Switching from Pirelli to Dunlop - Duc 1199

For any of you who run a big liter bike at a reasonably fast pace, where do you start with Dunlop tire compound choices? I had it figured out for Pirelli's, my bike and my speed. I've run 1:08-9s at Nelson and 1:35-38's at Mid-O. Not dog slow, and not fast either. I tend to use the v-twin power and torque coming out of the corners more so than a demon on the brakes. Any thoughts on where to start? Q-man will be my tire guy this year.

 

Might want to try your question in Tech.

 

It's been a number of years since I've used Dunlops on Ducatis, but back in the day when MotoA came to Nola, Dunlop developed a special compound (8477 if I recall?) that was extra long lasting for the abrasive track. It definitely wasn't my jam as the carcass was rock hard and although felt pretty indestructible under braking straight up and down, felt sketchy as hell everywhere else after coming off of Pirellis at the time.

Perhaps the softer compounds are quite different, keep in mind this was 10 years ago almost I think. I just couldn't adapt to the stiff carcass after the soft brands.

 

Quentin should be able to get you going in the right direction. He knows his stuff for sure. But I agree with the previous reply from 400r. Going from Pirelli to Dunlop sounds like a season of hell to me. Unless you're planning to race Moto-A, personally I don't think its worth it. Granted I'm not on a liter bike, just a 600. But when I ran Dunlop in 2019 I just could not get confident on them. They move around soooo much compared to not just softer carcass tires, but literally every single other tire I've ran- Michelin, Bridgestone, and Pirelli. Even their softest compound, although better than the rest of their compounds, was still unsettling compared to all the other tires. I will never waste my money on Dunlop again personally, unless I run Moto-A and they make me. Even then I would try to cheat and run something else since it won't be for any kind of championship...
I ran Bridgestone last year for the contingency, and I thought they were the best choice out of the others if you're not running Pirelli. Great grip, great life, and stiffer carcass than a Pirelli so it gives plenty of feedback on what the bike is doing under you. Michelins had a very similar feeling, but I hated how after less than 20 laps the edges of the rear tire would wear down into a different profile, creating that "moving around" feeling on the edge of the tire even though they would still have edge grip.. Bridgestone didn't give me that issue and kept the same profile the entire life of the tire, and was very predictable under rear tire spin. Plus they pay contingency. I was also running 1:08-1:09s at Nelson and 1:38s at Mid ohio last year on a stock motor with suspension setup by thermosman.
That's my opinion. But if you're stuck on Dunlop, I don't know anyone who runs them on a Duc, but I do know a couple fast guys that run them like Eric Smitten and Jeff Taite on a ZX10 and CBR1000. If you want their social media to get in touch with them let me know.

 

I've used 0129's more than any other compound. They work fine.

The Pirelli and Dunlop don't ride anything alike so be aware of that.

 

When we have people come to us from Pirelli, I suggest 0129 (R3). That compound has a softer feel to it.

 

Will you be the Dunlop vendor @Barber in July?

 

With WERA, yes.

 

appreciate the feedback ... heading to Nelson Ledges this weekend. Ran some harder compound Dunlops at Mid-Ohio, biggest thing I noticed was the first lap seemed a little less stuck than laps after that. I've been told the Dunlops need good warmers, I'm running newer Chicken Hawk Classic Pole Position warmers on the high setting. Quentin is bringing a bunch of tires, so we'll see what works.

 

From what Ive been told they just need to be heated all the way through. Make sure the tire is around 175-185 and wheel is at least 90.

 

so I ended up running R3 compound front and rear. I got a practice session and 3 races from the rear; flipping the rear for the 3rd race. Ran 1.09/10s. Quentin did note that the rear was a bit taller, but I ran it with my existing geometry and only noticed a slight amount of head shake over what is normal. Turn in felt good. I did notice the bike squirming more in turn 4. Not a bad squirm, just noticeable movement (or perhaps more accurately feeling more of what the bike was doing). I've tried changing the Dunlops using a NoMar machine and I can say the Dunlop carcass is much more stiff the than the Pirellis and perhaps telegraphs more of what is happening. Planning to run the same set up for Mid Ohio Vintage Days.

Oh, I ran the warmers on high and set the pressures 38fr and 19rear right before taking the warmers off. Right after the first race the front was at 38 and the rear was at 21. Nice "sandy beach" look to the rear.

 

Off track those are good numbers. When I went from old profile to new I added 2 turns to the rear shock (raise height) and it put it right on the money. Seems front is slightly taller than new rear.

 

Old front diam 608mm
New front diam 611mm
old 180 diam 656mm
new 180 diam 663mm
Old 200(60) diam 671
New 200 diam 676mm