D211 GPAs or SBK Pro Slicks?

The US NTEC slicks should also be considered. I have no experience with the US Dunlop stuff as I mostly used UK NTEC DOT's and Slicks.

I have heard the US DOT's (AMA spec tire) aren't great. But I hear the US slicks are really good. Someone on here will chime in I'm sure.

Plug: I do have some nice takeoffs for sale if you are interested (UK stuff)

 

I like the US or UK slicks - My 2 cents...they are the best tire made!!! You get your money back on the back end, because they really last......

 

I switched to the Michelin Slicks this year so we'll see how they work out.

 

I think the SBK slicks are the pirelli track day tire and IMO awful. Yes you can get days out them because they are harder than bricks and have no grip.

I've only run Dunlop slicks since then (US and UK) and would not complain. The US product (slicks at least) are great tires and cost less than any of the other brands. On my 1000 the US rears lasted roughly 1 TD before they would start sliding more than I desired.

At a standard TD pace any of the race tires will last a weekend unless your set up is way off.

 

Not to throw a wrench in your decision but have you looked at the Bridgestone R10s? I have been using them since last summer and really like them. I've gotten 4-5 days out of the rear and 6-7 out of the front. I have flipped them when needed to help with wear. I run mid-upper Intermediate pace. Even when the tire was about gone I didn't feel like the tire was sliding like others do when they are worn. Anyway, just my .02.

Oh and you can get them from Stickboy racing.

 

Have you ridden on the Pirellis? Chris Uhlrich tested them for Roadracing World and was about 2 seconds a lap off of his pace with the Dunlops he raced AMA superbike with. We all like to think we can ride pretty well but I don't think most of us can get within two seconds of a mid pack AMA superbike rider. I have used the Pirellis for over 2 years and had no issues in 40-100 degree weather at VIR and Roebling Road. The rear will normally last about 500 miles by flipping it and the front usully will last around 1000-1200 on a 20007 GSXR 600 with a 2011 GSXR 750 motor. I have never considered the tire to be the weak part of my riding on the track.

 

My question is, why pay more for Pirellis when the Dunlop is the better tire?

 

You can argue tires all day long, what is the best, stickiest etc. When it comes down to it, all brands are exceptional. Who will be there to help you, who will support you and will you have a consistent source to obtain your product from.

 

+1
This was part of the reason for my switch to another brand. That and I wanted to see what all the fuss is about

 

Fair enough :thumb:

 

Are you talking about the Pro's or the real race tire?

I've heard 1 other person actually liking that tire and they used it as a endurance tire for an SV650.

If you are putzing around a TD then sure it can probably work for you. There are much better options out there and I would recommend any one of them over that tire.

 

If you need any help getting set up, let me know. I will be at ACC all three days.

 

I will take you up on that Steve! I Will be there Monday.

Thanks man!! I will come find you.

 

I have them on my bike right now and agree, they could have a little more grip, but that's why they are an endurance tire and they aren't that bad compared to full race tires. The Roadracing World article was using the Pro's when he was 2 seconds off AMA pace.

I just raced with them this past weekend in Amateur Middleweight Superbike and, apart from having the rear skip and slide a few times, they worked great and I was averaging a better pace than half the pack and only 3 seconds or so off my lap times from the leaders who were using Supercorsa's, Power Cups, etc. I was averaging 1:19's, sometimes high 1:18's at Blackhawk, leader was about 1:15's. That weekend Dan Ortega was doing 1:12's and won Expert Middleweight Superbike with Michelin Slicks I believe, not to mention suspension and brake modifications up the wazoo. So that kind of gives you an idea of lap time comparisons and how they compete with medium compound race tires which is what most of everyone was using.

They cost a little more because they last a long time, after two track days and two races they have very little tread wear. If you want longevity then they are definitely worth the extra money. I would recommend them to anyone who is trying slicks for the first time and wants something that will last. 211's are a great tire but they will probably last 2/3 the lifetime of the Pro's in comparison to my friends who were using them at the same pace as me even.

 

I don't consider the Pirelli Pro at 185.00 for a 180/55/17 delivered to the house to be a bad deal. Pirelli does not advertise them to be a sprint race tire. They have the Diablo Superbike Race slick for that application.

 

Ya what he said!
When I ran in Canada only I ran Dunlops because that's what they sold.
When I started running with STT I switched to Michelins. It just make buying, installing and getting setup advice a lot easier.

The only time I'd stray from Steve's advice is if you liked the feel of one tire more than another, especially the front. You need to have confidence in your tires or you'll never feel comfortable going fast.

 

The Pro Slick is a great tire. I have them on my bike and know many others that are very happy with them for TD's.
Plus you don't "have" to run warmers. One lap and they are ready to go.

Proper set up and tire pressure.:thumb:

 

Agree with this post. I transitioned from Pirelli Diablo Corsa Rossos and did not have to make any suspension changes. Would get at the most two and a half days out of a rear at VIR on a 07 GSXR 600 and get up to 5 days out of the Pro slick on the 750. Tire is very forgiving and very stable on the front brakes. I set them at 31 front and 25 rear cold. You can probably get something a little stickier but you will have to use tire warmers.