Dual compound tires is this normal?

[knight88]

I recently put on a new set of Dunlop roadsmarts, I have approx 200 miles on them now and they feel great. the part that I have issues with is I was doing a slow handle locked all the way over U turn and was surprised when halfway through the turn it felt like the tire went flat, kind of a sliding or squishy sensation, I had to straighten my turn out a bit because I felt like it may go down. Is this a normal sensation on a dual compound tire? or maybe I just got to the edge of the front tire that I still didn't run-in?

[russell_bynum]

Personally, I can't feel the difference when I transition to the softer side compound.

 

Stuff to check: tire pressure? Heat (how long had you been riding before you tried the tight U-turn)? What was the road surface like?

[smiller]

'Dual compound' tire technology has been advertised on various tire brands and models for decades now and I have never detected either a handling or mileage difference on any of them. I would look first to the things Russell mentioned, and perhaps just the roundness profile of the tire. This can vary quite a bit between tire models and can significantly affect handling feel.

[skyskier]

Dunlop Roadsmarts are only dual compound on the rear tire. The front tire is a single compound tire. I run roadsmarts and have never felt this sensation. Did you go back and look at the area where the sensation accured? Maybe there was something on the road surface.

[DaveTheAffable]

Personally, I can't feel the difference when I transition to the softer side compound.

 

Stuff to check: tire pressure? Heat (how long had you been riding before you tried the tight U-turn)? What was the road surface like?

 

+1

 

I have PR2's... dual compound too. Never had that on new or old tires. Look elsewhere for your symptom.

[Tony_K]

A "tire" doing something once is a whatever moment.

 

If you can get the same results / errors to repeat consistantly... well then you got something to talk about.

 

A one time anomaly makes this thread a pointless dud. Smiling lightheartedly

[knight88]

It was a clean surface I rode about 40 miles before doing the turn so it was pretty warmed up it probably was just the new tire being rounder and turning into the turn easier than the old tire. I"ll try it again in a parking lot with a larger radius and then lock the steering over and see if its the same sensation, thanks guys.

[brick_haus]

Be sure to wear your helmet...

[JustKrusen]

It just sounds like the sides of the new tires are not scrubbed in yet.

[Waynesville_Wayne]

At 200 miles, I'd have to agree the new tires probably were still a little slick.

 

I've got mixed feelings regarding dual compound tires. I've run both and can feel a difference. I'd say they're great if you're doing a lot of highway miles, you'll get more life out of them. I live in the mountains of North Carolina, so most of my riding is on two lane back roads on the edges of my tires. I'm biased towards getting the best performance in these conditions, and am usually happier with a tire that's more appropriate for what I do.

[Mister Tee]

At 200 miles, I'd have to agree the new tires probably were still a little slick.

 

I've got mixed feelings regarding dual compound tires. I've run both and can feel a difference. I'd say they're great if you're doing a lot of highway miles, you'll get more life out of them. I live in the mountains of North Carolina, so most of my riding is on two lane back roads on the edges of my tires. I'm biased towards getting the best performance in these conditions, and am usually happier with a tire that's more appropriate for what I do.

 

For what it's worth, I see a lot of novice to intermediate track riders running Pilot Road 2's on the track, with good results. I run standard PP's on the track myself, but on my RT, I run PR2's, and I occasionally push them VERY aggressively, to the lean limits of the bike, with no problems or negative issues whatsoever.

[Bill_Walker]

+1 on the PR2s. I rode 'em pretty hard around Fish Lake following Whip, and I never lacked for grip or noticed any odd handling.

[Bullett]

My Dunlop Roadsmarts have about 6000 miles on them. I think they have a squishy, squirmy feel compared to the prior PilotRoad 2's (at 36/42), but others who have ridden my bike think they feel OK.

 

Jan thinks its my suspension. Anyway, next tires for me will be either PR2's or Conti Road Attacks.

[Mister Tee]

My Dunlop Roadsmarts have about 6000 miles on them. I think they have a squishy, squirmy feel compared to the prior PilotRoad 2's (at 36/42), but others who have ridden my bike think they feel OK.

 

Jan thinks its my suspension. Anyway, next tires for me will be either PR2's or Conti Road Attacks.

 

The profile of both of those tires is about the same, and they handle identically to me. And I thought the Road Attacks were a very good tire. The only difference is the PR2's are lasting a whole lot longer.

[Bullett]

Hijack: The mechanic thinks my new shocks are sprung to light. He was unable to set the sag on the front shock. Said the shocks are probably causing the squirmy feeling.

 

However, the sales guy says the Roadsmarts have a relatively soft side wall compared to the PR2 and Conti's. I don't know about that, I just know the bike doesn't feel right.

 

Shocks are going back to the manufacturer for revision.

 

 

[elkroeger]

I have had this same sensation when crossing tar snakes at parking lot speed turns. It prompted me to immediately jump off and check the tire pressures. If you can, go back and checke the road surface, then let us know what you found.