I've been using Michelin 2CT's for colder days, 65 degrees or lower and to have on hand for rain days. I ride an R6 at a very fast pace in A groups, i am really impressed w/ these tires. In fact i recommend them to new and I group trackday participants as i believe these tires will exceed most riders abilities and do so w/o the hassle of messing w/tire warmers. Not to mention the lower $$. Again this is only on a 600 not liter bike. I used to do 2/3 track days on these and then sell them off. I recently asked Monte about the expected tire life of these, his reply was 2 rears to 1 front and maybe even 3 rears to a front depending how hard one is on the front tire. Ok i know new tires are cheap insurance and I agree, i'm the first to mount new tires. But my question is what determines 'hard on the front tire'? My tires are worn very evenly, they blue when i make the mistake of using them when its too hot, other wise their look is very smooth. Right now i'm on my 2nd rear and probably have 4 or 5 days on the front, half of these days have me riding double shifts as i'm a control rider. Again i'm really impressed w/the 2CT's. Thanks! Kirk
When i rode around on Pilot Powers (pre-2ct days), I would run to the wear bars with no problems front and rear. I wouldnt sweat the heat-cycle stuff on street tires. Not sure how much that helps, but I at least have been down the road you are on.
Powers are Sick! I ride 'em until just before the air starts to come out. :wink: Two rears per front easy. Three if you're careful. They'll let you know when you're pushing your luck on a hot day, if you're paying attention.
I was just having this conversation the other day. I agree with you all. On smooth tracks and fall/spring temps, I had 9 days out of my front. 6 1/2 on the rear. These included a few multi session days with coaching and tag teaming the bike cuz a fellow coach blew his motor. And even still, when I took them off someone asked to buy them for street use. Still had tons of life in the middle for these nice straight Illinois roads. But, come mid summer with all the heat, those tires will be tore up at the end of a weekend.
Right away with the blown up motor issue. Geez! That being said, I use the regular pilot powers on my ZX10R and have gotten up to 10 days while coaching beginners and intermediate groups and several runs with advanced classes. Very predictable and awesome all weather grip. I used them in the rain at RA last year and beside the two new patch spots, I had no issues. I recommend them to anyone running beginner and intermediate.
Good info, I've got 5 days on my Powers (non 2 ct). These days have been on "rough tracks" (Putnam and Gingerman). I "think" the tires look OK, but wasn't sure how often people replaced them. I don't know much about tire wear. My front is extremely balled up. I'm on an R6 and run at a fast I pace. I've got 2 more days planned at Putnam, maybe the rear will last thru that? :?:
Are you adjusting the tire pressure for the track temp? higher pressure=less flex=less heat=longer life Chad
Chad, Are you recommending something higher than 30/30 (cold) for hot summer days? I would have thought hotter weather would require lower cold tire pressures. I'm riding on regular Pilot Powers, and they look like they'll last me the whole season. (I'm on an SV650, and I recently moved up from N to I, so I don't think I'm too hard on the tires.)
I am by no means a tire expert, but I tend to run a lb or so higher when the temperature is hot and a lb or so lower when cold and then adjust from there depending on how the tire looks or how the bike feels. I am getting better at "reading" the tire after running hard, if you can find someone who knows what they are doing, they can look at your tire and determine if you are running a proper pressure for the temp. I don't go this far in determining pressures, but the bottom of this website talks about tire pressure: http://www.gpsuspension.com/services/tuningfaq.php Chad
the first gen Diablo Corsas would last me 4-5 track days. no warmers, pressures set to 32F/34R and i would replace tehm when the tread was no longer visible where i was getting on the gas.