Dunlop GT501's - any opinions?

[QuaiChangKane]

Just finished searching for new tires...


With the new GS1150 rear rim I just got (thanks, Unclesol!!), I'm going to try out a 150mm tire in the back. I've got a Katana torque arm with enough bend to clear the tire, and Dunlop lists this rim size as apropriate (3.5" rim) - which is great, since they don't make a 130mm width for a 17" rim, meaning the stock 2.5" rear wouldn't allow me to run the 501's.


I've exclusively run BT45's on this bike, so I wanted to get some user opinions on the 501's before I make the jump.

http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/tirecatalog_tire.asp?id=8

So - anybody try these? Good/bad/indifferent?


I figure they can't be that bad if the Red Bull Rookie Cup bikes run 'em.

http://images.motogp.com/multimedia2/617/617915_35934.jpg

-Q!

[49er]

I can't help with the GT501's. I have never used Dunlops on any of my bikes.
The design features look sound from the link you provided. I particularly like the idea of having the groove depth greater across the middle and shallower toward the sides. Speed ratings and compounds are a personal choice one makes with experience or budget!!
Dunlop's tips on that link make interesting reading. There is a maintenance section on tyre pressures and tyre loading which is quite pertinent! Something that we all get slack on ocassionaly.
Good luck on your decission. There will be others on this forum who have tried these tyres.

[bwringer]

The Dunlop 501s stick well enough at first, but evaporate quickly and handle poorly when worn. There are now better choices out there.

The Pirelli Sport Demons are far and away the best performance tires out there -- pure magic -- and they outlasted the 501s on a friend's GS by a wide margin.

The Pirellis also handled perfectly from beginning to end -- the 501s got pretty squirrelly the last thousand miles or so.

I've also been mightily impressed with the new Avon Roadriders -- they handle as well as the Pirellis, and I've gotten about half again the life out of my set that I got with the Pirellis. They're nearly worn out, but the handling is still excellent. They do have a slightly different feel -- the Avons seem to quicken the steering a bit, probably from a pointier profile.

[willie]

I was a diehard Dunlop fan based upon my experience with the Tour Elite and Sport Elite tires on a bunch of bikes. However, they didn't work for sh*t on my 1150ES! In fact, after less than 500 miles they were downright dangerous. The bike developed a headshake that I couldn't believe was due to the tires until switching brands. I went through 2 or 3 Sport Elites on the front before becoming convinced the headshake was due to the tread design. Just my .02 worth.
Willie in TN

[hp1000s]

501's seem like 591's with an updated tread mold...

[hp1000s]

Just got in my new Pirelli Sport Demons. Now they're kewl! Hope they ride half as good as they look.

[QuaiChangKane]

Thanks, guys!


I think I might try the Pirellis this time, as well - the narrowest 16" front tire available for the GT501 is a 110/90, which is too wide for my 2.15" front rim...

The Pirellis have a better selection of sizes. We'll see how they compare against the Bridgestones.


-Q!

[QuaiChangKane]

501's seem like 591's with an updated tread mold...

Yeah, Dunlop says they're based on the 591...

[49er]

Just got in my new Pirelli Sport Demons. Now they're kewl! Hope they ride half as good as they look.

You won't regret choosing the Sport Demons. Mind you, I've only done 3500kms on mine and the rear one is half worn. They'll wear just as fast as you ride. But man do they grip!!

[hp1000s]

Yeah, my last tires were 591's, and they wore well but weren't confidence inspiring...you could never feel the edge-of-traction.