Hi all,

I just replaced both tires to Dunlop, as was recommended by my shop.
I had a very cheap kind of tire previously.

Dunlop tires are the most expensive kind over here, and my shop insisted they were worth the price in road handling and grip.

Since installing the new tires, I'm noticing my ride seems significantly bumpier than before.

Two questions:
1. Is there really such a significant difference between the handling of different tires? Is dunlop really a good tire?
2. Why is my ride bumpier, is that a good/bad sign? should I be adjusting anything?

New tires can produce a firmer or "bumpier" feel, especially if the new tires have a harder compound or stiffer sidewalls or if it is a radial vs bias ply tire. If the bumps are cyclical (you notice them every time the wheel turns and you have a pogo effect) then the tires could have been mounted improperly. But in your case it sounds like you are just noticing the effects of a much stiffer tire. Enjoy and remember...love the Baby G and this forum.

C.......

There can be a huge change in handling and feel with the change of tires.    I know in the car world the sidewall stiffness makes a big difference.  A stiffer sidewall will give you a more responsive car but with that comes a much harsher ride.  The material and layup of the tires can make a large difference to.  You can get a sticky tire that doesn't last long or a hard tire that will last a long time.  So it sounds like you got a good sport tire that has stiff sidewalls.  Welcome to the life of performance driven tires in my mind the only way to go.

Jake

Quote from: liraz
Two questions:
1. Is there really such a significant difference between the handling of different tires? Is dunlop really a good tire?
2. Why is my ride bumpier, is that a good/bad sign? should I be adjusting anything?

Yes, there are really big differences in the handling of different tires.  Dunlop makes some really good tires and also some very average ones as all major tire manufacturers do.  What model Dunlop tires do you have, GT501, D205, K491, or other?  I can't think of any Dunlops that come in GS500 OEM sizes that are sold in this country.  Maybe different where you are.

Did you check your tire air pressure?  Higher pressure can make the ride seem bumpier on any tire.  Suzuki recommends 33psi front and 36 psi rear here, if you or dealer add a few pounds or more above that the ride can feel much bumpier than you are used to.