Tire Help

[smarblewnec]

I have searched back through the forum and can't find the info I am looking for. If this has been answered at some other time I apologize.

I will be doing 3 track days and a penguin racing school this year. I just bought an 04 r6 track/race bike. It came with pirelli slicks on it and 3 other sets of race takeoff slicks. I have never ridden on slicks and wouldn't mind trying them out, but I am worried that if it rains at all during my track days I won't be able to ride. I don't have a spare set of wheels at this time so rain tires aren't an option yet. I am a beginner track rider but have been riding on the street for 6 years (a gsxr 1k). Here are my questions.

1. Should I bother using the slicks as a beginner? I have heard they are not as forgiving as street tires.

2. How wet can the track be and still be safe for slicks? I have read that if you can see a wet tire trail of the bike in front it is time for rain tires, but this may be for an expert, I don't know.

3. Should I buy street tires for their good dry and wet performance or is there a race tire that would be better in both the dry and wet?

4. If I should run street tires, my fav. is Michelin pilot power 2ct, however I am wondering if the soft compound on the outer portions of the tire is actually too soft for track riding and will wear out too fast.

Thanks in advance

[madkaw]

1) No. As a beginner chances of you getting a set of slicks at operating temp (and keeping them there during a session) are slim to none.

2) As soon as the track is completely wet slicks are a no-no. No treads=no place for water to disperse=hydroplaning.

3)There are plenty of DOT's that are great in both, wet and dry weather. Lots of track riders rant and rave about the Michelin 2CT's but other companies (i.e. Pirelli, Dunlop, Conti., Bridgestone, etc...) offer tires that have plenty of grip in dry and wet weather.

4) Again, as a beginner I wouldn't worry too much about the compound being too soft.

FWIW, being that you mentioned rain tires, I finally pulled the trigger and picked up a spare set of rims and got myself a set of the Dunlops. All I have to say is that rains are absolutely incredible. I was really surprised at how much grip they had. Now I kinda look forward to the wet weather trackdays.

[scottieducati]

Rain tires make rain riding fun

[smarblewnec]

1) No. As a beginner chances of you getting a set of slicks at operating temp (and keeping them there during a session) are slim to none.

2) As soon as the track is completely wet slicks are a no-no. No treads=no place for water to disperse=hydroplaning.

3)There are plenty of DOT's that are great in both, wet and dry weather. Lots of track riders rant and rave about the Michelin 2CT's but other companies (i.e. Pirelli, Dunlop, Conti., Bridgestone, etc...) offer tires that have plenty of grip in dry and wet weather.

4) Again, as a beginner I wouldn't worry too much about the compound being too soft.

FWIW, being that you mentioned rain tires, I finally pulled the trigger and picked up a spare set of rims and got myself a set of the Dunlops. All I have to say is that rains are absolutely incredible. I was really surprised at how much grip they had. Now I kinda look forward to the wet weather trackdays.

Thanks MadKaw, You confirmed what I was thinking. I am probably going to get Mich 2ct's 190-55 in rear and 120-70 in front. It's what is on the bike right now and so being that it was a race bike that is probably what the suspension is set up for.

[Karaya One]

Thanks MadKaw, You confirmed what I was thinking. I am probably going to get Mich 2ct's 190-55 in rear and 120-70 in front. It's what is on the bike right now and so being that it was a race bike that is probably what the suspension is set up for.

Try the Pilot Pure. It is a better piece of rubber than the Power 2CT in all areas.