DUNLOP Newsletter Issue 17

MAY 2011

CONTENTS 4

GNCC SERIES OFF TO A GRAND START

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DUNLOP AGAIN ON TOP AT WORCS

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SPRING TIRE TIPS FROM DUNLOP

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TEAM DUNLOP CONTEST WINNERS

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BRADL STORMS TO VICTORY IN MOTO2 SEASON OPENER

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SUPERCROSS SEASON WRAP-UP

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DUNLOP HISTORY, PART 2: RIDING ON AIR

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TEAM DUNLOP GRADUATES IMPRESSIVE IN THE PRO RANKS

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TEAM DUNLOP OFF TO A STELLAR START

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JESSE ROOKE: CREATING THE ART OF THE MOTORCYCLE

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PRODUCT FOCUS: DUNLOP SPORTMAX® TIRES

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FROM TRACK TO STREET WITH THE SPORTMAX® Q2®

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BROC GLOVER PREVIEWS THE 2011 AMA MOTOCROSS SEASON

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UPCOMING EVENTS

STEFANBRADL

ON THE COVER: Sometimes, you discover artwork in the strangest of places. Who would ever think this nondescript doorway leads to a treasure trove of two-wheeled masterpieces— by renowned bike builder Jesse Rooke?

FOR DUNLOP VIDEOS PLEASE VISIT YOUTUBE.COM/DUNLOPTIRESCHANNEL

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CLICK HERE TO ENTER YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO HAVE DUNLOP DOWNLOAD SENT DIRECTLY TO YOU EVERY MONTH

Dunlop Download magazine is published for Dunlop Motorcycle Tires by Vreeke & Associates. www.vreeke.com

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GNCC SERIES OFF TO A GRAND START The first four races of the 13-round Can-Am Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) series have produced three different winners, two of them—Charlie Mullins and Josh Strang—riding on Dunlop tires. Dunlop riders swept the top five spots at the fourth round and currently hold five of the top 10 positions in the series points.

FMF/KTM’s Charlie Mullins and FMF/Makita Suzuki’s Josh Strang have battled each other in the last two rounds. Mullins, the current points leader, got his second win of the season at the fourth round in Big Buck, Union City, SC. Mullins got the holeshot and held off Strang in the last lap for the win. Strang came in second. Another Dunlop rider FMF/KTM’s Kailub Russell garnered third, the first podium of his XC1 career. And Dunlop riders Cory Buttrick and Russell Bobbitt, both riding KTMs, came in fourth and fifth, respectively.

In the third round at Steele Creek in Morganton, NC, Strang, the 2010 XC1 champion, trailed Mullins down the final stretch of the slippery and very rough course. Mullins rode a near perfect race until the last turn, when he lost the front end and fell down, allowing Strang to cruise by for the win. This was Strang’s third win in a row in North Carolina, and he is second in points.

Am Pro/FMF/ Yamaha rider Paul Whibley, the 2009 series champ, won the second round at The General in Washington, GA, and is third in points, and Charlie Mullins won the first round at Westgate River Ranch in Florida.

The GNCC series next travels to Loretta Lynn’s in Tennessee.

GNCC SERIES STANDINGS XC1 1. Charlie Mullins 100 (Dunlop) 2. Josh Strang 98 (Dunlop) 3. Paul Whibley 73 4. Cory Buttrick 72 (Dunlop) 5. Nathan Kanney 58 6. Kailub Russell 53 (Dunlop) 7. Christopher Bach 48 8. Garrett Edmisten 46

CHARLIEMULLINS

9. Mike Lafferty 46 (Dunlop) 10. Jimmy Jarrett 43

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TAYLORROBERT

KURTCASELLI

DUNLOP AGAIN ON TOP AT WORCS After four rounds in the World Off Road Championship Series (WORCS), Dunlop

WORCS Points Standings

riders have claimed 10 of 12 podium finishes. In the first round at Taft, CA, Kurt

1. Kurt Caselli 177 (Dunlop)

Caselli, last year’s champion, grabbed the holeshot and held on to the lead

2. Bobby Garrison 177

throughout to finish first. Caselli dedicated his win to fellow racer Nathan Woods who

3. Taylor Robert 175 (Dunlop)

sustained fatal injuries when he crashed during the opening practice session. At

4. Mike Brown 146 (Dunlop)

round three in Lake Havasu, NV, it was a Dunlop rider on top again. This time, Taylor

5. Justin Soule 136 (Dunlop)

Robert steadily worked his way to the front during the hour-long race to grab the win.

6. Robby Bell 128 (Dunlop) 7. Kyle Summers 118 (Dunlop)

MIKEBROWN

At the fourth round in Anza, CA, Dunlop riders swept the podium, with Mike Brown

8. Gary Sutherlin 113

taking first place for the first time this season and Caselli and Ricky Dietrich finishing

9. Colton Udall 106 (Dunlop)

second and third, respectively. Caselli is currently tops in the points and Robert is

10. Destry Abbott 99 (Dunlop)

third. Dunlop rider Kyle Summers has also stood on the podium and is currently in seventh. In fact, Dunlop riders hold eight of the top 10 spots. With six rounds to go, it will be a tight race to the finish.

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SPRING TIRE TIPS FROM DUNLOP As springtime brings a new riding season, Dunlop reminds you

“Summer brings heat, and with it elevated road temperatures.

that it’s wise to kick off your travels by checking your tires.

Heat is the enemy of tires, so in the heat of summer it is

Two items are of vital importance: always check your tire

especially important to check tires pressures frequently to

pressures before you ride, and always know your load limit.

ensure proper inflation. Underinflated tires generate additional

Exceeding 400 pounds in rider, passenger and cargo weight

heat by flexing more than they should, while a properly inflated

on some bikes may exceed the load limit.

tire runs cooler.

Below, you’ll find some tire tips from Mike Manning, Dunlop

“In addition, we’ve listed a few more tire tips for you and

Motorcycle Tires Product Manager.

your motorcycle. We hope you enjoy the new riding season and that these tire tips are helpful. Ride safe wherever you

“Begin your springtime inspection by checking the tire

may travel.”

TEAM DUNLOP CONTEST WINNERS

sidewalls for signs of cracking—indicators that it could be time —Before setting out, especially on long rides, be sure to check

On the Team Dunlop Web site, riders can keep up with the latest Dunlop amateur racing news, link up with members and other

dressings, which can actually accelerate tire cracking. Even if

your motorcycle’s load limit in the owner’s manual against the

riders, apply for a sponsorship—and also win great prizes.

your tires look okay, this may be a great time to replace them.

total weight of rider and passenger with riding gear, plus all

for replacements. Never apply tire sidewall treatments or

“For showery springtime riding, it’s especially important to be

cargo. Exceeding that limit could lead to sudden tire failure

In April three winners each won a set of Dunlop tires: Jamie Algiers won the Holeshot Video Contest, Ryan Olsen shot the

and can seriously compromise your safety.

winning photo for the Holeshot Photo Contest, and Logan Anderson had the winning entry in the April Race Result Contest.

aware that worn tires decrease the ability to dissipate water.

—Maintaining the correct air pressures is crucial to the tires’

Also, each week Team Dunlop chooses one winner to send to a Supercross event. Brandon Lowel recently won a pair of tickets

susceptible to punctures, so always replace worn tires before

rolling efficiency, steering, grip, wear and load-carrying

and pit passes to the Supercross at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. And Chris Rubaie won a pair of tickets and pit passes to the

they reach the tread-depth indicators (1/32 of an inch) inside

capabilities—for every 4 psi a tire is underinflated, you lose 80

Supercross at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, MO.

the tread grooves. Be sure to check several points around the

pounds of load-carrying capacity. Remember, the air in your

tire, including the center tread as this portion of the tire is

tires helps carry all of the load including your motorcycle, you,

You too can be a part of the Team Dunlop community. Check out the web site at teamdunlop.com, register for free to become a

your passenger and all your cargo, so check cold air pressures

Team Dunlop member and become eligible to win great prizes, as well as get great tire tips and deals.

Worn tires also decrease handling and become more

especially vital for water evacuation.

as often as possible with a high-quality air-pressure gauge, and have it calibrated at least once a year. Checking tire

Who knows, you could be headed to a Supercross race or riding on a new set of tires courtesy of Dunlop.

pressures is the most important tire maintenance function you can perform.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TEAM D OR TO JOIN THE TEAM D COMMUNITY 8

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BRADL STORMS TO VICTORY IN MOTO2 SEASON OPENER Stefan Bradl (Viessmann Kiefer Racing) roared to victory in the Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar, opening his season in convincing style by capturing his second Moto2 win.

STEFANBRADL

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As the sole supplier for the Moto 2 class, Dunlop was there in force, fitting newly developed tires to the entire field of machines. To nobody’s surprise, the 2011 season opener turned into a highly entertaining affair with an intense battle for the positions between second and fifth.

Bradl, who had earlier earned the first pole position of his career, led from the very start of the race and eventually won by a large margin of 4.330 seconds. Last season, this race was won by the late Shoya Tomizawa, who was honored on Saturday with the unveiling of a memorial plaque at the circuit.

The conditions were almost perfect, with hardly any headwind and a warm track. In a field of 16 Grand Prix winners, racing is always sure to be tough, but it was Andrea Iannone (Speed Master) who grabbed the second spot on the podium, the 14th podium of his career. After starting down in 16th place, Iannone had clawed his way up to ninth by the end of lap one and was up to second place by lap nine, but by then Bradl was cruising to victory.

Thomas Lüthi (Interwetten Paddock Moto2) finished third after equaling his best-ever qualifying, starting from third position. Under the heading of last-lap heroics, Alex de Angelis (JiR Moto2) made a determined charge on the last lap to overtake Yuki Takahashi (Gresini Racing) and drop him to fifth place while the rider from San Marino took a well-earned fourth.

After a poor start from the front row, reigning 125 World Champion Marc Márquez (Team Catalunya Caixa Repsol) crashed out early in his Moto2 debut.

Simone Corsi (Ioda Racing Project) finished sixth, 14.217 seconds behind the race winner. He beat Frenchman Jules Cluzel (Forward Racing) on the line in a close finish.

Michele Pirro (Gresini Racing Moto2) was eighth. Bradley Smith (Tech 3) was the highest-placing series newcomer, recording a ninth-place finish ahead of Julián Simón

ANDREAIANNONE

(Mapfre Aspar).

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MOTO2 CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS 1. Stefan Bradl

Viessmann Kiefer Racing

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2. Andrea Iannone

Speed Master

20

3. Thomas Luthi

Interwetten Paddock Moto2

16

4. Alex De Angelis

JIR Moto2

13

5. Yuki Takahashi

Gresini Racing Moto2

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6. Simone Corsi

Ioda Racing Project

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7. Jules Cluzel

Forward Racing

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8. Michele Pirro

Gresini Racing Moto2

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9. Bradley Smith

Tech 3 Racing

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10. Julian Simon

Mapfre Aspar Team Moto2

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11. Aleix Espargaro

Pons HP 40

5

12. Yonny Hernandez

Blusens-STX

4

13. Dominique Aegerter

Technomag-CIP

3

14. Esteve Rabat

Blusens-STX

2

15. Max Neukirchner

MZ Racing Team

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THOMASLUTHI

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE MOTO2 IMAGES

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SUPERCROSS SEASON WRAP-UP RYANVILLOPOTO

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THERE WERE 34 CHAMPIONSHIP RACES THIS YEAR BETWEEN THE SUPERCROSS AND LITES CLASSES, AND DUNLOP RIDERS WON EVERY RACE, FILLED EVERY SPOT ON EVERY MAIN EVENT PODIUM, AND TOOK ALL THREE CHAMPIONSHIPS. The 2011 AMA Supercross Championship produced some of

rundown to the title. Like wily boxers the two riders fought

the closest racing ever, and it played out in front of packed

on while keeping each another in sight throughout all 15 laps

stadiums from one end of the country to the other. Between

of the main event. Tomac held the upper hand for the

Supercross and the Supercross Lites East and West

majority of the race, until Tickle slipped by on lap 13. Tickle

seasons, many different race winners climbed the podium.

held on to finish second behind Roczen—just what he

No wonder many stadiums recorded sellout crowds; the

needed to win his first-ever Supercross Lites title. DNA

2011 championship chase developed into one of the most

Shred Stix/Star Racing Yamaha’s Kyle Cunningham was third

competitive on record.

with Tomac following in fourth and finishing second in the final standings.

In Supercross, 2011 race winners included Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto, TwoTwo Motorsports Honda rider

In the Lites East series, GEICO Honda’s Justin Barcia scored

Chad Reed, Team San Manuel Yamaha’s James Stewart,

multiple race wins and persevered brilliantly throughout the

American Honda Racing’s Trey Canard and Rockstar/Makita/

season—despite racing with a broken wrist—to lead the

Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey. Entering the season finale at Las

series going into Las Vegas. As the gates dropped on the

Vegas, Villopoto led Reed in the championship chase by nine

final event, Barcia grabbed the holeshot. While he could

points, a handy edge that the Kawasaki rider used to good

have taken the title the easy way, he came out swinging,

advantage. As the race unfolded, Reed and Dungey battled

opening up a gap over the rest of the field. Behind him, DNA

to the finish, with Reed taking his second win of the season

Shred Stix/Star Racing Yamaha’s Ryan Sipes and Monster

as Dungey finished runner-up. Understanding full well what

Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Blake Baggett battled for

was necessary to secure the championship, Villopoto rode a

second. On lap three, Barcia went down, handing the lead to

calculated race and finished a solid and secure third to take

Sipes. Bagget and Sipes worked each other over fighting for

his first-ever Supercross title.

the lead before Baggett made the winning pass on the final lap to secure his second win of the season. Sipes finished

The Supercross Lites West series likewise produced multiple

second, while Barcia rode a strong race to finish third and

race winners including Monster Energy/Pro

capture the 2011 Supercross Lites East championship.

Circuit/Kawasaki’s Josh Hansen plus teammate Broc Tickle,

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along with GEICO Honda rookie Eli Tomac and Troy Lee

There were 34 championship races this year between the

Designs/Lucas Oil/Honda’s Cole Seely. A tight points chase

Supercross and Lites classes, and Dunlop riders won every

set the stage for yet another dramatic Las Vegas finale, and

race, filled every spot on every main event podium, and took

these riders did not disappoint the big crowd. Early race

all three championships. Along the way, a number of race

leaders included Red Bull KTM’s Ken Roczen and Seely, but

wins were posted on the same Geomax tires Dunlop makes

both crashed while up front. Roczen battled back to regain

available to the public. Because while we strive to supply the

the lead but the real race was between series leaders Tickle

best tires possible to top-level professional racers, we also

and Tomac, who were separated by a mere two points in the

maintain that same commitment to the avid weekend rider.

JUSTINBARCIA

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2011 Supercross Championship Final Standings 1.

Ryan Villopoto (Dunlop)

2.

Chad Reed (Dunlop)

3.

Ryan Dungey (Dunlop)

4.

James Stewart (Dunlop)

5.

Trey Canard (Dunlop)

6.

Andrew Short (Dunlop)

7.

Kevin Windham (Dunlop)

8.

Davi Millsaps

9.

Justin Brayton

10. Nick Wey (Dunlop) 2011 Supercross Lites West Championship Final Standings 1.

Broc Tickle (Dunlop)

2.

Eli Tomac (Dunlop)

3.

Josh Hansen (Dunlop)

4.

Cole Seely (Dunlop)

5.

Ryan Morais (Dunlop)

6.

Ken Roczen (Dunlop)

7.

Tyla Rattray (Dunlop)

8.

Kyle Cunningham (Dunlop)

9.

Martin Davalos (Dunlop)

10. Ben Evans (Dunlop) Supercross Lites East Championship Final Standings 1.

Justin Barcia (Dunlop)

2.

Dean Wilson (Dunlop)

3.

Ryan Sipes (Dunlop)

4.

Blake Baggett (Dunlop)

5.

Blake Wharton (Dunlop)

6.

Matt Lemoine (Dunlop)

7.

Malcolm Stewart (Dunlop)

8.

Lance Vincent (Dunlop)

9.

P.J. Larsen (Dunlop)

10. Hunter Hewitt (Dunlop)

BROCTICKLE

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CHADREED

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RYANDUNGEY

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RYANSIPES

JOSHHANSEN

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DEANWILSON

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ELITOMAC CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE SX IMAGES

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RIDING ON AIR DUNLOP HISTORY PART 2

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From its humble beginnings as the developer and first manufacturer of the pneumatic tire, Dunlop has grown to a world-class and worldleading tire manufacturing company with strong ties to and emphasis on the US market.

In the early years, the company went through several name changes, including The Pneumatic Tyre and Booth’s Cycle Agency Company Limited, and the Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Company. In 1917, the thennamed Dunlop Rubber Company Limited established its original tire factory in Birmingham, England. Nicknamed Fort Dunlop for its fortresslike architecture, the factory employed 10,000 workers by 1954. The original Fort Dunlop still stands, but only a small part of the building is now occupied by Dunlop; the rest of the space has been turned into retail stores.

After World War I, Dunlop diversified and expanded. It formed a separate aerospace division and developed the use of latex foam for mattresses, golf balls and tennis racquets. Dunlop even developed diving suits and swim fins. By the 1920s, Dunlop had established divisions worldwide, including South Africa, South America, India and Australia, and had manufacturing operations in France, Japan and the US In 1920, just a year before John Boyd Dunlop’s death at age 81, ground was broken for the first US plant in Buffalo, NY. And Dunlop has continued its focus on the US market ever since.

Dunlop’s Buffalo, NY, facility was the first and still only facility to manufacture motorcycle tires in the US. The site was chosen because of its accessibility by water, rail and road, and its proximity to the Niagara River for plentiful power. The first American-made Dunlop tire rolled off the production line in Buffalo on New Year’s Day 1923. Today, that plant has expanded to 1.7 million square feet and produces 2.98 million tires a year. The 610,000-square-foot warehouse holds up to 350,000 tires. Over a half-million pounds of raw material arrives at the facility each day.

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In 1968, Dunlop opened its second US manufacturing plant in Huntsville, AL. Though that plant is no longer

DPG’s courses can approximate just about any road or race condition, dry or wet. Its test fleet incorporates a

operational, Dunlop maintains its state-of-the art Dunlop Proving Grounds (DPG) in Huntsville, the only

variety of machines and is deep enough for bike-to-bike comparisons.

dedicated motorcycle development center of its kind in the US. With a paved course that also features wetpavement testing, motocross and Supercross tracks, DPG gives Dunlop the opportunity to fine-tune tires

An early Dunlop company brochure titled Riding on Air states, “Dunlop, which once served only the cyclist,

specifically for the US market. Dunlop evaluates motorcycle tires for the North American market right here,

now make tyres for practically everything that moves on wheels—tractors and trucks, buses and caravans,

using American riders on American-spec bikes.

trolleys and trolley-buses, motorcycles and milk carts, everything from tiny toys to giant aeroplanes.” Although Dunlop is no longer making tires for milk carts and trolley buses, more than 100 years after its inception, it is still manufacturing a complete line of tires to outfit a wide range of vehicles: passenger cars, trucks, ATVs, sport utility vehicles, scooters, as well as touring, sport, off-road and a wide range of racing motorcycles.

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TEAM DUNLOP GRADUATES IMPRESSIVE IN THE PRO RANKS

JUSTINBARCIA

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ASHLEYFIOLEK

Since Team Dunlop’s inception in 2007, a number of the team’s founding squad members have gone on to earn much success in their professional careers. Most notably, Team Dunlop alumni Justin Barcia just won his first AMA Pro championship, the 2011 Supercross Lites East title, aboard his GEICO Honda CRF250R. Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Blake Baggett has also recorded wins in the AMA Supercross Lites series and AMA Motocross 250 Championship since turning pro in 2009.

Barcia secured his first-ever professional Motocross Lites win in Southwick, MA, in 2009, and he again took the win there the following season. In his rookie Supercross Lites season, Barcia recorded his first race win at the Toronto Supercross before finishing the season runner-up in the championship points. That same year, Baggett took his first-ever professional victory at the Arlington Supercross Lites East race in Texas. In 2011, the duo continue to record stellar results with Barcia winning the Supercross Lites East Championship opener in Houston and clinching victories in Jacksonville and St. Louis. Baggett likewise enjoyed a solid second season, taking win number two of his career at the Daytona Supercross and capped off his season with a win in Las Vegas.

BLAKEBAGGETT 38

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A third Team Dunlop graduate, GEICO Honda’s Eli Tomac, made his professional AMA Motocross debut one to remember by winning the 250-class overall at the 2010 Hangtown Motocross season opener.

Making his Supercross Lites debut in the West series this year, Tomac scored his first-ever Supercross Lites victory in San Diego, CA, and went on to take win number two of his career in Salt Lake City, UT. Contending for the championship, Tomac ended the season in the runner-up spot.

Another graduate of Team Dunlop transitioning into the pro ranks this year is Justin Bogle. A member of the 2008 Team Dunlop squad, Bogle will make his pro debut with the GEICO Honda team in the 2011 AMA Motocross Championship in the 250 class.

Dunlop has supported Baggett, Barcia and Tomac for many years—in both amateur and professional motocross competitions—as well as 2007 Team Dunlop member Ashley Fiolek, the first alumni to clinch an AMA National Championship and the first woman to land a ride on Honda’s factory motocross team.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TEAM D OR TO JOIN THE TEAM D COMMUNITY

ELITOMAC

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ADAMCIANCIARULO

TEAM DUNLOP OFF TO A STELLAR START

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At the 35th International GNC Motocross Final held at Oak Hill Raceway in Decatur, TX, Team Dunlop welcomed 19 of amateur racing’s most talented athletes to the team’s 2011 starting lineup. Team Dunlop racers put in stellar performances aboard their Geomax-fitted race machines at this major amateur event, winning eight national titles.

To kick things off, Dunlop held a welcoming dinner for the 2011 Team Dunlop squad at Bono’s Chophouse and Saloon, bringing nine first-year members and 10 returning squad members together for the first time. The dinner provided the team, plus their families and Dunlop staff, the opportunity to celebrate being a part of this industry-leading program.

Longtime Dunlop racer GEICO Honda’s Blake Wharton made the night even more special for the team by sharing his experiences since turning professional in 2009. Wharton offered advice to the budding amateur racers and answered plenty of questions.

“The best part about racing Motocross is the fun you have as an amateur,” said Wharton to the attentive crowd. “You need to make sure you’re having lots of fun now because when you turn pro it becomes a serious job, and there is a lot more pressure on you to do well. I think the Team Dunlop program is great and all of you should count yourselves lucky to be a part of this team. I recommend you get to know the Dunlop staff because they are a good source of knowledge when it comes to racing, and most of the Dunlop staff you deal with at the amateur races are the same guys I work with at the pro events. It really helps to be able to continue that relationship when you move into the pro ranks because having people that you know and trust around you really makes the transition so much easier.”

In racing action, team newcomers Pierce Brown, Garrett Marchbanks and Michael Mosiman joined returning squad members Adam Cianciarulo and Sean Cantrell in notching up eight wins. Brown dominated the 50cc competition, winning six motos en route to recording three title wins: 50 7-8 Mod; 50 7-8 Stock and 50 Open 4-9. Meanwhile, Marchbanks swept the 65 7-9 Mod championship and took the 65 7-9 Stock title. Mosiman clinched the 85 7-11 Stock championship; Cianciarulo dominated both Supermini 85-150 thru 16 motos to take the title win, while Cantrell nabbed the 85 7-11 Mod championship.

Decked out in specially branded Dunlop racetrack apparel and sporting a unique Team Dunlop logo on their helmets, these talented young riders will be leading the pack at major amateur motocross races all across the country this year.

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PIERCEBROWN

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SEANCANTRELL

TEAM DUNLOP LINEUP

GARRETTMARCHBANKS

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RIDER NAME

OEM

CLASS

Jordan Bailey

Suz

85

Chase Bell

Kaw

85/Supermini

Pierce Brown

Cob

50/65

Sean Cantrell

Suz

85

Tristan Charboneau

Yam

85

Adam Cianciarulo

Kaw

Supermini

Austin Forkner

Kaw

85

Lance Kobusch

Kaw

65

Garrett Marchbanks

KTM

65

Tristan Miller

Suz

85

Michael Mosiman

Suz

85

Carson Mumford

KTM

Super Pee Wee/65

Jake Pinhancos

Suz

85

Brandy Richards

Kaw

85

Stilez Robertson

Cob/Kaw

50/65

Chase Sexton

Yam

85

Jordon Smith

Suz

Supermini

Tanner Stack

Kaw

85

Mark Worth

Kaw

85/Supermini

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MICHAELMOSIMAN

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TEAM D OR TO JOIN THE TEAM D COMMUNITY

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JESSE ROOKE

CREATING THE ART OF THE MOTORCYCLE Jesse Rooke created his first custom bike, Dinah, in 1992, and immediately established a reputation as an innovator in the custom bike world. His creations blend a racer’s mentality with chopper cool. Dunlop Download recently spoke with Jesse.

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DINAH CHANGED THE CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE WORLD AND ME—SHE’S MY BEST.

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CATHY

S&S TOUR BIKE

Q: What was your first motorcycle experience?

A: I was at Daytona Bike Week just weeks after my birth. My family has always had motorcycles as far back as I can remember.

Q: What kinds of bikes did you like most when you first entered the sport?

A: My favorites were flat track, road racing and off-road motorcycles. I was exposed to many kinds of bikes at a very young age and continually throughout my life.

Q: When and where did you start designing custom bikes?

A: I was very young when I started, with my bicycles and skateboards first, then my MX bikes. I did just cosmetic changes until my teenage years; then the mechanics and fabrication began.

Q: Your bikes have an industrial simplicity. How did you come by this aesthetic?

A: I’m not sure. I love racing, all forms, and they are the purest form of engineering, invention, performance and presentation. Also, if it breaks, I want to fix it quickly, with as little hassle as possible.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your first full-on custom bike, Dinah. Why did you start with this bike? What did you do to alter its character? Now that you’ve created so many other customs, what do you think when you look back at Dinah?

A: I built this bike because I saw Jesse James build one. I built a monocoque-style frame, with fuel and oil tanks built into the sheet metal and single-sided front and rear wheel assemblies. Dinah changed the custom motorcycle world and me—she’s my best.

Q: What signature elements do you incorporate to make your bikes stand out in the world of custom bikes?

A: I use high-performance elements and a race-inspired motif.

Q: How do you come up with the creative names for your bikes?

A: Many different reasons—most have had a great influence on my life. The bike is just how I express my gratitude, appreciation and celebration.

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THE BIKE IS JUST HOW I EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE, APPRECIATION AND CELEBRATION.

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DARLA

Q: Do you have a favorite among your creations?

A: Yeah, a few: Dinah, Cathy, Darla, 50th and Scarlett.

Q: How much input do you get from customers?

A: As little as possible, ha, ha. Just numbers, colors, music, other interests such as sports, important symbols or logos.

Q: Tell us about some of your latest projects, the vision you have for them and what you’re doing to make them special.

A: I’m working on an American Elite Road King, sport touring; a Sportmax Q2 240 tire on a Ducati monster, street/flat track; also, a one-off 23-inch-wheeled old school Shovelhead chopper.

Q: Can you talk about how you decide which tires should be fitted to each individual bike.

A: My tire choice depends on the type of riding condition, the load capacity, along with the overall appearance.

Tires are the single biggest factor in every build. We’ve got to roll on them all the time and depend on them for our safety at every obstacle.

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SCARLETT

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PRODUCT FOCUS:

DUNLOP SPORTMAX TIRES 64

速

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The phenomenal success earned by Dunlop through decades

feel. Such outstanding traits return dividends to all riders,

of worldwide racing efforts draws attention from motorcyclists

regardless of the specific type of sport riding they favor.

throughout the sport. More importantly, however, these prominent racing efforts help pave the way for innovations in

For sport-touring enthusiasts, the Sportmax Roadsmart®

tire technology that directly benefit enthusiasts throughout the

serves as an advanced radial tire with superior wet-weather

entire spectrum of sport riding—as witnessed by Dunlop’s line

performance, extended mileage and sportbike handling. In

of premium Sportmax tires. Whether you favor long-haul

addition to its MT Multi-Tread rear tire design, the Roadsmart

sport-touring, spirited street riding or track days and road

also features micro-sized carbon particles within its tire

racing, Dunlop’s Sportmax tires offer the company’s newest

compounds that enhance dry grip under acceleration, while a

developments in high-performance technology.

special silica additive helps promote wet grip. In addition, a

®

distinctive cosecant-curve tread design with deep and long As a prime example of how tire developments at the top levels

grooves helps evacuate water in both straight-line and

of racing directly benefit sport riders, consider Dunlop’s MT™

cornering conditions—just the ticket for those who love to ride

Multi-Tread technology, which can be found throughout the

far, ride hard and ride often.

Sportmax range. Like the all-out racing-only tires that came before them, Sportmax MT Multi-Tread rear tires incorporate a

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The Sportmax Q2® sportbike tire, in turn, adds Dunlop’s

cooler-running, long-wearing compound placed in the center

Intuitive Response Profile (IRP) to MT Multi-Tread technology

of the tread to provide enhanced straight-line stability and

to create a superior street tire that is equally at home on the

deliver excellent traction under acceleration, plus longer tread

track. With this unique IRP technology in the rear tire, the Q2

life. Flanking this center section on both sides are lateral-grip

possesses steering characteristics that set it above

tire compounds developed to enhance traction at moderate-

conventional-design sport tires. It intuitively allows the rider

to-maximum lean angles and help provide remarkable grip and

greater latitude in line choice while cornering and provides

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MT TECHNOLOGY SPORTMAX D211 GP-A LATERAL-GRIP COMPOUND LONG-WEARING COMPOUND LATERAL-GRIP COMPOUND

JLB CONSTRUCTION CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTMAX D211 GP-A INFO

JOINTLESS BAND (JLB) ARAMID BELT NYLON CARCASS PLY

SPORTMAX Q2 HEX BEAD

enhanced linear steering traits through corners that vary in

For the most demanding sport riders and racers, Dunlop offers

shape, speed and camber, and at various lean angles.

the Sportmax D211™ GP-A, a supersport/race tire developed

Because this radical IRP profile puts down a bigger footprint at

and manufactured in the USA. Used exclusively in the AMA

extreme lean angles while also allowing greater lean angles

Daytona SportBike, SuperSport and XR1200 classes of

and higher cornering speeds, the Sportmax Q2 provides

national-level pro racing, the Sportmax D211 GP-A supplies

impressive grip and handling qualities.

premium-level performance for club racers, track day

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTMAX Q2 INFO

devotees and professional racers. Along with the other tires in In addition to Dunlop’s IRP and MT technologies, both front

the Sportmax lineup, the D211 GP-A makes full use of

and rear Q2 tires feature carcass-construction technology that

Dunlop’s arsenal of tire technology, including MT Multi-Tread

enhances steering response and cornering stability. The rear

design and JLB construction, plus special purpose-built track

tire also features a newly developed, stiffer version of Dunlop’s

compounding and more. One key element in the success of

Jointless Band (JLB) construction that utilizes a continuously

the D211 GP-A is the use of N-TEC carcass construction,

wound aramid belt for reduced carcass distortion, plus stiffer

which was developed and proven at the highest levels of

overall construction to meet high-performance demands and

racing in America, and remains a vital component in the

provide a more consistent contact patch. The net result is a

construction of these championship-winning tires.

SPORTMAX ROADSMART

street tire that’s so at home in ultra-demanding track environments that a number of track schools, including the

All told, Dunlop’s lineup of premium Sportmax tires offers an

California Superbike School and STAR Motorcycle School,

unrivaled selection of top-performing tires to meet the needs

make the Dunlop Sportmax Q2 their tire of choice for students

of the most discriminating sport riders whether you’re riding

and instructors alike.

across the country or headed for the nearest track.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTMAX ROADSMART INFO

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FROM TRACK TO STREET WITH THE SPORTMAX Q2 速

速

DUNLOP IS AN OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF THE STAR SCHOOL, AND SUPPLIES BOTH FREE AND DISCOUNTED SPORTMAX Q2 TIRES FOR SCHOOL USE. 70

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Q: Tell us your name and the name of your riding school.

1980s when I started riding with my father’s schools, Reg

using this tire. Simply put, the Q2 offers so much grip that I

Q: The Q2 rear tire incorporates MT Multi-Tread

A: I’m Jason Pridmore, and I run the STAR Motorcycle School.

Pridmore’s CLASS Motorcycle Schools. I have been with

trust it for use by all my instructors and also on my bike that I

construction, which uses high-grip lateral compounds on

Dunlop my entire career.

give two-up rides on all day.

Q: Tell us a little about your racing background.

A: I began racing in 1990, and along the way I won two AMA

Q: Why did you select Dunlop tires for use at your school?

Q: The Q2 rear tire features a new Intuitive Response

A: Where we have noticed this technology the most is during

Championships, an FIM World Endurance Championship and I

A: I began riding with Dunlop, and there has been no reason

Profile (IRP) that enhances steering characteristics; can

my two-up rides. Under heavy acceleration and down long

still race in FIM World Endurance races.

for us to change tire brands. I have been approached by other

you explain how that feels on the track?

straights, we used to have a bit more wear in the center of

manufacturers but have had no reason to switch.

A: I’m constantly surprised how these tires allow you to feel

the tire with the extra load. Now we have more tread down

the track under you, feedback that’s like the top Dunlop race

the center of the tire and plenty of grip when cornering.

the track?

Q: Which model tire do you now use at your school,

tires. IRP allows you to put the bike on any part of the track. I

Students jump off the bike amazed that this is a

A: We launched the STAR Motorcycle School in 1998 and have

and why?

also feel like I can run the bike deeper into the corner, create

street-based tire.

conducted more than 500 schools since then.

A: We are using the Dunlop Sportmax® Q2®. Words cannot

my farthest lean angle for a shorter period of time and still

Q: How long have you been conducting riding schools on

express how happy we are with using this street-based tire.

have amazing grip under acceleration off the corner, more like

Q: What do your students say about the Dunlop tires they

Q: How many different tracks do you ride on during the

We get more durability on the track and sacrifice zero

a race tire.

ride on?

course of a year? How many students do you see?

in performance.

Q: What are some of the best attributes of the Q2?

bikes at the school, so sometimes we have riders travel from

A: The 2011 schedule has us appearing at 10 different tracks

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the shoulders and a longer-wearing compound in the center. How does that technology pay off on the track?

A: Students have nothing but praise for the Q2s. We also rent

all around the country, including multiple dates at Chuckwalla

Q: How do you find the Q2 performs on the track?

A: I think the best attributes of the Q2 are grip and durability.

far away and jump on strange bikes with tires they aren’t used

Valley Raceway in California. On average we will see 50

A: When I was invited out to the track for the press

Isn’t that what everyone is looking for? Plus, this tire is so

to. We don’t use tire warmers, and most riders will be coming

people a day at 30-plus events.

introduction of the original Sportmax® Qualifier, I couldn’t

affordable and you aren’t giving up anything in terms of

from a race tire that they use at track days back home. After

believe it was a tire made for street use. We used that tire for

performance. I know Dunlop will make a better tire in the

two days riding with us, students are very impressed with the

Q: When did you first begin using Dunlop tires?

two years until the new Q2 came out. If I felt we were giving up

coming years, but I honestly don’t know how it gets any better

street-based Q2s. As previously stated, anyone that gets off

A: I have been lucky enough to ride on Dunlops since the mid-

anything as far as performance is concerned, we wouldn’t be

than the Q2 we now have.

the bike after a two-up ride is simply amazed.

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WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS HOW HAPPY WE ARE WITH USING THIS STREET-BASED TIRE. WE GET MORE DURABILITY ON THE TRACK AND SACRIFICE ZERO IN PERFORMANCE.

Q: How do these qualities carry over to Q2s used for street riding?

A: The biggest benefit that’s carried over to street riding is that students can come to our school, then leave on the same tires and have that same level of confidence in their tires on the street that they experienced in more extreme conditions on the track.

Q: Can you compare these tires to the ones you raced on back in the day? Help us understand how far tires have progressed over the years.

A: All this question can do is make me look old—I remember racing on the Dunlop K591! It simply doesn’t compare, the tires from then to now. Two years ago, I wanted to race an AMA National Superstock event on the Dunlop Qualifier, but rules wouldn’t allow that. I wouldn’t have even thought of such a notion over the past five, 10, 15 years. But in this case, I really thought I would be able to put my bike in the top 10 of a National event on the Qualifiers. How many other tire manufacturers have a street tire that could go through that? And now we have this next-generation Q2 that performs at a level that’s higher than ever before.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH A SPORTMAX Q2 VIDEO 74

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BROC GLOVER PREVIEWS THE 2011 AMA MOTOCROSS SEASON In May the calendar switches over from Supercross to Motocross competition in the USA. We asked Dunlop Senior Manager, Motorcycle Off-Road Broc Glover—who also happens to be a six-time AMA National Motocross and Supercross champion—what this change brings to him and the Dunlop tire crew.

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Q: The Supercross season is coming to a close; do you

perfection, so it is very important that they have the best

have a favorite memory or two from the 2011 SX season?

possible setting for each different tire and track condition

A: The whole racing picture has been so exciting all season

they may face throughout the season. With the entire range

long; it’s been the closest racing we’ve seen in many, many

of Geomax® tires that we offer, spanning from the MX71™

years. The Atlanta Supercross and the race at Dodger

hard-terrain tire through the new MX11™ for extreme sand

Stadium are two that really stand out in my mind.

and mud, we cover the whole range of tire needs very well.

Q: As the Supercross season winds down, what are some

Q: When transitioning to the Motocross season, how

of the first things you do to get ready for the 2011

does the load-out for the Dunlop tire truck differ?

outdoor Motocross season?

A: Whenever we go to a race, we’ve got to be ready for

A: Most of the top teams start testing well before the

anything and everything. So in general, for the outdoor

Supercross season is over, working on suspension settings

nationals, we bring a wider variety of tires because the

to transition from the slower, more jump-filled stadium tracks

terrain and the weather can be more variable. We tend to

to the higher speeds and rougher Motocross tracks. Starting

bring more aggressive tires to the Motocross series than in

in late March, we go out to various outdoor tracks—Glen

Supercross, and that spotlights our MX51™, which is a real

Helen in Southern California is a favorite because it’s close to

favorite outdoors. Also, we load the Dunlop service truck

home for many teams—to meet up with the teams, and since

heavier since there are 80 riders qualifying for the two

tires are such a critical component of how the suspension on

classes and everyone rides longer and uses more tires

a bike works, it is vital we assist the teams in choosing the

compared to Supercross races. Outdoors, you have two

right tires for their machines. At the highest levels of

long motos on much bigger tracks, so you get a lot more

professional racing, riders and teams are looking for near

tire wear.

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Q: Is it easier or more difficult for you to plan to supply

slower and there’s more emphasis on timing and jumping,

tires when you’re doing Supercross or Motocross,

setting up a good rhythm. Nowadays, young riders can get

and why?

on SX-style tracks at an earlier age, so there’s less and less

A: It’s maybe a little bit harder to plan for Motocross because

specialization. However, racing outdoors always involves

weather can make conditions a real handful. For example, if

significantly faster speeds, rougher tracks and higher

a thunderstorm rolls in, a wet track can change everything in

daytime temperatures. Motocross is tough! Sometimes you

a hurry. As the major tire supplier, we have to watch the

have to be willing to go flat out. When asked why they

weather like hawks. But just in case such a situation crops

preferred Supercross over Motocross, I’ve heard veteran

up, most factory-level teams have mud wheels ready to go,

riders comment that sometimes they feel like you just have

usually mounted with fresh MX31™ tires.

to go too fast outdoors to stay up front in Motocross.

Q: Are the outdoor tracks more consistent in the

Q: Do some tires always work consistently well at

selection of tires, or is there more variety?

certain tracks because of the local conditions?

A: We’ll run a lot of mixture of tires outdoors. The track

A: Because of the very sandy soil conditions at Southwick,

crews do a lot of start-line grading at these tracks, so rear

lots of riders will use the MX11 paddle-style tire. But out of

tires end up being more aggressive as riders focus on the

the 12 AMA Motocross Nationals we run, the most-used

holeshot. On warm, sunny days riders will often run an

combination is typically the MX51 rear and MX71 front.

MX71 up front and use an MX51 rear tire. In Supercross the

Some riders run an MX51-MX51 combination, but it just

start is equally as important, but because the starting gate

depends on what’s going on with riding conditions.

area is typically more packed down, many riders like to use

Oftentimes, during the second moto the track will be more

the MX71 on the rear.

hard-packed, so a rider might change from what he used

Q: Why is it that some riders are Supercross specialists

same tire combination in virtually every race regardless of

while others excel at outdoor Motocross racing?

the track conditions. They usually are the ones looking for a

A: Different riders have different riding styles, and sometimes

consistent feel and bike setup and do not want to vary from

you just develop a preference. In Supercross the speeds are

their familiar settings.

the first moto. And then there are certain riders who run the

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79

UPCOMING EVENTS GNCC Series #6 May 14-15 Indy 100 Gosport, IN

GNCC Series #7 May 28-29 Rock Run Patton, Pa

WORCS Bikes #6 June 10-12 Honey Lake Milford, CA

AMA Motocross #4 June 18 Budds Creek Mechanicsville, MD

MotoGP–Moto2 May 15 Le Mans, France

World Superbike #5 May 30 Miller Motorsports Park Tooele, UT

AMA Motocross #3 June 11 High Point Raceway Mt. Morris, PA

World Superbike #6 June 19 Motorland Aragon, Spain

AMA Road Racing #4 June 3-5 Road America Elkhart, WI

MotoGP-Moto2 June 12 Silverstone, Great Britain

AMA Motocross #5 June 25 Thunder Valley Lakewood, CO

AMA Motocross #1 May 21 Hangtown Classic Sacramento, CA National Hare and Hound Series #8 May 21 Jericho, UT WORCS Bikes #5 May 27-29 Clay Peaks Payette, ID

WORCS ATV #5 June 3-5 Clay Peaks Payette, ID MotoGP-Moto2 June 5 Catalonia, Spain

World Superbike #6 June 12 Misano San Marino AMA Road Racing #5 June 17-19 Barber Birmingham, AL

AMA Motocross #2 May 28 Freestone Raceway Wortham, TX

©2011 Dunlop • P. O. Box 1109, Buffalo, New York 14240-1109 • 1-800-845-8378 • dunlopmotorcycle.com

MotoGP June 25 Assen, Netherlands Moto2 June 25 Sepang, Malaysia GNCC Series #8 June 25-26 Snowshoe Mountain Snowshoe, WV