Trackday Tire question

I never ran a track day on the big R1 and I have a track day coming up in two weeks. Should I run the stock size 190 or bump it down to a 180 tire? Jeremy

There is a lot to be said for experiencing the differences and seeing what you might notice. If you make the change in advance, you won't have a valid basis of comparison, and you'll loose the learning opportunity. I would also suggest at some point bumping up to 190/55 and getting the feel for that change as well.

I think I'm gong to bump them down to the 180/55 for the track.

I have tired 180, 190, 190-55 on the track. I would say the best choice for turn in, traction, and feel has been the 190-55.

you have to remember that a 180-55 is designed for a 5.5 inch rim, so when put on a 6 inch rim the arc is stretched some, giving it a flatter profile than it was designed to have. That is why the 190-55 was designed, it is essentially a 180 but for a 6 inch rim.

:iamwithst

Lads, Who makes 190/55's ? Just looked, and can't find them on Dunlop (207/208rr), Pirelli (Diablo...,) or Metzeler (Rennsport) site :confused:

Pirelli makes them in the SuperCorsa dot and Dragon slick racing tires, as does Metzler in the Rennsport racing tires.

Eyespy, They do ? :confused: Ahh yess.... Pirelli Dragon Super Corsa - Racetrack : http://www.pirellimoto.com/tires/catalogo/scheda.asp?ID=113 Metzeler RENNSPORT RS1/2/3 : http://www.metzelermoto.co.uk/product_info/catalogo/scheda.asp?ID=226&imageField.x=23&imageField.y=17 Look sweet - especially if you have a track (only) bike. Otherwise the 207rr(s) - also a 208rr now - Pirella Diablo (and Corsa) all get great reviews. The ones above - as they are quite heavily grooved warm up well, and are a good all round track and street tyre - especially if like alot of places this time of year it's not too hot and you want to ride in all weathers on the road. A pal of mine was doing 52's around Brands Hatch (UK) - pretty fast - on standard Diablos and it was frosty out !! :rock I guess you lucky (Southern) California chaps don't need to worry too much about the cold. Summer is coming !!! :D :D

Eyespy, Bike: Silver 2004 R1, Red 2000 R1, 1987 FZR 1000, 2002 XR400, 2002 XR50 (x2 And a big garage !! ;)

I mentioned recently that I've had a problem with my new mag rims (6") with the tyre going flat after hard use, I use Rennsport 180/55's, could the fact they're designed for a 5.5" rim be my problem? I have always used 180/55's and never had a problem on stock wheels.

so for a 6 inch rim, which is what I have, other than the 190/55 which kick ass, which would be the next best?? 180/55? or 190/50? I will be going to the track for the first time also very soon and I just wanna know which would be best for my 6 inch rim.

I don't think there is a hard and fast rule. Depends on the bike and tyre. If you are new to trackdays, You could take say a new 600/750/1000, - change the (cold) tyre pressures at the track - and they would steer/turn perfectly on "standard" road tyres - read the tests. I have tried Michelin - supplied at a trackday by a Michelin track expert, and a 180/55, as that's what he recommended so any problems I have comeback. Felt good. Also used Dunlop 190/50's as they recommend that tyre as they say the 180/55 (in a 207rr) doesn't work in a 16 inch rim. Find a supplier you trust and ask. If they are any good they should have years of experience, and if you have a problem you can go back to them. Most racers I know use 180/55 but that depends on the tyre, alot use slicks, and race specific tyres, say Super Corsa's, Rennsports and the like rather than say a more fast road/trackday tyre like 207rr's, Diablo Corsa's Dunlop - just to add to the fun do a 190/60 !!!... Maybe we are missing the point. IMHO the point of a trackday is fun. So... if you have say an R1 - had it a while, feel comfortable on it, then a trackday is all about doing what you do on the road - when a trackday newbie, but with no cars, police, diesel, etc etc, on super smooth tarmac, with experts on hand to help. Therefore, you should use the tyres you are used to, so your bike will feel the same, change the pressures, and concentrate on getting the line right. Then more of getting the line right, go with an instructor to check and gradually increase speed. and BIG SMILES.. :thumbup My thinking goes that if your tyres are in good condition (plus brakes etc etc) you will be fine. Maybe if you change to a different brand and are not used to them you will worry about the fact that your bike feels different and not enjoy the day so much Most "average - beginner" riders won't get anyway near the grip limit of good modern sport bike tyres, if the tyres are in good condition, warm and the rider is smooth. Even if you are on the latest super sticky compound tyres and whack it open leaned over mid corner it'll hurt ;) To some degree super sticky tyres would be worse for a newbie as they - generally - need to be much warmer to work correctly than say a fast road tyre. One big warning - for your bank - trackdays are seriously addictive !!

I just became an addict last weekend. I've already signed up for two more! Now with plans for many trackdays I'm trying to choose the best tire for both grip/longevity. I road on Pilot Sports this last weekend. The rear tire was getting a bit loose under heavy throttle coming onto a straight off a third-gear sweeper and they wore down a bit. How would you rate Pilot Sports? And what's the best trackday tire in your experience for grip and longevity?