Dunlop EN92 or EN92 SOFT: choose the conditions first

A US introduction, with earlier European history

Dunlop’s US manufacturer announcement dated August 20, 2026 introduces EN92 as EN91’s replacement. It describes the standard tire for dry ground, grass and general dirt, with SOFT extending the brief toward wet rocks, roots and uneven technical terrain. Those are Dunlop’s intended-use descriptions, not results from our own test. ^[1]

The date needs regional context. Dunlop’s European announcement was published August 23, 2025 and discussed availability from early 2026. Calling August 2026 the product’s first worldwide launch would therefore be misleading. For a US buyer, the practical reference is the current US range and the specification actually being supplied. ^[2]

Which version belongs on the shortlist?

Our suggestion is to describe the difficult part of a normal ride before choosing a compound name. “Mostly dry trail with an occasional damp patch” is a different brief from “repeated wet roots and rock steps.” Include the connecting surfaces, pace and event requirements in that description. SOFT should be considered because its stated purpose matches the problem, rather than because the label sounds like an automatic upgrade.

The US release describes staggered front blocks and PCBT Advanced, rear V-Block and Reinforced Scoop technologies, and rounded sidewall profiles. Dunlop attributes better grip, compliance and drive to those changes. It calls the EN92 range FIM- and DOT-approved. That designation should still be checked against the exact tire, its markings and the applicable event or road-use requirements. ^[1]

Front and rear choices are not identical

The current US table includes a 90/90-21 SOFT front, a standard 90/100-21 front, standard 120/90-18 and 140/80-18 rears, and a 140/80-18 SOFT rear. Do not assume a SOFT version exists for every standard size. Have the seller confirm the complete front/rear specification and current availability before assembling a pair. ^[3]

Regional specifications can differ. Dunlop’s European announcement lists standard 90/90-21 54R TT and SOFT 90/90-21 54M TT fronts, and standard 140/80-18 70R TT versus SOFT 140/80-18 70M TT rears. Those are European examples, not substitute US stock numbers. Their differing ratings are a reason to read the full designation rather than order by dimensions and “SOFT” alone. ^[2]

What the construction claims do—and do not—answer

The European product page explains rounded casings as a way to improve bump absorption and describes the rear blocks’ scoop arrangement as a traction feature. It also identifies the listed applications as tube type. These details describe design intent and construction; they do not give a universal pressure, mousse selection, service life or approved motorcycle fitment. ^[4]

Before buying, take the motorcycle’s approved specification and your wheel setup to the supplier. Ask which exact tire they are quoting, which support system is appropriate, and what instructions govern pressure or maintenance for your intended use. A competition designation does not settle every public-road requirement in every country, and a tire change does not establish that the rest of the motorcycle is road compliant.

For an air-filled setup: JACO Elite Low Pressure Tire Gauge · 30 PSI (Amazon paid link). The analog JACO Elite 30 PSI gauge has a 2–30 PSI working range. Use it only when your specified cold pressure falls within that range; tire and motorcycle instructions choose the setting. Mousses do not use an air-pressure setting. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Build a decision you can revisit

For a concrete shopping brief, write two short lists: the surfaces where you need more confidence, and the requirements you cannot compromise. The second list might include approved fitment, event rules, road connections and available support from your installer. Ask the supplier to explain the recommendation against those lists. That is more informative than asking which compound is the best in isolation.

Keep a note of what you actually purchase and why. If your riding later moves from general trail loops toward sustained technical enduro, that record makes the next conversation clearer. We have not established a wear-rate tradeoff, lap-time gain or a price premium through controlled testing, so none is assigned here. The useful distinction is the documented terrain brief, followed by exact fitment and a supportable setup.

Related guide: Choose off-road tires for the ground you actually ride.