Dunlop Alpha 13

gogoKawi · June 16th, 2015, 07:11 PM

Some just told me that Dunlop has some new tires for the 250/300. I checked Race Tire Service and sure 'nough, The Alpha 13's look like they are replacing the Unbeatens. Apparently, these are the tires used for the AMA KTM 390 Cup races. Anyone try them out?

Sirref · June 16th, 2015, 07:21 PM

when is michelin going to add something for track use?

sharky nrk · June 17th, 2015, 07:35 AM

The alphas have been available overseas for some time, in like 11, 12, and 13 revisions. Should be reviews on some of the UK mag/sites. They are, last time I heard, the MA 390 cup spec tire. I have not however seen them for sale on the regular tires sites in the states yet.

GregS · June 17th, 2015, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gogoKawi

Some just told me that Dunlop has some new tires for the 250/300. I checked Race Tire Service and sure 'nough, The Alpha 13's look like they are replacing the Unbeatens. Apparently, these are the tires used for the AMA KTM 390 Cup races. Anyone try them out?

Have not heard about these new tires, but I can say I just put an 150 Unbeaten on the back of the 300 and I love the way this tire feels. If the Alpha is an upgrade on the Unbeaten then it should really rock.

UPDATE: Just found the new tires here
http://stores.racetireservice.com/ninja-250r/

bruce71198 · June 20th, 2015, 08:25 AM

We have gone through 3 sets on the KTM390. Great tire compared to the Unbeaten (why its named that I don't know, there are much better tires out there) right up there with Pirelli products.

Sirref · June 20th, 2015, 11:13 AM

damn, that's a lot of riding to go through three sets. Do tires not last forever on the 390 like they do on the 250s/300s? Or is it just being ridden that much

gogoKawi · June 21st, 2015, 08:44 AM

Do they feel like Dunlops? Meaning hard/stiff like the Unbeatens, Q3's, and GPA's? Or have they made them softer?

bruce71198 · June 22nd, 2015, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sirref

damn, that's a lot of riding to go through three sets. Do tires not last forever on the 390 like they do on the 250s/300s? Or is it just being ridden that much

We run the Moto America series and are allowed 2 sets per weekend. We have been putting a new set on for each race to try and stay at the front. Needless to say I have a bunch of take offs to try on the 250, which I will do coming up soon.

bruce71198 · June 22nd, 2015, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gogoKawi

Do they feel like Dunlops? Meaning hard/stiff like the Unbeatens, Q3's, and GPA's? Or have they made them softer?

I tried a set of Unbeatens that I won from the local Dunlop dealer, I didnt care at all for them. The new Alpha's feel much better, closer to the Pirelli's, and feel soft and sticky when hot.

gogoKawi · June 22nd, 2015, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruce71198

I tried a set of Unbeatens that I won from the local Dunlop dealer, I didnt care at all for them. The new Alpha's feel much better, closer to the Pirelli's, and feel soft and sticky when hot.

I figured Dunlop would switch to a softer feeling tire at some point. And it makes sense to do it with the smaller bikes first. I'm interested in a set of the take-offs when you are ready to part with them. The price point against the Pirellis is so much better. $100 per set difference!

sharky nrk · June 22nd, 2015, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gogoKawi

I figured Dunlop would switch to a softer feeling tire at some point. And it makes sense to do it with the smaller bikes first. I'm interested in a set of the take-offs when you are ready to part with them. The price point against the Pirellis is so much better. $100 per set difference!

I am interested in the feedback on the A13 front vs the SC1. I can believe the A13 rear may be better than a DRII street tire, but better than the race front ...... that is what I want to hear about. That is where the cost is in a Pirelli set, a rear DRII is less than $150.

GregS · August 4th, 2015, 04:53 PM

Time to replace the Unbeaten already, and have the new Alpha on order. Hoping its even better than the old one.

Sirref · August 4th, 2015, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharky nrk

I am interested in the feedback on the A13 front vs the SC1. I can believe the A13 rear may be better than a DRII street tire, but better than the race front ...... that is what I want to hear about. That is where the cost is in a Pirelli set, a rear DRII is less than $150.

it's a damn good front, I've seen guys running either A13 or SC1 tires primarily in the ninja races where I've been running and the lead guys are all running A13s though the SC1s are still great tires

I asked the local stupid fast 14 year old (brandon paasch) what he thought of both and he prefers the feel of the SC1 but feels that the A13 is a great tire and that it didn't hold him back in the slightest when he raced on it.

From my personal experience I love the A13 tires, they grip like hell to the point where I am comfortable with leaning the bike to insane lean angles without really realizing it...I just crashed out of a race yesterday running on the A13s because I hit my exhaust on a curb that goes up maybe 1-2 inches. This while dragging knee and footpeg/foot with no issues as well as dragging fairings (I believe I dragged them before I lowsided as the damage to the lower fairing is not consistent with a lowside but is consistent with dragging at lean)

csmith12 · August 4th, 2015, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sirref

when is michelin going to add something for track use?

Sirref · August 4th, 2015, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith12

I have heard rumors, but only rumors, from the michelin guy at the track that there will be something. I like me my michelins, I also like me my dunlops, and I'd probably like the pirellis if I got good ones but I don't trust the DRII front

csmith12 · August 4th, 2015, 08:07 PM

Me either, I ran the DRII front for about 4 races before I switched to a SC1 front. At near record lap pace, the DRII fronts don't hold as well as the SC's "for me". For me are the keywords, other racers ran on lesser tires and kept pace as well.

how they make it work but they do.

Now that the r3 is out in the wild, I would bet a track day tire would be in the works. It would not be a surprise at all.

Sirref · August 4th, 2015, 08:13 PM

Yeah, the DRII front gave a bit of an off feel to them I don't know if it was the tire flexing or what but it just didn't give me the feel I needed to have confidence in the bike even the pilot street radial front felt a bit firmer and better and that's a sport touring tire rather than a sport tire, I liked the rear though and didn't have any issues with it other than it's obscenely short lifespan

GregS · August 5th, 2015, 10:14 AM

Anyone got any feedback on life expectancy on the Alpha's? The Unbeaten (rear) had great grip but seemed to wear out a little quicker than expected.

Supernam · August 5th, 2015, 05:23 PM

All the Ninja 300's running in the CSBK spec series starting next year will be running these tires. I wanted to put these on, but I'm too cheap to replace the stock ones at 700 kms of street riding.

cbinker · August 5th, 2015, 06:15 PM

i am not finding those tires anywhere for sale in the US

Sirref · August 5th, 2015, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbinker

i am not finding those tires anywhere for sale in the US

http://stores.racetireservice.com/

I'm just befriending the motoamerica kids and getting them secondhand since they only get to use 2 sets per race weekend and are getting new ones each race weekend.

GregS · August 6th, 2015, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sirref

http://stores.racetireservice.com/

I'm just befriending the motoamerica kids and getting them secondhand since they only get to use 2 sets per race weekend and are getting new ones each race weekend.

Yup - That's where I'm ordering mine from

burningscooter · August 28th, 2015, 03:37 AM

If you want a set of takeoffs from Dunlop, go to a CCS race weekend and pick them up from the Dunlop guys beginning around 2 PM for free. This is how I do it. GPA Pros, KR451 slicks, etc.

Also, why race any other tire than Dunlop? They are the only tire manufacturer that currently offers contingency money for podium finishes.

sharky nrk · August 28th, 2015, 06:06 AM

^^^ seriously

free take offs, that is pretty much unheard of around here lol

burningscooter · August 28th, 2015, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharky nrk

^^^ seriously

free take offs, that is pretty much unheard of around here lol

Im trying to ride for the price of, on the HOUSE!

Sirref · August 28th, 2015, 06:30 AM

I haven't gotten mine for free yet but I have gotten them pretty damn cheap

sharky nrk · August 28th, 2015, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burningscooter

Im trying to ride for the price of, on the HOUSE!

Score me some and I will pay for shipping lol

burningscooter · August 28th, 2015, 06:40 AM

@sharky nrk If I see a nice set of GPA Pros, Ill grab them for ya the next time out. Well, assuming I make it to VIR.

sharky nrk · August 28th, 2015, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burningscooter

@sharky nrk If I see a nice set of GPA Pros, Ill grab them for ya the next time out. Well, assuming I make it to VIR.

seriously that would be ridiculously cool

burningscooter · August 28th, 2015, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharky nrk

seriously that would be ridiculously cool

The track you ride is predominantly left or right?

sharky nrk · August 28th, 2015, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burningscooter

The track you ride is predominantly left or right?

I don't know either is a big deal, I would say lefts predominately, but the Pros can be flipped if I remember correctly

burningscooter · August 28th, 2015, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharky nrk

I don't know either is a big deal, I would say lefts predominately, but the Pros can be flipped if I remember correctly

Yezzir.

bruce71198 · September 4th, 2015, 08:35 AM

Ran the Alpha back to back against the Rossa II, was pretty impressed with the Dunlop.

sharky nrk · September 4th, 2015, 12:13 PM

Rosso/Rosso or SC/Rosso?

GregS · September 8th, 2015, 04:53 PM

I have run the new Alpha rear a couple of times now at the track. Tons of grip, but will have to wait and see about longevity.

Sirref · September 8th, 2015, 06:36 PM

Mine still appears to have tons of life left after some serious use, it looks like it will outlast my rosso II set by a good margin (rosso II rear lasted ~2k miles) the A13 is around 1.5k miles (primarily track)

open track day (run constantly due to practice between multiple riders for the endurance race)
2hr endurance race
4 sprint races (1-2 sessions of practice each)
7 track days
and regular commuting

what's interesting though is that I haven't reached the edge of the rear even though I've gotten lower than I have on the diablo rosso ii tires (I am reaching the edge of the front)

bruce71198 · September 20th, 2015, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharky nrk

Rosso/Rosso or SC/Rosso?

Rossa/Rossa

Mike K · November 30th, 2015, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sirref

...what's interesting though is that I haven't reached the edge of the rear even though I've gotten lower than I have on the diablo rosso ii tires (I am reaching the edge of the front)

Ben-- Could that be because the 150 size gets "pinched-in" a bit or is 150 the stock size?

The 300 I just got has the stock Road Wieners on it. Matt told me to keep them and race on them because he ran the entire season on his (and he's as fast as balls!)

GregS · November 30th, 2015, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike K

Ben-- Could that be because the 150 size gets "pinched-in" a bit or is 150 the stock size?

The 300 I just got has the stock Road Wieners on it. Matt told me to keep them and race on them because he ran the entire season on his (and he's as fast as balls!)

I'm almost edge to edge on mine, maybe 1-2mm unused on each side. I'm running out of ground clearance on the left side and have started grinding the shifter even though the rearsets are set as high as possible.

Sirref · December 1st, 2015, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike K

Ben-- Could that be because the 150 size gets "pinched-in" a bit or is 150 the stock size?

The 300 I just got has the stock Road Wieners on it. Matt told me to keep them and race on them because he ran the entire season on his (and he's as fast as balls!)

140 is stock, and matt is crazy. He ran the IRCs to their limit, they grip but the feel leaves a bit to be desired. You can do it, and you'll likely be a better rider for it but you probably won't want to go back after you try out some good rubber (IRC > pirelli sport demons though)

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregS

I'm almost edge to edge on mine, maybe 1-2mm unused on each side. I'm running out of ground clearance on the left side and have started grinding the shifter even though the rearsets are set as high as possible.

I'd say to see if you can move farther off the bike if you're dragging hard parts but I don't know what you're doing as it is.

I have yet to see someone reach the edge of the dunlop alpha 13 rear, including a lot of kids on the rc cup bikes. I think it would be easier to do at a slower track where you can really get the rear to dig in. At normal tracks you're never really slowing down enough to be able to put a lot of power down and get the rear to compress and reach the edge

as to why it's more difficult to do than with a 140 I'm not sure but the 140s still grip just fine

June 16th, 2015, 07:11 PM	#1
gogoKawi ninjette.org sage Name: Dre Location: DMV Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Ninja 300, 2008 ZX6, 2011 Ninja 1000 Posts: 622	Dunlop Alpha 13 Some just told me that Dunlop has some new tires for the 250/300. I checked Race Tire Service and sure 'nough, The Alpha 13's look like they are replacing the Unbeatens. Apparently, these are the tires used for the AMA KTM 390 Cup races. Anyone try them out?

June 16th, 2015, 07:21 PM	#2
Sirref Private Joker Name: Ben Location: Towson, MD Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '99/'01 Ninja 250 "sketchy", '13 Ninja 300 "yoshi", '03 GSXR 600 "merlin" Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '14	when is michelin going to add something for track use? __________________________________________________ I see you over there seeing me, do you see the me I think you see?

June 17th, 2015, 07:35 AM	#3
sharky nrk Fighting Texas Aggie '05 Name: Neil Location: Hutto, TX Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '07 ZX6R, '08 Versys, '09 250R Track, '93 F2/F3 Track Posts: A lot.	The alphas have been available overseas for some time, in like 11, 12, and 13 revisions. Should be reviews on some of the UK mag/sites. They are, last time I heard, the MA 390 cup spec tire. I have not however seen them for sale on the regular tires sites in the states yet. __________________________________________________ Keep it rubber side down and enjoy the ride Get healthy - Get Fit - Change Your Life Click Here Or PM Me To Find More - Advocare

June 20th, 2015, 11:13 AM	#6
Sirref Private Joker Name: Ben Location: Towson, MD Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '99/'01 Ninja 250 "sketchy", '13 Ninja 300 "yoshi", '03 GSXR 600 "merlin" Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '14	damn, that's a lot of riding to go through three sets. Do tires not last forever on the 390 like they do on the 250s/300s? Or is it just being ridden that much __________________________________________________ I see you over there seeing me, do you see the me I think you see?

August 4th, 2015, 08:07 PM	#16
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Me either, I ran the DRII front for about 4 races before I switched to a SC1 front. At near record lap pace, the DRII fronts don't hold as well as the SC's "for me". For me are the keywords, other racers ran on lesser tires and kept pace as well. how they make it work but they do. Now that the r3 is out in the wild, I would bet a track day tire would be in the works. It would not be a surprise at all. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

June 20th, 2015, 08:25 AM	#5
bruce71198 ninjette.org sage Name: bruce Location: northern illinois Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): Race bikes:08 Ninja 250,11 R6,16 ZX6,SV650.3 HD-1947,2-2003,2010. 1946 Indian and a lot of dirt bikes.2 Posts: 999	We have gone through 3 sets on the KTM390. Great tire compared to the Unbeaten (why its named that I don't know, there are much better tires out there) right up there with Pirelli products.

June 21st, 2015, 08:44 AM	#7
gogoKawi ninjette.org sage Name: Dre Location: DMV Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Ninja 300, 2008 ZX6, 2011 Ninja 1000 Posts: 622	Do they feel like Dunlops? Meaning hard/stiff like the Unbeatens, Q3's, and GPA's? Or have they made them softer?

August 4th, 2015, 04:53 PM	#12
GregS ninjette.org member Name: Greg Location: San Antonio Join Date: Dec 2014 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 300, GSXR-750, Ducati M1100 Posts: 185	Time to replace the Unbeaten already, and have the new Alpha on order. Hoping its even better than the old one.

August 4th, 2015, 08:13 PM	#17
Sirref Private Joker Name: Ben Location: Towson, MD Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '99/'01 Ninja 250 "sketchy", '13 Ninja 300 "yoshi", '03 GSXR 600 "merlin" Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '14	Yeah, the DRII front gave a bit of an off feel to them I don't know if it was the tire flexing or what but it just didn't give me the feel I needed to have confidence in the bike even the pilot street radial front felt a bit firmer and better and that's a sport touring tire rather than a sport tire, I liked the rear though and didn't have any issues with it other than it's obscenely short lifespan __________________________________________________ I see you over there seeing me, do you see the me I think you see?

August 5th, 2015, 10:14 AM	#18
GregS ninjette.org member Name: Greg Location: San Antonio Join Date: Dec 2014 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 300, GSXR-750, Ducati M1100 Posts: 185	Anyone got any feedback on life expectancy on the Alpha's? The Unbeaten (rear) had great grip but seemed to wear out a little quicker than expected.

August 5th, 2015, 05:23 PM	#19
Supernam ninjette.org member Name: Nam Location: Toronto Join Date: Jul 2015 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 300 Posts: 33	All the Ninja 300's running in the CSBK spec series starting next year will be running these tires. I wanted to put these on, but I'm too cheap to replace the stock ones at 700 kms of street riding.

August 5th, 2015, 06:15 PM	#20
cbinker Track Clown Name: Chris Location: Kingman, AZ Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R, 21 MV F3 800, Kawasaki 400 build Posts: A lot. MOTM - Sep '15	i am not finding those tires anywhere for sale in the US __________________________________________________ TEAM ALFALFA www.apexassassins.com

August 28th, 2015, 03:37 AM	#23
burningscooter clutch Name: nameless Location: Maryland Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): L1 GSXR600 Posts: 543	If you want a set of takeoffs from Dunlop, go to a CCS race weekend and pick them up from the Dunlop guys beginning around 2 PM for free. This is how I do it. GPA Pros, KR451 slicks, etc. Also, why race any other tire than Dunlop? They are the only tire manufacturer that currently offers contingency money for podium finishes.
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

August 28th, 2015, 06:06 AM	#24
sharky nrk Fighting Texas Aggie '05 Name: Neil Location: Hutto, TX Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '07 ZX6R, '08 Versys, '09 250R Track, '93 F2/F3 Track Posts: A lot.	^^^ seriously free take offs, that is pretty much unheard of around here lol __________________________________________________ Keep it rubber side down and enjoy the ride Get healthy - Get Fit - Change Your Life Click Here Or PM Me To Find More - Advocare

August 28th, 2015, 06:30 AM	#26
Sirref Private Joker Name: Ben Location: Towson, MD Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '99/'01 Ninja 250 "sketchy", '13 Ninja 300 "yoshi", '03 GSXR 600 "merlin" Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '14	I haven't gotten mine for free yet but I have gotten them pretty damn cheap __________________________________________________ I see you over there seeing me, do you see the me I think you see?

August 28th, 2015, 06:40 AM	#28
burningscooter clutch Name: nameless Location: Maryland Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): L1 GSXR600 Posts: 543	@sharky nrk If I see a nice set of GPA Pros, Ill grab them for ya the next time out. Well, assuming I make it to VIR.

September 4th, 2015, 08:35 AM	#33
bruce71198 ninjette.org sage Name: bruce Location: northern illinois Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): Race bikes:08 Ninja 250,11 R6,16 ZX6,SV650.3 HD-1947,2-2003,2010. 1946 Indian and a lot of dirt bikes.2 Posts: 999	Ran the Alpha back to back against the Rossa II, was pretty impressed with the Dunlop.

September 4th, 2015, 12:13 PM	#34
sharky nrk Fighting Texas Aggie '05 Name: Neil Location: Hutto, TX Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '07 ZX6R, '08 Versys, '09 250R Track, '93 F2/F3 Track Posts: A lot.	Rosso/Rosso or SC/Rosso? __________________________________________________ Keep it rubber side down and enjoy the ride Get healthy - Get Fit - Change Your Life Click Here Or PM Me To Find More - Advocare

September 8th, 2015, 04:53 PM	#35
GregS ninjette.org member Name: Greg Location: San Antonio Join Date: Dec 2014 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 300, GSXR-750, Ducati M1100 Posts: 185	I have run the new Alpha rear a couple of times now at the track. Tons of grip, but will have to wait and see about longevity. Last futzed with by GregS; September 8th, 2015 at 07:16 PM.

September 8th, 2015, 06:36 PM	#36
Sirref Private Joker Name: Ben Location: Towson, MD Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '99/'01 Ninja 250 "sketchy", '13 Ninja 300 "yoshi", '03 GSXR 600 "merlin" Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '14	Mine still appears to have tons of life left after some serious use, it looks like it will outlast my rosso II set by a good margin (rosso II rear lasted ~2k miles) the A13 is around 1.5k miles (primarily track) open track day (run constantly due to practice between multiple riders for the endurance race) 2hr endurance race 4 sprint races (1-2 sessions of practice each) 7 track days and regular commuting what's interesting though is that I haven't reached the edge of the rear even though I've gotten lower than I have on the diablo rosso ii tires (I am reaching the edge of the front) __________________________________________________ I see you over there seeing me, do you see the me I think you see?

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