Race tyres on the road?

[Gremlin]

+1 on the comments about needing to get them up to operating temperature etc. They are hard work to get up there, and at any temperatures below optimal, they are going to grip less than normal street tyres, with more grooves (part of the reason the street tyres warm up faster).

The ex-race tyre I did try using lasted such a short while (1500km) it cost the same as a new tyre, because I could get more km out of the new ones. That was running the race tyre almost bald, so it had a full life.

I wouldn't bother now, yes its legal, but grip levels etc...

[Drew]

+1 on the comments about needing to get them up to operating temperature etc. They are hard work to get up there, and at any temperatures below optimal, they are going to grip less than normal street tyres, with more grooves (part of the reason the street tyres warm up faster).

This is complete bollucks. Ok, a supercorser needs to reach a certain temp to run at race pace, you think you are getting anywhere near that pace/need for maximum grip on the road? At two thirds temp, it does infact have more than two thirds it's potential grip available. Which is generally higher than that of a sports touring tyre.

I have looked into this shit a bit, ya dont need to talk in dark allys to get info, the manufacturers websites give the stuff away. If you are a conspiracy theorist, who believes a manufacturer is in it for the initial sale, try to be logical for once instead.

The ex-race tyre I did try using lasted such a short while (1500km) it cost the same as a new tyre, because I could get more km out of the new ones. That was running the race tyre almost bald, so it had a full life.

Running said tyre on the Hornet were ya? They have a tendancy to be quite hard on any half worn tyre. Something to do with the weight, perhaps coupled with the bike having shit suspension. Even Ohlins equiped, they still run direct action and are hard to effectively control. (No linkages)

[Gremlin]

04 ZX10 with one of Two Smoker's ex race RaceAttacks...

It was as slippery as shit until you got a lot of heat into them... Had it step sideways on me at 140 odd several times... fun... but yeah

When you can't get the heat into them, they aren't as good as a tyre more suited to your riding, at their proper temperature... and we'll ignore damp/wet conditions, as thats pretty self explanatory.

[Drew]

04 ZX10 with one of Two Smoker's ex race RaceAttacks...

It was as slippery as shit until you got a lot of heat into them... Had it step sideways on me at 140 odd several times... fun... but yeah

When you can't get the heat into them, they aren't as good as a tyre more suited to your riding, at their proper temperature... and we'll ignore damp/wet conditions, as thats pretty self explanatory.

My appologies, I hadn't even thought of the Conti's. They are shit on the road, period.

[Gremlin]

My appologies, I hadn't even thought of the Conti's. They are shit on the road, period.

Well, conversely, I only used Contis on the zx10 (sport, race etc) so if others are better on roads, then perhaps they would be ok for road riding...

[Drew]

Well, conversely, I only used Contis on the zx10 (sport, race etc) so if others are better on roads, then perhaps they would be ok for road riding...

Loads better. The Conti race attacks, not the street version, are designed to run at really low preasure. The stiff side wall allows the carcas under the tread to flex more without upsetting stability. Great idea, if you've got a bike set up for it to work, (stiffer spring, and shit loads of damper setup).

[Brett]

Well I am gonna try a set of the Super Coarses, probably about 80% worn, no blueing and just general race wear, best set I could find. Will let you guys know how they go. Only frustration is the the tyre is a 190 and my gsxr has a 5"5 rim which is designed for a 180...so will see how it goes.

[crazyhorse]

That would depend if you are referring to slicks or normal tyres with tread.

I have used race tyres before. My ex used to race a TL1000s, and at that stage, he would wear out the sides, and the centre was still mostly unused, so we threw them onto my sv650 (just fitted), and I would continue to wear them out.

The really good thing with race tyres is that they grip real well, although they won't last quite the distance as they are designed to stick to the road.

So yes, other than slicks, they are road legal.

[The Stranger:Me]

Here is an opinion from an instructor at California Superbike School.
Not only does he have a little bit of knowledge he is articulate.

My experience with at least 6 sets of takeoff Conti Race Attacks is that they are the best road tyre I have ever used in both the wet and the dry.
Correct pressures however are absolutely critical.

[The Stranger:Me]

04 ZX10 with one of Two Smoker's ex race RaceAttacks...

It was as slippery as shit until you got a lot of heat into them... Had it step sideways on me at 140 odd several times... fun... but yeah

When you can't get the heat into them, they aren't as good as a tyre more suited to your riding, at their proper temperature... and we'll ignore damp/wet conditions, as thats pretty self explanatory.

What pressures were you running?

[klyong82]

I had conti sport on the front at 36psi while a conti race at the rear at 42psi. This was on a previous Fireblade.

[MaxB]

For short intense blasts race tyres would probably be fine performance wise.

But if they are not approved for road use every time you head out you roll the dice. I know of a couple of boy racers pinged for this in South Auckland. They run standard fronts and ex-race rears. They got caught up in checkpoints.

NZTA have lists of what are approved tyres and what are not (including serial # and markings) but basically if they are marked 'not for road use' or 'race use only' you have problems with the legal side esp. if you fuck up and cause an accident.

[cowboyz]

Well I am gonna try a set of the Super Coarses, probably about 80% worn, no blueing and just general race wear, best set I could find. Will let you guys know how they go. Only frustration is the the tyre is a 190 and my gsxr has a 5"5 rim which is designed for a 180...so will see how it goes.

it will be fine. I often run 190s on my 5.5 rim. There is a difference but real world normal riding means that you probably wont notice.


Interesting to note that Mrs C feels more comfortable on the back of the bike with 190s on it. The bike feels less flickable so turning is slower and more stable.

[Cajun]

Well I am gonna try a set of the Super Coarses, probably about 80% worn, no blueing and just general race wear, best set I could find. Will let you guys know how they go. Only frustration is the the tyre is a 190 and my gsxr has a 5"5 rim which is designed for a 180...so will see how it goes.

I am running 190/55 on my spare rims on my 600, you be all good bro
i am running conti race attacks.

[Brett]

Just put a set of Super Corsa's on that look as tho they have not done more than 5 - 10 laps. Put a 190/55/17 on the rear as opposed to a 180 which has made turn in a bit slower but overall the tyres work brilliantly. The pair cost only marginally more than a new Pilot Power 2CT rear tyre would have cost and provides a much more stable ride.

To counter the slower turn in I will drop the front ride height a little and then it will be about as perfect handling as it has ever been.

I am converted.