Track day tyre wear

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Hamish

Hamish

Joined
Jun 28, 2012
Messages
201
Location
Wellington New Zealand
Did my first track day ever yesterday, why have I not done that sooner!!! Great day, have had plenty of track time in cars but on a bike its a different world, certainly makes you appreciate what the MotoGP and WSBK boys do.

Anyway for those of you who are regulars at track days, take a look at the wear on my rear tyre. Is this normal? Seems the tyre is getting too hot and literally melting.

We had a F1 Superbike rider and his team there testing and his suspension guy took a look at my tyre and said my suspension is too hard causing the rear to spin, valid point. However I GoPro'd a couple of sessions, had the DTC set at 5 and after reviewing the footage my DTC indicator didn't flash once to indicate loss of traction. Not only that but I kept it in 195hi but sport mode using the softer susension settings. Someone else suggested I use tyre warmers, don't see how this well help... But I'm happy to be enlightened

It was a relatively cool day, maybe 13-14C, had tyre pressures set at 30PSI for front and rear. I'm definitely no expect so your thoughts would be appreciated
 

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Good read here:

Riding Skills Series: Tire Management - Sport Rider Magazine

I also don't think very highly of the Pirelli's. Your tire pressure also seems off. The front is ALWAYS higher, sometimes 10psi. You need to ask your vendor. My Michelins are 28/31 cold, Dunlops are 21/31 or so.

I would think about reducing the preload just a tad and lower your rear pressure. The settings adjust rebound and dampening, not preload fyi. Mine off my race bike, its wear is pretty uniform and not nearly as poor as yours:

20121020_144048.jpg
 
Last edited:
unless you're a very heavy rider, the factory settings are pretty stiff. Next track day you go to (usually have a suspension guy there) pay him the $$ to give a good baseline setup on your bike.

Also, as pointed out in another thread (thanks jarelj), be sure to mention that forks bottom out 33 mm above the axle mounts.


Track days are very addicting!




Hamish said:
Did my first track day ever yesterday, why have I not done that sooner!!! Great day, have had plenty of track time in cars but on a bike its a different world, certainly makes you appreciate what the MotoGP and WSBK boys do.

Anyway for those of you who are regulars at track days, take a look at the wear on my rear tyre. Is this normal? Seems the tyre is getting too hot and literally melting.

We had a F1 Superbike rider and his team there testing and his suspension guy took a look at my tyre and said my suspension is too hard causing the rear to spin, valid point. However I GoPro'd a couple of sessions, had the DTC set at 5 and after reviewing the footage my DTC indicator didn't flash once to indicate loss of traction. Not only that but I kept it in 195hi but sport mode using the softer susension settings. Someone else suggested I use tyre warmers, don't see how this well help... But I'm happy to be enlightened

It was a relatively cool day, maybe 13-14C, had tyre pressures set at 30PSI for front and rear. I'm definitely no expect so your thoughts would be appreciated
Click to expand...
 
Was it an abrasive track? How did everyone else's tire wear look, lots of balled up rubber like your tire or smooth? I seriously doubt you were spinning up that tire being your first track day and having DTC set to 5. Did you set your sag? If not, do that first before doing anything else.
 
Thanks guys, pretty much answers my question. My suspension setup is out to lunch and pressure is too high. Good read TransNone13 too, thanks for that.

Looks like it will be off back to my dealer for a proper setup next week, probably should invest in some tyre warmers and a front stand
 
jarelj said:
Was it an abrasive track? How did everyone else's tire wear look, lots of balled up rubber like your tire or smooth? I seriously doubt you were spinning up that tire being your first track day and having DTC set to 5. Did you set your sag? If not, do that first before doing anything else.
Click to expand...

Yes it was abrasive, certainly not in the best condition. As for spinning the rear tyre or NOT for that matter, I did think that was the case and this guy was talking smack as he wanted to earn my business by revalving my suspension...

But point taken, setup is critical. Will definitely get it dialed in before the next track day
 
Hamish said:
Yes it was abrasive, certainly not in the best condition. As for spinning the rear tyre or NOT for that matter, I did think that was the case and this guy was talking smack as he wanted to earn my business by revalving my suspension...

But point taken, setup is critical. Will definitely get it dialed in before the next track day
Click to expand...

Yeeaaah, slipping looks nothing like that. It'll be like a smooth or skid mark on the tire. IDK how to describe it, but you'll know.
 
So does anyone know where I can get tyre warmers that fit a 200 rear that doesn't cost a stupid amount of $$$
 
You guys will make fun of me, but seriously... pjsparts.com. lmao! (I actually got them for a little less, but that's what's listed right now.)
 
Mate I'm in NZ, no idea who pjsparts are... Found some on eBay - Chicken Hawk, probably will do the trick
 
zvez said:
you don't need tire warmers for street tires for track days.
Click to expand...

Yeah, a warm-up lap will do the trick. BUT they may help the tire last longer.

Also, a lot of people I know run Chicken Hawk. I would recommend against the digital ones if they're cheap. They always go out.
 
that's a good article!

TransNone13 said:
Good read here:

Riding Skills Series: Tire Management - Sport Rider Magazine

I also don't think very highly of the Pirelli's. Your tire pressure also seems off. The front is ALWAYS higher, sometimes 10psi. You need to ask your vendor. My Michelins are 28/31 cold, Dunlops are 21/31 or so.

I would think about reducing the preload just a tad and lower your rear pressure. The settings adjust rebound and dampening, not preload fyi. Mine off my race bike, its wear is pretty uniform and not nearly as poor as yours:

20121020_144048.jpg
Click to expand...
 
Those are street tires your riding on, get yourself some sticky tires like SC1's up front and SC2's rears and you'll be fine. To set proper sag is essential of course.
 
The Pirellis look like a street legal slick anyway, but now I'm confused - warmers aren't necessary?
 

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