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Dunlop SportSmart 2 Max vs Kumho Solus TA31 — Compared (May 2026)
Our Relative Score blends 60% objective test data with 40% owner-review signal — so any two tires can be compared even if they were never tested on the same day.
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6 categories, side by side
Each bar is the Relative Score for that category. Expand a tile to see the test results and owner ratings behind it.
Dry
Why this score
| Source | SportSmart 2 Max | Solus TA31 |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Rack owners | – | 85 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 80 | 74 |
Wet
Why this score
| Source | SportSmart 2 Max | Solus TA31 |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Rack owners | – | 77 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 80 | 63 |
Snow
Why this score
| Source | SportSmart 2 Max | Solus TA31 |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Rack owners | – | 57 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | – | 43 |
Comfort
Why this score
| Source | SportSmart 2 Max | Solus TA31 |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Rack owners | – | 78 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | 85 | 73 |
Treadwear
Why this score
| Source | SportSmart 2 Max | Solus TA31 |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Rack owners | – | 78 |
| Tyre Reviews owners | – | 61 |
Handling
Why this score
| Source | SportSmart 2 Max | Solus TA31 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Reviews owners | 75 | 64 |
Scores at a glance
| Category | Dunlop SportSmart 2 Max | Kumho Solus TA31 |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Score | 80 | 68 |
| Dry | 80 | 75 |
| Wet | 80 | 64 |
| Snow | – | 44 |
| Comfort | 85 | 74 |
| Treadwear | – | 63 |
| Handling | 75 | 64 |
Higher is better. The Relative Score follows your weights below; category scores do not change.
Weight the categories that matter to you
Wet grip and treadwear start at “Important” — the two things buyers rank highest. Move the sliders and the scores update instantly.
Tire A
Tire B
Only categories both tires have data for count toward the headline score.
Pros, cons & observations
Themes extracted from owner reviews across retailers and review sites — not the opinion of TireWheelGuide.
The Dunlop SportSmart 2 Max is widely regarded as a highly capable street-focused tire that excels in wet conditions and offers superior stability compared to its competitors. Users appreciate its predictable handling and confidence-inspiring front-end feel, making it a strong choice for daily riders who prioritize safety and versatility over pure track-day performance.
Pros
- Rapid warm-up time on public roads
- Excellent wet weather grip and predictability
- High levels of front-end confidence and stability
- Improved carcass rigidity compared to entry-level sport tires
Cons
- Less aggressive dry-weather cornering performance than dedicated supersport tires
- Not optimized for high-intensity track use
- Potential for a firmer ride due to the stiff carcass construction
Observations
- Recommended primarily for daily riders and lighter motorcycles rather than dedicated track machines.
- Users transitioning from entry-level sport tires report a significant improvement in stability and feedback.
The Kumho Solus TA31 receives a polarized reception, with users divided between those who value its quiet ride and affordability and those who find its handling and longevity lacking. While some drivers report excellent value and high mileage, others express significant concerns regarding stability during emergency maneuvers and premature tread wear.
Pros
- Low noise levels and high ride comfort
- Strong value for money
- Attractive aesthetic design
- Reliable performance for conservative, daily driving
Cons
- Unpredictable handling during emergency maneuvers
- Concerns regarding premature or uneven tread wear
- Poor stability control compared to premium competitors
- Reports of inconsistent tire pressure retention
Observations
- Users noted that low-profile versions of this tire appear more susceptible to accelerated wear.
- Front-wheel-drive vehicle owners reported higher-than-average wear rates on the front axle.
Specs side by side
| Attribute | A · Dunlop SportSmart 2 Max | B · Kumho Solus TA31 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Summer Max Performance tires | All Season Premium Touring tires |
| Vehicle type | Motorcycle | Passenger Car / Crossover |
| Sizes available | — | 19 |
| Rim diameters | — | 15″ – 20″ |
| Tread depth | — | 9.5/32″ |
| UTQG | — | 500 A A |
| Treadwear warranty | — | 60,000 mi |
| Sidewall | — | Blackwall |
| Max pressure | — | 44 psi |
Which one should you actually buy?
Dunlop
Kumho
Winner: Dunlop SportSmart 2 Max — better wet, comfort and handling. It leads or ties in every category we score.
Dunlop SportSmart 2 Max scores 80 vs 64 on wet.
Dunlop SportSmart 2 Max scores 85 vs 74 on comfort.
Dunlop SportSmart 2 Max scores 75 vs 64 on handling.
Dunlop SportSmart 2 Max scores 80 vs 75 on dry.
How do we compare tires?
Every category score blends two independent signals. 60% comes from professional tire tests (braking distances, lap times, noise measurements) normalized against the best tire in each test and weighted toward recent tests. 40% comes from thousands of owner reviews collected from retailers and review sites. When a tire has only one of the two, we use what exists and say so.
Community buzz from Reddit and forums is shown for context only — it never changes the score.