What tires do YOU use on the track?

[EA6BMECH]

Firefighter, what tires do you run on that Aprilla? We have an EX-250 and run the Pirelli M-75. Not a bad tire for the price. Run them about 3 trackdays easy. Front starts to shutter after that, but stock bike. I just put RT springs in the front and need a better shock in the rear. With me on it @190 no gear, I have 2.5 sag. I have a ground clearance problem on the track. Those little 16" bicycle tires... seem to hold pretty good!!

[JRSMAIL]

I run Dunlop slicks or 208 GP's. I will mostly run slicks nowdays and also use tire warmers to reduce heat cycles.

[dwimpenny]

First track day coming up looking for some skins..currently run 208's on my zx6r for street..without spending big bucks what would be a good selection? Any thoughts on those Sportmaxx just for the track then toss? any input appreciated

[DreddR6]

Originally Posted by V V V

So you only adjusted your front fender for clearance for the taller profile 70, and it feels fine?

Correct...

By switching from the 60 serries to the 70 serries, that is 1 change in and of itself. Why would I automatically change the bikes geometry w/o at least testing the bike first. I like to change 1 thing at a time and test it before changing something else. After all, if you change more than 1 thing at a time and have some sort of effect, wether it be positive or negative, how can you be sure what did it?

I am not saying that I won't re-adjust the front end and put the bike back into spec as far as its geometry goes, but for now, its on rails and I'm digging it.

[EA6BMECH]

Originally Posted by dwimpenny

First track day coming up looking for some skins..currently run 208's on my zx6r for street..without spending big bucks what would be a good selection? Any thoughts on those Sportmaxx just for the track then toss? any input appreciated

Bridgestone 012SS's or Metzler M-1's. You can get them delivered for less than $220. Sometimes cheaper.

[crammer]

I run the Diablo Corsa's also. I might try the new Pilot Power's.

[EA6BMECH]

Originally Posted by 96SNAKE/03RR

I'll have a report after the 15th of August.

Back from VIR North last night with Team Promotion. We had an excellant day! The 002's were just what the doctor ordered. You won't be dissapointed. They were by far the best tire I've had on the ZRX. There was another ZRX running SC take off's and we ran neck and neck. Only problem the ZRX guys had in the Red group were all the slow riders. Guess we should have been bumped to Blue.... That's not slamming the Red group, but the entry speeds and corners IMO should have been better for that group. I was running up in turn 1 like no tomorrow only to have the smaller bikes bunched up hitting the brakes way early. Did a little to get around a few. But back to the tires. They are great!!!!

[V V V]

Originally Posted by EA6BMECH

Did a little to get around a few.

TOO MUCH INFO!!!!

Glad you had a good day. They allow passing in the turns in all the classes correct?

[96SNAKE/03RR]

Great news, EA6B. How was turn-in? Did you have to choose different lines with the 002's?

I can't wait to try mine on the 15th.

[EA6BMECH]

Passing in corners?? Well no, but it got a little close sometimes trying to out turn from the inside. Which brings up the next answer. Lines? I have to admit I don't really have a line. Given the traffic of riding again with so many people on the track, my line was what ever it took not to be behind someone while braking and entering the turn. I kept my entry speed higher than most of them out there and at times it got a little hairy. Last 4 trackdays for me was with only about 14 riders and usually there wasn't but about 9 at most out there, so riding with all those people was different. I'm limited to my lean and weight. I go deep in a corner, at least for the bike I have, and stopping it is a bear. But overall the tires were great. It's gonna be hard to go back to a lesser tire on the track.

[96SNAKE/03RR]

I finally had the chance to test the 002's for myself today at Pocono. To cut to the chase, these are the best tires I've ever been on. The only tire I can't compare it to (because I haven't used) is the Dunlop GP.

I can't say enough about the Bridgestones. On the FUSA course, I was able to power out of the Bus stop, and the two other slow right handers in 1st gear. I wouldn't have even thought about doing the other two turns in first gear on my other tires. Turn-in is right now and the confidence that comes from the front tire was amazing. I could trail brake all-day w/out the slightest worry at all. The rear was rock steady and could handle anything I threw at it. Great tires.

I just hope I can get two full days out of them. I had them on the boil with the warmers all day so hopefully it was just one long heat cycle.

Here is my only pic from that day a buddy took that's nicely out of focus. It's a $1000 camera that was in the hands of someone that didn't know it was on manual.

[R1one]

I'm sticking with Pirelli Diablo! Nope not corsa. i ran a pretty fast pace in the Intermediate and not riding slow in that class either. you guys must be thinking yeah this guy is slow. i agree what flatout has to say about riders. Some of these streets tires are actually just as good. Get to know each tire characteristic and its limits and try to avoid blaming tires for individuals fault. i think that extra money could be spent on track days. those race tires won't help you either if you don't respect it

[R1one]

on the diablos

[96SNAKE/03RR]

The difference is that the street tire's level of grip doesn't last as long at a given "fast" pace on a track or race day compared to a race or track specific tire. They also do not offer the at the limit grip that a DOT tire can provide. If they did, the majority of racers/serious track day riders would be using streets and not race/track specific tread.

Street tires are made to hold many heat cycles and because of this are a compromise by design. I have personally used both and while street tires hold initially, they eventually overheat and become slippery where the race tires will not.

This is a fact, not my opinion. Do I think everyone on the track needs race or track specific rubber? No, especially for you guys that ride your track bikes on the street. Street tread can do the job for the most part but those that have dedicated track bikes can attest to the difference.

[R1one]

yes you prove your point...once riders start racing and not do 20 minutes sessions, then a race tire would be the way to go. that does make sense. i'm referring to the majority of the track day riders.