I've been searching for some comments on this question, but I still could use some input... I'm usually running with the quickest bunch in the Intermediate group on an R1 LE, with no tire warmers. I don't have racing aspirations, but I love trackdays, and I love riding as fast as I can. I've never been unhappy with Pirelli Diablos, Dunlop Qualifiers, BT014s, Pilot Powers or Pilot Power 2CTs. I've had a couple of good rear wheel slips on 2CTs at Barber, but it IS a literbike, and I think I need lots of improvement on carrying speed through the corners and less hammering the exits. Anyway, I just tried a set of Pilot Power Races at Barber and Topeka. The PP Races gave me incredible confidence, to carry more speed through the corners... and working on good lines. So what's the problem with PP Races? Nothing! They were a blast! They're pretty expensive, but I can handle it. My only gripe is, the right side of the rear was gone after the second day at Barber, with 2 of the weekend's sessions being gentle wet sessions. And then, last weekend, I had to sit out the last session on the second day at Topeka, because the left side of the rear was toast. I could feel the tire starting to get a predictable greasyness on the exits. A control rider said, "that tire is DONE, don't go out on it again." I was having so much fun... I tried to buy another, but they were all out of them. Lots of guys asked what pressure I was running; 30 front and 25 rear. I weigh 200 in gear. Now... I could keep spare rear Power Races in my trailer, but I'd rather not. So, even though I don't THINK I'm up to the capability of these tires, and I'm sure I'm wayyyy slower than a lot of the advanced riders, IS IT A WASTE FOR ME TO RUN PILOT POWER RACES instead of PP2CTs? Thanks for your input!!
Thanks Brian. I was using medium PP Races. So do you think it's time for me to sniff around in the dark on suspension settings and try to get more than two track days on the race tires? Or do you think... since I'm just an intermediate squid, I should just try going back to the 2CTs? I was getting pretty good wear out of sport/street tires... maybe 2 to 3 track weekends... Thanks.
Thanks Brian... just joshin' around with the squid terminology. :lol: I'm happy to play around in intermediate, because even though I don't think I'd be a 'speed bump' in the 'A' class... my consistency just isn't there. I'll put more emphasis on suspension. The R1 LE seems very well sorted. I did have a suspension guy work with it, and I couldn't identify anything different after doing so. The bike has never felt like it's doing anything wrong, or fighting me... but with my 'intermediate' corner speed, I do end up using the R1's afterburners on the exits. I think I'm talking myself into going back to the 2CTs... since I do put a few road miles on this bike, too... running a track day or two on them... and then comparing back with another set of Power Races. A tire guy at the track told me I WOULD notice a difference, and after looking at my shredded Power Race, he said it 'looked like' I was using the full capability of the Power Race... so... ... I'll have to remember to be smooth, and try to feel what I can of the differences. Thanks again.
:lol: ummm yeah... Maybe I'd have been smarter to ask; what are some of the indicators you'd see, to tell you to choose race tires over street tires? Thanks.
for intermediate level, I'd recommend the 2ct's or a similar supersport street tire and practicing throttle control, braking, hitting your corner entry speed and maintaining your corner speed so that you don't need to grab a big handful of throttle on the exit- all easier said than done on a liter bike. when you move up to a group and eventually to race compound tires, i'd strongly suggest using tires warmers, too. I've got a technical article about using tire warmers as well as a review of Chicken Hawk Pole Position warmers that will be published in next month's issue of TrackdayMag.com which is due around the first of the month. cheers, Lance
I ride a '08R1 as well, with suspension set up (track side) and PP Medium Soft rear. Front 30, Rear 22, (no tire warmers, 220lbs in gear) and they are done after two days Barber as well. When you look at the tire it becomes pretty clear that it is more an throttle control issues then a set up issue. Guys like we, intend to rip the throttle after a turn because we don't carry enough corner speed, just as you said. I was wondering too, but now i think it is just normal wear and tear. That's not a reason to change brands to me, i think that tire is made for our bikes.