Is there any point in running them on sport tyres for track days? I guess just doing a couple of slower laps to warm them up will do or does the number of heat cycles really matter?
$64k question. On the bike I used at track days for years, I never did when I ran Q2 Dunlops for the 4 years I used those tyres (and still don't now using D212GP Pro 3 front and GP Racer NTEC rear). Generally as I understand it, their operating temperatures are lower as compared to slicks and DOT race tyres. I know Dave Freeman who has raced on Conti's for years will in winter go to a road compound as it's easier to get and keep to their operating temp and he's no slouch.
Seen hundreds of guys over the years on sports style tyres using say 30/30 psi F/R and a lap or 2 warm up with no issues.
All tyres need to attain a certain warm temperature [that temperature is dependent on the tyre construction and compound] in order to be able to deform in the carcass and in the tread so as to grip the road.
The sooner that can happen, the better will the tyre work [that is without considering the pressure component of the equation].
If the tyre is too cold and stressed too much too early, it will either not grip and slide over the road surface leading to a slide or a fall, or it can start to tear, or at best it can just feel really bad. That is without considering that the track you are at may have only one or two corners in one direction so that the tyre surface may not be optimally heated after 2 laps or whatever, leading to a false sense of security.
So, the answer really is and other question: Do you want to go fast straightaway on your trackdays, or do you want to risk falling down early on tyres that are too cold for the conditions in which you are riding?
I think that warmers are a good idea for all riders at trackdays, especially those on big powerful bikes.
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Undoubtedly correct. But ironically the big powerful bikes will warm a tyre faster once on track.
IMO most benefit is seen with the lighter bikes which could be considered to be overtyred for their weight and power. Without warmers, getting those up to temp can take much longer than expected.
There's also a surprising lack of awareness of how a particular track can affect things. Levels is a good example - 540 odd degrees turning to the left before the first righthander...That's caught out some very experienced riders.
Ok, yeah I see your point. Next track day will be my first on the CBR1k but that probably wont be until summer now. I dont tend to go out hard in the first couple of laps anyway but would rather not go down.
So are the temps needed on a road going tyre the same as a slick? i presume they are?
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