Tires.

**Fiery254** · 11-26-2009, 08:52 AM

I'm facing my first season with a dedicated track bike and want a new set of tires. I currently have Dunlop Qualifiers on for street use. Not my first choice but all the dealer had when I had to buy an emergency set on a road trip.

I have a front Diablo Corsa 3 left over from the last set.

My questions are;

If I'm running track only then am I better off with slicks?

And if so,do I then need to carry a set of rains as well for those less than ideal days you typical Canadian summer brings?

Or should I just buy a rear Corsa 3 rear and ride?

**reciprocity** · 11-26-2009, 09:00 AM

slicks will last longer, you can probably find someone to buy used slicks from cheap as they don't have much resale value because they can't be used on the street

in damp pavement conditions, slicks offer the exact same grip as DOT race tires.

you only go to rain tires when the track has a significant amount of standing water(puddles)

**FearNoSpeed** · 11-26-2009, 11:07 AM

Don't buy any of my friends "used" slicks.....
I don't think the tire recycling company would want em....

I ran Qualifiers on my 636 (back up bike) after I trashed my trackbike in the summer.
I was impressed at the traction but they really cook up in the hot (JULY)....
I would say the way I drive,3 trackdays and the 3rd would be interesting....

Run BT 002's (if you can find a set ) or bt 003's and you'll be fine.
Besides, u can recycle them down to ur street bike after ur done on the track.

**JohnnyP636** · 11-26-2009, 11:33 AM

Originally Posted by FearNoSpeed

Don't buy any of my friends "used" slicks.....
I don't think the tire recycling company would want em....

I ran Qualifiers on my 636 (back up bike) after I trashed my trackbike in the summer.
I was impressed at the traction but they really cook up in the hot (JULY)....
I would say the way I drive,3 trackdays and the 3rd would be interesting....

Run BT 002's (if you can find a set ) or bt 003's and you'll be fine.
Besides, u can recycle them down to ur street bike after ur done on the track.

Have you tried slicks on the track yet?

I want to try some DOT track tires, just to see the difference between them and slicks...Cause I went right from street tires (Michelin PP) to the slicks and it was a night and day difference and huge confidence builder...Not friendly to the wallet thou

**pcost024** · 11-26-2009, 01:50 PM

Diablo Corsa 3's will likely last longer than slicks (these are not race tires though). They have excellent grip but not the same as DOT's or slicks, but definitely good enough if you're just starting out to intermediate level.

Just be careful with the front tire. The Diablo Corsa 3's are meant to run at higher pressures than other tires and take a little longer to warm up as a result. I've gone down twice on a cold front Corsa 3 on the first lap out even though I was taking it easy. You get a lot of cold tearing on the rear tire as well for the same reason. Once warmed up however, they're good.

**FearNoSpeed** · 11-26-2009, 02:49 PM

Originally Posted by JohnnyP636

Have you tried slicks on the track yet?

No = budget wasn't there.

Next season at least 1 set to try em out for sure....

After the way the Pilot's violently and without warning broke free (several times) on me I will never run pilot powers (reg kind) again on the track.
99% tracion to nothing with no warning (pushin or slidin feeling) prior to it givin way.... rear alot & front twice.

I would run em on the street however cause I never pushed em past that magic point on the street.

Bridgestones / Dunlops slighty push/ slide before things get nasty.

For me anyways....

Now:....

Anyone wanna ask me what the best bike is for them...LOL

**toastman** · 11-26-2009, 05:07 PM

I would not go slicks unless I was running Hotshoot pace

Bt003 is an excellent tire

I ran the BT-016 street tire at TMP down to 1:18 last year, the record I believe is 1:12

Just like another post on here, it's not the tires or the bike that is the limiting factor

Donald

Originally Posted by Fiery254

I'm facing my first season with a dedicated track bike and want a new set of tires. I currently have Dunlop Qualifiers on for street use. Not my first choice but all the dealer had when I had to buy an emergency set on a road trip.

I have a front Diablo Corsa 3 left over from the last set.

My questions are;

If I'm running track only then am I better off with slicks?

And if so,do I then need to carry a set of rains as well for those less than ideal days you typical Canadian summer brings?

Or should I just buy a rear Corsa 3 rear and ride?

**Teal** · 11-26-2009, 05:56 PM

I posted this link in another thread but I think that the OP may benefit from it as well.
http://www.gixxer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=243041

Just ask yourself, if you run slicks or DOT race tires will you be able to maintain them in their optimum temperature range? Do you plan on using tire warmers? Do you have the tools/knowledge/skillset/resources to adjust your suspension accordingly? If not, don't assume you'll be any faster or that the tires will last any longer than current.

As many other riders have suggested, while slicks and DOT's are awesome tires, if you don't know how to use them you may very well experience some hard and/or costly mistakes. I speak from experience, or rather lack-thereof.

**Fiery254** · 11-26-2009, 06:15 PM

Thanks for the opinions guys. I'm decided. A set of 003's or a Diablo Corsa 3 rear to match the front.

**Fiery254** · 11-26-2009, 09:08 PM

Originally Posted by Teal

I posted this link in another thread but I think that the OP may benefit from it as well.
http://www.gixxer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=243041

Just ask yourself, if you run slicks or DOT race tires will you be able to maintain them in their optimum temperature range? Do you plan on using tire warmers? Do you have the tools/knowledge/skillset/resources to adjust your suspension accordingly? If not, don't assume you'll be any faster or that the tires will last any longer than current.

As many other riders have suggested, while slicks and DOT's are awesome tires, if you don't know how to use them you may very well experience some hard and/or costly mistakes. I speak from experience, or rather lack-thereof.

Yep, the intention was to find out what was best bang for buck when buying tyres. I am nowhere near 'hotshot' level, I'm barely creeping out of beginner. And I believe in the KISS principle as well. It's a bit like when I was at the ranges in the Army. I tried a telescopic sight one day. It did nothing to improve my accuracy. As was commented; "It makes a good shot better, not a bad shot good", and I suppose the same applies to slicks. I guess they're part of a whole package, and the rider is an integral part of the package.

**mobius** · 12-01-2009, 10:47 AM

this past season I used the 003(race) at shannonville and was realy happy with them, very sticky and last a long time compared to pirelli for example. ended up having 2 leftover sets for next year thinking I was going to need them.

**spinto** · 12-04-2009, 07:05 AM

Originally Posted by Fiery254

I'm facing my first season with a dedicated track bike and want a new set of tires. I currently have Dunlop Qualifiers on for street use. Not my first choice but all the dealer had when I had to buy an emergency set on a road trip.

I have a front Diablo Corsa 3 left over from the last set.

My questions are;

If I'm running track only then am I better off with slicks?

And if so,do I then need to carry a set of rains as well for those less than ideal days you typical Canadian summer brings?

Or should I just buy a rear Corsa 3 rear and ride?

I have many DOT scrubs to choose from.....email me at info AT motocorp DOT ca