Hi All! I am new to the forum here and new to the road track scene. I have a 2016 KTM 690 Enduro R that I have converted to a supermoto and I'm looking to start doing some track days. I am 24 years old and have zero experience on a road track, but come from a long background of riding/racing dirtbikes. Anyway, I am thinking of doing my first track day with STT at BHF. I am located in Milwaukee, WI so the local tracks to me are BHF, Autobahn, and RA from what I know of. One quick question -- I recently noticed that the supermoto wheels I bought came with the front tire mounted backwards! The tires that are on the bike are Michelin Pilot Power 2ct and the front tire has the arrow pointing the wrong way. Since these wheels were ordered, I can't take them back to a dealer without having to pay to get it corrected. Should I get the tire flipped or is it a waste of time? I don't mind paying the money to do so, but would rather not waste the time doing so if it's not a huge deal. FWIW, I never take the bike out in the rain. I have ridden on it about 600 miles already before I noticed it's backwards. Let me know your thoughts! I look forward to meeting some of you guys out at the track!
Cant say for sure but im guessing it would only matter in the rain. Welcome. Im from Milwaukee stay about 15min north in port now lmk if u need anything. I could give you a guys number that wont charge you more than 20 bucks to flip it.
Along the same question... With "not going to ride in the rain" is it ok to to flip the Dunlop 211 GP-A? (Rear tire)
From what I have read, the new ones can be flipped. From what I've seen, no, I wouldn't take the chance. Some do and don't have issues but I have personally seen a couple that have cracked the rubber apart and look as if they were on the verge of delaminating.
I have flipped tires but have always felt a bit uncomfortable about it even though many have been doing it for years with no issues (with the exception of GPA's). I get the most use out of my tires as I can by using them for a CW vs CCW track. Example, once a tire gets pretty wore but not used up on one side, I take it off and save it for a track that will use up the other side. This is only practical if you can change your own tires and it helps to have a spare rear wheel.
Thanks for all the replies! I ended up flipping the tire around today. Heading to the track on Saturday - anyone have a recommended tire pressure for my 690? It's a supermoto (ish) so I suspect the PSI should be a bit lower than standard streetbikes.