track tire question

[tufty]

Much as I hate to interrupt the ongoing "whose pee-pee is longer?" motogp discussions, I have a track based Q.

I have been running track days for 3 years now, I run at a medium to fastish intermediate pace (mid to low 40's on Road Atlanta new layout). Anyhoo, I'm really beginning to wonder how much further I can push street tires so I'm thinking of switching to Pilot Power Race jobs.

My questions are: Which compounds should I start with (medium front and back?)? Realistically speaking how many sessions can I expect out of a set of tires? Will I notice any changes to bike handling with DOT race buns on the  hoops?

Thanks gents (and lady).

[derby]

i have a mental issue with running street tires on the track.

for durability (read: cost considerations), i'd run harder race compounds (if you have that option).

you'll likely notice significant handling differences given the more aggressive geometry of the race tire (even at the "same size" as street).

[gm2]

My questions are: Which compounds should I start with (medium front and back?)?

ask your local michelin (if that's what you intend to use) rep.  depends on the weather, depends on the track.

Realistically speaking how many sessions can I expect out of a set of tires?

if a session is a track day probably 3-4 if you are running medium-hard compound.  2-3 if soft-medium.  i got a solid 4.5 days out of my last set of dunlops.. but it was definitely not 5.

Will I notice any changes to bike handling with DOT race buns on the  hoops?

hell yes: lean angle grip and the ability to get on the throttle harder, sooner.

[sh]

just curious, why'd you stay on street tires for so long?  seems like that would be a sooner rather than later upgrade.  I'm sure you're plenty fast without them, but I'd think more grip would be better just for peace of mind.

[darylbowden]

Like gm2 said, it depends almost entirely on the track, the weather, the way you ride and the bike you run as to what compound you should be running.

At willow in the summer, I ran hard rears and medium fronts.  In the cooler months medium rears and soft fronts.  WAYYY too many variables for any of us to give you a "correct" answer.

[gm2]

WAYYY too many variables for any of us to give you a "correct" answer.

yep -- other than to say you should get off street tires immediately. 

[tufty]

just curious, why'd you stay on street tires for so long?  seems like that would be a sooner rather than later upgrade.  I'm sure you're plenty fast without them, but I'd think more grip would be better just for peace of mind.

I've been trying not to let the tires get into my head by following Mr Schwantz' advice and trusting the rubber (coincidentally, his school is run using regular michelin sport pilot powers for everyone, no exceptions!). Kevin and his instructors can do mid 30's laps of Road Atlanta on street tires (that's 5-10 seconds off AMA superbike qualifying!).

My own laptimes have improved 15-20 seconds over the last 2 years and I now find myself heading into turn one apex with 100+ mph showing on the clock and the front plowing ever so slightly... so, although I'm trying to ignore it there is now a little voice in the back of my head telling me that I'm on street rubber.   [moto]

[Speeddog]

I don't recall what bike you're using, but this is for a track-only bike, right?

[tufty]

I don't recall what bike you're using, but this is for a track-only bike, right?

848 and yes track only in the summer and fall.

[JDS 07 S4Rs]

I reguards to this tire issue. Out my way the lap record is held by a guy running Pirelli SuperCorsa Pro/ Dragons/ whatever's. I do know that they are  DOT's

Just sayin,,,,,,I wont argue the fact that Slicks will give U better traction. But,,,, these new DOT's stick alot better then what they use too.

[darylbowden]

I reguards to this tire issue. Out my way the lap record is held by a guy running Pirelli SuperCorsa Pro/ Dragons/ whatever's. I do know that they are  DOT's

Just sayin,,,,,,I wont argue the fact that Slicks will give U better traction. But,,,, these new DOT's stick alot better then what they use too.

They do, but so do slicks.  Slicks are barely more expensive (if any in some cases) than DOTs, so unless you run a class that requires you to be on DOTs, I don't see much point.

Also, I would be willing to bet that whatever track that is doesn't attract much top talent if the track record is held on DOTs.

[JDS 07 S4Rs]

LOL,,, Stoner & Rossi took a pass on there invatation 

Steve Dick (old Canadian Road Racer,, older then me,, I think ! ) & Steve Crevier,, Crap,, he's a old fellow too. Have been on this track. They dont have the record. Very close tho.

Its a littel track,,,5 lefts, 4 rights. 1.2 miles.

There's alot of kids out here with talent. They seem to get alot of track time.

Ya,, I hear U on the Slicks. I had a set on last night,,,,,,,,STICKY,, only had the ass end break lose once. Knocked 2.8 seconds off my best previous time. The tires may have had a bit to do with it. Having a Timer on the bike that U can see,,,,,IS A HANDY unit.

My guess is its what ever U get comfortable with. There really isnt that much dif in a Good DOT. Look at the tread,,,,I sure as "F" wouldnt want to ride one of them in the rain. Those little slit's they have cut arnt really good for much more than a small sprinkle.
I havent priced out Slicks yet,,,, I got mine with the extra set of rims I bought.

Your probably right Daryl,,, If the class allows Slicks,,,use them,, unless your good enough to slide your way around a track.

[derby]

i think your comma key is broken on your keyboard. 

[JDS 07 S4Rs]

Let me check,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,nope,,,,, seems to be working

[tufty]

The Power Races worked great until the 2nd lap of the last session at Barber yesterday... then whaddya know? I lost the front on turn 12 (on the gas)... Shit!!

Sliding behind your bike at 95mph while still watching the tach is an interesting experience though.

bollocks and buggery!!