For those that have used them. How well do they hold up so far? I am on a 600 and would get about 6 track days out of the pilot power rear. Are the 2CT's going to be comparable. I run mid pack advanced, unless I get passed, haha... Thanks, John I look forward to using the 2CT's next year....I have found that I am at the edge of the PP's abilities...
To be sure, we're talking about the Michilin slicks, right? If so, well you'll love them. They stick like glue and wear like iron. Since I teach novice a lot, but also like to kick it when I can, I can't really say what your wear would be. But I CAN say that for me they outlast and outgrip the DOT tires by quite a margin. Unless the track is wet, you'll find slicks on my bike. Oh, and the best way to milk the slicks for all they're worth is to get a set of adjustable temp tire warmers, set them low, and keep the slicks on the same heat cycle all day. This is not practical for me when I teach Novice, because my tires might actually COOL DOWN out on the track, depending on the group I'm leading and what drill we're doing. But that's what I do on a day when I'm coaching I or A. Hope this helps!
k3, he's talking about the Pilot Power 2 compound tires. John, just step up and take a hit from the Pilot Race pipe, you won't be sorry (but your bank account might be). seriously, I dunno why I waited so long. I don't think i can go back to street tires, now.
Troy tested the CT's on our '04 GSXR 750 at Barber in the Advanced group this past October. The feed back on front and rear were excellent. The temp was around 65 to 70 on Sunday. Troy is totally sold on the front tire, the wear was minimal, only slightly more than a power. As for the rear after one full day of use it showed significantly more wear then the power. Overall traction with the rear seemed somewhat better. On the above bike Troy feels that the rear would need to be replaced after 3 to 4 track days, depending on track surface and temp. Utilizing the Powers all summer we were getting well over six days on the rear. In discussions with Monte a good scenario might be at CT front and a normal Pilot Power rear combination.
2CT skinny from da Michelin Man.... sort of...... This is our exeperience so far with the 2CT and some history about the tire. The 2CT was not originally going to make it to the USA. It was a "designed for Europe" tire. Reason being that track surfaces there are made of a finer (smaller particle size and less corse) agriate in the asphalt matrix. (excuse any spelling errors please as I'm not running spell check on this) So the 20% softer compound on the extreme outter 10% of the tire actually helps at extreme lean and in the cooler average temps they run in. Pilot Power 2CT REAR If you read the Michelin test data, the Pilot Power 2CT rear affords 1/2 of one dgree (.5 %) more lean angle vs. the Standard Pilot Power.... BFD IMO. So are you REALLY going to be able to use or notice the differnce between the 51.2 degree vs. 50.6 degree max lean angles? I'm betting NO!!! What you WILL notice is that the 20% softer outter edge of a rear 2CT gets worn noticibly quicker!! Early or late season riders will benefit from a 2CT rear as will STREET riders. Nice to have the softer edge for canyon and corner carving. Pilot Power 2CT Front I have always liked a bit softer front to rear tire ratio. The 2CT front allows this. Once again, the outter 10% of the tire is 20% softer than the middle 80%. This allows a smidge of extra grip at extreme lean angles, especially in cooler temps. (BTW-I have NEVER lost the front using a standard Pilot Power.. and I have pushed these tires very hard under just about any condition from cold and wet to 100 degree summer days. I feel that if you lose the front with a Pilot Power you have BIG set up problems or you just plain did something stupid) A bit of history, the front Pilot Power profile was taken directly from Colin Edwards' 2003 Moto GP front slick profile, they are identical. Conclusion Standard Pilot Powers are still going to be the best value and in most conditions PLENTY of tire for track day riding. A standard Pilot Power rear with a 2CT front (SV and Ninja 650 riders take note, you'll want this ombo) is going to be a nice combo if you want the confidence of knowing you have that softer edge up front. 2CT rears are going to be great cooler weather tires and if you don't mind investing a bit more $$ in your tires a good "all weather/track condition" tire. The 2CT is also, IMO the best bet for street guys. There is a 190/55 Pilot Power 2CT coming in early Spring (It'll be late Spring if not early Summer) which promises to be an excellent track day tire for liter bikes. Hope this helps!!
Re: 2CT skinny from da Michelin Man.... sort of...... It's discrimination! A conspiracy I tell ya! What about those of us with 160 size (i.e., SVs & F2s)?! Bridgestone won't bring their 002s and now the ?? about the release of a 160 2CT. Oh the horror of it all. Oh the humanity!
I still love my 1800 slicks.... But hey! It's ALL GOOD! We're damn lucky to have so many fine tire choices, and thanks to the hard work of Monte and Bonnie, such affordable choices!