Dunlop Trailmax Raid Reviewed on the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE

It was a moment I'll never forget: dawn in the Wasatch Mountains, the thermometer just above freezing, mist hanging over the aspen groves. Beneath me, the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE, and mounted on it, a fresh set of Dunlop Trailmax Raid tires. As the first gravel miles of the Liberty-Avon Road crunched under the treads, I knew: this test wouldn't be a lab experiment but a baptism by fire in the rugged reality of the American West.

Adventure tires often attempt to unite two conflicting worlds: road stability and off-road traction. All too often, they feel like a lazy compromise. But not with the Trailmax Raid. Dunlop consistently follows the 50/50 philosophy a balanced concept for road and terrain. The foundation for this is a high-silica compound for excellent wet grip, the JLB construction in radial versions for stability and heat management, and the Carcass Tension Control System, which optimizes the contact patch.

On Idaho's gravel trails, the Trailmax Raid showcased its true capabilities. Even on wet, rocky terrain, it kept the V-Strom steady on course with a composure that continually surprised me. Steep ramps, deep gravel, fast gravel highways at 70 mph it tackled all of this with traction that inspired confidence. Meanwhile, on Wyoming's highways, it revealed another side: smoothness, stability, and a vibration level that remained surprisingly subtle for a 50/50 tire.

Anyone familiar with adventure tires knows the typical hum and vibrations that kick in at speeds over 120 km/h. The Trailmax Raid isn't completely immune to this, but it stays within acceptable limits. After hours on the interstate, I didn't feel drained; instead, I was carried by a harmonious rolling behavior. Even during brief rain showers in Yellowstone Park, the wet grip remained reliably consistent a point where many adventure tires falter.

I found the Dynamic Front Formula particularly fascinating, which Dunlop developed for the front wheel. It ensures that the V-Strom steers neutrally and doesn't wobble even in long high-speed curves. The tread itself, with its aggressive blocks, strongly resembles the D908 RR Rally tires, but with a more street-friendly design. This results in a blend of rally flair and touring capability that makes the Trailmax Raid something special.

Of course, there are limits. In deep mud or muddy forest trails, the Trailmax Raid quickly meets its limitations. For realistic adventure scenarios, from gravel paths in the Alps to gravel tracks in the American West, its off-road capability is more than sufficient. When you put the Trailmax Raid into context, you inevitably compare it to the usual suspects: the Continental TKC 70 Rocks, the Michelin Anakee Wild, the Metzeler Karoo 4, and the Bridgestone AX41. All of these occupy the space between asphalt and off-road.

An adventure tire has to do more than just perform in spectacular test rides. After 2,700 kilometers in the saddle, the Trailmax Raid showed little noticeable wear. Reports indicate mileage between 6,000 and 8,000 kilometers, depending on load and riding style. For a tire with such a pronounced tread, that's remarkable. Even in everyday use, whether commuting or on weekend rides, it impresses with predictable behavior and good wet grip.

The Trailmax Raid is available in nine sizes, ranging from 90/90-21 front to 170/60R17 rear. All sizes carry the M+S marking, and the rubber compound is based on a high silica content, supported by aramid or steel reinforcements for high-speed stability. This covers the entire adventure spectrum from mid-range enduros to the big GS or Africa Twin calibers.

Front:

• 90/90-21 54T TL
• 110/80R19 59T TL
• 120/70R19 60T TL

Rear:

• 130/80-17 65S TL
• 140/80-17 69S TL
• 150/70R17 69T TL
• 170/60R17 72T TL
• 140/80-18 70S TL
• 150/70R18 70T TL

No tire is perfect and neither is the Trailmax Raid. The typical characteristics of 50/50 tires were noticeable: - There was a slight tendency to stand up when braking in a lean. - It followed asphalt grooves more readily than road-oriented stock tires. - In extreme mud, it understandably meets its limits.

However, these points are not weaknesses in the classic sense; they are part of the design and must be accepted for a tire in this category.

Testing a tire thoroughly requires more than a few Sunday rides. Our route through Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana provided exactly the kind of challenge that pushes a 50/50 tire to its limits: 2,700 kilometers across four states, about 80 percent on unpaved roads. Mornings with frost on the saddle at one degree Celsius, afternoons at 30 degrees through dusty sagebrush valleys. Altitude differences between 800 and 2,700 meters where the thin air challenges not only the engine but also the rubber compound. Fast gravel highways through the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, where we thundered over washboard sections at 70 mph. Steep gravel ramps at Lemhi Pass, washed-out forest roads to Stanley, rocky single trails at Island Park. In between, asphalt stretches sometimes dry and hot, sometimes wet after brief thunderstorms in Yellowstone. And over it all, the relentless reality of long travel days: six, seven hours in the saddle, fully loaded, no holds barred. If a tire fails here, there's no Plan B. The nearest dealer is hundreds of kilometers away, and the wilderness tolerates no weakness. It's precisely in this environment that a tire's true nature is revealed, whether it lives up to marketing promises or proves to be a genuine tool.

After 2,700 kilometers over gravel, highways, and national parks, my conclusion is clear: The Dunlop Trailmax Raid is not a compromise tire, but a true adventurer. It combines the calm of the road with the drive to push forward in the terrain, always providing a sense of control and reliability. Anyone looking to dive into both worlds with their adventure tourer will find a partner here that confidently masters this balancing act.