PRODUCT REVIEW
G E T T I N G TO G R I P S W I T H
DUNLOP TRAILMAX MERIDIAN TYRES Dom Humby tries on new boots for size
B
ack in November 2019, I bought a Triumph, a 2000-plate Tiger 900 (885i). Having read the history on them, I knew the bike was capable of a lot of tarmac miles combined with a little off-road fun to earn itself the accolade of a “Big Trailie”. I started to look at new tyres for the old girl. While at Motorcycle Live, I came across the Dunlop stand and introduced myself. After an informed chat, they suggested their new Trailmax Meridian tyre. The tyre has been designed for a 90/10 road bias split; 90% road use with the option of
using the remaining 10% for some added grip on gravel and loose dry surfaced areas. Once fitted and scrubbed in, I was immediately impressed with the grip, in particular in wet road conditions. The tyres took little time to warm up and I was able to keep the power down through heavy rainfall that only added to my confidence through corners, with the ability to maintain incredible stability on the straights. I know that wet or dry, I can twist that wrist and maintain a superior level of grip. Add to that the grip attained from the 10% loose surface ability and things like dodgy road surfaces (you
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know the ones, the new gravel surfaces used today) or wash out on a rural road are not an issue. Given the amount of recent rainfall, I was surprised that even when powering out of corners, there is little to no loss of traction. I will be venturing out soon to test in both dry and wet conditions. I have, however, managed to hydroplane on these tyres while tackling wind. I will mention I was ‘going some’ when it happened, so could I expect this to be a regular occurrence? A more in-depth review is to come as I continue to put the Dunlop Trailmax Meridians through their paces in more of an off-road environment! I am looking forward to this even though, being a complete offroad novice, I am expecting to drop my bike more than once. All in all, I’m giving the Dunlop Trailmax Meridian a solid 5/5 so far. It is such a capable tyre for every road condition I’ve come across to date. It hasn’t let me down in dry or seriously wet conditions. The Dunlops have a seemingly never-ending range of grip, low warm-up time and keep the bike nice and nimble for manoeuvrability at both high and low speeds. They do their job exceptionally well. http://bit.ly/Trailmax-Meridian
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