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The History of Dunlop Motorcycle tires - From small beginnings

The name of Dunlop has become synonymous with the motorcycle industry, but the company grew from a simple idea that changed the world of transportation.


In 1888, while watching his son ride a tricycle, John Boyd Dunlop noticed his boy's uncomfortable ride whenever he rode over the cobbled streets. He knew the tricycle's solid tires were to blame. In one of those "AHA!" moments, he decided to try wrapping the solid wheels in thin rubber sheets, which he then glued together. Dunlop inflated them with a football pump for a cushioning effect - and created the first commercially viable inflatable tire. Admittedly not a motorcycle tire, don't forget that motorcycles weren't even invented yet!

Dunlop patented the idea, giving his fledgling Dunlop tire company a head start over other competitors who had already recognised the tire's many advantages. Ten years later, Dunlop's invention had almost entirely replaced solid tires. In 1889, Dunlop opened its first tire plant in Dublin and its first factory in Birmingham just two years later.

From pioneer inventor to successful multinational corporation ...

Dunlop established operations in Germany, France, Canada, Australia, USA, and production facilities throughout the globe. For example, Japan's first ever tire plant at Kobe. And with the Dunlop Rubber Company, the company proved itself ato be an innovator in the chemical technology of rubber and the automotive business.

A proud tradition...

By the 1920s, Dunlop had developed a range of tires for cars capable of speeds over 200 mph - remember this was a speed almost unheard of at the time, yet nowadays dunlop motorcycle tire will happily propel a bike at these speeds- heralding their longstanding relationship with motor sport. The association with motorcycle tires began around this time with the growth in popularity of motorbikes, so Dunlop's involvement grew. Dunlop were linked with many high-speed successes, including Sir Malcolm Campbell's 1935 land speed record in 'Bluebird'.

Dunlop's heritage in motorcycle tires is beyond comparison. They are the only motorcycle tire manufacturer to have been continuously involved in Motorcycle Grand Prix since its launch in 1948. Since then, Dunlop motorcycle tires have won more than 1,000 Grand Prix races. In 2002, Dunlop won an unprecedented 100th consecutive 250cc GP race, and has won 10 consecutive 250cc World Championships.

In 2001 alone, Dunlop motorcycle tires paved the way for the teams using them to conquer the podiums. Andrew Pitt from Kawasaki Racing stormed home on Dunlop motorcycle tires to triumph in the World Supersport Motorcycle Championship. In the 125cc World Motorcycle Grand Prix Championship, Manuel Poggiali dramatically clinched the title in the final race. And Daijiro Kato from Honda dominated the 250cc World Motorcycle Grand Prix Championships, winning 11 of the 16 races.

All on Dunlop tires.

One of the reasons why Dunlop motorcycle tires are so successful is that they constantly develop new technologies to ensure their riders stay ahead of the game. This same technology travels from race to road. This means motorcyclists throughout the world enjoy Dunlop motorcycle tires that deliver safety, durability and performance in equal measures.

Hall of fame...

In this section, you'll find details of Dunlop motorcycle tire successes

This reads like a Who's Who of motorcycle racing; it really makes you think that Dunlop motorcycle tires may have something a little bit special…

2002

British Superbike | Steve Hislop, Monstermob Ducati

GP125cc | Arnaud Vincent, Aprilia

GP250cc | Marco Melandri, Aprilia

National 125cc Championship | Chris Martin, Honda MB4u.com

Supersport | Stuart Easton, Ducati

Dunlop Junior Superstock | Thomas Sykes, Suzuki

World Superbike | Colin Edwards, Ducati

World Supersport | Fabien Foret, Honda

British Supersport | Stuart Easton, Monstermob Ducati

GP500cc | Valentino Rossi, Honda

Motocross World Champions 500cc | Stefan Everts, Yamaha

Motocross World Champions 250cc | Mickael Pichon, Suzuki

Motocross World Champions 125cc | Mickael Maschio, Kawazaki

World Endurance Championships | Valentino Rossi, Honda

Trials World Champions | Doughie Lampkin, Montessa

Speedway Grand Prix World Champions | Tony Rickardsson

MotoGP | Valentino Rossi, Honda

2001

World Superbike | Troy Bayliss, Ducati

World Supersport | Andrew Pitt, Kawasaki

British Superbike | John Reynolds, Ducati

British Supersport | Karl Harris, Suzuki

GP125cc | Manuel Poggiali, Gilera

GP250cc | Daijiro Katoh, Honda

GP500cc | Valentino Rossi, Honda

Motocross World Champions 500cc | Stefan Everts, Yamaha

Motocross World Champions 250cc | Mickael Pichon, Suzuki

Motocross World Champions 125cc | Jamie Dobb, KTM

World Endurance Championships | previously GP500cc

Trials World Champions | Doughie Lampkin, Montessa

Speedway Grand Prix World Champions | Tony Rickardsson

...and the list could go on and on and on....

Dunlop Motorcycle tires are undoubtedly one of the best performing tires in history. chreck out my chioces for Dunlop motorcycle tire suppliers near you...



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