What are the best track tires?

[IL_k1200r_guy]

Newbie looking for some education...

I realize this is a highly subjective question, but I just bought my first track bike and want to gather information. The bike is an SV if that matters.
What are the best track tires? Should you run OE sizes or something different?
Do different tracks require different rubber? Are full slicks the norm?

I plan on getting extra wheels for rain/back up tires. What are the best rain tires.

Thanks for the feedback.

I have been in the car tire business for the last 14 years but do not know much about track/racing motorcycle tires... on our MX bikes we have always had great luck with Michelin and Dunlop has usually been our second choice.

[steelcityracer]

You will get people voting for all four of the main four tire manufacturers, but personally I use pirelli diablo supercorsas on my 600. Which tires you should use will depend on your pace. If you run a relatively slow pace I would go with a track day tire such as diablo corsa III, but if you run a pretty decent pace you will want to use race DOT tires like the diablo supercorsas or even full on slicks if you dont plan on doing any Supersport/superstock racing.

[steelcityracer]

As far as popularity, Pirelli and Dunlop seem to be tied for first, with Michelin third, and Bridgestone fourth.

[Captain Squid]

I am a Dunlop fan myself, have been for the last 3 or 4 years, last tire before that was the supersorsa's and they did the trick as well

[Six3SixGal]

i <3 pirelli.. supercorsa pro's.. havent had a chance to try the new one's yet

[Fuzzy317]

I can't recall which brand, but they are round and black. That should help you pick :Poke:



j/k the 4 major brands each have good track tires, once a bike is setup for that brand, they generally all do well. Partially comes down to rider input. If one rider loves brand X, he/she can go fast with a good setup. If another rider hates brand X, he/she would not go as fast on same tire and bike.

[Cuddles de Sade]

for an SV, Pirelli DOT's rule the roost for most peeps. if you wanted to run slicks, the Bridgestones get lots of props and can be had on the cheap by clicking on the "Stones from Stick" link in my sig.

[sportbikerchic]

Any brand works. Look at the folks winning WERA races and you'll see a variety, so if it works for them then any of those brands will work for a beginner.

Almost every brand has a "street" tire, "street/trackday" tire, "trackday" tire and a "race" tire, and sometimes two levels of race tires (sometimes as simple as the DOT race, ones with tread, and the slick race tires; sometimes even more complex).

Lots of beginning track riders come to the track with the stock tires on their bike. Whatever was on it when they bought it. And that works well enough, specially if you aren't financially open to replacing tires that have a decent amount of life left on them. But if you're open to spending the money, I would suggest you get a set of trackday tires (Pirelli DCIII and Michelin Pilot Power are two of the more popular).

Just about all trackday organizations favor one brand of tire over another (they have sponsorship deals worked out). I would suggest you get whatever tire is being offered by the track org that you're going to start with. That way they'll be able to answer your questions about the tire at the track (ie what pressure to run, how many days you can get out of it, etc). Plus the trackday orgs will change your tire for a WHOLE lot cheaper than most bike shops (usually up to $20), but you have to take the wheel off the bike and give it to them (which only requires bike stands, a wrench/socket set, and willingness to dive right in and do it).

Enjoy!
Start making friends with Visa, MasterCard or Discover!

[IL_k1200r_guy]

Thanks for everyone's input! Great parting words Mary! :)

Can't wait to hit the track!

[gpstar748]

SHINKO racing slicks!!!!! you can get a set for like 150 new!! they are the sweetest tire out there ;)

[gix]

tomahawk camouflage are the best!

[Gigantic]

I'll second Mary's comments. for your first half dozen trackdays or so, a good street tire like a Pilot power, Diablo Corsa, Mezteler M3, Dunlop Qualifier will suffice, especially on an SV. getting a DOT race tire is a waste of money until you're running advanced group times and are commited enough to buy a generator and tire warmers.
Lance

[steelcityracer]

SHINKO racing slicks!!!!! you can get a set for like 150 new!! they are the sweetest tire out there ;)

Joking right?

[HondaGalToo]

I'll second Mary's comments. for your first half dozen trackdays or so, a good street tire like a Pilot power, Diablo Corsa, Mezteler M3, Dunlop Qualifier will suffice, especially on an SV. getting a DOT race tire is a waste of money until you're running advanced group times and are commited enough to buy a generator and tire warmers.
Lance

I third Mary and Lance: Get a trackday/street tire, either the Michelin Pilot Powers or the Pirelli Diablo Corsa III. Actually, I think these will suffice for more than just your first half dozen days or so. There's plenty of Advanced guys running really fast lap times on the Diablo Corsa IIIs. I like to keep it simple at the track, fussing with as few things as possible. I've been running one of these two tires for years. Granted, I'm not one of the really fast guys/gals, but it isn't the tires holding me back. :p I'd rather focus on riding and not have to worry about the things associated with DOT race tires, things like needing tire warmers, heat cycles. The above two mentioned tires aren't subject to heat cycles, last a decent amount of time, don't require tire warmers, warm up after a lap, and are also good in the rain. What more do you need? :)

[gpstar748]

Joking right?


lol yeah..........but a shop near me actually did tell me they wanted to start getting me tires and was like check out Shinkos new track tire......they were completely serious too :crackup:

[jimmyboost]

Make sure that you run a 120/70 front and ditch the stock 120/60 size. Pilot Powers are great tires for trackdays. They have a long life, are fairly inexpensive and have great grip until you get down to the wear indicators. You don't have to use warmers and they come up to temp quickly.

[Pilot1]

The Pirelli Diablo Corsas are not available for SV650s but the regular Pirelli Diablo is available, is the plain Diablo satisfactory for novice level track use?

[metricdevil600]

I used a few sets of Metzeler Racetecs this year for track days. I know they aren't one of the more popular choices, but I thought they worked great.

[sideways_skinny]

i would recommend the dunlop qualifier. the rear has enough grip for a 600, and i pushed the front fairly hard, and still had grip left. i think the profile of the front is aggressive, and the rear not as much so. for a slower guy, you can easily get 3 days out of a front, and maybe 2 out of the rear.

use the 120/70 front.

[HondaGalToo]

I bought a bike in August and have actually done 7 days on the stock Bridgestone BT-014s. No issues, although my next set will be the Powers or
DC IIIs.

[fastlap]

start with the pilot powers or dunlop qualifiers,the bt-014 suck.when you start pushing it ,buy some tire warmers -try the dunlop 209s/pirelli diablos/or michelin power race. tire pressure and temp is important, and different from each brand so check with the vendor

[HondaGalToo]

start with the pilot powers or dunlop qualifiers,the bt-014 suck.when you start pushing it ,buy some tire warmers -try the dunlop 209s/pirelli diablos/or michelin power race. tire pressure and temp is important, and different from each brand so check with the vendor

Just curious, what didn't you like about the BT-014s? A friend of mine who rides advanced as well as myself found them to be pretty decent. That being said, he's just put on DC IIIs, and those will likely be my next set as well. I was just surprised with the 'stones. I expected them to not be all that great, but they've been fine.

[nig]

You don't need tire warmers for track days. They are good for paddock cred mostly.

[Pilot1]

Anybody got any experience with the Pilot Power 2CT (http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Categories.bok?category=TIRES%2C+WHEELS+%26+WARMER S%3AMichelin+tires%3APilot+Power+2ct)

[motoBK]

You don't need tire warmers for track days. They are good for paddock cred mostly.

I disagee. You must push hard from the very first lap if you want to win trackday.

[rydfree]

Anybody got any experience with the Pilot Power 2CT (http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Categories.bok?category=TIRES%2C+WHEELS+%26+WARMER S%3AMichelin+tires%3APilot+Power+2ct)

I ran Michelin Power Race Medium in 05 and the PR4/PRC all of '06 with warmers . This year I have run the 2CT's without warmers and went just as fast . I like them , plus after a few trackdays I can use them on the Busa for a couple K street miles and look really cool :)

[gpstar748]

If you run race tires you should have them because they keep the tire from going through more than 1 heat cycle through the day, prolongs the life of the tire and gives you more track time actually riding rather than having to spend time warming up the tire


You don't need tire warmers for track days. They are good for paddock cred mostly.

[Suburbanrancher]

If you run race tires you should have them because they keep the tire from going through more than 1 heat cycle through the day, prolongs the life of the tire and gives you more track time actually riding rather than having to spend time warming up the tire

+1, and they can also help prevent cold tearing with certain tires (as I've experienced firsthand with Metzeler Racetecs and solved using warmers).

[etemplet]

+2 on the warmers. I don't like wasting laps waiting for the tires to warm up either. And with race rubber why use up heat cycles unnecessarily ?

An additional point is... a guy with race rubber and warm tires is going to go fast right out of the paddock while rider "B" may be riding more tentatively waiting for his tires to get some heat in them. Excessive closure rates are a source of concern for me. I find that if everyone is going close to the same speed, it's a whole lot more safe. Well, sometimes anyway... :D :up:

Take Care guys and gals,

[steeltoe]

I have to agree with the folks here. Any decent sport tire should do fine unless you're pushing it. Just be sure to run the correct pressure for the track.

FWIW I've run Pilot Powers on Daytona Int. twice and they did just fine.

[gothicbeast]

The most important thing is your relationship with your tire vendor. For 95% of the riders out their, all the tires are good or better than they are. To get the most out of your tires and improve the quickest, you will benefit from having a good tire vendor to help you out.

With that said, I would do Dunlop Qualifiers, I have seen many guys go fast on them. I am sad to say, they go with in 2 seconds a lap of me and I am on fancy rubber :(

[etemplet]

The most important thing is your relationship with your tire vendor. For 95% of the riders out their, all the tires are good or better than they are. To get the most out of your tires and improve the quickest, you will benefit from having a good tire vendor to help you out.

With that said, I would do Dunlop Qualifiers, I have seen many guys go fast on them. I am sad to say, they go with in 2 seconds a lap of me and I am on fancy rubber :(

Yea but if you get into a situation where you have to nail the brakes or alter direction, you've got some traction in reserve. :up: I don't go real fast but I push the front and spin the rear on occasion with the Good Stuff. :D

Of course to each his own. YMMV

Take Care,

[Joe Morris]

Bridgestones really worked well for me on my SV. I could get 18-20 heat cycles which equated to alot of tracktime on a set of tires. Don't sweat your laptimes just get comfortable at the limit of traction. Once you get the feeling there you can switch tires, suspension, fuel, etc and you'll just make the limit of traction a faster laptime.

[IL_k1200r_guy]

Okay... I am leaning towards Power Races... sounds like mixed opinions on whether I should use warmers or not???
I already have the generator... are the T2s the best warmers for the money?

[STT-GUY]

Okay... I am leaning towards Power Races... sounds like mixed opinions on whether I should use warmers or not???
I already have the generator... are the T2s the best warmers for the money?

Run Pilot Power 2CT's on that SV and bag the warmers..... In the 2CT you have a tire that will go fast when it's dry (warm or cold) and a tire that is very solid wet track performer as well... all in a single moderately priced set.

SportbikeTrackGear has the 120/70 and 160/60 2CT combo sets in stock if you're looking for a source.

[Gigantic]

:stupid:

[Capt Home Slice]

Untill you're in the A group, don't bother with race rubber. The 2CT's will work just fine.

[IL_k1200r_guy]

Untill you're in the A group, don't bother with race rubber. The 2CT's will work just fine.

$257 shipped for 2CTs... good deal. Thanks,

[Capt Home Slice]

probably a repost but..


Superbike - tire test.


http://www.zinio.com/express2?issue=206338267

[etemplet]

Just curious, what didn't you like about the BT-014s?

The only time I ever used a BT014 on my SV Superbike, it gave me problems. It was spinning on corner exit. I've run Dunlops from the 207 through the 209 series, including slicks on my SV, and Bridgestone Med. Slicks on the SV in sprints, endurance races, and track days. The bike never broke the rear loose like I experienced with the BT014s. I had a BT002 up front and had no problems with that.

I'm not saying the BT014 isn't a good tire for some applications. I just wouldn't pick it to sprint race. :D

I'm going back to Dunlops next season. Allot less Drama when the tires break loose. They seem to say, "Gene.....I'm having problems here and I might slide a bit, OK here goes, I'm sliding now but I'm not giving up. OK that's better I'm good." Squeeze all that cross talk into a second and that's what it's like to me. :D

I do love the Bridgestone slicks for endurance racing. We ran the same lap times at the end of the 4 hour races as we did at the beginning and we had a whole lot more rubber left on the rear than we did on the Dunlop Slicks.

My opinion and experience of course. YMMV. Have Fun !! :beer:

[VooDoo ST]

I run the Bridgestone DOT race as they pay out more in WERA! LOL!

[etemplet]

I run the Bridgestone DOT race as they pay out more in WERA! LOL!

Can you compare the Bridgestone DOTs to the Dunlop 209s? I am interested in that information. I have a 2006 R6 that is currently set up for Dunlops. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks !!

[redducman996]

You talk to alot of people, you look at alot of racers each brand offers diffrent things. my personal opinion is Pirelli i like the way they work, riding style and handling there all good, you need to find the tire that works for you!

[craigcoble2000]

A suggestion might be to Google "motorcycle tire testing" there have been some good articles. Some give some insight/characteristics of each tire, ie the Michelins are good but they give with no warning and when they let go so do you!!! The dunlops, bridgestones, and pirellis slide a little before they let go.

[SpeedyTide]

New ones! :D

There are no BAD DOT's!! Try them all, get some laps with each, and pick your preference!!

Everyone has a preference. Mine are D'lops & Mich's!! :up:

[supersonicgsxr]

I just recently went to the PP's, I was very impressed. Has anyone run the BT-002 RS? I'm not fast enough for race tires yet. I'm just looking at all the options. Thanks.

[EA6BMECH]

1st tack day? get yourself some SC take offs or maybe a set of M1's. They do fine. If you crash the 1st day, you were going to fast anyways and probably not the tires fault. Bridgestone has a new R/S 002 not to be confused with the Race. Dual compound and some of these places have them at a real good price. M3's at the moment are about $230 Plus shipping and that's for the 160 set over at MotorcycleSuperStore. Should get you through several tack days. Your gonna be into figuring out your suspension and how to handle the bike. Track is a different animal than the street, so if your good out there, you'll be put in your place on the track:D Don't go spending a fortune on tires just yet. Make sure you have good gear and a fairly well functioning bike....:up: :up:

[Calkidd]

Here is a good resource....
http://www.zinio.com/express?issue=77606059

[steeltoe]

Looking over this thread again to be honest I just run whatever was on sale last time I bought tires. Other than profiles I can't tell much difference at Intermediate pace. Pilot Powers were insanely cheap last time I shopped. Next time it could be Pirellis.

[STT-GUY]

Here is a good resource....
http://www.zinio.com/express?issue=77606059

Euro mags:rolleyes: .... Ok resource for street tires......race tires...not so good.

There is a reason that Michelin and other makers make compounds specific to the USA. I can speak only for Michelin but our only race tires that share the European compounds are Power Race Mediums.. The PR's are compounded specifically for use here in the USA and Canada. The Race Medium is our only "world market tire".

Our tracks and weather are so vastly varied that it is a real challange. Remember, the entire UK can damn near fit into any of three different states...

[robster]

i swapped from pilot powers to the Dunlop Sportmax GP's....Love'em

[wdavis009]

Okay... I am leaning towards Power Races... sounds like mixed opinions on whether I should use warmers or not???
I already have the generator... are the T2s the best warmers for the money?

Power Races are WAY overkill for a Novice. I always ran Pilot Powers (not 2CTs) on my SV in the Advance group and now run 2CTs on my 749. I have never had an issue with the tires and I have run them hard in 40 degree weather, 90 degree weather, rain, etc. I doubt I will ever spend more for tires when the Pilot Powers work so well and last so long. You should EASILY get 8+ days out of a pair on an SV. Take Monte's advise and buy a set of Pilot Powers or 2CTs (or equivalent from another manufacturer) and use the money you save during the season to get your suspension set-up properly, better protective gear, etc.

[zupatun]

If you have a dedicated track bike I'd keep a "trackday" tire on it rather than a street tire. Pirelli Supercorsa Pro's or other DOT Race tires work really well. If you want more life out of them get tire-warmers, but you don't really NEED tire warmers. If you go slicks you NEED warmers IMO...

I like Dunlops and Pirellis because I have a little experience with both and a dedicated trackday bike. 208GP's and Supercorsa Pro's--take-offs from my racer type friends.

If I run mine on the street I like Dunlop Q's because they are GREAT street tires on the track...I rode around Thunderhill and Loudon on these tires during trackdays and they were very nice street tires on a track. STAR School uses them on their bikes--yes if you rent a bike to run their school they come with Q's on them...not DOT race tires, not slicks and no tire warmers..unless you're a prima donna motorcycle mag reporter (then if you whine enough and are an instructor they'll mount slicks so you can ride a little faster than your students...)

FWIW

Matt

[bestinthewest]

Dunlops:up: :up: :up: :up:

[Zephyr]

Make sure that you run a 120/70 front and ditch the stock 120/60 size. Pilot Powers are great tires for trackdays. They have a long life, are fairly inexpensive and have great grip until you get down to the wear indicators. You don't have to use warmers and they come up to temp quickly.
I also have an SV and am really thinking about getting the pilot powers... Is there any particular reason why you suggest running 120/70 fronts instead of 120/60's???

[Apollo JD]

What size bstone slicks would you get for a 120/70 front and 160/60 rear like
that on a Ninja 650? I've always been puzzled by slick size. I guess the 155
rear that says it is ideal on a 4.5 rim would be my guess for the rear. However,
it says R18. wtf, 18 inch rim? That's not right...

[wdavis009]

I also have an SV and am really thinking about getting the pilot powers... Is there any particular reason why you suggest running 120/70 fronts instead of 120/60's???

Steeper profile provides quicker turn-in and more stability when leaned over due to the larger sidewall contact patch.

[Marc Camp]

RACE TRACK, RACETIRES ,its just that simple .idon,t know anybody or seen anybody without warmers at a track day or race.

[bigjoker247]

I raced nelsons without tire warmers last july, I also got a compound fracture of the tib/fib when the rear came around on lap 2. Tire warmers are not only good for heat cycles but also getting the tires up to pressure.

[EA6BMECH]

What kind of tires were you running? Street/Race or Race? Tire warmers are gonna get our out on the track for about 2 laps and weather conditions are gonna take over. Don't think I've seen warmers in a set of street Powers, but I don't go around looking for it either. Don't go bolting out on a cold track like CMP:( Take a chill pill for the first few and get the feel of the track. I think we all go down pushing it to see what we/the bike can do...........then have our own opinions on what happen.:D

[STT-GUY]

RACE TRACK, RACETIRES ,its just that simple .idon,t know anybody or seen anybody without warmers at a track day or race.

What kind of jibberish is this??

[EA6BMECH]

RACE TRACK, RACETIRES ,its just that simple .idon,t know anybody or seen anybody without warmers at a track day or race.
If I bought the best tires all the time and tire warmers and all that other good stuff, Mr. Monte wouldn't get as much if $$ each year......and that is getting slimmer at time goes on......:D :D

[STT-GUY]

If I bought the best tires all the time and tire warmers and all that other good stuff, Mr. Monte wouldn't get as much if $$ each year......and that is getting slimmer at time goes on......:D :D

And thank you very much for your patronage, it is appreciated.

[JJHUNSECKER]

I'm a B group trackday rider on an 03 CBR 600 and have been using Qualifiers and PP. They're great. Just for kicks last time I ran Mich 1800 Slicks (and had Dave Moss set up the bike to work with the profile) and it was just overkill for my skill level. Couldn't use much of what they had to give. For my level the PPs just set me at ease a bit better, the slicks were not what I needed. It was an interesting experiment but I'm sticking with PP until I'm a lot faster. Most tires are way better than most riders can appreciate. Kinda like the new bikes!

[Dutch]

Good post JJ. When I started in this game many moons ago guys could ride their street tires all the way to the advanced class. Some of us joke that doing that is what taught us to get a feel for what the tires are doing and what they feel like to slide. Now sometimes that didn't always have a perfect outcome mind you :D Today's track day tire is better then the tires we used to race on. However I think the pace of the beginner classes has picked up since back in the day as well. All in all I still think that full on race rubber and warmers is a waste of time if you are just getting into this game. Get a decent set of track day tires and be done with it until you are well into the intermediate level. I still use trackday tires out in the A class about half the time. As do a good portion of the CR's in our region. Put the money into your suspension first. That will pay greater dividends while you progress through the ranks then spending the cash on the stickiest stuff out there.

[Marc Camp]

I did not mean to sound like a smart ass but since i guess i,m being one, if you come to the track HALF ASS YOU GET HALF ASS RESULTS thats the jibberish i,m talking about !:mad: :mad::

[Marc Camp]

Forgive me for loosing my cool for i have not had my coffee this morning .people should use whatever tire there comfortable with.Track day tires are just fine for your average I guys and C guys

[bigjoker247]

The crash I had was do to the fact that the tires were not fully heated up to temp and if I had had warmers they would have been on lap 2. The first lap around the track is not going to be your ultimate pace and therefore does not need to be optimum temp (although preferably) but the second lap should be close to your maximum pace/personal limit and the tires need optimum temp/pressure.... my rear was still just cold enough that when I pushed it to my limit for that turn it slid out (with. But srry for rambling. Regarding this post I think you should think about what you want out of your trackdays and let that help you decide your rubber. I went to a trackday before I started racing but I new I wanted to get up to race pace durring my trackdays so.... I got race rubber. Race pace I would recomend bt002 type 4 front type 3 rear. Slower pace compound I would recomend bt002 rs.