On track tyre pressure (esp. Pilot Powers)

[Toast]

Hey all, I'm just wondering what you guys do with your tyre pressures on the track. I know that you should drop them to give more grip and compensate for the increased heat generated at track speeds, right?

The guy at Cycletreads who sold me a set of Pilot Powers recommended that I don't drop the pressures much, if at all, when I take it on the track. He said that he uses the same tyres on his 12r, and found that they slid heaps when he dropped the pressure. Has anyone else had similar experiences with Pilot Powers?

I use 36-37 in the front and 41-42 in the rear on the road...which works fine there...any recommendations for what I should use on the track? I'm thinking about going to that track day on Monday, and really wanna get it right (haven't got crash bungs yet).

Cheers for any input you can provide guys.

[White trash]

I run 29-29 in Racetecs at the track.

Not sure if this helps as I've never used Pilot porwes.

[Quasievil]

What track day is on Monday ?

For me Pirelli Diablos I run 29 front 31 rear
tyres heat up more on the track hence lower pressure, not that Im an expert. but a expert (mechanic and racer) told me to run these pressures. Like anything do what the manuafacturer recommends and you will be fine

[Quasievil]

I run 29-29 in Racetecs at the track.

Not sure if this helps as I've never used Pilot porwes.

Mate you are 2psi out on the rear:whistle:

[Toast]

Damn that was a fast reply, thanks mate. I think I should def drop the pressure a bit from my road use, as that's what anyone I know who's ever been to the track does. I'm just kinda put out by the Cycletreads guy's comment (awesome service, and great place to shop by the way, not trying to say anything against them).

Can anyone think why Pilot Powers wouldn't like low pressures? (construction of the tyre, compound loves heat...etc...?)

[Toast]

What track day is on Monday ?

For me Pirelli Diablos I run 29 front 31 rear
tyres heat up more on the track hence lower pressure, not that Im an expert. but a expert (mechanic and racer) told me to run these pressures. Like anything do what the manuafacturer recommends and you will be fine


Oh yeah, the owners manual, that might have something about track tyre pressures :blink: :o :Oops:

There's a track day at Puke on Monday I think...starting in the arvo, run by some motorcycle shop from Whangarei. I read about it in the meetings and events forum...in a thread not specifically about it, someone mentioned it...I'll try to find the thread...

[Keeper]

racing superstock on 208GP i was using 31 front 29 rear

[TwoSeven]

I would say that your 37/42 would be a maxiumum pressure to be using - it doesnt allow for any usage heat build up and is pretty close to the manufacturers maximum limit. I suspect you may be more comfy with perhaps a 36/40 or in that ballpark starting off pressure.

I find most people run silly pressures on the track with road tires because they 'talk' to someone in the know who gives them slick pressures for a mate who knows a mate who is apparently knowledgable in that area.

So i'd suggest, with road tires, next track day, take your standard settings and drop em both 2psi each session and write a note in a log book about what you thought they felt like at the start, middle and end of each session). You'll probably notice them go washy after you drop six or seven psi.

Just my thoughts.

[Toast]

Track day (I'm assuming that there's no 'Puke' in Whangarei...is there?):

"There's a Puke track day on Anzac Day as well. Planet Honda is running it. Think it is $100 per rider. Will have to see if it comes under HRCNZ, because if it does the bike will be covered "

-RiderInBlack

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=11079

[Toast]

I would say that your 37/42 would be a maxiumum pressure to be using - it doesnt allow for any usage heat build up and is pretty close to the manufacturers maximum limit. I suspect you may be more comfy with perhaps a 36/40 or in that ballpark starting off pressure.

I find most people run silly pressures on the track with road tires because they 'talk' to someone in the know who gives them slick pressures for a mate who knows a mate who is apparently knowledgable in that area.

So i'd suggest, with road tires, next track day, take your standard settings and drop em both 2psi each session and write a note in a log book about what you thought they felt like at the start, middle and end of each session). You'll probably notice them go washy after you drop six or seven psi.

Just my thoughts.

Cheers for that TwoSeven, I think I'll make that the plan.

Thanks all you guys for your help. :2thumbsup It's amazing how quick a response you can get on this site. Even at this time of the day.

[TwoSeven]

Do some more research tho. I'm sure there is someone here with the same tires or who has used them that could provide better or more precise advice.

[Madguitarist!]

I do believe it comes down to your riding style as those recommended pressure are just that, 'recommended'.

You might wanna drop it a couple of psi (maybe 35ish) for the 1st session and take a note of the pressure straight after the session as well as observing how the tyres performed.

As the day goes, you'll get faster and push harder which would heat up your tyre more and will have to lower the pressure acordingly.

My 2 cents.... but have a good safe track day anyways~!!!! :2thumbsup

[loosebruce]

Yea whayever you feel comfortable with mate, I ran powers on my TLS and drop from my road pressures of 34F - 32R to 30F - 30R, the bike moves round a bit (not as much as at the moment thou) but i like it that way.
The powers are a wicked tyre thou, especailly in the wet, the warm up time on them is super fast and they even wear quite well, seeing how hard the TL's are on rubber.