track tires

[eclipseR6]

What do you guys suggest for tires for a track day? Right now I have a pirelli take-off in front and a metzler roadtech with 1000+ miles in back. I'm planning on changing out the front at least. Should I get one to match the back? I'm thinking I'm going to want something a little softer for the track, but I don't really want to buy a whole new set. any advice?

[mhunter1175]

check the classified section under used track day tires they had a discussion about that

[Toadster600]

I would go with a matched set. Depending on how fast you are a set of Race Take Offs will be ok...

[CKER]

I would go with a matched set. Depending on how fast you are a set of Race Take Offs will be ok...

What do you know about track racing Todd?.... :wink: :wink: :lol: :lol:

[eclipseR6]

Thanks guys, that's what I wanted to hear. I've never ridden track, so first time out I won't be pushing too hard at all. Guess I'm gonna get some take-offs.

[Toadster600]

I would go with a matched set. Depending on how fast you are a set of Race Take Offs will be ok...

What do you know about track racing Todd?.... :wink: :wink: :lol: :lol:

I watched alot of it on TV...... 8)

[CKER]

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: ......Nice.....there's some other guys here that ride/rode ccs and wera....

[Berzerker]

I have a matched set 120/180 Michelin Power Race for $100 should you need them. For your needs a good set of take-offs would be ideal. The profile of Michelins are slightly different then Pirellis, but I doubt you would notice the difference.

[eclipseR6]

Sounds good. I'll definately let you know about those. How much should I expect to pay to have someone mount tires? Or do you guys do your own?

[stevewfl]

here are the only track tires i like to run considering our FL temps and such

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/racetires.jpg

i like their cousins on my street bike

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/tires.jpg

[Con Man]

Good tires there ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[meat]

Michelin Power Race cost less. Michelin Pilot 2CT were just recalled and the Michelin's seem to give up and loose grip without warning. I run the Pirelli Super Corsa Pro's. Cost a little more but give you more warning when the are about to slip. Compound depends on the Track and weather. They have to be purchaced at the Track or through a Race Distributor. Just my 2 cents. :twisted:

[Con Man]

Michelin Power Race cost less. Michelin Pilot 2CT were just recalled and the Michelin's seem to give up and loose grip without warning. I run the Pirelli Super Corsa Pro's. Cost a little more but give you more warning when the are about to slip. Compound depends on the Track and weather. They have to be purchaced at the Track or through a Race Distributor. Just my 2 cents. :twisted:

What is pricing on them...? Who around this area sells them? I would like to try them out on one of my bikes.

[clm2112]

What is pricing on them...? Who around this area sells them? I would like to try them out on one of my bikes.

Suggestion: Hold off on buying them and running them on the street till just before your track day. Downside to running track tires on the street is the compound in the tire usually doesn't get hot enough to stick well when ridden on the street. (i.e., the tire is a little greasy around town, but heat it up to it's intended operating temp on the track and they will stick like glue.)

If you don't really intend to push it...and your first time out on the track you probably will not.. there's no harm in running regular street tires. Your call though as to how far you think your ablilities will take you.

As to a vendor, I don't know where you are planning to run and where, but you might check the classifieds over on CCS or WERA forums to see who will be bringing their tires and gear to the track the same day, then give them a shout to have a pair ready and waiting for you.


Addendum: Looks like Frank Kinsey is doing tires for Jennings, Moroso, Homestead, and Roebling. So if you are hitting a school at any of those tracks, give him a call and he can probably have them on hand and mount them for you the morning of the school.

[Con Man]

What is pricing on them...? Who around this area sells them? I would like to try them out on one of my bikes.

Suggestion: Hold off on buying them and running them on the street till just before your track day. Downside to running track tires on the street is the compound in the tire usually doesn't get hot enough to stick well when ridden on the street. (i.e., the tire is a little greasy around town, but heat it up to it's intended operating temp on the track and they will stick like glue.)

If you don't really intend to push it...and your first time out on the track you probably will not.. there's no harm in running regular street tires. Your call though as to how far you think your ablilities will take you.

As to a vendor, I don't know where you are planning to run and where, but you might check the classifieds over on CCS or WERA forums to see who will be bringing their tires and gear to the track the same day, then give them a shout to have a pair ready and waiting for you.

These will be going on my track bike, not any of my street bikes...

[clm2112]

These will be going on my track bike, not any of my street bikes...

Ok, As soon as I come up with a spare set of SV rims, I'll give Frank a call and see what happens. I'll post the results of my dealings with him. (unless somebody else chimes in first.)

It's been years since I last plunked down money on track tires... back then the hot ticket on Supersport tires was the Metzeler ME-1 CompK...shows ya how long it's been for me :lol:

[clm2112]

Did a little more searching around.. Cycle Gear has them (Pilot Race) on their web site. Do the local stores offer mounting?

That's the rub...online prices are not that bad, but you end up paying someone local to mount and balance them.

[Raven]

Frankly if its your first time out at the track why spend more money on "drag" tires when the street tires will be more than enough. Unless your doing 1:28-1:30 range at Jennings(which you won't do your first time out there anyways) stick with the street tires. I've used a 2ct front and a pilot power rear and just recently i tried out the pirelli diablos. I prefered the diablos more than the michelins. Although a harder compound the pirellis i felt i got better feel with them while the michelins when the track got slippery felt uncomfortable. The pirellis shagged alot cleaner than the michelins too.

[Con Man]

Irregardless of lap time, it makes sense tire wise to use what sticks the absolute best for both safety and speed....

[meat]

Did a little more searching around.. Cycle Gear has them (Pilot Race) on their web site. Do the local stores offer mounting?

That's the rub...online prices are not that bad, but you end up paying someone local to mount and balance them.

Cycle Gear does not sell the same compound Michelin as the Factory Rep. or the Track does. PM me if you want his phone number.