A friend and I are going to be at Barber's STT next month for our first track day and would like some advice on whether we should replace tires on our two bikes - see the photos. The pics are labeled "Aprilia" (front and rear) and "Suzuki" (just rear - no front pic). The Aprilia has a little over 2,000 miles and the Suzuki about 1,200 miles. No problem if either needs replacement before our track day - just don't want any surprises or distractions when we show up. Thanks.
If you have to ask if its ok... change them. I commented before I looked at the pics, ha. btw, those look brand new.... you should be fine.
Those all look like they're in pretty fine shape for a first track day... as long as they're not too old. Remember to keep your pressures down to around 30psi and be smooth. It's a first track day, so don't be all amped up about being 'fast.' Just come with an open mind and enjoy riding in a completely new way. If you get all red-faced about trying to be fast on your first track day... you won't have as much fun. Enjoy!
Thought that the Suzook's tires were fine but was wondering about the Aprilia's. On it I'd like to get in a track day and some more street miles before swapping for the summer. Yea, no need to show anyone how fast I am because I ain't. Just looking to learn to get more smooth and confident.
I think the Aprilia tires would be fine for your first track day, provided they are not extremely old..But, if you're not confident in them, change them...
From their looks, you'd be fine for your first trackday. HOWEVER, let me tell you a story that gave me a painful "lesson learned" In 2010, I bought a 07 GSXR 1K with 1000 miles on it (the bike you see in my pic). The tires still had the 'nubs' on them...they were OEM BT015's which are an ok street tire, but not much in the way of a track tire. So I thought, on my first trackday with this bike (my second season) "I'll just ride them until lunch, then I'll put on the brand new set of Q2's that are in the back of my truck, so I at least get a little wear out of them first"...and promptly lowsided on them cold going thru Charlotte's web. I haven't crashed since, but I still pucker up ever time I go thru that turn. My lesson learned was "If you aren't confident, why take the chance?".... Tires are expendable items like gas, brakepads, etc. I've thrown away used tires that certainly had life left on them just to build my confidence...
My '14 Aprilia Tuono was recently purchased with low miles and OEM rubber (Pirelli Corsa Diablo Rosso's). Certainly good street/track tires but now two years old with about 2,200 miles. I know guys are getting a lot less miles out of their sport rubber but the bike hasn't been hammered much (yet). I don't have a problem with getting a new set for peace of mind.
Oh, I don't own the Suzuki - that's my buddy's ride for track day. Just posted his tire pics to ease his mind too.
I was actually referring to myself....LOL.... Those tires look shot.... Bring em to Barber and I will recycle them for you.... : )
Those tires look about brand new, but who cut the shit out of that tire on the Suzuki?? Looks like someone took a knife to the wrapping of the tire when it was brand new and not realizing they're cutting into the tire.
What tire is that? Sure look like cuts to me...they serve no purpose as part of the tread design. The only time I've ever seen something like that before was when some did exactly what I said...used a box cutter to cut the wrapping on a Bridgestone tire and left a few cuts on it.
I should have said they are the results of the tire manufacturing process. What you are seeing is a shadow produced by a very thin rib of rubber that has not worn off yet.....just like the nibs that are common on most new tires. The rib goes all the way across the traction surface of the tire and occurs about every 7.5 inches. The rib is obviously worn off in the center one-third of the tire. The tire is a Dunlop D214.
Ahhhhh. Yeah you or he will be alright...brand new tire pretty much. Just make sure you don't go balls out on the first lap. Take it easy the first couple of laps until it warms up.