Hello all, as some of you may know from my other posts I low sided at the end of the season last year and am making my bike dedicated for the track now. (2008 GSXR 600) So with that info, I currently have been running Q3's for the past 3 seasons and they have gotten me from N to mid pack I. Current set are on the verge of needing to be replaced so I got to researching my next setup. I love the price of the Q3's but I have also tossed around the idea of getting a more track orientated tire such as the Dunlop GP-A Pros. Would it be worth it to jump to the specific track tires or ride out the Q3's? Just looking for some suggestions. I am open to other brands but Dunlop has treated me well so far so I can't complain about that.
I rode the Michelin Supersports until I outgrew them - when I got past mid-pack I. I switched to Power Cup Evos and was amazed at the grip. That's my 2c.
The confidence and grip from a fancier tire might help you push a little bit harder. Q3s got me up to about mid advanced pace on an SV650, but the thing only has 70hp. I like to think I brake pretty hard on the Q3s and they have treated me well so far. However, my GSXR gets preferential treatment with Pirelli SCs. I wanted better tires on a stronger bike.
^^^ This Warmers mandatory. Dunlops don't like cold, even the Q3's. Now, tell me why the EVO slicks cost so much more than the DOT's. Same rubber, same everything except the sipes.
Well I hate to make an example of myself but when I low sided it was at Gingerman and it was 45-50 degrees. Other things came into play with that but note taken. I prefer not to run warmers for now, thats why I liked the Q3s so much because they heated up nicely. So I can rule out slicks for the time being... I am tempted to give the new Michelin RS a shot, or maybe move up to the supersports (why I was considering the GP-A pro).
I was told you can run Pirelli SC3 slicks without warmers, and I have. I couldn't of been happier with them up until I low-sided (I'm honestly still not sure what caused the crash though) I loved the Supercorsa SP-V2's I ran before that. Tons of grip for a street tire, but I did get hot tear on a 90 degree day.
Thanks for all of the feedback! Really considering going to the Dunlop DOT tires whether that be the GPA pros or the D211s. Based on price, reviews, and legacy with AMA. Now all of their rear tires are 190/60 but are designed for the 5.5" wheels that the 600s have. What kind of characteristic change is this going to do for me coming from a standard 180/55? GPA - 360 a set D211 - 330 a set N Tec Slicks - 316 a set.... (quite tempting)
If you are between the 211's and the GPA Pros - Pro's hands down. However, warmers would be HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, ESPECIALLY when it's going to be cold in the mornings (as in this weekend at Barber). IMHO the Evo's have better cold-weather warm-up grip than the Dunlop (especially since I crashed last march on a Q3 front just putting around). The crash statistics from last March at Barber where a LOT of Dunlops and few Michelins. When it's hot, Dunlops rock.
Love my cup's. Even with warmers, I was sliding at Grattan 40f in the AM. Best price I found for NEW cup's at the STT tire store. Found some a little cheaper on eBay, asked for date code's Answer was they meet the Manufacturers storage time frame of 10 years. LMAO. Went STT.
Mere mortals will not notice a difference in a 190/60 and 180/55. I have run DOTs and slicks w/o warmers, but I don't recommend it. If you want to run race rubber, get warmers. If not, I recommend calling Riders Discount and snatching up some Q3s for a ridiculous price. I picked up a set for non-dry use.