Dunlop DT4 Flat-Track Motorcycle Tire Preview

Dunlop’s DT3 flat-track motorcycle tire has been an essential ingredient of flat-track racing in America for 40 years, and has been the spec tire for the American Flat Track series since 2015. But improvements in the bikes and changes to class structure put pressure on Dunlop to finally up its game, which it promises to have done with the DT4.

Related: Red Bull KTM American Flat Track Singles Team First Look

Dunlop spent two years developing the DT4, and the company spent much of that time testing its progress on tracks across the country with input from AFT racers and champions. The result is a multi-compound approach, with the DT4 being offered in soft and medium front tire compounds and soft, medium, and hard rear compounds.

Related: 2019 American Flat Track Singles Title Hopeful Shayna Texter Interview

The front tire retains a similar tread pattern to the DT3, but designers updated the shape of the center tread blocks for better straight-line stability. The shoulder blocks were improved as well for better grip and stability in the turns.

At the rear, the shoulder blocks are similar to the design used on the front tire, but the center blocks are turned 90 degrees in order to give more biting grip off the line.

Dunlop has also designed the DT4 to be run tubeless to make tire changes easier, and to make it possible for teams to have more precise air pressures in the tires.

It remains unclear when we’ll get to see the DT4s in action however, as the 2020 American Flat Track Series opener in Daytona was postponed due to concerns over the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. AFT officials are monitoring the situation to assess when it will be prudent to stage the opening race of 2020.