Pirelli SC3 Race Tires

Crap, these pictures are not legible at all.
Basically if you are running on a track that the air temp is above 64 degrees, you should be on a SC1 rear tire.
The SC2 rear gives up traction on temps above 64 degrees, it actually a better suited tire for colder days.

Tom yfz said:

Crap, these pictures are not legible at all.
Basically if you are running on a track that the air temp is above 64 degrees, you should be on a SC1 rear tire.
The SC2 rear gives up traction on temps above 64 degrees, it actually a better suited tire for colder days.

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Not sure where that came from but it's wrong. The SC2 is the widest temp range rear tire.
The rear Pirelli Superbike Slick track temp ranges are:
SC0 - 77f+ only (Qualifying tire)
SC1 - 68f to 114f
SC2 - 47f to 122f

Those ranges are track surface temp, not ambient temp. Track temp typically at ambient or up to +40f on sunny days. All of the tires can be used outside of the published ranges, but they won't be "optimal" as far as grip/wear. The published ranges are specifically for sprint racing applications, not track days. Usable ranges for track days are wider.

jarelj said:

The new Pirelli SC3 "Ultra Hard" compound tires are proving to be a great addition to the lineup! We've been selling the SC3's for the past couple of months, and feedback has been very positive. This is Pirelli's designated "Track Day / Endurance" compound and it's available in both front 120 and rear 180/200 sizes. The SC3's are also less expensive, fronts are $8 less and rears are $16 less. I tried it for the first time on my Panigale this week and ran the fastest laps I have ran all year on that tire, so I didn't notice any significant decrease in grip vs. the SC2. The wear was excellent running the rear at 27psi hot off the warmers. I'll see how it holds up now over the next few events, I was getting 4-5 days out of the SC2 rear so if I can get 6+ out of the SC3 I'll be very happy with that.

And look, I WON the track day!! Ha ha!!

TrackAddix Transponder Lap Times

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are these or are these not the updated version of the superbike pro tire? i cant get a straight answer on that

jarelj said:

Not sure where that came from but it's wrong. The SC2 is the widest temp range rear tire.
The rear Pirelli Superbike Slick track temp ranges are:
SC0 - 77f+ only (Qualifying tire)
SC1 - 68f to 114f
SC2 - 47f to 122f

Those ranges are track surface temp, not ambient temp. Track temp typically at ambient or up to +40f on sunny days. All of the tires can be used outside of the published ranges, but they won't be "optimal" as far as grip/wear. The published ranges are specifically for sprint racing applications, not track days. Usable ranges for track days are wider.

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Something is wrong here. SC1 clearly shows to have the widest temperature range on rear on their site. Trackday vs sprint = totally different range? Cant believe this.

Zelnik said:

Something is wrong here. SC1 clearly shows to have the widest temperature range on rear on their site. Trackday vs sprint = totally different range? Cant believe this.

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From the charts that I saw on STG, SC2 front tire has the widest temperature range and SC1 rear (just as you point out) has the widest temperature range as well...

mark419ny said:

are these or are these not the updated version of the superbike pro tire? i cant get a straight answer on that

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The SC3 is absolutely not an updated version of the PRO, it's a whole new compound developed on the SC platform, trickled-down from WSBK development.

Thank you


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Zelnik said:

Something is wrong here. SC1 clearly shows to have the widest temperature range on rear on their site. Trackday vs sprint = totally different range? Cant believe this.

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Much of this changed when the latest generation of SC2, the SC2 V2, came out in 2014/2015. We use SC2's for most applications for the rear, and now that the SC3 is available we'll be using that as well for the track day riders and those wanting longer life. We don't sell many SC1 rears in the larger sizes, only to sprint racers who want a little extra grip. The SC2's have a higher resitance to cold tearing, which is the most common thing we find as a problem for track day riders. The SC1 really needs to be warmed up before it's loaded or it will cold tear. So again, in my experience, the SC2 has the widest operating range and is the most "forgiving" compound.

All of our compound and temperature information comes directly from the Pirelli North America distributor, and we rely on that to sell the tires accurately. As far as what else is out there on the internet, I can't really speak to the accuracy of it, where it came from, how current it is, etc.

This is our current Pirelli Superbike Slick compound guideline:
FRONT
SC0: The SC0 compound when applied in a front racing tire is best in colder conditions and on less abrasive tracks. It is best utilized when the track temperature is at a low of 8°C/47°F and a high of 25°C/77°F. The tire will provide maximum grip at lower temps but may begin to fade at higher temperatures after numerous laps. This compound is best in shorter sprint races. This is a SPECIALIZED compound and not very commonly used.

SC1: The SC1 compound is a very strong compound with a wide range of operating parameters. It is best at track temperatures starting at 15°C/59°F up to 40°C/104°F. It provides excellent grip and amazing rider feel. This compound is best in sprint racing and is durable on a wide range of track surfaces. COOL WEATHER COMPOUND - not for use in hot conditions.

SC2: The SC2 is a very durable and resistant compound capable of standing up to the rigors of either sprint or endurance racing. The temperature range begins at about 22°C/72°F and is very effective up to 50°C/ 122°F. Due to the harder compound used in the SC2, the tire will tend to feel a little more stable on braking and initial turn-in. WARM AND HOT WEATHER COMPOUND - use caution if used in cool conditions

REAR
SC0: The rear SC0 compound is best in higher temperatures and on less abrasive surfaces. It is highly effective for sprint racing and in turning very quick qualifying laps. Durability of the SC0 rear will not be ideal in colder temperatures or on more abrasive surfaces over numerous laps. Track temperatures should range from 25°C/ 77°F and up. This is a SPECIALIZED compound and not very commonly used.

SC1: The SC1 rear compound not only offers tremendous grip but has become more durable and resistant to heat cycling over the past two years. It is an ideal sprint racing tire and best used at track temperatures ranging from 20°C/68°F to 45°C/114°F. The new SC1 rear is the most common choice for sprint racing and is a low durability tire. RACE compound and not very commonly used for track days.

SC2: The SC2 compound has a wider operating temperature range compared to the SC0 and SC1. The newest SC2 can be used at temperatures as low as 8°C/47°F and up to 55°C/122°F. The SC2 is a very good choice for club racers, longer sprint races, and endurance racing where tires changes are planned. ALL-PURPOSE COMPOUND - The choice for most needs

jarelj said:

The SC2 front is actually better for late braking, it has a stiffer carcass for added stability under hard braking. But the SC1 has better "feel" on corner entry due to the added flex and contact patch size, so maybe that's what you mean, you like trail-braking the SC1 better?

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That might be exactly what I mean! Lol


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Chudas1199 said:

Guys....... lets be honest..... can You tell me HOW You can make 3-5 days from Pirelli Superbike Slick SC2??? Based on my experience from local track ( MotoGP track Brno, Autodrom MOST, Slovakiaring) i can get only 1 and half day from rear 200/60. You must have a very smooth tarmac....otherwise .... Whole track day i mean 6x 20 min runs...

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It all comes down to 3 things...

1. Pace.

2. Setup/throttle control/track surface/ambient conditions/bike size.

3. Pace.

If tire life is being measured in complete days, then #1 and #3 are the biggest determining factors. As rider pace picks up, #2 becomes much more important.

For example, I have some race tire take-offs on the RSV4 and have had that set on there over a year and they are still fine. All I do is ride back and forth to the gym, then through the mountains sometimes.

On the track, I measure tire life in laps. Depending on the track, I will get 20-30 laps out of a rear tire. Beyond that, the tire would still be ok for street riding or even track days, but it race usefulness is gone.

jarelj said:

The SC2 front is actually better for late braking, it has a stiffer carcass for added stability under hard braking. But the SC1 has better "feel" on corner entry due to the added flex and contact patch size, so maybe that's what you mean, you like trail-braking the SC1 better?

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Not necessarily. The SC1 can be just as good, you just have to play with air pressure and setup. I run an SC1 front because I like the feel better, but I run more psi than what the tire vendor suggests.

Chaotic said:

Not necessarily. The SC1 can be just as good, you just have to play with air pressure and setup. I run an SC1 front because I like the feel better, but I run more psi than what the tire vendor suggests.

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I prefer the feel of the SC 1 front I run my pressures at 36/37 off the track . I have used the SC 2 fronts but have not had a great experience with them .
The SC 1 rears have not ever been popular with me I have always preferred the stiffer walls of the SC 0 on hotter days other than that I use a SC 2 rear or a SCX at Phillip Island .
Maybe the SC 3 might be a good choice for a rear at PI .

To clear a few things up...

The Superbike Pro's are essentially a street tire with no grooves. They are a Slick, but they aren't a true race tire. Think of them like a Q3 with no grooves.

As the track gets hotter, an SC0 will provide the most grip. Personally, all during the summer I race on an SC0. And contrary to popular belief, you CAN get good life out of an SC0. It is not a "Qualifying tire". I have gotten 3 Sprint races (24 laps) out of an SC0 rear at Barber Motorsports Park, and was still running high :32's, low :33's in the last race (granted, this was on a 600...not a Liter bike).

And BTW, since we are in the Racing section of the forum - I often see people use the terms "Advanced" (referring to the fastest group at track days) and "Race" when describing pace as if they are one in the same. For example "they will work fine until you get up to an Advanced/Race pace".

In reality, those terms aren't interchangeable. There is a very big difference between Advanced track day pace, and Race pace. Of course it depends on the organization, the day, etc. Sometimes the TD groups are faster than the others; it varies a lot. But I have often see guys who easily run at the front of the Advanced group struggle to finish in the top 15 in a Novice race.

For the sake of most conversations, the terms can be used interchangeably and it doesn't really matter. Like if we are talking about safety gear (although I feel everyone on the track should be in full gear, including chest/back protectors), tire warmers, tire selections, brake pads, etc. Then sure, those terms can be used together because when it comes to those things, the Advanced TD guy and Racer will likely use the same stuff.

But when it comes to discussions on tire longevity or pace/lap times, those terms should not be interchanged because they are very different.

Agreed on the SC 0 . On a hot day with correct pressures they actually wear and last well .

wilkson said:

I prefer the feel of the SC 1 front I run my pressures at 36/37 off the track . I have used the SC 2 fronts but have not had a great experience with them .
The SC 1 rears have not ever been popular with me I have always preferred the stiffer walls of the SC 0 on hotter days other than that I use a SC 2 rear or a SCX at Phillip Island .
Maybe the SC 3 might be a good choice for a rear at PI .

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Same here on all counts.

I have tried the SC2 front a few times, didn't like the feel of it. I use an SC1 front at the same pressures you do.

I run an SC0 rear during the summer. At the season opener or at the Grand National Finals (when the temps are a good bit cooler), I will run the SC1 rear.

The only time I have ran an SC2 rear was during Endurance racing.

Maybe for a FEW the terms can't be used interchangeably, but how many people who are legitimate championship-winning racers are looking for tire advice on online Ducati forums? Not many, and certainly no one on this forum. Those of you who are at that level already know what all of the tire vendors know, that you have to be a tire expert or have someone at hand who is an expert, on specific tires at specific tracks on specific bikes with a specific rider, in order to manage things properly. At that level, there is often a big disconnect between the "general" advice given by the tire manufacturers and what is being used in the race. So when I say "Advanced/Race" pace here, I'm not talking about "I'm the #1 plate in my region, hoping to get a MotoAmerica ride next year", I'm talking about "I just got my CCS license and will be racing my first sprint race next weekend." That rider is MUCH more voluminous than the #1 plate guy, there are probably dozens of them right here viewing this thread, and at that level the tire issues are nearly identical between Advanced and Race pace. Hope that clears it up.

On the fronts, yes I actually prefer an SC1 also, and also at higher than recommended pressures, but that is again a very specific "I know my tires and how they respond" tactic, rather than general advice to give to aspiring track rider who's coming off of Supercorsa SP's and trying a slick for the first time. I would never take a first-time slick guy and put him on an SC1 at high pressure and say "here you go, have fun trail-braking". Again, that's who my online tire discussions are directed toward, not the top racers who already know this stuff. This is not the CCS or WERA forum where it's all racers, there are going to be multitudes of track day or aspiring track day riders here, not expert racers. The expert racers don't need help here with tires.

jarelj said:

Maybe for a FEW the terms can't be used interchangeably, but how many people who are legitimate championship-winning racers are looking for tire advice on online Ducati forums? Not many, and certainly no one on this forum. Those of you who are at that level already know what all of the tire vendors know, that you have to be a tire expert or have someone at hand who is an expert, on specific tires at specific tracks on specific bikes with a specific rider, in order to manage things properly. At that level, there is often a big disconnect between the "general" advice given by the tire manufacturers and what is being used in the race. So when I say "Advanced/Race" pace here, I'm not talking about "I'm the #1 plate in my region, hoping to get a MotoAmerica ride next year", I'm talking about "I just got my CCS license and will be racing my first sprint race next weekend." That rider is MUCH more voluminous than the #1 plate guy, there are probably dozens of them right here viewing this thread, and at that level the tire issues are nearly identical between Advanced and Race pace. Hope that clears it up.

On the fronts, yes I actually prefer an SC1 also, and also at higher than recommended pressures, but that is again a very specific "I know my tires and how they respond" tactic, rather than general advice to give to aspiring track rider who's coming off of Supercorsa SP's and trying a slick for the first time. I would never take a first-time slick guy and put him on an SC1 at high pressure and say "here you go, have fun trail-braking". Again, that's who my online tire discussions are directed toward, not the top racers who already know this stuff. This is not the CCS or WERA forum where it's all racers, there are going to be multitudes of track day or aspiring track day riders here, not expert racers. The expert racers don't need help here with tires.

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I don't disagree with any of that. I was simply pointing out that in reality there is a difference between Advanced TD pace and Race pace. And not just the front running Experts. Like i said, i have seen many guys who can run at the front of the Advanced group, but barely crack the top 15 in a Novice race.

When I was doing track days (before I started racing), and even now when I go do track days, I can get a whole weekend on the front and a whole day on the rear riding in Advanced. When racing, even as a Novice, that isn't the case.

Since this is the Racing section of this forum, and we were discussing tire selections and tire longevity, i was merely pointing there is a difference between Advanced TD pace and Race pace. People should not expect the same tire wear (and likely won't use the same tires) in both situations. Hence for the sake of this discussion, the terms can't always be interchanged. In most other discussions, they can.

Seriously everyone; just try the SC 2.5, yes TWO POINT FIVE. I used to trash an SC2 in about 7 laps on my BMW S1000RR at Thunderhill, the SC 2.5 has all the grip, but far better longevity. It was specifically designed for Philip Island and is a TRUE WSBK tyre.

Try one out and hammer the sh-1t out of it and you will be impressed.

I was thinking of trying out the SC 2.5 Philip Island Development Tire at Thill but decided not to because its a development tire. My thought is there is no reason to get used to a tire like that if you can't replicate the purchase in the future to continue developing your own bike.

If the suspension setup changes for the SC 2.5 (which it will), and you can't get it anymore (which is a high probability) you may take steps forward and then back. Also it depends on pace, SC0, SC1, SC2, SC2.5, SC3 rears may all feel the same to some and not to others.

I also agree with the previous statement regarding the SC1 front. The feeling is great, definitely a lot of feedback when the front is swimming under breaking at turns like 10 and 14.

Soooooo, this is bad then ??

(Not my bike)

NOLA