hat ZX10 is one no-fooling-around machine and the Dunlops it leaves the factory with are just as serious. These are sporting tires most definitely up to the job. Those OE-spec Qualifiers are sportbike tires of the first order. That’s why Kawasaki spec’ed them.
     The “replacement” Qualifier is even better, and better yet Dunlop just released a brand-new size in that “Q” lineup just for the ZX10. It’s a 190/55-ZR17, an exact match to the OE size. Only this tire takes the performance level up a notch, and then some.
     Dunlop’s Replacement Qualifier has been named “the ultimate sportbike tire” and the “Best New Product” by major consumer magazines. The tire has been ranked #1 in independent tire tests and shoot-outs, too. Amid all the street/track hybrid tires available these days excelling in tough company like that says a lot, and there’s good reason for the high praise. Dunlop’s replacement-version Qualifier is virtually a pure-race tire that’s been adapted to street life. A successor to the D208ZR Sport Radial in the lineup, the “Q” delivers racetrack-level grip and performance in a tire that’s right at home on the highway. Dunlop’s done it with a special-blend compound combining three race-developed polymers to maximize the grip–and warm up quickly to do it.      There’s a race-derived profile here, as well. The “Q’s” new carcass shape allows lightning quick turn-ins and significantly lighter steering. The Qualifier also features Dunlop’s “next-generation” cosecant-curve tread patterns. The payoff here is constantly aligned driving and braking forces–straight up or leaned over. The Qualifier grabs the road with a bigger footprint at those maximum lean angles, too. And on top of all this Dunlop has even lightened up the “Q” to reduce unsprung weight. This is real race-tire stuff, and Dunlop’s delivered it in a street/track tire with a tread life at least equivalent to the familiar D208ZR.
     The Qualifiers were originally introduced with front sizes of 110/70ZR17, 120/60ZR17, 120/70ZR17, 130/70R16 and rear sizes of 160/60R17, 170/60R17, 180/55ZR17, 190/50ZR17 and 200/50ZR17. You can add one more now–a 190/55-ZR17, the exact replacement tire for the ZX10.
     Dunlop’s Replacement Qualifiers elevate all aspects of hyper-performance and do it in all weather conditions. The goal was to seamlessly blend racetrack manners with on-road durability and Dunlop has sure done it here. This is a DOT-spec sportbike tire with authentic racetrack-level performance. At its introduction Dunlop said the Qualifier just might set a whole new standard for ultra-high performance radial tires. As it turns out those weren’t empty words. Motorcyclist’s “Best New Product” award proved that. Hyper-performance sportbike riders will love this tire and Parts Unlimited has them all in stock now.