I hope I am in the right area for my topic and I searched a bit before I started a new topic. But I'm on my phone, and it sucks to perform a search at times... Anyways, here's the skinny. I just completed my second track day and rode in group 4 novice at Grattan on Saturday. My CR said I should ride in group 1 or 2 next time and if I wanted, go out with a CR and see about I group. I plan on sticking with Novice for at least a couple more track days. No need to rush into a higher class. I currently have a 2000 gsxr 750 with Pirelli supercorsa tires. They are on there way out as they have some use on em... this is a dedicated track bike, so no street use. So, my question is what tire should I run for michellin? I don't have tire warmers, nor do I think I need that for my level of riding. When I talked with Dave (I believe that was his name) at the booth yesterday at grattan, he said that michellin came out with a new tire that doesn't require warmers and lasts for a lot of track days. I just can't remember the name of the tire!! Sent from my LG-D800 using Tapatalk
Supersports are probably what he was refering to. I would personally stick to the Power 3 untill you get to mid to upper intermediate.
I just switched to the supersports and love them. Better than the Pirelli track day tire in my opinion, and better than the PP3 (which I have on my spare wheels). The PP3 has 2 advantages, though. They last longer (I assume) and they are better in the wet.
Cost a good bit less too. The main reason I say go with the power 3 is that as you progress so does your tire choice. Even at decent A pace you can run pp3. They will teach you good throttle controll that you will not gain as fast with a tire that is 15-20 sec a lap faster than the rider! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I would not disagree the PP3 can be a better tire for novice. However, even if I were still a novice, I would go with the supersport, but mostly for the tire profile, which is probably just personal preference. It tips into the turns easier.
Fitz- Usually I will defer to the tire experts, but there is another variable at work here. Do you have spare wheels? Being a coach I have opinions about when and how people learn things. I believe that learning to expand your comfort envelope at the track involves riding in different conditions. Therefore I am a HUGE proponent of riding in the rain, and think everyone needs to ride in the rain for 2 reasons: It teaches you to be smooth, and teaches you what the limit of traction feels like at slower speeds. If you have spare wheels, then we probably wouldn't be having this discussion. Since you do not have spare wheels, then I would lean toward the PP3s. They are going to be much friendlier at your pace when the track surface is wet. And let's face it. The track is going to be wet at some point! I'm not saying the Supersports won't work in the wet. I'm saying that the PP3s will be better in the wet. -Tom
Thanks for your input sir. I have been watching for a spare wheel set for my bike for this reason. Been in the rain a bunch while riding on the street. But I have pilot road 3s for touring on my bike when I get caught in the rain. Definitely a different riding approach. Each time I've signed up for an event, I hope it doesn't rain. Once I get a second wheel set however, will not care. Sent from my LG-D800 using Tapatalk
I've got a spare set of wheels with PP3's on them specifically in case it gets wet. However, I've learned more about bodywork repair than I have about throttle control or traction management as a result. I never felt the limit of traction until I was already down. On the supersports in the dry, though, I'm just starting to feel the limit of traction on occasion. I probably won't use the spare wheels unless I decide to buy rain tires. I just don't feel confident in the rain, even with PP3's.
It wasn't even much of a slide. That is how slow I was going. I was running PP3's by the way. http://youtu.be/74HHAK5OfC4?t=1m47s I did the same thing right out of the pit on a dry track. I was like WTF, it isn't even wet! I'm running slicks! Oh yeah, forgot to dump the belly pan.
Alternatively you could pick up a set of Dunlop Q3's which are good in the wet and will save you about $160 (over the super sports) for the set with the mail in rebate they have going. I am slow A group rider and love the Q3's. Looks like PP3' are only about $50 more per set....
I personally do not think the belly pan had anything to do with that since the front tire let go not the rear. At least that is the way it looks to me.
The belly pan crash is not on video, but I did lose the front. It had to have been the belly pan, because I was going SLOW. The water must have splashed forward when I braked for turn 2.
Basic Novice Tire Question I am brand new to all of this. I have a 2009 Yamaha FZ1 and I would like to join STT and give this whole concept a try. I have a fairly new set of good quality street tires on the bike. In order to ride on the track with STT, do I need to purchase a different set of tires, or would I be OK starting out (as a rank beginner novice) on my street tires? Thanks in advance for your help.
Street Tires. All day, every day! They must have a decent amount of life left to get through tech. Not too big a flat spot in the middle, no nails, screws, etc. Street tires are plenty good enough to take you up to A pace these days. -Tom