Dunlop Q3+ air pressure

Yesterday I called Dunlop to get their recommendations on air pressure for the Q3+ and the VFR. I was curious if there was any pressure differences due to the heavier weight of our bikes. I spoke with Dave and he said he would check with their engineers. He just called back and here are the recommendations, directly from the engineering department.

Every day street, highway/freeway riding, 36psi front, 42psi rear

Canyon riding, 34psi front, 32psi rear

Track riding, put COLD tire inflation to 32psi front, 30psi rear. Ride one session and IMMEDIATELY check pressures. They want them to be 35psi front, 34psi rear, HOT. If the tire is over those pressures, reduce by one psi and test again. If it's below that pressure increase by one psi and test. The 35/34 is the optimal HOT temp. Once you achieve that, check the COLD starting temp the next morning. That's your baseline. A smooth track will increase heat/pressure, a rough track will have less heat/pressure.

Should you have any further questions, his direct line is (330)833-2826

Enjoy!

 

Note that Dave Moss recommends that you take the hot temp in the hot pit immediately after coming off the track. How important is that, who knows but if you look up his videos online, he has some great information on track setup, from tire pressures to suspension settings.

 

Dunlop Dave said basically the same thing. It's really the hot pressure that matters. The cold pressure is just a starting guideline. The hot pressure is the optimal grip, because it's the heat that increases pressure and gives the best grip. I'm sure it also wears the tire away quickest too. I saw that with the Bridgestone front tire at Streets.

Too high of pressure, tire isn't at the best temp. Too low and the tire gets too hot.

 

Yup. On track a tyre will get far hotter than on the road due to the forces. Agreed that track pressure should be checked as soon as you come back into pits.

 

Good info,
Thanks!

 

I'm heading to the track the April 12th-13th. I'll check the pressures throughout the day, as it's going to be quite cool in the morning, then warming up about 25°+ in the afternoon.

 

Those are the RTFM pressures.

 

That they are and work best for most, it's the canyon and "hot" pressures he is promoting..."Canyon riding, 34psi front, 32psi rear" "The 35/34 is the optimal HOT temp."

 

Yes sir! Precisely my point. That's where there is a lot of ambiguity and the reason I went to the manufacturer to get their advice, since it is based on so much research, testing etc and our bikes are heavier than most sportbikes.

 

Pretty interesting posting

 

Thanks. I talked to the the top guy at the California Superbike School since they use the same tires on their BMW S1000RR track bikes. They use 31psi front, 28psi rear. I ran my tires at that pressure and while the rear moved around slightly, it gripped like a cat on velcro, so I don't think it makes too much of a difference if it's not exactly the factory suggestion.

 

This is great info! How do you like the Dunlop Q3+? I Have michelin sport and the back did a smooth controlled powerslide yesterday coming out of a turn going up hill.

 

The "canyon riding" pressures are right in line with what I run them at on my GSXRs. I get excellent grip and wear