New to track tyre question

[tocksr1]

I have only done one track day at EC but there will be many to follow. I was just after some advice on tyres. I have a 2008 R1 with pilot powers on it at the moment and was just wondering about running slicks. Should I be waiting till I get my lap times to a certain time before worrying about slicks and also was wondering what brand and type people would recommend.

[Mr.Ed]

Wait till at least a couple of track days unless you need new tyres right now. It makes no difference till you're lapping at a decent pace...

[*Oggy*]

If you like the Pilot Powers then stick with the 2CT's(if you can still find a set..) or the replacement Power Pures... But I'm blown away with the Racetec's... I was pushing as hard as I could on Friday on a cold track and were so confidence inspiring. Had the rear let go a few times getting on the power out of T7/T12, but never felt like spitting me off.... Plus you dont need to go swapping tyres over between trackdays and road riding.

[-72-]

+1
One more vote for the K2's. No road experience with them, but definitely a sweet track tyre.

K3 would be my 1st choice -IF- the tyre is called for road duties as well. Much griper than the PP (not as aggressive on tip in tho). Those PP are great for cold/wet conditions. Just about the best in my book (on and off the track). Never tried the 2ct's

[fatcontroller]

Im currently runing pilot power 2ct's on my 600rr with a couple of track days done . Would the racetec k2 be a better option than the 2ct if they were on a spare set or rims and swapping over wasnt a problem. Also what sort of price are we talking for a set of racetec k2 ?

[Mr.Ed]

Im currently runing pilot power 2ct's on my 600rr with a couple of track days done . Would the racetec k2 be a better option than the 2ct if they were on a spare set or rims and swapping over wasnt a problem. Also what sort of price are we talking for a set of racetec k2 ?

We're talking 420 a set on your rim if you know the secret hand shake...

[Wattie]

do a search for trackday tyres. there is one or 2 threads.

pilot poers should be ok for a while, if your into the mid 40's (counting in your head as timing is illegal) you may want to give slicks a try.

But you can run dunlop race treaded tyres and still use them on the road and roll our high 30's ona stock bike.

Slicks arent really needed.

[Dunno]

do a search for trackday tyres. there is one or 2 threads.

pilot poers should be ok for a while, if your into the mid 40's (counting in your head as timing is illegal) you may want to give slicks a try.

But you can run dunlop race treaded tyres and still use them on the road and roll our high 30's ona stock bike.

Slicks arent really needed.

Here is the latest tyre thread Wattie mentioned above.

http://nswroadandtrackbikes.com/forums/showthread.php?15919-What-s-today-s-preferred-track-day-tyre

From what I can tell its K2s Vs Power Pure? Road going tyres suitable for times in mid 40s & at a reasonable price.

Any ideas many TDs would one expect from a set of road tyres? I realise its a pretty general question but would it be closer to 1 or 3?

[Foghorn]

We're talking 420 a set on your rim if you know the secret hand shake...

Not any more mate, if you are talking the secret hand shake with Michael Cook I got the last set with a 180 rear.

[Blurr]

I wouldnt go with the slicks without tyre warmers. Too many heat cycles and cold tearing will be your enemy.

Pilot powers/pures I would say are the go

[yogi]

I wouldnt go with the slicks without tyre warmers. Too many heat cycles and cold tearing will be your enemy.

Pilot powers/pures I would say are the go
+1 I have recently used NTECS and find them very good...
i have gp slicks to try, from u Blurr althou i would imagine they are identical to gp treads, (grip wise). I have run gp treads on the road for last few yrs and 002's bridgie's
and find they are both very good tyres for both the road and track...
I also have Diablo superbike tyres... anyone used these? i would imagine they are very good too.
I have always liked Michelin's, i think you really cant go wrong with any of the late model tyres on offer these days

[tocksr1]

cheers for the advice. I was thinking of giving the pure's a go when the powers are due to replace as I still commute as well.

[yogi]

cheers for the advice. I was thinking of giving the pure's a go when the powers are due to replace as I still commute as well.
I have also used power race (michy's) which i found were awesome tyres althou quite a few yrs ago

[*Oggy*]

Yep, I put on Racetecs for the road and love them, but as I also commute on the bike daily, I am more cautious of the tyres when it rains, so I'm 50/50 on going over to the Pures... I loved the 2CT's as I got grip and longevity from them , but was dissapointed with the Power ones (only two trackdays before I had to change a rear tyre then only 4000 out of the second rear !!!!!). They seemed to have learnt from the Ones and the Pures are back to where the 2CT's were known for...

[Dunno]

Not any more mate, if you are talking the secret hand shake with Michael Cook I got the last set with a 180 rear.

You using a 180 on the 750 Fog?

[Mr.Ed]

You using a 180 on the 750 Fog?

As far as I know the 180s are standard on the 750s, no?:thinking:

I need a 190/55 anyway... my R6 came with one and I'm happy with it the way it is. I haven't tried it with the 180/55 though.

[Foghorn]

Just picked up my Racetacs from CHM - you gotta love Old School Service didn't even have to pay for them, I'm getting my bike serviced their in a few days and he said to fix it up all together.:ayyy:

[Dunno]

As far as I know the 180s are standard on the 750s, no?:thinking:

I need a 190/55 anyway... my R6 came with one and I'm happy with it the way it is. I haven't tried it with the 180/55 though.

Too be honest I had no idea. I just figured there are a few 600 riders using the 190 & thought the 750s did the same? I was tossing up whether to go with slicks or to try a set of the K2s mentioned above but Fog made that decision for me & bought the last 180 :warning:

[Foghorn]

Too be honest I had no idea. I just figured there are a few 600 riders using the 190 & thought the 750s did the same? I was tossing up whether to go with slicks or to try a set of the K2s mentioned above but Fog made that decision for me & bought the last 180 :warning:

In the true definition of the word I haven't brought them - mate you want them they are yours

[Dunno]

In the true definition of the word I haven't brought them - mate you want them they are yours

Nah that's alright mate :ayyy: I appreciate the thought though. Im gonna go with the Bridgestone slicks this time.

Out of curiosity how many TDs would you get out of a set Fog?

[Foghorn]

Nah that's alright mate :ayyy: I appreciate the thought though. Im gonna go with the Bridgestone slicks this time.

Out of curiosity how many TDs would you get out of a set Fog?

I have been using GPA R11's I have done 2 days at PI and 2 days at EC the wear on them is great but the turn in is a little sluggish, I will use them again on the 30th and then change them. The Racetec's appear to have a higher profile, I want to get 3 days at PI out of the rear K2 bearing in mind that the first day CSS III I won't be flogging the tyre all day - tempted to buy a K3 Intec rear as well to take down as well.

[-72-]

I want to get 3 days at PI out of the rear K2 bearing in mind that the first day CSS III I won't be flogging the tyre all day - tempted to buy a K3 Intec rear as well to take down as well.

Flip them. I flipped mine without any problem :ayyy:

[yogi]

Out of curiosity how many TDs would you get out of a set Fog?[/QUOTE]
Well i guess that depends on how fast you are on the track and how easy you are on the rear tyre... also hp you have.:cool:
For me i have not used a set of new slicks for yrs! i generally get tyres with anywhere from 5 laps to 25.
2 track days from a rear 3/4 on da front would be about it...

[Cedric]

I also have Diablo superbike tyres... anyone used these? i would imagine they are very good too.

Yogi I loved them, I will go for them over any other tyre. Not so much longevity but awesome grip; I'd choose them over Bridge/Dunlop slicks (barring NTECs)

Apparently they are very similar to the Metzeler Racetecs (slicks?) according to a leading tyre seller in the field..

Very impressed with the Racetecs, have performed admirably by me with no surprises but I like the Diablo Superbike slicks so I would always prefer them and recommend anyone to try and see if they like them. Pirelli have come out with a new Pirelli Diablo slick (cup?) that I've heard some good things about and looking to try them FAO..

[Foghorn]

Flip them. I flipped mine without any problem :ayyy:

Are you talking about "Flipping" as in Flipping a Lesbo

Dimitrios you seriously flip your tyres at PI?

[-72-]

Are you talking about "Flipping" as in Flipping a Lesbo

Dimitrios you seriously flip your tyres at PI?

As serious as a heart attack.


PS. Only lipstick Lesbos

[yogi]

[QUOTE=Cedric;299612]Yogi I loved them, I will go for them over any other tyre. Not so much longevity but awesome grip; I'd choose them over Bridge/Dunlop slicks (barring NTECs)

Apparently they are very similar to the Metzeler Racetecs (slicks?) according to a leading tyre seller in the field

Nice... Cedric, will give them a go cheers for that info!:ayyy:

[MENACE]

I'm a huge fan of the Michelin Power Race tyres. Excellent on the road in dry and damp conditions and very sure footed and predictable on the track. I've had 3 sets and found they do wear quick (fisrt set lasted 2 trackdays and about 2000km on the road) They aren't being made anymore and existing supplies are hard to find but 'that guy in Ryde' should be able to sort you out. However, a few mates have the new Power Pures on similar bikes and love their all round ability for track and commute work.

As has already been said, while slicks do give you heaps more grip they are not without their bad points. Those being; you also need to be able to ride well enough to keep the heat in them, they wont last without tyre warmers, they suck as a street tyre and generally cost more. If you have the cash, a spare set of rims, do enough trackdays to warrant the effort or have a dedicated track bike, then slicks will serve you well. For everyone else, I recon any one of the leading supersport road legal tyres will be more than enough for the average track day junkie - with the bonus being if it rains at the track, you'll be passing everyone on slicks;)

[veitch-y]

with the bonus being if it rains at the track, you'll be passing everyone on slicks;)

Yeah because they will be sitting in the garage ......

[ottospunkmeister]

Yeah because they will be sitting in the garage ......

Unless they also have full wets, then just their slicks will be sitting in the garage and they will be out getting more than their money's worth doing multiple sessions on a virtually deserted track like one member here did a while back.

[veitch-y]

Unless they also have full wets, then just their slicks will be sitting in the garage and they will be out getting more than their money's worth doing multiple sessions on a virtually deserted track like one member here did a while back.

and geez wasn't he moving .