I just ordered a set of Pilot Power Race (mediums) tires and have a few questions. Some background first. Last year I rode Pilot Powers and this year I have the 2CTs. I have a 2003 R6 and do 1:16s at Pocono (East and West). The current tires have 3 Pocono East track days in cool weather (read: left handers) and one hot day on the West course (read: right handers). The day I rode the West course the rear slipped out a few times (gently) so I thought I'd try the Pilot Race. Qs: 1. Is the Pilot Race overkill based on the following information? 2. What tire pressure is recommended for the Pilot Race? 3. How many track days can I expect to get out of the Pilot Race (no tire warmers)? 4. How much time is needed in terms of laps to warm up the Pilot Race? 5. If the Race are overkill and I go back to the 2CTs, how many track days can I expect out of them? Last year I changed the regular Powers about every 4 track days. I have no idea if it was too soon or not. 6. I've heard people using the 2CT front with the Race rear, what's the deal with that? Thanks! Ralph
I used to run Pilot Races on my 250, but that's a different bike in every aspect. I do remember warmers were pretty much mandatory in the Spring and Fall, for they were downright dangerous if not warmed up. Absolutely useless in the rain; had to have a 2nd set of rain tires. On my 675, I took Monte's recommendation and installed regular Pilot Powers. Very happy with the tires and the life if amazing. Two track days and a full LED day at Beaver and they're still good. I don't keep lap times, so i can't compare the speeds I'm doing. Just a slow advanced rider I guess. I always believed that a tire slippage can be due to rider's error just as much as a weak tire. Especially a bike with lots of instant power on tap. Even with the best race slicks, you'll lose the rear on throttle if you're too aggressive or not straight up out of a turn. Well, except for 250s and Motards that is.
Nice Bike Rich!! Back to the show. I have run the Power Races on my 675 and could not keep the rear tire from shredding. The power races are temperamental when it comes to pressure and suspension settings, Michelin recommends cold pressures at around 24 rear and 28 front. The front tire always wore perfectly but the rear wouldn't stop tearing. They warm up pretty quickly and you do not need warmers. A friend of mine has been running the 2CT's for 5 track days. He needs to change for his next one. I was following him the last day and he was leaving black lines out of every corner and he is not generally hard on the throttle. He is also about to try the Power Races. I can't say whether or not these would be better for you b/c I have never been to the track you mentioned. I can say that for most track day riders, DOT Races tires are probably overkill, not to mention way more expensive. A full time racer could probably take a set of 2 CT's, Corsa III's, Qualifiers and run within seconds of his race pace. I personally run Pirelli Diablo SuperCorsa's. I know, I know. I just said these tires were overkill for the average trackday rider...but I get mine for less than the Corsa III's. heheheh. Don't ask, cause I won't tell :twisted: And no, I am not stealing them.
Ralph, I'm running 1:14's at pocono on my GSXR750 with Power Races. 1. No it's not overkilll 2. see previous post 3. I get 4 days; on the 5th I start sliding the rear, predictably and gently, I might add. 4. I use warmers, but I'd guess they'd warm up in a lap or two. 5. I have no idea. 6. I've never heard of doing that- if anything, on a 600, I'd try a race front and a 2ct or regular pilot power rear. I'd always want the stickier tire up front, personally. Cheers, Lance