Slicks?

Yes, you'll need warmers, otherwise it will take longer for them to get up to optiimal temp. The DOTs work great, and for an "I" pace, are your best bet.

Does your rearshock allow for ride height adjustment? b/c slicks are typically a taller tire and will throw off your bike's geometry if you cannot adjust for them. I ride at a spirited "I" pace, and run DOTs. I'm a big fan of PilotPowers, 2CT or race. I currently run a 2CT rear and medium race front on my 04 GIX6. Before that I was running 2CTs on my 04 CBR1000RR.

Stay away from the slicks for now. Good luck with your search!

 

In direct answer to your question, no you don't need warmers to run the Michelin 1200/1800 slicks. However, if you don't allow them time to warm up before turning quick laps, you will tear them and they won't last nearly as long as they would if you had warmers.

That said, I really don't recommend these tires for you at this point in time. I would also avoid the Power Races. I say this because an Intermediate pace doesn't require anything beyond what the Pilot Power can offer in grip. Heck, there are riders (myself included, at times) that run a moderately quick Advanced pace on Pilot Powers. The tires are fantastic, and last 2 or 3 times longer than Slicks or Power Races. In addition to all that, they don't require tire warmers and don't need to be switched if your bike doubles for street duty.

Seriously, unless you've got money just searing a hole through your pocket, there is no good reason for someone not running consistently fast Advanced times to purchase anything above the Pilot Power or 2ct. I recommend the 2ct in the 120/70 & 190/55 sizes, as the 190/55 offers better turn-in than you'd get with a 190/50 (the only 190-size offered in regular Pilot Powers). The 2ct's extra edge grip will give you the additional confidence you're looking for in the Slicks and Power Races without sacrificing much in the way of wear.

So in the end, with the Pilot Power 2ct's, you're spending less off the bat, and getting a tire that will last at least twice as long as the Slick or Power Race. I don't see a downside there...

Just for reference, I have 2ct's on my z1000, which is a 460lb. (dry) motorcycle (about 80lb. heavier than your R1). I can turn flat 1:40's at Mid-Ohio on the 2ct. That's not AMA pole-setting speed, but is a respectable track day Advanced group pace (about mid-pack Advanced), especially for a bike not designed for the track. I have Pilot Powers on a set of rims for my r6 which also allow me to turn quick laps.

I know that's a lot to process, but really think about the Pilot Power/2ct tires. They'll be more than good enough, without a doubt.

 

I agree with Mr. Razo. You will not get the benefit of slicks/Power Race's until you reach a very good Advance pace. Until then, Power/2ct's will work perfectly. Plus, if it rains, you already have good rain tires on the bike. Just let a little more air out.

Right now I'm on a set of 2ct's, I just put 8 track days on a rear tire plus about 2k street miles. Granted the tire has now been retired from track duty, but I still can get about 2k more street miles out of the tire. And I will probably do the same with the next rear tire. And all this time, the front tire is still good. Generally, you'll use two rears to one front. If you're really smooth, you could get three rears to one front.

IMHO, save some money and get Powers or 2ct's, and use all the money you saved for more track days.