I need tires for my upcoming track day on June 4th. What online companies have you guys had luck with. I dont want to get a set of tires that have been on the shelf for four years but I dont want to pay a massive amount of money from my local dealer. Any suggestions? Yes, I know that sportbiketrackgear sells michelins at a good price but are there any other suggestions?
Get them though STT. YOu can order online and have them at your track day. Also I have seen few better deals, really none if you have them put on at the track.
Howaabout the Michelins that STT sells trackside, any reccommendations on which to purchase? Also, any reccommendations on when it's time to purchase new tires? Thanks in advance for comments/suggestions!
By the way bakers211, that Chris Farley avatar is crazy... brings back memories of spit flying and tables breaking in half... sweet!
R6, track and street reccommendation if you don't mind. Riding ability Novice-Intermediate. So what should you be looking for on a motorcycle tire to tell you it's time to spend some money on a new one? Not so difficult with a car, but not sure about the bike since it's only got 3000 miles on it. Thx!
Michelin Pilot Power is all you need to know. As Monte sez, they're good for up to mid-pack A-group, and they last for what seems like forever. When they start to go, they're very predictable, too. A good, but ultimately vague rule of thumb is: if you're wondering if it's time to get new tires, it's time to get new tires.
I reccomend a Michelin Pilot Power 2CT Front, with the softer side compounds, it will give you better front end feel and confidence then go with a Pilot Power rear. I used this setup at Autobahn in the I group and i was very comfortable on those tires on a bike that i had never ridden before.
Ok, thanks man. On the replacement timing, I was wondering if tyou base your decision on the feel while riding, the amount of rubber left on the tire, etc. and maybe for those who use street tires, the big flat spot at the center of the tire (maybe that ties in to depth of rubber remaining). Basically do you decide based on a measureable or performance while riding...?
"What's the difference between pilot power and 2CT?" For a Novice & Intermediate rider, COST. If you are using all of what a normal pilot power can deliver then you should be in the Advanced group, then there are other tire options than just the 2CT you should consider.
Where do the 1200/1800 slicks fall into? Are they a full race tire that can be trusted to stick like the Power Race tires? I am currently using the Stones 002's but I am going to switch to Michelin and support STT (allot more convenient to get tires at the track.). I am torn between the 1200/1800 slicks and the Power Race tires.
So, I guess you all are in love with the Michelins that STT has for sale. However, I cant really have them shipped to the track day because I dont want to mount them at the track. I really dont want one more thing to do at the track since this is my first time. I've got a YZF 600R and I use it primarily on the street but I have a track day or two planned each year. Has anyone used any online sites such as Chaparral... Ive heard some horror stories about online sites but they cant all be bad.
You sound like you need a set of Pilot Powers. They will take more heat cycles better then the other tires . Many of the instructors were still on Pilot Powers last weekend at ACC . Faster warm up without Tire warmers .(PilotPowers really dont need warmers ) I have a set on the Busa .
"I really dont want one more thing to do at the track since this is my first time" I understand what you are saying. A lot of stuff to do. It has been a few years since I have mail ordered tires, but if you are buying a set of tires I had good luck with Southwest Moto. Have you checked STG for their tire prices?
I hear that slicks will last longer than DOT's - from those that have tried both, any truth to this? Just curious, why would one choose DOT's over slicks other than price?
I use a pr1/pr4 ,they last about as long as a 1200/1800 Lots of varibles here . I run a differant trackalmost every trackday . DOTs are lighter (so Ive heard ) On cold days (in my opinion ) the slicks take a little longer to warm up .
That was pretty darn good ...my basic thought was - if slicks have longer life and better traction, why go with DOTs. I think you answered my question, thanks for the feedback!
Because certain race classes mandate a DOT tire. Simple as that. The ones that don't... racers hoose slicks if they can afford a second set of wheels.