I need to pick a tire for this year and am wondering your take on both since I don't know squat about this. Here is what I have heard so far:
-Pirelli warms up faster and gives you more warning before putting you on your butt.
-Michelin Rocks but take time to heat up and doesn't give much warning before giving you a reason to clean your leathers.
Now as a note in case it matters: I have a nice set of tire warmers on the way so heating them up will not be a problem. I am also getting my suspension done (when I get time in the garage to take the darn shock off) so that should be set up correctly as well.
My question is which tires do you use and why do you like them? Is Pirelli the best thing since grated cheese in a bag? or is Michelin the unadvertised jewel of racing rubber?
Inquiring minds want to know...
You've pretty much already got it, although I've heard that the new Michelins are supposed to have better heat up times. Just heard, though, haven't tired 'em.
I've raced on both, and if you ride hard enough to need every last bit of stickiness, go with the Michelins. Mortals (slow, pansy) like me are just fine with the Metzler/Pirelli...I had a set of tire warmers that burned up at Daytona last year, and I actually raced the rest of the season without them. I have nothing to complain about with the Pirelli tires. There are plenty of fast guys using them too, maybe they'll chip in their $0.02 here...
The Michelins I raced on were like ice until about lap 2.5 (I didn't have warmers at the time). After that, they were the best thing I've ever ridden on -- even I could feel a difference. With tire warmers, you should be just fine.
Brad
Good questions, Chad.
Both good points.
If you've got tire warmers, here's the best answer... The Michelin's last longer, period.
The trick is that the actual height of the tires, when comparing the Michelin's to the Pirelli's, is pretty different. So, when some riders swap one for the other, they don't work right.
You've got to have a decent set up and then understand how the changes will make it better/worse.
I use Pirelli's on an SV (with a built motor) and can easily get 2 race weekends out of them (supersoft front, soft rear). I think they're great.
I haven't raced Michelin's, but I wouldn't trade in predictability and quick "heat up" times for anything.
Just my $.02
Ok, predictability...
Here's the deal. Realize what it is. Dunlops and Pirelli's are more "predictable" because they slide "earlier". That's because the Michelin's have MORE traction.
Years ago, they certainly had a different feel. But from the generation of carcasses that Michelin started producting from around 1998 to 1999, they have a different feel... Much easier to feel for than what they had in previous times.
The reality is that if you have a tire that has more traction than another, the one that has more traction will allow a rider to ride at the same pace with a greater margin of safety.
When I get 2+ race weekends out of a set of Pirelli's, I feel that's more than I should get out of a set of tires. Up until that point, the tires don't slide. They slide at the end of their tire life - and it's a minimal amount at that. And I know I can be carrying more corner speed around the track.
I stand corrected on my previous post. I rode Michelin's on an SV this past year in an endurance race and didn't like them. Just my opinion.
If you can show me some evidence on Michelin vs. Pirelli on an SV, then you might have somethin'. :)
I'm thinking of trying some different tires too.
But I haven't heard anyone weigh in about Dunlops.
Anybody out there that's run 'em....chime in.
I used Dunlops consistantly last year on my 600, Loved the grip, Loved the predictable slide, Loved the Heat up time! But they just didn't last. I was going threw 2 sets a weekend,$$$ I never really had the suspension setup properly though. My last weekend Dave got me on Michelins, They were sticky, didn't slide, and lasted..I was using tire warmers, But during a red flag incodent they cooled off a little had slides on the first lap then sticky again....I also heard Michelins are gonna warm up faster. That would be GREAT if its true :-/ My .0002cents
StUmPy
Another couple of questions:
What are the cost differences between the manufacturers for a set if bought trackside?
Are the new Michelins just a new compound or a new tire altogether? I have used Michelin pilot's on the bike right now but they have been on the bike and/or in my garage for a year so I am going to replace them right away.
I guess I am wondering if I set my suspension baseline up with these can I replace the tires with a new set of Michelins and not have to start over on setup again?
Thanks for all the input.
Ask Jesse Janisch , he used Dunlops
QuoteWhat are the cost differences between the manufacturers for a set if bought trackside?
Are the new Michelins just a new compound or a new tire altogether?
The 04 Michelin suggessted racer pricing is :
DOT 120/70-17 Soft or Medium, Trackside mounted and balanced for $135.00
DOT 160/60-17 Med/Soft or AKA the H2 $140.00
NEW for 04 is the Soft / S2 in the 160/60-17 and this will go for $195.00
FYI :the new Soft is
amazing in the feel and the speed this tire will add to the bike. And it will still last as long as a Pirelli Green and feel like the Pirelli Blue.
Try some you WILL like them.
Both are quality tires, but I race with the Pirelli's due to financial constraints, and the fact that I like them.
QuoteAsk Jesse Janisch , he used Dunlops
Ask Bradley Champion - he uses Pirelli's. ;D