SALE
- Enhanced constructions, profiles, compounds and tread patterns allows the Q5S to provide lighter and nimbler handling and improved dry and wet grip to make it even more user-friendly all while maintaining class-leading durability.
- Multi-Tread™ technology utilizes a long-wearing compound in the center of the rear tread flanked by lateral-grip compounds, giving riders outstanding mileage without sacrificing handling or grip.
- Updated front and rear compounds offer improved grip and warm-up times.
- Intuitive Response Profile™ (IRP) technology allows greater latitude in line choice while cornering, plus amazingly linear steering.
- Optimized tread pattern design aids in quicker warm-up times and improved wear characteristics.
What we think:
The Dunlop® Sportmax Q5S is a high-performance hypersport tire designed for aggressive street riders who occasionally do track days. It is the street-oriented sibling of the Q5 (formerly Q5a), which is more track-focused. Below is a detailed breakdown and comparison to help you understand how the Q5S stacks up.
🏍️ Dunlop Sportmax Q5S – Overview
-
Type: Hypersport (Street-biased with track potential)
-
Position: Successor to the Q3+ and more street-friendly than the Q5
-
Made in: USA
🔧 Key Features:
-
Updated compound: Uses a less aggressive version of the Q5 compound, offering more cold grip and longer tread life.
-
Profile & carcass: Shares similar construction and profile with the Q5, allowing agile turn-in and good lean stability.
-
Tread design: Optimized for fast warm-up, better wet grip compared to track-only tires.
-
Best use case: Street riders who want high grip with confidence in canyon carving or weekend track stints.
🔄 Dunlop Q5S vs Q5 (Q5a)
| Feature | Q5S | Q5 (aka Q5a) |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Street-biased hypersport | Track-day tire (DOT-legal) |
| Compound | Softer than Q3+ but durable | Stickier compound (shorter life) |
| Warm-up time | Fast warm-up on the street | Needs heat – better on track |
| Tread Life | Longer | Shorter |
| Wet Grip | Better than Q5 | Limited wet performance |
| Feedback | Very good | Exceptional at full lean angles |
| Ideal Rider | Aggressive street/canyon | Serious track day riders |
Verdict:
-
Choose Q5S if you ride fast on the street and want predictable grip in variable conditions.
-
Choose Q5 if you trailer your bike to the track or push to the edge on weekends.
⚔️ Comparison with Competing Hypersport Tires
| Tire | Strengths | Comparison with Q5S |
|---|---|---|
| Michelin Power 5 | Great wet grip, comfort, long life | Q5S has better dry grip & turn-in; Power 5 more versatile |
| Michelin Power GP | Track-day ready, sharper profile | Comparable to Q5S in grip; GP may have slight edge on track |
| Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV | Supremely agile, very sticky for street use | Rosso IV more nimble; Q5S more stable and durable |
| Bridgestone S22 | All-around champ, great wet and dry grip, confidence-inspiring | Q5S offers firmer feel and higher track ceiling |
| Metzeler M9 RR | Very composed in wet, balanced feel | M9 RR better wet; Q5S better dry performance |
💬 Summary
-
✅ Dunlop Q5S is an excellent choice for sporty street riders who might dabble in track use but want long-lasting, confidence-inspiring grip.
-
🔥 Compared to Q5, it sacrifices peak grip and track handling for more usable road performance and longevity.
-
🔁 Competing tires like the Rosso IV, Power GP, and S22 are close contenders depending on whether you value wet grip, nimbleness, or comfort.
If you're on something like a KTM Super Duke R, Yamaha R1, or S1000RR and spend 80% of your time on the street, Q5S is one of the best tires available right now. For pure track, Q5 (or slicks) are still king.