Race compound tire options

[xxaarraa]

Hey guys, I am looking for opinions on race tires. I have run both the Pirelli Superbike slicks (SC1 front SC2 rear) and the Dunlop UK Ntecs. I like them both, though I think I like the Pirellis better (different bikes, so I can't entirely be sure). Anyway, I know Pirellis are now on backorder and the UK Ntecs are very expensive. STG carries Michelin Power slicks, but they are more expensive than the Dunlop US Ntecs and most of the softer compounds seem to be on backorder. I know Pirelli is the official supplier to world superbike, but Michelin seems to be the winner for Moto GP. I don't fully buy into the marketing hype anyway.

Are there any other options out there? For context, I am a full-time trackday rider (no street, about 20 track days a year) and run a good intermediate pace (1:41s at NYST). I am at a point where I can definitely tell the difference between street rubber and race rubber, so no "2CT or supercorsa sp" suggestions please. And bikes are already sprung for me (by Peter), so strictly only looking for opinions/suggestions on race rubber.

[Petorius]

I am a full-time trackday rider (no street, about 20 track days a year) and run a good intermediate pace (1:41s at NYST).

1:41s at NYST is intermediate? I think that makes me slow novice.

What about Pirelli's "track day slick"? Not sure what the real name is.

[tsorfas]

I ran pirellis SC2 front and rear this weekend and did a new PB by one second...

SC1 vs SC2 should even feel different unless you are turning sub 16s IMO...

[xxaarraa]

sc1 vs sc2 is not the issue I think all Pirellis are back ordered. I'm wondering if conti/other brands are an option.

What's the difference between us ntecs and UK? Why do the UK ones cost almost 2x?

[maxim_X]

Why not the US Ntecs?

[tsorfas]

Why not the US Ntecs?

Because pirellis are better

[Jewcati]

Bridgestone is the provider for motogp.

I would talk to pk and see which tire would minimize the changes needed to your setup.

Bridgestone r10 is supposed you be pretty good

[maxim_X]

Because pirellis are better

Could be. But it's weird that he wants the UK ones when almost everyone races the US ones which are cheaper.

[tsorfas]

Just spoke with mike from pirelli. None of the supercorsa V2s are on back order. I should know since I actually bought a set this weekend lol but I wanted to make sure.

[xxaarraa]

Just spoke with mike from pirelli. None of the supercorsa V2s are on back order. I should know since I actually bought a set this weekend lol but I wanted to make sure.

Good to know, thanks. MTAG had a set of Pirelli slicks I ordered. But I need to figure out where to pick them up from, since the next TTD event isn't till Sep 7 and I need these Aug 30.

Curious - why do the UK ntecs cost 2x the US ntecs? Are they actually better tires or is it just that they are made in the UK? No one has experience with Michein Power slicks?

[tls25rs]

Curious - why do the UK ntecs cost 2x the US ntecs? Are they actually better tires or is it just that they are made in the UK?

The UK made NTEC tires are different than the US made NTECs. I do not know the physical differences but I know some of the fast guys up at Loudon that have run both comment that the UK made NTEC is a better race tire. Might be a moot point as I also have heard that the supply of the UK made NTECs is drying up to the point where the US made NTEC will be the tire they need to use going forward if they want to stay with Dunlop. Some of the cost difference may be due to tire construction and some of it may be due to supply and demand.

[loudbeard]

Everyone this weekend was saying great things about the new Dunlop GP-Pro. It replaces the 211 GP-A which is the US spec NTEC. I haven't been on the Pro's yet but I've run both the 211 GP-A and 212 GP (UK NTEC) and I definitely prefer the 212. It's a lot grippier and you can run the rear at a much lower pressure. In that respect it's similar to the new GP-Pro. Most of the riders around me were comparing the GP-Pro to being similar to the 212 if that makes sense. Anyway, when I wear out my current 212 take offs I'll be giving the Pro's a try.

[PainfullySlow]

Good to know, thanks. Tony/MTAG had a set of Pirelli slicks I ordered. But I need to figure out where to pick them up from, since the next TTD event isn't till Sep 7 and I need these Aug 30.

Curious - why do the UK ntecs cost 2x the US ntecs? Are they actually better tires or is it just that they are made in the UK? No one has experience with Michein Power slicks?

Pretty sure MTAG can ship tires to you, or probably knows someone close enough to you to get them to you.

[GingahNinjah]

Pirelli/MTAG should be at the track the weekend of the 30th and should have your tires there for you and can mount and balance them right there. Pirelli FTW!!!

[Jim]

try the new Dunlop GP-A Pro tires. same suspension settings as the US NTECs, but much better grip. I never used the UK NTECs because of the cost. I just switched from the US ones to the new GPA Pro tires, and they're fantastic. Dropped a second on my laptimes this weekend at NHMS.

[Pigman]

try the new Dunlop GP-A Pro tires. same suspension settings as the US NTECs, but much better grip. I never used the UK NTECs because of the cost. I just switched from the US ones to the new GPA Pro tires, and they're fantastic. Dropped a second on my laptimes this weekend at NHMS.

This....................Go Dunlop

[xxaarraa]

OK, for the next set (went Pirelli slicks again this time), I will try the GP-A Pros. Seem to be the same price as the Pirelli slicks (~$400 a set). I know it's hugely dependent on type of bike and riding style/pace, but what's the general tire wear on these? Do they last longer than Pirellis at all?

[Pigman]

GPA_Pros are cheaper than that i think....

[Pigman]

And Run Take offs....save some cash

[Jim]

i believe the GPA Pro is $380/set. you can go on 3-4 rears before you need a new front.
From the riders that have switched back (Dunlop --> Pirelli --> Dunlop), they say the Pirelli fronts dont last that long

[cdovego]

You guys love debating Pirelli/Dunlop!

[Jim]

look at the podiums dominated by Dunlop.
Pirelli may be a better tire, but they're more $, dont last as long, and dont pay contingency.

I'd try them, but I havent had a track day to test them.

[Pigman]

You guys love debating Pirelli/Dunlop!

No Debating......LOLOLOL


We see what tire takes podiums....

[PainfullySlow]

No Debating......LOLOLOL


We see what tire takes podiums....

Riders take podiums. Tires go along for the ride.

[Kurlon]

Seeing as this is degrading to silly land - Bridgestones! Contingency for EVERYONE.

The new V02 slicks are getting awesome reviews, but unfortunately are only available in 120 front, 200 rear so I haven't tried a set yet.