1st track day tire question

[GixxerJosh]

I have Michelin Pilot power's mounted on the Gixxer 1000. I am doing my 1st ever track day Sept 9 and 10. Really can't wait and want to learn a lot and start slow to get the skills to get fast(I am not one of those that thinks he knows something, lol). I just want to make sure the pilot power tires will be ok for the track. I have checked some reviews and I think I will be ok as a newbie. Will it last the 2 days or should I try to spring for the Pirelli Rossa Corsa at the track? I am very low on funds as I spent way too much money this year, lol. Bike is at computrack now getting the suspention all set up nice. Have an Ohins TTX out rear and not sure what Peter is putting up front.

Just want to make sure the tires are up to the task

[Kurlon]

You should be fine, as long as you're starting out with decent life in the tires you should end the event with life left in the tires. For the record I did my first track days on Pilot Roads with lots of miles, and a plug in the rear and they did fine.

[Pigman]

They will be fine....just from another 1K owner be carefull when exiting 3 going up 4 and comming out of 12 to have a asy roll on. That bike will spit you off into the back parking lot if your not carefull...

and they are a great DOT rain tire BTW....

[BMMCBR]

I've been using Anget STs for the past two years on the track at beginner/red and slow-intermediate/yellow pace. You'll be fine with the Powers. I hear the Rosso Corsas are amazing but no need to spend money unnecessarily.

Oh and congrats on your first track day. You're going to have a blast, yet your wallet will cry.

[GixxerJosh]

Feeling way better, Thanks for the super fast replys guys, Still plenty of life left, here is a pic from a few weeks back

[k_cotter]

Your already way ahead of the curve with the suspension setup, as long as the tires are not old, or overly warn you will be just fine

[Pigman]

Yea...they are fine. Also, if your not running warmers give them a few laps to get up to temp and then hit it

[GixxerJosh]

Yea...they are fine. Also, if your not running warmers give them a few laps to get up to temp and then hit it

Think I should spring for a set of warmers?

[Pigman]

Wouldn't hurt and isnt a bad investment......look at this way either wait 2-3 laps or go out full on Hot tires. Also, as a piece of mind that you wont have a cold tire crash and cost more than the warmers cost>>>> Its your call



and buy a set of Woodcrafts.....support the guys who are local and race too

[maxim_X]

I ran a few trackdays with pilot powers. They aren't bad, but they can get greasy and I like to have a safety margin and ride with a better tire for when I screw up. For a cheap trackday/ street tire that will hold up on the track I don't think there is anything better than the dunlop q2/q3. I wouldn't bother changing them now, but in the future they would be something to consider.

I look at warmers like I look at tires. No, I don't NEED them. but, it's nice to have the confidence right out of the gate.

[k_cotter]

Lol not yet, take it one step at a time. Your tires will have grip from the get go, just go a little easier for the first few laps, (you will be anyway)

[GixerJockey]

Think I should spring for a set of warmers?

Dont over think things. Go enjoy your first track day and learn a ton. If you fall in love with the sport, you'll eventually buy a dedicated track bike, race tires... and warmers.

Until then, go ride your bike, with the Pilot Powers. Enjoy the day and don't try to be a hero on the big bike.

[TTD]

I would not even consider warmers at your stage.

Tracktime and good tires are the two things you need most now.

Your current tires are fine for the first 2 days.

After that, I would suggest using the tire brand of your favorite trackday vendor. Besides them knowing the tires very well, they will often have spares on hand if you find yourself in need of a tire in the middle of an event (whether from a flat or simply wearing out more than you expected).

[GixxerJosh]

I would not even consider warmers at your stage.

Tracktime and good tires are the two things you need most now.

Your current tires are fine for the first 2 days.

After that, I would suggest using the tire brand of your favorite trackday vendor. Besides them knowing the tires very well, they will often have spares on hand if you find yourself in need of a tire in the middle of an event (whether from a flat or simply wearing out more than you expected).

Thanks Tony! I agree, I want to support the local guy after these tires wear. I won't mention who the shop was that put my tires on, but they forgot to tighten the axle bolt and I get a block away and knew something was wrong. They fixed it right away, but I was not happy and have not been back. Gave me a $50 credit that I have not used.

[motoarch]

I've done at least a 1/2 dozen track days on those tires with no warmers and they more then good enough.

[carsick]

As Tony said, you're gonna be overwhelmed with all the new things at the track, you don't need one more thing to distract you (warmers take up mental space AND you have to put the bike up on stands). As a first timer you shouldn't be pushing right from the start, no need for warmers. I ran those tires on a big heavy bike for a few days and they worked great. The rear will take a beating if you start driving harder out of corners. YOU will take a beating if you use that throttle like a full on switch! As a rider coach you will know that the equipment is far secondary to the rider's skill and learning at a pace that is appropriate to them. You're gonna have too much fun!

[nhbubba]

How fast do you really expect to be?!?

My first 2 days were done on a touring bike with sport-touring tires. I had zero problems.. zero tire related problems anyway. My days were in different years, not even back-to-back.

Skip the warmers. Run whatcha got. Listen. Watch. Learn. Enjoy.

I run my first lap out very slowly. Concentrate on remembering "the line" and next to nothing else. Throw a couple bits of heavy-ish braking runs while straight up (ie T3) to try to warm up the tires.

Follow-the-leader sessions (pretty standard fare for AM sessions in beginner groups) basically force you to do this automatically.

[OreoGaborio]

Think I should spring for a set of warmers?

Do you have cash burning a hole in your pocket? Then sure. But I really think your money is better spent elsewhere.

NO tire NEEDS warmers. I don't even bother with warmers at track days and I'm running race tires.

[GixerJockey]

Here's a thought. Woodcraft dual temp warmers are $400... use that money to buy 2 more track days...

[nhbubba]

Here's a thought. Woodcraft dual temp warmers are $400... use that money to buy 2 more track days...

Plus the stands, plus the cords and misc other shit required to use 'em. Plus the trailer and proper tow rig to carry all this newly bought crap to the track..

..Yeah, more track time. Way mo' bettah.

[GixxerJosh]

Here's a thought. Woodcraft dual temp warmers are $400... use that money to buy 2 more track days...

:-D

[GixerJockey]

:-D

Att'a boy!

[tsorfas]

They will be fine....just from another 1K owner be carefull when exiting 3 going up 4 and comming out of 12 to have a asy roll on. That bike will spit you off into the back parking lot if your not carefull...

and they are a great DOT rain tire BTW....

exactly what he said

[jasnmar]

Pics from my 2nd track day (first one was in the rain, and I'm a weenie) on a 1k pound tourer with "cruisers, custom and tourer" (http://www.avonmoto.com/products/cru...g-custom/cobra) tires.

The front tire is still the one I'm running, about 12k miles later .

Run'em. You'll be fine.

[nhbubba]

Hey weenie: That thing gets heavier every time you tell that story. I thought it was only 900 lbs last time?!