The Unveiling of Dunlop’s New Geomax “81”
On our recent offloading journey to Baja, among the thrills of the trails and the camaraderie of fellow bikers, something quite unusual caught our eye. One of the bikers, with whom we shared the trail, sported an unfamiliar tire. A closer inspection revealed it to be the latest entrant from the house of Dunlop – the Geomax “81”.
Surprisingly, this was news to us; the release of a brand-new tire had somewhat slipped under our radar. Intrigued and always in the quest for better riding experiences, we took it upon ourselves to delve deeper, resulting in this comprehensive Dunlop AT81 review.
End of an Era: The Discontinuation of Dunlop 739 Line
As we explored the nuances of the AT81, we stumbled upon another significant update. The iconic Dunlop 739 tire line, which has been a mainstay for many riders over the years, including ourselves, has been recently phased out.
This particular line, with its unparalleled performance, had resonated with numerous riders worldwide. The age-old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, comes to mind. But in the world of advancements and innovations, change is inevitable, and brands often strive for betterment, even if their current offerings are stellar.
Dunlop’s Legacy and Pursuit of Perfection
Dunlop’s journey in the tire manufacturing sector has always been marked by its continuous pursuit for excellence. The transition from the revered 739 line to the Geomax “81” is not just a switch but a statement of the brand’s commitment to delivering the best to its users. While the 739 series will be missed, the AT81 promises a combination of innovation, quality, and performance that Dunlop is globally recognized for. As passionate bikers, we remain eager and optimistic, looking forward to witnessing what this new tire brings to our riding adventures.
Dunlop’s Legacy of Continuous Improvement
Dunlop, a name synonymous with tire innovations, has continually been at the forefront of evolving its product line. What sets them apart is their keenness to not just introduce new solutions but also to fine-tune their offerings based on valuable feedback from riders and customers alike. Yet, there’s a lingering sentiment among many in the biking community; while Dunlop’s commitment to innovation is commendable, the discontinuation of some of their hallmark tires raises eyebrows.
The Illustrious Journey of Dunlop Tires
Tires like the 755, 756, 742, and notably the 739, have been iconic in Dunlop’s range. In particular, the 739 series, both FA & AT variants, have been celebrated as some of the most versatile tires ever created, especially for open ground terrains. When juxtaposed with the newer MX71, while the latter is commendable in its own right, it doesn’t quite match up to the robustness and versatility of the 739, as per many riders’ experience.
The New Star: Dunlop AT81
Despite the nostalgia associated with earlier models, it’s essential to highlight that the recent AT81 is making waves in the biking community. The tire has quickly risen to prominence, especially among the KTM team riders in the East. For the purpose of this Dunlop AT81 Review, we fitted the tire onto a KTM 450xcw, with a comparative analysis against the Kenda Trackmaster mounted on the KTM 450xcf. It’s worth noting that our Baja expedition, spanning 600 miles, saw the tire triumph across an array of dry terrains, further cementing the AT81’s potential as a stellar performer.
Comparing Kenda and Dunlop’s Geomax AT81
When discussing tire durability and performance, it’s impossible to overlook the impressions left by both Kenda and Dunlop’s Geomax AT81. While the Kenda, upon inspection, showcased minimal wear despite considerable mileage, it was remarkable to note that the tire appeared almost pristine, free from any discernible marks. This resilience suggests that the Kenda tire could easily withstand a few more rigorous rides without compromising performance.
Geomax AT81 RC: Dunlop’s Pinnacle of Durability and Traction
Shifting focus to Dunlop’s offering, our exploration led us to the Geomax AT81 RC (Reinforced Construction). Our primary motive was to identify a tire that could offer the dual benefits of longevity and top-tier traction. This isn’t a simple ask, as balancing durability with performance can be a challenging task.
Dunlop, true to their legacy, has peppered their product descriptions with sophisticated terminology to convey the tire’s advanced features. However, a standout message is clear: the AT 81, and more specifically, the RC variant, is meticulously crafted to endure even the harshest terrains without compromising on its lifespan.
Experience and Installation
The commitment to robust construction becomes evident right from the installation process. When fitting the rear tire, the enhanced rigidity is palpable, signifying Dunlop’s unwavering commitment to quality and the promise of a tire that is truly built to last.
Pressure Dynamics and Traction
At the outset, we initiated our tests with the tires set at 12 psi. On both harder and medium dirt terrains, the traction was commendable, aligning with our expectations. Unlike certain tires that require specific pressure settings to deliver optimal performance, this one was relatively flexible. Yet, it’s worth noting that when the pressure dips below 10 psi, the clarity in its performance starts to blur. The front tire, particularly, undergoes a noticeable shift, not responding with the same agility as it does at higher pressures. However, a commendable trait of this tire is its feedback mechanism: when approaching its traction limit, it gradually slides instead of giving out abruptly, ensuring rider safety.
The Unique Feel of the Dunlop AT81
A standout characteristic of the Dunlop AT81 is its response to power boosts. Even a slight surge can make it spin with more ease compared to many other tires in its class. There’s also the flexibility to run this tire at a lower psi or alongside a soft mousse, enhancing its grip. This doesn’t compromise the sidewall’s integrity, ensuring that the bike’s handling remains unhampered. Visually, its open block pattern stands out, reminiscent of a broadly spaced trials tire. The design seems more inclined towards poking for traction rather than relying on a soft compound to achieve grip.
Wear and Durability
One observation that caught our attention was the wear rate of these tires, specifically the rear one. The wear was faster initially than anticipated, prompting considerations of a replacement, especially for those prioritizing a pristine square edge for racing scenarios. As for the front tire, its sidewall knobbies demonstrated resilience, taking considerably longer than expected before showing signs of wear. The rear tire, with its pronounced stiffness, notably minimized vulnerability to flats, adding another layer of reliability to its profile.
Comparative Grip Analysis
When juxtaposed with other brands and types of tires, it’s evident that the Dunlop AT81 doesn’t clinch the top spot in terms of grip. However, its performance is notable when pitched against other long-lasting tires. An example that comes to mind is the Maxxis Desert IT, wherein the Dunlop AT81 clearly showcases better traction capabilities.
Deep Dive into Dunlop AT81 Features
Our rigorous testing involved the Dunlop AT81 RC (Reinforced Construction) for the rear and the AT81F for the front. The goal was crystal clear: to identify a tire that not only lasts long but also promises exceptional traction. Dunlop, as a brand, is synonymous with innovation. While they often resort to a plethora of technical jargons to explain the tire’s features, the essence remains the same. They vouch for the longevity and robustness of the AT 81, with special emphasis on the RC variant, especially when the journey involves traversing challenging terrains.
Longevity and Performance: A Quick Verdict
There’s no denying the stellar performance capabilities of the AT81. However, it’s essential to state that it isn’t the perfect replacement for the 739AT, especially if your priority leans towards high mileage. On the flip side, the MX71 stands out in terms of durability. An example that validates this claim is the recent instance where I replaced an MX71 that had clocked approximately 1,500 miles. I’m confident about its potential and wouldn’t hesitate to opt for it during my next Baja trip.
Conclusion
The tire industry is replete with choices, and the Dunlop AT81 carves a niche for itself with its specific features. While it might not be the ultimate choice for those seeking the best grip, its competitive edge lies in the balance it offers between durability and traction. Dunlop’s technological prowess is evident in the AT81, particularly the RC variant, making it a commendable choice for challenging terrains. However, riders should calibrate their expectations, understanding that while the AT81 is a performer, it might not be the perfect replacement for some of the stalwarts like the 739AT in certain parameters. As always, the choice boils down to individual preferences and requirements, but one thing is sure: the Dunlop AT81 and MX71 have set benchmarks in their own right.
Looking for tires? Look no further. Motorbike Tire Shop has you covered!
