CSC Trackday - Tire choice

[Player 2]

So, I'm just curious what everyone gonna be running for the track day. Right now I'm running a takeoff on my rear but it doesn't have enough left on it to support the entire track day.

I was leaning towards the Metzler's again since I still have pretty much a full front left from my trip to the Dragon.

Thoughts....??

[Bueller]

I really liked the M1's I had on the Buell they only slid 1 time on the track when they got real hot when I was pushing them hard, but they went away real fast, 1500 mi. fast. I just put Mich. Pilot Powers on and did bike night with them last Thurs. and they had nice feel, never slipped and seemed to shed less rubber but still had great grip.

[rybo]

Jon,

you would be hard pressed to go wrong with the sportec M1 if that is the metzeler you are running. It's a great trackday tire. If you are looking for a change there are lots of good tires out there. Currently on my streetbike I have Bridgestone BT-014's that have 3 trackdays on them and have held up really well. One of the days was at Road America the other two at Second Creek. Other than that they have almost 2500 road miles on them, so I'm pretty pleased. Next in line for the streetbike is a set of Michelin Pilot Powers. I've heard great things about these tires and others on the board will probably chime in on that. If you wanted to try something new I could recommend the Bridgestones, they really have impressed me.

I would probably avoid going the DOT race tire route if you mostly go riding on the street. They are sometimes much slower to warm up and can be very slick when cold. If you have an extra set of wheels or a dedicated track bike, however, you could go that route or slicks.

Looking forward to meeting you.

Scott

[Player 2]

I know there's no chance of me pushing 'em as hard as you Bueller :P Maybe I should stick with what I know (the M1's)

Yeah, I know about having to be careful on race tires on the street since I've been running takeoffs the past couple of months

Definitely looking forward to meeting new peeps at the track

[Wahooman]

Pilot Powers for me.

[cu360r6]

I'd suggest the Pirelli Diablo Corsa for the track. I use to run the diablo rear and the diablo corsa last year on my streetbike, and they grip very well and last a very long time. I got 5 track days plus a couple thousand miles out of them turning 1:40's at Pueblo last year. They are so much better than the sportec m1's

If you're looking for something more I've got some dunlop slick takeoffs with a bunch of life left in them.

[JoeCode]

Excellent subject by the way.

My rear tire is now bare in the center. It is a Bridgestone BTO20 160/60zR17 with 8000 miles on it. Now I realize this is not a track tire, but seeing as I ride a sport touring bike with lower pegs, these tires hold with my pegs on the ground. So the tires are not my limitation as my limited experience percieves it.

Would a brand new HARD tire like this be acceptable, or should I pop on some Pilot Powers or other MED sport tire? And if you feel I do need a softer tire for the track, do I need to replace my front as well (120/70zR17 same brand)?

[Anonymous]

By the way... I have two remaining sets of Pilot Powers for sale.

One set is brand new, same deal as I did for R2SL participants: $260, tax included.

Other set is basically scrubbed in. I put 16 laps on them at PPIR, and for various reasons didn't get to race on them any more like I was planning to. Still has all the life in 'em, but can be yours for $200.

I can't do mounting, but you can score some rubber at killer prices. First ones with the cash take 'em. Oh, $450 for both sets. (Yeah, I'll knock another $10 off to anyone who buys them both...) You will NOT find cheaper prices on two sets of Pilot Powers!!

[«TigerTamer»]

Ralph - what size are the used Powers you have - I might be interested.

If you're looking for something more I've got some dunlop slick takeoffs with a bunch of life left in them.

What size and how much?

[Anonymous]

All my powers are 180/120.

[«TigerTamer»]

I could drop to a 180 rear for track day. Let me see if I've got the cash and I will PM you.

[Mista Black]

Would a brand new HARD tire like this be acceptable, or should I pop on some Pilot Powers or other MED sport tire? And if you feel I do need a softer tire for the track, do I need to replace my front as well (120/70zR17 same brand)?

OK i can answer that!!

Since i ran dunlop 220 sport touring tires at PPIR for R2SL i can assure you that you DO NOT want to run hard tires on the track. mine were fine for about 17 or 18 minutes then got slippery as hell!! spring for a set of sport tires. the difference is night and day. seriously, they will handle the heat of the track a lot better than a "touring" tire will.

and yes... do change both of them.

[Cleveland]

I just got a new set of Metzler Sportec. I think these will be just fine for my slow ass.

[Mel]

I switched from running Dunlops (the old 204 and 207?) about 5 years ago and started running Bridgestones and have been quite pleased with them all around on the streets. I am in need of a new set of tires and will be putting on something before the track day (though I am not sure what yet ).

[Anonymous]

Hey Mel... I think Daytona is buying my used set, but those new Pilot Powers would be perfect on your bike!

Actually I sold about a dozen sets of them at PPIR during Racing 2 Save Lives, and everyone who had them really liked how they performed. They're basically an entry level race tire, with street tire prices and longevity.

[Desmo]

I’m currently riding Pirelli Diablo SuperCorsa’s (SC1 supersoft compound)
I also have an extra set of Pirelli Diablo SuperCorsa PRO (SC1) that I might bring to change out…
I love the supercorsa’s they are outstanding tires.. never had a problem with them..