unlop’s history is tempered by racing. It’s a history going back to 1889 and the introduction of pneumatic tires. Moving into modern times, Dunlop’s won 32 out of a possible 33 championships in the AMA’s 600 Supersport and 750 Superstock classes, and Dunlop’s taken 18 Superbike titles, the last 14 in a row. Dunlop’s won six of the last seven Formula Xtreme championships and every major 2003 AMA road racing championship.
     All of this filters straight into Dunlop’s street tires. The D364 was the first tire to apply radial-tire race technology and race-based tire compounds and tread patterns to street-legal use. Groundbreaking back in ’92, that tire set the course—and led to Dunlop’s super-street tire today—the D208ZR. This one’s a direct descendant of the current D208GP race tire.
     Of course, the requirements for a high-performance street tire are dramatically different from what’s needed on the track. A street tire has to perform in all conditions, wet or dry. That tire has to perform in varying temperatures, and on dissimilar road surfaces. A street tire requires neutral handling characteristics, too; it has to excel in everything from straight-up vertical to leaned over onto its shoulder. And it has to fill a rider with confidence. The D208ZR does all of that.
     While the most prominent difference between the street-going D208ZR and its race-bred influence are wider and deeper tread grooves and a street-specific compound, the D208ZR also uses a two-ply carcass and a cut-angle breaker in the front tire to control the tread shape and contact patch. The payoff is progressive steering response and a great street feel. On the rear, the ZR incorporates Dunlop’s Jointless Band (JLB) technology, a continuous wound Aramid belt that enhances straight-line stability and reduces heat build-up, two more street plusses.
     Tire profiles are street-tailored, too. On the front the ZR has a more progressive profile for consistent, neutral steering. Out back the ZR’s profile is steeper, for quicker turn transitions when mounted on ultra-wide rear wheels. Both profiles offer confidence-inspiring footprints, even at maximum lean angles.
     And there’s more. Dunlop’s Carcass Tension Control System (CTCS) comes into play. This manufacturing technique produces a lightweight tire for less upsprung weight and improved handling. CTCS builds a stiff carcass where it’s needed, combining it with a compliant ride. CTCS generates a stiffer shoulder for grip and stability on cornering, leaving the crown area softer for a comfortable ride.
     And all of this comes straight from racing. The D208ZR is a super-sport/super-street tire with history, and that history is Dunlop’s. In motorcycle tires, that’s tough to beat. The D208ZR is in the warehouse right now, it’s available in all the popular sizes, and it’s proof that winning race tires can definitely influence great street tires. Call your Parts Unlimited rep and find out more about the D208ZR today.

A good street tire has to perform in varying
temperatures and in all conditions, wet or dry.

Dunlop’s D208ZR high-performance street tire offers great street feel, and is designed for exceptional performance whether it is straight-up vertical or leaned over on its shoulder.