what are the pros and cons of running Slicks vs. DOT Race tires (with warmers, of course)? all things being equal, will one type last (wear) longer that the other? Provide better turning? Stability? Feedback? Please discuss:
If I was going to bother with tire warmers, I'd use slicks. Most DOT race tires are no good in the rain anyway, and tend to cup or feather the tread blocks due to the grooves. Slicks wear evenly until worn out or until they go off. I run treaded tires because I don't use tire warmers and leave the tires on for road use between track days.
the only slicks i have experience with are the dunlops 195 rears and 120 fronts, and michelin 1200/1800 set of slick. i have experience on these DOTs, power race, pilot race, D209, and supercorsas. IMHO--- i love slicks, but i think they are over rated, with slicks i guess its all about bike set up how they feel to you... plus from talking to the tire manufacturers they need to be heated to a specific point on the track, not just by your warmers, to really feel good. The best DOT i have ridden on is by far the dunlop sportmax 209. It lasts forever, and i guess my set up for that particular tire (190/60 rear, 120/70 front) was pretty good. i only ran the michelin slicks for one trackday and didnt like the 180 size rear so i went back to the dunlop set up. the taller rear tire (195/70) really helped my setup on my old bike. The best my bike feels is when it is on brand new tires, sadly i can't afford brand new tires every trackday so i dont have first had experience on what brand new slicks compared to brand new DOTs feel like. I plan on using up the one set of slicks i have and running the power race or D209 for the upcoming season I think it is a pretty safe assumption to say that most people who are just trackday addicts like us would probably benefit from a standard DOT race compound tire.
I only run Pirelli tires - it may or may not be the case, but I tend to believe that the carcass on the slicks is stiffer and they also tend to last longer than the DOT (SC Pro) tire. I have run the DOT's in the rain without too much trouble - I wouldn't even consider running the slicks in the wet. YMMV
FWIW, I've got rain tires, so that's not an issue & I'm not looking to go faster- at least I don't expect the tires too make me markedly so. my main criteria is will slicks last longer? are they worth the extra premium over DOT Race tires?