Page 1 of 1
Slicks at a ride day
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 2:56 pm
by Stereo
Hey guys, I bought some second hand slicks a while ago for a track day, someone was telling that you MUST use a tirewarmer if you do run slicks... is that correct? of if I take it easy the first few laps to get some heat into the tires it should be fine?
How much do new slicks cost by the way?
Re: Slicks at a ride day
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 3:06 pm
by devo
Tyre warmers are a great thing but I remember the good ol days when we never had em and racing was sooooo much more fun
What you need to do is run at the desired pressure , depending on the track temperature , give em about 3 laps and they should be ok.
Tyre warmers are also designed to stop the tyre life decreasing by keeping a constant temperature rather than going cold then heating up to often ........ Hope that helps.
If they have been sitting for a bit get some tyre buffer from your tyre guys and give them a good wipe over ......... There ya go now go scrape to your hearts content
Re: Slicks at a ride day
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 3:13 pm
by Stereo
I dont have "tyre guys" is tyre buffer something you can buy from the shops?
Re: Slicks at a ride day
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 3:53 pm
by devo
What I mean by tyre guys is that usually at a track day or a race meet usually someone turns up in a truck and sells tyres... They usually have it otherwise go to Autobarn or maybe even supercheap .
And pitty you didn't buy your slicks before the 1st of November as they just had a 25% increase in the price or so I have been told
Re: Slicks at a ride day
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 4:20 pm
by Naked Twin
Slicks for a sports bike are anything from $450 up a set fitted, it really depends on the type of tyre.
Depending on the rider ability, track and track temperature will determine how long you have to take it easy. Friction gives heat so in a straight line the faster you go the more friction.
I have gone out on Dunlop slicks without warming them up and found by the second lap at EC was no problems.
Nick
Re: Slicks at a ride day
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 4:23 pm
by dave#3
Stereo,
If you don't use tyre warmers your slicks will probably be rooted by the end of your first day on them - they're supposed to be good for about 6 heat cycles which is a usual day at the track with no warmers. Personally, if you don't have warmers I think you'd be well served to put the slicks back in the garage and use a set of decent "sporty" road tyres at the track - they'll warm up quicker, last better and feel more familiar too.