Tire recommendations

[MightyDuc Racing]

I know tires are a fairly biased topic, but I am just curious which tires a new racer on a very limited budget that doesn't plan on running at the front until at least half way into the season should run based on contingency possibilities and pricing.  I have a set of Dunlop 207 take offs for my school, a set of Metzeler take offs for the rest of the practice day, and a set of Dunlop 208's with 1 race on them for my first day of races.  I will be riding in FL, so I will practice on Saturday and ride GT Lights, Lightweight GP, and Supertwins on Sunday.  The bike is very light (about 295 lbs) and makes about 90 hp and is supposedly very easy on front tires and a little rough on rears.  What tires should I plan on buying this year?  Help!?!?!?

[Super Dave]

With that power and weight, I'm surprised that it's trashing rear tires?

What did it have before?  Michelins?  Stock shock?

[MightyDuc Racing]

I think it has spent most of it's life on Dunlops.  It doesn't necessarily thrash rear tires, but I am told I should almost go through two rears before the front is done because it is so easy on fronts.  Should I buy two rears for every front, or should I replace them both each time?  And which tires are the least expensive at the track?  Thanks for the help. ;)

[chris_chops]

I'm not surprised at all.  The shock has no linkage, it's frame to swingarm.  Vintage baby.  Try whatever is working for others at the track.

[MightyDuc Racing]

Absolutely right Chops...but nobody has told me which ones are cheapest at the track yet.

[r6_philly]

Pirellis and the 208s are about the same? about 350 at the track... at least here in MA. Michelins are little more... and Bridgestones cheaper...

We even use 2 rears to one front on our little weenie 600's, and we use medium rear and soft front.

You may find that some tires works better for your bike and your riding style(profile/stiffness/etc...), and they are usually the ones that last a little longer.

[twg]

Don't try to save money on tires, especially when you are new to racing.  An experienced rider may feel the tires going away, but few new riders have that ability.  I'm not saying you don't have a feel for riding, but think about this; if you try to save a couple bucks by running a set of tires just one more time and crash, then what?  You then pay for bike repairs, maybe some minor medical bills, and you still have to buy that new set of tires.  

I know from experience.  This year I expect to replace tires probably more often than needed; however, as I learn to feel them I can get a bit more wear and tear.

BTW I crashed on cold medium Michelins.  Still use Michelins though.

[r6_philly]

I haven't crashed on old tires yet... sometimes I wear them down to bald, on trackdays, BUT, I go at least 3 seconds slower with the same effort. With new tires, 2-3 seconds just comes off like magic... when a tire goes, a tire goes, and there is nothing you can do to make it stick and get around faster... try very hard and you will crash

[thetireguy]

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.

[Nate R]

TireGuy, how much for a 120/160 Set of Pirellis?

[GAMEDIC]

Well that would depend on if you are on my racer program or not..lol... i'm going to post something about it i a few it will explain a little

[Super Dave]

I'm not surprised at all.  The shock has no linkage, it's frame to swingarm.  Vintage baby.  Try whatever is working for others at the track.

Hey, sometimes the old stuff works better.  

I think everyone has given you some good ideas.  Two rears to a front is ok.  I understand now what bike you have.  

Old tires...

Kind of like "old condoms"...

You're at your own risk.  They're probably good for street riders, but for all out track work, new is your only form of insurance.  And how much would a set of bodywork, clip-ons, and pegs cost anyway to replace... ;D