So I'll be needing new rubber for my ZX6R track bike soon. I'm a mid pack intermediate group rider that does about 5 track days per year. I've been looking at the following: * Package deal: 1 Power One front + 3 Power Race PR3 rears * Set: 1 Power One front + 1 Power Race Medium rear (regular Power Race, not the PR style) * Set: Good ole' Pilot Power front and rear I don't mind spending a little extra for the extra 'mental' boost that I know my tires are 'better than me', but no reason to go overboard either. The package deal sounds like an amazing deal but the PR3's in the package deal are supposedly 'sprint' tires with very limited mileage, so does that mean switching tires after each track day? I've been getting about 3 trackdays to a set until now (B'stone RS 002's). Any advice?
Personally I think there are too many variables to give you any good advice there - I've got 3 sprint races and 3.5 track days on a set of PR med-softs and ther are in great shape yet (prolly run another 3 sprints and couple days on them...), mind that's on a sv650 not a I4 600. But the wear depends a lot on how you ride, how well your suspension is set up for you, number of heat cycles the tire goes thru - aka do you have warmers or not and where are you going to store the spare tires not on the bike if you get the multiple set..... so there's a few things to think about, if you are looking for a good wear all purpose type the Pilot Power is a good choice - only advice i have for ya
Just my thoughts, but you left a couple variables out. First, do you have tire warmers? The power races work well with warmers and right pressures. Also, do you partake in riding if its raining? If you are a fair weather rider and dont touch a track in the rain, you should look at your first 2 options. My thought is the package deal is great especially if you are not hard on rear tires. But everyone has a different feel for what they like in tires. Personally, I use the pilot power 2CTs while coaching. I can run mid pack advanced pace with no traction issues and I can also use them in the rain without the hassle of changing tires in a hurry.
I do have warmers. If I can get 2 full days on a PR3 rear then it's hard to beat that deal. I don't think extended storage would be a problem. The 3 rears would be used up within a year and the tires should not deteriorate from that (stored in a cool, dry place). Just saw the 2nd response: The point about rain is a good one. I'm basically a fair weather rider, but don't have any on-track equipment to easily change tires so having a tire that can be used in rain is not a bad idea. I'm in the south so typically it's either dry and hot or it's pouring down. Curious - why 2CTs and not regular Powers? It's my understanding that the only difference is a harder compound on the center (making it an excellent street tire) but the edges are the same on the PP and the PP2CT.
Takes longer to wear the middle of the tire out on a 2ct vs a pilot power - and Troy, good point about the rain, I forget I've got a second set of rims for a reason some times hehe
Actually its my understanding that the edges, or shoulder of the 2CT's are a softer compound. The middle is the same as the regular pilot powers. I have used both on dry and wet tracks. I like the 2cts better on the wet track. The softer Silica compound seems to bite a bit better on the wet surface, but a comparison in the rain is just an opinion at best depending on the track surface and water is still slippery.
Who needs variables. I have said it many MANY times before.. PILOT POWERS. Done. At intermediate pace, they are phenomenal and wear like iron compared to a race tire. Save the money on race tires for now, and roll that savings into more track time. Powers are WAY better than people give them credit for... and I have seen riders in the top 1/4 of advanced on them. Use them to learn how the bike reacts and "talks" to you. As speed increases, then look at race tires.
Great advice - thanks. I had this idea that for an intermediate track day rider the idea of using race tires was overkill, but I kept hearing from 'experts' that using street tires just wouldn't cut it and to put on real race rubber or take-offs. I think I'll go with PP or PP2CT for now.