| October 25, 2023
Inspired by Dunlop’s popular D908RR, the new Trailmax Raid is a 40% street / 60% dirt big-block tire with a “Hi Silica” compound—used for the very first time in a Dunlop motorcycle tire.
The Dunlop Trailmax Raid was specifically developed for mid- to large-displacement adventure bikes.
Story and Photos by Keith Dowdle
Hi Silica is a highly dispersible, high-surface-area silica that dramatically improves grip even at low temperatures. The Raid was specifically developed for mid- to large-displacement adventure bikes and, in addition to Hi Silica, other new technologies are used throughout the Raid. The engineers at Dunlop threw their entire book of tricks at this tire, including Dynamic Front Formula (DFF), Carcass Tension Control System (CTCS), Jointless Belt construction (JLB) and more.
Dunlop Trailmax Raid Tires Lowdown
Dunlop Trailmax Raid Tires Stand-Out Feature: Incredible grip on ALL surfaces
Outstanding off-road grip
Stable and predictable handling
Unbelievable on-road performance
Rear wears fast if you ride aggressive
Dunlop Trailmax Raid Tires MSRP
Front: $255.95
Rear: $332.95 (for the sizes tested)
We fitted a BMW 1250 GSA with the Raid tires.
Dunlop Trailmax Raid Tires Rider Analysis
While great looks don’t always equal great performance, the Trailmax Raid is a great-looking tire. To me, nothing looks cooler than an ADV bike with big-block shoes fitted up, and the BMW 1250 GSA that we used to test the Raids looks great with these tires. Having just removed another brand of DOT knobbies from the big GS, I was hoping for a little peace and quiet as I rode off on the new Dunlops, but there was a bit of noise initially. While not nearly as loud as some tires that I’ve tested, it was noticeable at first but got better as the sharp edges wore off. After about a hundred miles or so, the noise was almost completely gone.
As I headed out to the forest on a very twisty tarmac, I pushed harder and harder, trying to find the slipping point for the Trailmax Raid. As with most big-block tires, I always use an extra level of caution on the pavement until I feel that initial slip—after that point, I know how the tire will behave when it slides on the pavement, and I can carry on. But oddly enough, the harder I pushed, the more grip the Raids seemed to have, and before I knew it, I was dragging metal. The level of grip on pavement, even wet pavement, is beyond anything I’ve ever experienced from a 40/60 tire.
Astonished at the level of grip on pavement, I headed off-road, thinking to myself that if these tires perform anywhere near as good off the road as they do on, I’ve just found my new BFFL. Pushing through deep sand and mud was a breeze, and the Raid provided enough traction for on-demand wheelies without spinning the rear wheel. The front does seem to slide on initial entry into corners—however, it quickly recovers and tracks better the more lean angle that’s applied. Braking into turns was comfortable and predictable, and the bike remained stable throughout hard acceleration, even while drifting the rear both into and out of corners.
The Raid tires are excellent performers, but when ridden aggressively, they will show signs of wear around 3000 miles.
Since we’re talking about drifting, now would be a good time to break the news to you that longevity is not in your favor with these tires if you slide the rear around a lot like I tend to do. I don’t run any rear traction control when I’m off-road, and I have my on-road setting such that the bike allows for a slight rear-wheel slide coming out of fast corners. This riding style did not bode well for me in terms of making the Trailmax Raids last. If your riding style is like mine, then don’t expect to get any more than about 3000 miles from the rear tire. If you ride more conservatively, you’ll likely get as much as 5000—and you can always run two rear tires to one front, which is probably what I will do since the front tire still had plenty of life left well after the rear was screaming for mercy.
The Dunlop Trailmax Raid is truly one of the best sets of tires that I’ve ever run on the GS. If you ride off-road enough to justify running a 40/60 tire, then you owe it to yourself to give the Raids a try. It’ll be the most fun you’ve ever had on a new set of tires.CN
