Track tyres - no warmers

[Richard-D]

I need to replace the tyres on my Fireblade. I only use the bike for track days now so mileage isn't important to me. I don't however use tyre warmers, just build it up for a couple of laps. Current tyres are BT016 pro. They seem fine but are getting a little old and they squared off a little last year when I commuted a bit.

What works well for track use on a 1000 without warmers? I'm not fast, comfortable in inters, usually pass as many as pass me. BT016 pro are about £150 so happy to pay up to £200 if that gets me something decent?

[MrGman]

Are tyre warmers really not an option?

[Richard-D]

They are but I just can't really be arsed. Because you've got warmers you need to take paddock stands and a generator and extension leads. For me I can just see it taking a load of the fun out of it.

Edited by Richard-D on Wednesday 17th June 22:29

[Krikkit]

Totally OT, but what happens if you try and warm up slicks from cold on track?

Is it like playing Russian roulette with 5 loaded chambers?

[Richard-D]

I'd say that's related. Having driven karts with cold slicks I wouldn't fancy trying the same on a bike. The first corner was bad enough on 4 wheels, felt like driving on ice.

[308mate]

Richard-D said:

I need to replace the tyres on my Fireblade. I only use the bike for track days now so mileage isn't important to me. I don't however use tyre warmers, just build it up for a couple of laps. Current tyres are BT016 pro. They seem fine but are getting a little old and they squared off a little last year when I commuted a bit.

What works well for track use on a 1000 without warmers? I'm not fast, comfortable in inters, usually pass as many as pass me. BT016 pro are about £150 so happy to pay up to £200 if that gets me something decent?

I'm historically a Dunlop fanboi (Ran D207RRs for years after they stopped making them) and as luck would have it, my current bike has Dunlop Sportmax Q3 on it. They are really very good so far. I also saw a tyre test which showed that they warmed up much quicker than their competition, albeit it was about 3 years old.

[Drawweight]

Richard-D said:

They are but I just can't really be arsed. Because you've got warmers you need to take paddock stands and a generator and extension leads. For me I can just see it taking a load of the fun out of it.

Edited by Richard-D on Wednesday 17th June 22:29

Good on you mate.

Last time I looked at a track day it was more like a BSB paddock.

[gr-eg]

I’ve done quite a few track days on Metzeler M7RR in the inters group. There’s not as much grip as a dedicated track day tyre, but it’s enough, and they have a lot of feel. Also a brilliant year-round road tyre. Haven’t tried the new M9RR but I guess they’d be similar, though you may be able to find deals on the M7 now they’re ‘old’.

If you wanted something with quite a bit more grip the the Metzeler Racetec K3 is also fine without warmers and can be used on the road in decent weather.

There are of course other brands of tyre, but I’ve used Metzeler almost exclusively for years so can’t tell you much about them.

[Richard-D]

Thanks for the suggestions, the racetec K3 sounded like a good option until I looked at the price. At £300 for a set they're a bit spendy for me. I thought what I currently have is fine so I'm guessing anything from the last decade will be an improvement.

Didn't mean to appear dismissive about the tyre warmers in earlier response, just don't think they're necessary for my standard of riding.

[graeme4130]

Have a look at Rosso Corsa 2’s
They heat up quickly and work well on track
We have them fitted to our instructor bikes at Silverstone, and I’d say they offer enough grip for 98% of track day riders

[Richard-D]

I like the sound of something that is used on the instructors' bikes, that must be something that has plenty of grip and wears well too. It is looking like I will have to spend more than I had been intending to though. It's not a big deal really, they'll probably do at least a couple of seasons on my bike anyway.

[trickywoo]

Supercorsa scrubs off eBay and the like.

[Jazoli]

trickywoo said:

Supercorsa scrubs off eBay and the like.

I'd not recommend these really as they don't last that long, just put a set of one the latest sports tyres on it, after a lap there will be plenty of heat in them, like the Rosso Corsa's above, or something like S22's, or the budget option would be Avon Ultra 3D, I did a couple of days on my big old Z1000SX on them and they had more grip than I could use and warmed up really quickly.

[Alex@POD]

What are tyres like the M7RR like in the wet? I am in a similar position as the OP where my skill level will not warrant slicks, is it worth having a spare set of wheels with, say, PR5s on for rainy days?

[Jakey123]

I run bt016 pros as you've mentioned.

Don't find them lacking anywhere really...

[SAS Tom]

I did about 10 days on M7RR’s between 0 degrees and 25+. I didn’t have any issues with them and they lasted well too. Really liked them and didn’t find them lacking although they obviously aren’t as good as proper wets.

[scorcher]

I’d go for Continental Raceattack Endurance. Get really good write ups with good mileage too. Much cheaper than the completion too.

[SpunkyGlory]

trickywoo said:

Supercorsa scrubs off eBay and the like.

Can pick up a new set from £220, but they don't last very long and work much better with warmers.

[graeme4130]

Richard-D said:

I like the sound of something that is used on the instructors' bikes, that must be something that has plenty of grip and wears well too. It is looking like I will have to spend more than I had been intending to though. It's not a big deal really, they'll probably do at least a couple of seasons on my bike anyway.

We don’t use tyre warmers either, and good lap and they’re ready to go