Read the other thread about Michelins etc, and found it interesting that Michelin has come out with a new compound - might have to check that out.
Last year I tried Pirellis for first time, and I was IN LOVE. Wow. They didn't last real long, but man did they hang on.
So my question is: where do you all buy tires from? Pirellis? Michelins? Same source? Do you buy in bulk for the season at a discount, or just as you need them?
(ps - I'm in Milwaukee, so I'll be mostly at BHF and R/A this season).
Thanks,
Buy them at the track. If you buy them in bulk from the vendors that service the track, you may be able to get a bulk pricing deal. In any case, when you buy at the track, your mounting costs are included with your tire purchases.
If you're in Milwaukee, then check out Torque Center on National Av. in New Berlin. Tell them you race, tell 'em Alexa sent you, and ask for their friendliest price. Everyone in the moto department is knowledable and courteous. I think all of them either race or do track days. Good luck.
We buy them at the track from Tom Mason. He handles both Perilli and Michelins.
Dawn :)
I also buy from Mason.
You should support your trackside vendors before going to an outside source. You get good advice from Tom - be it on compounds, pressures, etc... that you don't get if you buy from some .com or other shop. His prices are definitely reasonable too.
I get mine from Tom Mason too.
Great guy! He has really given me lot's of advice during the season.
Anyone got some info for me on Pirelli longevity on an SV?
If anyone used the SC1 up front and the SC2 in back, can you tell me how long the tires lasted on your SV? (Like, 3 weekends with morning practice, 3 sprints, and a GT race, etc)
Oh, and what's the name of the new Michelin Compound for the SV? Are they supposed to last longer than Pirellis?
Hmm, maybe Dunlops are worth the extra $ because of more longevity?
Thanx for any help anyone can give!
MASON, MASON, MASON, oh did I mention that you should buy your tires for Tom Mason. Nicest guy you will ever meet, and knows a s@#$ load about tires.
Steve
I know this is a bit of a tangent, but what do Dunlops, Michlins and Pirellis sell for track side?
I am still undecided about what tires I want to run for this coming season, so I think the biggest factors are going to be Contingency and $$ to make up my mind.
Well, I think I heard that the Michelin and Pirelli prices have changed from last year. I don't know for sure - I haven't purchased set yet this year.
Last year, a set of Michelins (S2 front, M2 rear) went for $360. I believe the equivalent set of Pirellis was $330. I have NO idea what the Dunlops ran, as I never bought a set.
I agree, get your tires from the track vendors. You can get Michelin and Pirelli from Tom Mason. You can get Dunlops from Andy. They will be at all of the races that you will be attending.
Michelin is going to have some really good prices on the soft front, medium rear this year. (I think less than $300?) Not sure about Pirelli prices. I know that Andy will have the new 208 GP 'A's this year. I have heard rumors about a 209. But, it is just a rumor at this point. Maybe somebody else knows more.
Tom Mason is the man...
Additionally, the race vendors don't get their tires from Parts Unlimited, Bell Industries, Tucker Rocky, etc. The race vendor tires come from different places within the system. The will feature the latest construction, compound, and build dates. That's really, really important.
Tom Mason is definetly the way to go. Like Dave mentioned, the fresher the tire the better.
For prices, Tom said on a different thread:
<Tom_Mason_Talking>I can tell you what the CCS Midwest, Great Lakes and Great Plains regions prices will be. These should be the same everywhere.
2003 track distributor / track vendor prices are:
Pirelli DOT 120/180 $340.00 per set.
Michelin S2 or M2 DOT will be $330.00 per set.
Michelin H2 rear with the S2 or M2 front will be $280.00 this year.
The Pilot Race Ones, will be on closeout this year while supplies last at $260.00 per set
If you need any other tire sizes priced I'll be glad to post them for you. </Tom_Mason_Talking>
get all my michelin tires from Frank Kinsey. hes on the web. $360 set. if you buy track side or keep a recipt that you got them from him, he will mount at the track for free. soft and mediums are the same price.
michelin contingency card!!!! wooohoooo....finally a little payback..
I hate to ask ??
But what about Metzelers ?? Is there a track side vendor that has them ?
Does anyone know if they will be included in the contingency with Pirelli ?
Same tire as the Pirelli, just a different mold. The companies are located in the same office. Pirelli is kind of a high performance name, while Metzler is kind of a sport touring name.
Frank is a good guy, Walt is a good guy, Dave is a good guy. Really, all the Bib Men are good people. Even when I have not been using Michelin's, they have always been very good, knowledgeable people.
QuoteMASON, MASON, MASON, oh did I mention that you should buy your tires for Tom Mason. Nicest guy you will ever meet, and knows a s@#$ load about tires.
Steve
So if I'm hearing you all correctly, Tom M is the bizness for tires? OK, I think I get it. Now, how does one go about ordering rubber from this mystery man? did a google on him and didn't get a website for him.
Thanks,
QuoteSo if I'm hearing you all correctly, Tom M is the bizness for tires? OK, I think I get it. Now, how does one go about ordering rubber from this mystery man? did a google on him and didn't get a website for him.
Thanks,
He is at the track and you can get your tires there. That is the most convenient way.
Dawn :)
Are we talking Midwest?
QuoteAre we talking Midwest?
Yes.
He is always at Blackhawk, RA, and Gingerman. Tom is probably at the Gateway and others, but do don't go to those tracks.
Dawn :)
And Tom will be at Daytona until after the 200.
Tom Mason <thetireguy2@msn.com>
QuoteYes.
He is always at Blackhawk, RA, and Gingerman. Tom is probably at the Gateway and others, but do don't go to those tracks.
Dawn :)
Problem is that Gateway and MAM are the only tracks close to me. ;) I hope to get to Blackhawk, but it'll be a haul.
Tom does MAM...
I think that Mitch Stien does Gateway for Tom. 309-353-7223 Mid -Illini Motorsports