Tire Warmers?

flush26 · 09-10-2009, 3:36 PM

Was just wondering what people thought about tire warmers. Currently I run regular DOT street tires on my bike for track days and I was wondering if it is a good idea to purchase tire warmers to ensure they are at temp when I line up on the grid versus taking a couple of laps for them to heat so I can really ride? If it makes any difference I run Michelin Power Pilots.

sheepofblue · 09-10-2009, 5:12 PM

I would not run them on a street tire. I found a lap is enough (though trust YOUR instinct) and they heat fast. In the south during the summer track temps get high enough that warmers are hardly an advantage.

Save your cash and do a class like Ed Bargy instead. Or buy tires, track days, gas.

macca9540 · 09-10-2009, 5:38 PM

Also let your tyre pressure's down to about 30ish for track work and they'll heat up quicker.

CBR929RE · 09-10-2009, 6:05 PM

I agree with the above. no need for them. I bought a set this year because I switched to running DOT race tires at track days. used them for 3 trackdays but have not used them for the last 4. No problems with warming up the tires without them. And to be honest they're just kind of a pain in the ass anyway.

flush26 · 09-10-2009, 6:31 PM

Thanks for all the advice. I think I will save the cash and purchase addtional tires. gas and look into attending a reputable school.

Appreciate. Hopefully I'll run into you honda owners/lovers at the track.

flush26 · 09-10-2009, 11:40 PM

Mac,

Really? Decrease my tire/tyre pressure to 30ish allow for quicker heat being generated in the tire. On cold tires I run 34 PSI front / back. Wouldnt decreasing tire pressure impact the stability and/or feel of the tires?

CBR929RE · 09-11-2009, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flush26

Mac,

Really? Decrease my tire/tyre pressure to 30ish allow for quicker heat being generated in the tire. On cold tires I run 34 PSI front / back. Wouldnt decreasing tire pressure impact the stability and/or feel of the tires?

on the track you'll want to lower them. the PP are usually good around 30 or 31 cold. Take the pressure cold, then right when you get off the track take the pressure again. you're looking for a 20% gain in pressure.

DOT race tires are usually a little different. Like Dunlop recommends a cold pressure while Pirelli recommends a hot pressure. but most street tires like the Pilot Powers, BT-016, Qualifiers, Diablo Corsa IIIs are all pretty good around 30 cold.

WyoJames · 09-11-2009, 12:21 AM

Agreed with all of the above

nk140 · 10-21-2009, 10:56 AM

I definitely agree with 30 psi cold for trackdays with Pilot powers. I was running 34 to start they day but felt more confident with around 30