Dunlop Q5 vs Q5S vs Q5A: What's the Difference?

If you're shopping for Dunlop performance motorcycle tires, you've probably come across the Sportmax Q5, Q5S, and Q5A. While all three are designed for performance-oriented riders, they aren't intended for exactly the same type of riding.

The right choice depends primarily on where you ride, how aggressively you ride, and how much street versus track use your motorcycle sees.

Here's how the Dunlop Q5, Q5S, and Q5A compare.

Dunlop Q5A: Performance for the Street

The Dunlop Sportmax Q5A is a performance-oriented street tire designed for riders who want strong grip and responsive sportbike handling while maintaining the versatility required for regular street riding.

The Q5A makes the most sense for riders who spend the majority of their time on public roads and want a tire capable of handling spirited riding without moving toward a more track-focused setup.

Its design emphasizes a balance between performance, wet-weather capability, handling, and usable tire life.

Consider the Q5A if you:

• Primarily ride on the street

• Enjoy aggressive or spirited street riding

• Want performance without giving up street versatility

• Ride in varying weather conditions

• Want a balance between grip and usable tire life

Shop Dunlop Sportmax Q5A Tires →

Dunlop Q5S: Aggressive Street Performance

The Dunlop Sportmax Q5S moves further toward aggressive performance while remaining an option for street-going sportbikes.

It's aimed at riders who prioritize grip and responsive handling and may occasionally take their motorcycle to a track day.

This makes the Q5S an interesting middle ground for riders whose motorcycles still see regular street use but who place a greater emphasis on performance.

Consider the Q5S if you:

• Ride aggressively on the street

• Prioritize grip and handling

• Enjoy spirited back-road riding

• Occasionally attend track days

• Want performance while retaining street usability

Shop Dunlop Sportmax Q5S Tires →

Dunlop Q5: Performance & Track-Day Focus

The Dunlop Sportmax Q5 is the most performance-focused option of these three tires.

It's particularly well suited to riders who incorporate track days and other high-performance riding into how they use their motorcycles.

The Q5 provides a DOT tire option for riders who want serious sportbike performance without immediately moving to a dedicated racing slick.

Consider the Q5 if you:

• Regularly attend track days

• Prioritize performance and dry grip

• Ride aggressively

• Want responsive handling and feedback

• Are less concerned with maximizing street mileage

Shop Dunlop Sportmax Q5 Tires →

Q5A vs Q5S

For riders deciding between the Q5A and Q5S, consider how heavily you prioritize street versatility versus outright performance.

The Q5A is designed around a broader street-performance balance, making it well suited to riders who primarily use their motorcycles on public roads.

The Q5S shifts the emphasis further toward aggressive sport riding while remaining suitable for street use.

A rider commuting, weekend riding, and occasionally riding aggressively may prefer the characteristics of the Q5A.

A rider who spends most recreational rides pushing a sportbike harder and occasionally visits the track may find the Q5S more aligned with those priorities.

Q5S vs Q5

The decision between the Q5S and Q5 becomes more relevant as track riding enters the equation.

The Q5S provides aggressive sportbike performance while maintaining an emphasis on street usability.

The Q5 is more heavily focused on high-performance riding and is particularly relevant for riders incorporating track days into their riding.

If your motorcycle still spends most of its life on public roads, consider the street characteristics you need before automatically choosing the most performance-focused tire.

Which Dunlop Q5 Tire Should You Choose?

There isn't one Q5-family tire that's right for every rider.

For primarily street riding and street versatility, look closely at the Q5A.

For aggressive street riding with occasional track use, compare the characteristics of the Q5S.

For riders placing a greater emphasis on track days and outright performance, the Q5 deserves consideration.

Your motorcycle, riding pace, climate, tire size, and intended use should all factor into the decision.

Shop Dunlop Motorcycle Tires

Superbike Garage carries Dunlop Sportmax Q5, Q5S, and Q5A motorcycle tires in popular sportbike sizes.

Always verify the correct front and rear tire sizes for your motorcycle before ordering.

Still unsure which tire is right for you? Contact Superbike Garage and tell us what motorcycle you ride and how you use it. We'll help you compare your options.

Shop All Motorcycle Tires → Shop All Motorcycle Tires

Shop Q5A → Shop Dunlop Sportmax Q5A Motorcycle Tires

Shop Q5S → Shop Dunlop Sportmax Q5S Motorcycle Tires

Shop Q5 → Shop Dunlop Sportmax Q5 Motorcycle Tires