What should I expect when buying tires at the track? I just picked up a new-to-me GSXR 600 with race slicks with a couple of track days left on them. I run I group without tire warmers, so I'm thinking I should be on Power 1's or similar tires. I don't yet have pit bulls for the bike so would have to bring the whole bike to the Tire guy (Reynard?). Can I use a credit card, should I make an appointment in advance? Any other tips? Jim B Smokin Green Hawk resting in the garage.
Email him directly. He checks these posts frequently, but I guess not yet. renard.fiscus at gmail dot com
Renard is not our authorized trackside tire and suspension vendor this year. motoclinic will be providing michelin tire service. My net connection is down, but when its back up, I'll post their info on the rollcall thread. I'd strongly recommend the Power Pure tires. They warm up very fast; I'm at full lean by the 3rd corner, they stick like glue, they wear like iron and even work in the rain. Best of all, they're inexpensive! I've got a set on now, and I love 'em.
Spoke to the guys at MotoClinic... Yes, they will be at MMC on June 21 & 22, yes, they take credit cards, and yes, they can handle the whole bike, not just the wheels. When I know for sure that I don't have to work, I'll call back and set up the deal. Jim B
The guys at moto clinic have been really good to me. Frank rebuilt my sv front end new seals and all the morning of our last event. if you need anything just give them a call. Kevin
Check the date of the tires you are going to purchase, you want them to be with in a few months of manufacture. Second don't buy race second or time trial tires, stick with new. If the bike is track only, go for a single compound. The warm up and wear on the track is much different from the street. Temp on the track can peak a tire well over 200 degrees, streets compound are i think 160 to 70 +/-. There is a lot of hype with Michelin and I have ridden them and do enjoy it. Pirelli has the Diablo Superbike pro aimed at trackdays. I am hearing good things about these but have yet to test them out.
There's a lot of misinformation here. First of all, Stored properly, a tire can remain fresh enough for 2-3 years, especially for track days where we aren't riding at 110% and especially for the modern race compound tires. Second, when purchased from a trusted source, takoff's can be a great value, but generally I don't disagree . Third: nearly all of michelin street/trackday & race compound tires utilize 2 Compound Technology, as do many of the leading competitors. lastly, the latest generation of michelin street/trackday tires, eg the Power Pures, utilize a thinner ply carcass to heat up more quickly and special formulations of rubber silica & carbon black to get up to optimum operating temperature quickly, resist overheating, resist wear and not be adversely affected by heat cycles. I've got a couple days on my Power Pures in 90º weather and they barely looked scrubbed in. I've been getting to full lean by the 3rd corner and have not experienced any slip or loss of traction. I don't work for michelin or have anything to gain by promoting these tires, they're just that good. believe the hype.