Old but new slicks ... opinions ?

[Dreama]

I have a new set of Dunlop KR 108's that date from 2007 and they were fuckin expensive back then. They have always been stored in a cool dark room under a blanket and they're not bad on the finger nail test.
Due to financial issues, my bike burning at Paeroa and other shit I quit racing in 2009/10. I kept the slicks thinking I might get to use them one day but mainly cos nobody wanted to buy them at the time.
So now I'm entered for the 6hr on a 2007 R1.
I want to use them but I'm just not sure it's a wise move ?
Opinions ?

[Drew]

Pretty big risk. One set of hoops aren't gonna be enough for the six hour, what else ya got?

[mr bucketracer]

will be fine

[AllanB]

I read a article recently about tyre life. I can't remember which brand made a recommendation of 8 years shelf life if stored as you described.

Given the consequences of them not performing well during your race why risk it.

Then again grab some black nugget and Burt Munroe them

[Dreama]

Pretty big risk. One set of hoops aren't gonna be enough for the six hour, what else ya got?

One set will have to do it. 4 x 1/2 hr stints. The way this bike delivers power, the setup and my riding, which is nowhere near the pointy end, it's bloody good with tyre life.

If I have to I'll just turn them around 1/2 way through !

[Dreama]

I read a article recently about tyre life. I can't remember which brand made a recommendation of 8 years shelf life if stored as you described.

Given the consequences of them not performing well during your race why risk it.

Then again grab some black nugget and Burt Munroe them

Yes, the consequences, that's the head fuck bit.

But it's not a sprint race so I won't be pushing too hard ......
It's a hard choice ... ditch a top quality ( these were $1k for anybody that could even get them back then) set of unused slicks .... or spend more money that I shouldn't be.
It's definitely highlighted why I won't be doing (much) more racing ( apart from the age bit )

[Drew]

One set will have to do it. 4 x 1/2 hr stints. The way this bike delivers power, the setup and my riding, which is nowhere near the pointy end, it's bloody good with tyre life.

If I have to I'll just turn them around 1/2 way through !

If they're just doing your third of the race you might be ok. Being that old ya might find they don't go anywhere near lasting two hours.

Performance is almost certainly not gonna be optimal from them. But as you say, it's not a sprint race.

I'd run them, I'd also have a couple sets of used tyres from any number of racers selling them on hand.

[Mental Trousers]

One set will have to do it. 4 x 1/2 hr stints. The way this bike delivers power, the setup and my riding, which is nowhere near the pointy end, it's bloody good with tyre life.

If I have to I'll just turn them around 1/2 way through !

You'll get penalized if you take an axle out of the bike. The intention is to have people running a single set of tyres for the entire thing, which is surprisingly easy if your bike runs a half decent setup. However, they won't stop you from changing the tyre if it's dangerous etc, you'll just be penalized for it.

[sugilite:Me]

You will be pushing to get two hours out of those tyres, but it would not be impossible. I ran tyres of that age that had been stored for that long without issues. I know that vintage Dunlop and they definitely wore better than the later models ever did. Just my experience - yours maybe different. Just take it easy in the early laps and get a good feel for what is going on with them.

[Drew]

Hang on, these are pre 'Entec' slicks yeah?

If they are, I look forward to hearing how the weave feels over the start finish line.

[Drew]

Cancel that. They are the Ntec version.

[AllanB]

Whats a fresh set worth?

You know if you use the old ones you'll just spend the race questioning them .......

[Dreama]

Whats a fresh set worth?

You know if you use the old ones you'll just spend the race questioning them .......

You're right, I will.
But $600 for a set of tyres for one day ... I think I can deal with the head fuck bit.
I use 'used' slicks for trackdays. I'm in the back half of the fast group. I've got nothing to prove or gain by trying to be something I'm not.

I've made the choice, based partly on the above opinions, to run with the Dunlops.
When I was racing I spent so much money it destroyed me.
Not going there again.

[malcy25]

I'm not comfortable using old tyres like that - heat light and age are what kills tyres (and beer!)...

A friend has previously said to me to though, to not fear old Dunlops that have been stored well - just get into them with the tyre warmers.

Despite my trepidation, I was mildly surprised when my brother used a set of 2007 Dunlop KR's on his bike (and they were used ones at that!) and he said they worked well and not the limiting factor.....and photos I saw after they looked good. Still he did take them off after that!

As usual the final call will always be over to you Ed!

[Dreama]

I'm not comfortable using old tyres like that - heat light and age are what kills tyres (and beer!)...

A friend has previously said to me to though, to not fear old Dunlops that have been stored well - just get into them with the tyre warmers.

Despite my trepidation, I was mildly surprised when my brother used a set of 2007 Dunlop KR's on his bike (and they were used ones at that!) and he said they worked well and not the limiting factor.....and photos I saw after they looked good. Still he did take them off after that!

As usual the final call will always be over to you Ed!

Yeah, despite my previous bolshy post about using them I'm still trying to decide ... well prolly read that as whimping out.
I can just use them for future track days, at least that way if I feel they are dodgy I can just change without a penalty.