Pirelli SuperCorsa vs. Pirelli Slicks

[Sunny]

I need some feedbacks from racers who had used both Pirelli SuperCorsa and slicks (especially SV racers who used 120/70 and 160/60 tire sizes).   ;D   Basically, I have not used slicks but would like to try a set soon.  I would like to know if I have to adjust my chassis/suspension when going from Pirelli SuperCorsa to Pirellis slicks.  Any useful suggestion/comment will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.   ;)

Also would like to know how Pirelli slicks compare to Michelin slicks if anyone had experiences with them.  Thanks.   ;)

[Super Dave]

I believe that the Pirelli slicks used to be the same shape and basic construction as the DOT's.  I don't know how they are now.

The geometry will be different from the Pirelli's and Michelin's because of the different heights of the tires, even though the sizes are the same.

Michelins' =  longevity with a tire that tends to drive forward when it begins to spin.  The Pirelli drives a little sideways when it spins.  The last Dunlops I rode on wanted to be more sideways that the others.

[Sunny]

Dave, thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge!   ;)

I was told that the rear for both Pirelli SuperCorsa and slicks are still basically the same, but the front is somewhat different (stiffer due to different carcass?) and will cause some chassis/suspension problem.  This is why I want to be sure by asking those with plenty of experience with them (Eddie Kraft, where are you?  ;D).  

About the Michelin and Pirelli, I was simply asking for their performance such as stickiness, braking, turn-in quickness, stability at full lean, wear, tendency to spin/high-side, etc....... (I am aware of every make/model tire differs in diameter/carcass hardness/profile/...... although may just be slightly among some).  Sorry that I didn't specify them first, but you answered part of the questions with Dunlop's information as well.  Thanks!   ;)

[calvin669]

You can get your rear to spin on that thing?
:)

[Sunny]

You can get your rear to spin on that thing?
:)

Yep, believe it Ryan!   ;)  Of course, not like a real power sliding from the big V-twins nor the Inline 4's, but it does happen from time to time although just slightly.   ::)  

I am more interested in the chassis/suspension set-up tips and how Michelin compared to Pirelli in general!  Now, go defend Dan instead of try to start something with me!   >:( ;D  Are you going to be at BeaveRun next weekend?  

[ekraft84]

I've never made any suspension changes between the slicks and DOTs.  My experience is based on switching from DOTs to slicks on the same bike (both the SB SV and the SS SV), and switching between bikes on race weekends which have different tires (the SB SV has slicks and the SS SV normally has DOTs).

My experience with Michelin's are limited.  I rode the Grattan National 8 hour endurance last year on Michelins and didn't like them.  I was also on someone else's bike, which probably didn't help.

Monte's tried to sell me on them, but I'm not a big fan of them taking as long to heat up as they do.  Michelin supposedly has a newer tire that heats up quicker, but until Pirelli does something to disappoint me, I don't see myself switching brands.

Are you sure you're spinning the rear?  Some guys think they're doing that, when it's something else that's going on.  Lightweight bikes shouldn't be doing that - maybe it's a suspension issue?  Or body positioning?  I almost never have the Pirelli's move on me, unless the tires are absolutely toasted and I'm going really good (which hasn't happened much this year  :)  ).

[calvin669]

Who said I was trying to start something with you shrivel dikk?

I'm trying... got's lot's o' crap to do

[Sunny]

I've never made any suspension changes between the slicks and DOTs.  My experience is based on switching from DOTs to slicks on the same bike (both the SB SV and the SS SV), and switching between bikes on race weekends which have different tires (the SB SV has slicks and the SS SV normally has DOTs).

My experience with Michelin's are limited.  I rode the Grattan National 8 hour endurance last year on Michelins and didn't like them.  I was also on someone else's bike, which probably didn't help.

Monte's tried to sell me on them, but I'm not a big fan of them taking as long to heat up as they do.  Michelin supposedly has a newer tire that heats up quicker, but until Pirelli does something to disappoint me, I don't see myself switching brands.

Are you sure you're spinning the rear?  Some guys think they're doing that, when it's something else that's going on.  Lightweight bikes shouldn't be doing that - maybe it's a suspension issue?  Or body positioning?  I almost never have the Pirelli's move on me, unless the tires are absolutely toasted and I'm going really good (which hasn't happened much this year  :)  ).

Thanks Eddie for sharing the information!   ;)

No, I am not sliding the rear like the big V-twins nor the Inline 4's!  However, the rear does lose grip momentarily when I flick the bike from side to side really quick (i.e., esse of Grattan).  I am sure it had something to do with the flicking speed, smoothness and suspension/damping set-up, not to mention how bad my body positioning is.........   :-[  I would like to try the slicks mostly for better/more even wear as the SuperCorsa/Rennsport rear wear out quick fast only if the slicks require no learning curve (behaves basically the same as the SuperCorsa/Rennsport).  From the looks of the rear and what others said, it's because the thread cut as the wear starts there.   :'(

[Steviebee]

Michelins' =  longevity with a tire that tends to drive forward when it begins to spin.  The Pirelli drives a little sideways when it spins.  

Thats seems so true!  I couldnt decide if it was cause i changed the geometry or if the tire was that different.  I would always be stepping out with the pirelli, whereas the michelins eithor grip better or dont step out as much.

[motomadness]

Sunny,
Don't be afraid to try them out.  Don't depend on some else's opinion, use your own judgement.  I have raced on Pirelli slicks, Michelin slicks and dots, Bridgestone slicks and dots, and Dunlop dots, although never on the same type of bike.  They all behave differently (steering) and wear differently.  I am currently using Michelins.  I think they are awesome tires, and I have no current plans to run any other brand.

If you still consider yourself to be an amatuer, try them all.  If not, stick with what you are comfortable with and start modifying the chassis.  At some point, all tires are going to give you the same result, you just have to be willing to invest the time to make your bike and your riding technique match for maximum performance.  Case in point, Nicky Hayden.  He probably never used anything but Dunlop tires until he reached MotoGP.  He struggled a little in the beginning, but now look where he's at.

I know this is probably more than what you wanted to hear, but just keep an open mind.

[Sunny]

Thanks a lot for all the information/suggestion/comments!   I really appreciate all your help.  ;)  

I am a very open-minded person  ::), so keep your thoughts coming.  I am more than willing to listen and learn!   ;)

I guess I'll try out a set of Pirelli slicks and Michelin slicks soon!

[Sunny]

Well, I think it is time to get a new set of tires for my bike as I actually power slided my bike in the second race this weekend at BeaveRun.   :o  Starting on lap 3 or 4 of the second race, the rear would spin up and slide out of T4 and T10.  Of course, it did caused me to slow down to prevent crashing as I am not used to this "power sliding" thing.  

I inspected the tire afterward, there is still plenty of rubber, and no sign of tearing.  I wonder if this is due to overcooking it or other problem.  I had worn out a rear last year more without a "power sliding" problem on my 400.   :-/