining?

What your saying about tire boggers makes sense, I noticed alot of rubber when coming on/off pits.

Bingo!!! I was about to warn you about that... Grooves are for expelling water so if the track is dry, flipping is fine. If wet...well just don't ride, wrecks aren't cheap!!!

ChrisMag · 08-12-2011, 08:40 PM

Be careful about flipping tires. Not all tires can be safely flipped - it depends on the belt design in the tire (V-belt vs zero degree). I personally am unsure if it's safe with a Q2, but your local Dunlop rep will know.

markjenn · 08-12-2011, 08:55 PM

Two comments: 1) dry or not, running tires the wrong direction is a bad idea; and 2) I'd be looking at your tire gage to see if it is accurate.

- Mark

Nikk777 · 08-15-2011, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markjenn

Two comments: 1) dry or not, running tires the wrong direction is a bad idea; and 2) I'd be looking at your tire gage to see if it is accurate.

- Mark

Racers flip tires at the track all the time....not quite sure what you are basing your statement on but you are wrong. We flip both slicks and DOT's. The tread is designed to expel water, that is it's purpose. If there is no water to expel, there is no danger in flipping the tire.

**1000RR** · 08-15-2011, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markjenn

Two comments: 1) dry or not, running tires the wrong direction is a bad idea; and 2) I'd be looking at your tire gage to see if it is accurate.

- Mark

Where do you go to get yours checked? I've asked around the track and no one seems to get theirs checked or has a place to go around town.

BCMC · 08-15-2011, 11:48 AM

After doing some research on the internet about the Q2's, it seems most track day people flip racing slicks but not DOT tires because of how they are built. However, I cant seem to get a real answer on what tire are safe to do this or if all tires you can just flip around. Trying to find out how they are all built is also hard to find

I did come across one picture that someone flip a Q2 around and the rubber started to seperate in one area of the tire from the carcuss. However this could be do to numerous other problems.

The jury is still out...if I contact a dunlop rep im sure there going to say its not safe to do it since the Q2 does have a big directional arrow indicator on it.