sticky race tyres vs slicks

[scracha]

Ok, total noob question here but how much sticker is a slick compared to a very sticky road tyre like a Dunlop GPR or 208GP?
Are we talking a couple of seconds a lap?

Keep hearing stories about novices like moi going out on slicks and crashing.

[idleidolidyll]

Ok, total noob question here but how much sticker is a slick compared to a very sticky road tyre like a Dunlop GPR or 208GP?
Are we talking a couple of seconds a lap?

Keep hearing stories about novices like moi going out on slicks and crashing.

apparently, for some makes, there's no difference in compound but the gaps in road tyres don't stick to tarseal so the slick is always better

[stify]

I'm about to sample slicks on our zxr400f3 bike for the first time tomorrow at frosties big day out, I need some pointers:

1: what sort of pressure should they be run at.ie std pressure for the bike or somit different

2: I don't have tyre warmers so about how many laps before they get warm and stickish

3: the slicks we have aren't that worn but have not been used since feb this year,will they still be ok

any tips etc will be mucho helpfull

cheers

[White trash]

Stify, you're a wally. Slicks don't heat up very fast at all. No tread to "move around" and generate heat. Without warmers, you're almst ALWAYS better off with treaded tyres. Slicks that old as long as they're in god condition and have been stored properly should be A OK on the little 400.

Pressures will depend on the track temp.

Come have a yarn and bring your mint partner with ya too, haven't seen you guys for ages :D

[scrivy]

Come have a yarn and bring your mint partner with ya too :D

I can sense a 3 way coming........... :whistle:

[White trash]

I can sense a 3 way coming........... :whistle:
Nah mate, Riff raff aint into sharing, and who can blame her? I mean look at me!

[scracha]

Nah mate, Riff raff aint into sharing, and who can blame her? I mean look at me!

So who's she shaggin if you're gettin none? :niceone:

[White trash]

Probably Jimbo600 or someother good lookin pommy bastard....

[stify]

Stify, you're a wally. Slicks don't heat up very fast at all. No tread to "move around" and generate heat. Without warmers, you're almst ALWAYS better off with treaded tyres. Slicks that old as long as they're in god condition and have been stored properly should be A OK on the little 400.

Pressures will depend on the track temp.

Come have a yarn and bring your mint partner with ya too, haven't seen you guys for ages :D

yeh I know I'm a wally,but I'm way to tight to put new rubber on.

We'll catch up with you tommorow-with me mint partner of course

[slowpoke]

Ok, total noob question here but how much sticker is a slick compared to a very sticky road tyre like a Dunlop GPR or 208GP?
Are we talking a couple of seconds a lap?

Keep hearing stories about novices like moi going out on slicks and crashing.

I'm no expert but as Jimmy mentioned above the slick is gonna take longer to warm up if you haven't got tyre warmers and will "cold tear" like a bastard (especially at Taupo) and feel very ordinary until up to temp. If you are running any race compound tyres treaded or otherwise get yourself some warmers 'cos they'll pay for themselves quick smart.
The mental aspect has to be considered too. While the tyres may be capable of going faster, are you? It takes a bit to get your head around the fact that the limits have changed with stickier tyres. It's very difficult to flick a switch and tell yourself you can now take corners 10% faster or get on the gas 10% earlier etc.
Slicks also tend to come in different profiles to your average sport road tyre. Sport road tyres might be say 120/60 (F) and 190/50 (R) whereas a genuine race tyre might be 120/70 (F) 190/60 (R) so the handling is quite different.

[TonyB]

Stify, you're a wally. Slicks don't heat up very fast at all. No tread to "move around" and generate heat. Without warmers, you're almst ALWAYS better off with treaded tyres. I agree with you WT, but there are a few guys down here who use slicks without warmers and will swear that slicks are always better, no matter what the tyre temperature is.

[vtec]

It's very difficult to flick a switch and tell yourself you can now take corners 10% faster or get on the gas 10% earlier etc.

As someone who has crashed because of cold tyres at least twice while fully aware of their reduced effectiveness due to temp. The difference is more like 40% difference in corner speed.

[k14]

I agree with you WT, but there are a few guys down here who use slicks without warmers and will swear that slicks are always better, no matter what the tyre temperature is.
Yeah I think it depends on what bike you are riding. On a 125 you can go out on cold tyres and go pretty hard from the outset, so long as you are careful they should be alright, same for a bucket. But you do that on a 600 or 1000 and you will be on your arse straight away. So depends on a lot of things, but yes warmers are a good idea regardless of what bike you are on. Will save you in the long run.

[Sidewinder]

if your a noob u will crash anyway

[scracha]

Don't confuse moi with Stify, I've got warmy tyre blankies. Whichever of the race bikes chews up their current tyres first will be treated to a second hand slick.

As for getting my head round the stickyness (ooer), I've went from a $hite old Honda (86 VFR750 ) to a $hite slightly less old Honda (89 CBR400) to the 99 748R so I feel like I'm on L plates again. Watching the speed some of you guys turn in is fantastic.

Thanks for all the advice guys.

Oh...a yokel called Brett (rides some $hite old Honda) also told me that to reduce "heat cycles" I should keep the tyre warmers on all day and put them on as soon as the bike comes off the track. Is this true?

[codgyoleracer]

WT is right, slicks take longer to warm up, so if you are going to run them - best you invest in a set of warmers to make em work from lap one onward. That way youll have consistent grip & begin to set up the bike to match.
Most brands (not all) have different profiles & constructions between their treaded & slick types.
When you get to the nitty gritty end of running slicks there is usually three compounds to choose from as well. Choosing the right one is a bit of a science & can be affected by many different things.
Typically on the 400 you would expect to be able to run the softer compounds - but expect them to wear out !
The slicks when used close to their performance capabilities will place more stress on suspension , brakes , frame & you.
Cheers
Glen

[White trash]

Don't confuse moi with Stify, I've got warmy tyre blankies. Whichever of the race bikes chews up their current tyres first will be treated to a second hand slick.

As for getting my head round the stickyness (ooer), I've went from a $hite old Honda (86 VFR750 ) to a $hite slightly less old Honda (89 CBR400) to the 99 748R so I feel like I'm on L plates again. Watching the speed some of you guys turn in is fantastic.

Thanks for all the advice guys.

Oh...a yokel called Brett (rides some $hite old Honda) also told me that to reduce "heat cycles" I should keep the tyre warmers on all day and put them on as soon as the bike comes off the track. Is this true?
Your mate Brett is correct. The less heat cycles the better.

[scracha]

if your a noob u will crash anyway

No, I'll crash again

[Nonbeliever]

I agree with you WT, but there are a few guys down here who use slicks without warmers and will swear that slicks are always better, no matter what the tyre temperature is.

they're idiots