Dunlop has released the Trailmax Raid that is designed for 40 percent on-road and 60 percent off-road use . Photos courtesy of Dunlop

DUNLOP INTRODUCES ‘ TRAILMAX RAID ’ ADVENTURE TIRE

Dunlop Motorcycle Tires has introduced the Trailmax Raid designed for 40 percent on-road and 60 percent off-road use . The Trailmax Raid is suitable for a wide range of bikes from mid-size dual sports to large adventure bikes , offering off-road capabilities paired with wet weather grip and adventure touring performance .

The Trailmax Raid ’ s design was inspired by Dunlop ’ s popular D908RR Rally Raid , a tire designed for aggressive adventure and cross-country conditions . The block design on the D908RR tread is a key part of the Trailmax Raid ’ s

tread design . The Raid utilizes tiebars between the tread blocks to improve handling and stability for heavier bikes ,

The Trailmax Raid is suitable for mid-size dual sports to large adventure bikes , offering off-road capabilities paired with wet weather grip and adventure touring performance .

while grip at higher lean angles when riding on the road is ensured by smaller gaps between the shoulder blocks .

The large center blocks on the rear tire are designed to cope with road riding and the high-power output of adventure motorcycles . The off-road inspired tread pattern is combined with Dunlop ’ s latest technologies from its premium on and off-road tires .

Dunlop ’ s unique section profile and casing design give a confidence-inspiring feeling and an optimal front / rear balance . The Hi-Silica compound improves overall flexibility and resilience , enhancing road adhesion for even better wet grip performance .

With the addition of the Trailmax Raid and its increased off-road versatility , it has allowed Dunlop to reposition the Trailmax Mission as a 60 / 40 tire ( 60 percent onroad use and 40 percent off-road use ) to allow for a more accurate representation of its tread pattern ’ s land-to-sea ratio .

The Trailmax Raid covers the needs of riders requiring more off-road versatility from their adventure bikes . The Trailmax Raid is available in three front sizes covering 19− and 21−inch fitments and six rear sizes covering 17− and 18−inch fitments .

Additionally , the Trailmax Raid comes in two constructions . It is available in bias-ply construction for the 90 / 90−21 , 130 / 80− 17 , 140 / 80−17 , and 140 / 80−18 sizes and radial-ply construction for the 110 / 80R19 , 120 / 70R19 , 150 / 70R17 , 150 / 70R18 , and 170 / 60R17 sizes to meet the target usage and performance demands of their intended motorcycle fitments .

DUNLOP TIRE FACTORY CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF PRODUCTION

Dunlop has announced the 50th anniversary of its Buffalo , New York , tire factory . Dunlop has been a critical part of the Western New York Community for 100 years , its first tire rolling off the assembly line in Canada in 1923 . During its first 50 years of production , the factory produced over 20 million motorcycle tires for the North American market .

Dunlop is celebrating 50 years of production in New York . Photos courtesy of Dunlop

In the early 1970s , motorcycle tire molds were moved from the Dunlop plant in Whitby , Ontario , across the Canadian border to the nearby Dunlop factory located in Tonawanda , New York , just outside the Buffalo city limits . By 1973 , the plant produced the K81 , K70 , and eventually the K88 motorcycle tires . Today , Dunlop Motorcycle Tires is headquartered and fully operational within the U . S . and the company is the largest motorcycle tire producer based in the North American market .

In 1978 , a Dunlop K181 built in the Tonawanda plant won a tire shoot-out conducted by Harley-Davidson in San Antonio , Texas , marking the start of a relationship between the two companies . In 1981 , Harley- Davidson named Dunlop as the Original Equipment tire business for Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycles of that year . The partnership has lasted over four decades , with the two companies collaborating on numerous tire innovations , including wide white walls and multi-tread touring motorcycle tires .

In the early 1970s , motorcycle tire molds were moved across the Canadian border to the nearby Dunlop factory located in Tonawanda , New York , just outside the Buffalo city limits .

“ It ’ s incredible to think this facility has been building motorcycle tires for fifty years ,” says Mike Buckley , vice president of sales and marketing , Dunlop . “ Even more remarkable is the brand ’ s partnership with Harley-Davidson and how that relationship has pushed our technology and innovation to deliver world-class market-driven products for North American riders . Having the R & D and manufacturing located so close to the market has been invaluable to our success . It ’ s not just about touring tires though . Additionally , our support of North American Road Racing and Flat Track with

tires designed and built here , further demonstrates our commitment to this market .”

Dunlop ’ s R & D team , located in Buffalo , New York , has been committed to American racing and is the official tire of MotoAmerica and American Flat Track series . All tires used in the series are developed and manufactured by Dunlop in its New York facility . Many of Dunlop ’ s popular tires , like the American Elite , D401 , D402 , D407 , D408 , Sportmax Q5 , Sportmax Q5S , Trailmax Mission , and many more , are produced in the same footprint that started production in 1973 .

POLARIS TO ACQUIRE WALKER EVANS ENTERPRISES

Polaris announced recently that it has reached an agreement to buy the manufacturer of many of its higher-end shock absorbers for its snowmobiles and off-road vehicles .

The company will purchase Californiabased Walker Evans Enterprises . Various business-tracking websites report that Walker Evans has about 30 employees and does about $ 18 million in business annually , according to Snow Goer .

“ Co-owners Walker Evans and Randy Anderson have helped shape the off-road industry and built a company that has become recognized for providing performance products ,” says Steve Menneto , president of Off-Road . “ When Walker , his wife Phyllis and Randy informed Polaris they would be looking to sell , the decision to purchase the business was an easy choice as it complements our strategy and strengthens supply chain continuity of one of our key off-road and snow shock components .”

Polaris will integrate the Walker Evans business into its Off-Road business , processes and systems . Randy Anderson will join Polaris to help support a seamless transition of the business and continue to drive innovation through the Walker Evans portfolio of products .

The sale is contingent on customary closing conditions and is expected to close before the end of Q3 . Terms of the sale are not disclosed .

Effective August 10 , WPS is the exclusive distributor of System 3 products in the U . S ., strengthening its position in the powersports distribution channel . Photo courtesy of System 3

WPS NAMED EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR FOR SYSTEM 3 OFF-ROAD

Western Power Sports ( WPS ) recently announced a strategic partnership with System 3 Off-Road , a leader in the design and manufacturing of UTV tires and wheels . Effective in August , WPS will serve as the exclusive distributor of System 3 products in the U . S ., strengthening its position in the powersports distribution channel .

System 3 has built a reputation as a supplier that understands how to design in-demand products , serve powersports dealers , and build a winning brand . The company remains focused on building tires and wheels that deliver improved traction , strength , and style , whether for recreation , utility , or high-performance . System 3 is led by tire-and-wheel industry experts with more than 30 years of experience serving powersports enthusiasts and dealers .

This exclusive distribution agreement gives WPS customers direct access to System 3 ’ s complete line of UTV tires and wheels , as well as the company ’ s industryfocused

marketing expertise . Dealers can now place orders for System 3 tires and wheels . Through the nationwide Western Power Sports distribution network , powersports enthusiasts will enjoy System 3 ’ s product mix and customer service .

“ We are thrilled to join forces with System 3 as their exclusive distributor ,” says Ronnie Wehr , SVP of Western Power Sports . “ Their commitment to excellence in ATV / UTV tires and wheels perfectly aligns with our mission to provide our customers with the best products and support available . This partnership allows us to continue serving the powersports community with the highest-quality products and exceptional service .”

Western Power Sports has been a driving force in powersports for more than 62 years . With a diverse portfolio of premium products and a passion for outdoor adventures , WPS has earned the trust of powersports enthusiasts and established itself as a reliable and customer-centric distributor .

“ We ’ re excited to launch this exclusive partnership with Western Power Sports ,” says Craig Petersen , founder of System 3 Off-Road . “ We share the same passion and commitment WPS demonstrates in supporting the powersports dealer network . As the market continues to evolve , promoting the industry we all love while growing relationships with dealers is as important to us as delivering high-performance products at competitive prices . WPS elevates this bestin-class service to dealers across the United States , and we could not be more excited to grow our brand with that level of support . Even more exciting news : Dealers can begin placing orders with WPS today .”

WISECO LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE Wiseco Performance Products , a prominent name in the Race Winning Brands ( RWB ) family and renowned for its powersports forged pistons and performance products , announced it launched new website . The upgraded platform aims to provide enhanced support to customers and fellow racers while delivering a seamless shopping experience for performance parts , says the company .

With the unveiling of the new website , customers can now conveniently purchase Wiseco forged pistons and piston components , as well as a range of powersports performance components , directly from the company . The intuitive interface incorporates model and engine-specific filtering capabilities , enabling users to easily search and locate the components they need .

The website features a wealth of technical content , including engine-building tips , how-to guides , frequently asked questions , and more . Visitors can access Wiseco ’ s custom piston order form , installation and operation manuals , and other materials .