Geomax Mx32 And Mx52
GEOMAX MX32 AND MX52
Want to race on Villopoto's Dunlops? You can.
Dunlop is replacing its MX31 (sand and mud), MX51 (intermediate), and MX71 (hard-pack) motocross tires with two new models: the MX32 and MX52.
The MX32, for soft-to-intermediate terrain, features tread blocks that bend easier for improved performance in muddy conditions. Fewer blocks are used in the center row, Dunlop says, because the pattern essentially varies the pitch and angle of each center block. On the MX32 front, mid-shoulder knobs are staggered and sized differently for better grip, while a chiseled shoulder block improves bite at lean.
As for the MX52, designed for hard-pack tracks, its staggered center blocks help absorb impacts, while the front is now directional, getting optimum traction in only one rotational direction.
Both new Geomax tires benefit from Dunlop’s “block within a block” knobs, a patented process in which a small, stepped block is layered on top of an existing knob to give the rider progressive control in varying terrain types.
We sampled both tires on a variety of 125cc two-stroke, 250 four-stroke, and 450 four-strokes at the Milestone MX test track in Southern California. Ourfindings: The MX32 front tire improved the front-end feel and has better traction than the MX31 and MX51 in all conditions. The new Dunlop actually makes the steering feel heavy because the tire is at maximum grip under initial lean and pushes less than the older Geomax. As for the MX32 rear, it offered great forward bite and improved lean traction, but on hardpack we could feel the carcass roll when accelerating out of flat corners.
The hardpack MX52 felt similarly impressive, providing good bite on slippery corners that were hard and flat. And when the track dried out, the MX52 rear offered better forward bite than either the MX71 or MX51, our testers able to feel the tire digging in, not spinning excessively. Flowever, if conditions aren’t hard everywhere, the MX32 is our choice. Dunlop says these tires, specifically the MX32, are what Ryan Villopoto uses to win on Saturday nights. Now we have no excuses.
Chris Dension
