[ReaperAZ]

Well this coming weekend I think I am finally going to be able to do my first trackday. I'm trying to find some leathers to borrow locally but my real issue is tires. I'm having the hardest time trying to decide on which tires to run on my 600RR. One thing to keep in mind is that the track is in Deming, NM and the temps will be quite high. So give me some advice you track junkies. TIA.

[sheepofblue]

Is Bacchus going to ride on your back as a speed hump?

I would think that tire pressure is a bigger question than tire brand unless you are going slicks.

[CBRVFR]

Reaper -

You have a couple of issues here - 1. Are these going to be track-only tires, or will you also run them on the street? 2. What can you get really soon? 3. If you have time to get them at a discount on line, how will you get them mounted and balanced?
If you intend to run these as street tires, get a set that is appropriate for that, like Metzeler M1- Pirelli Corsa- Michelin Pilot Power - Bridgestone 014.

If you go up a grade, like to a Diablo Corsa - Rennsport - Pilot Race - BT 002, they don't really work well or last well at street speeds / temps.

All of these tires rated highly in the recent RRW article, (http://www.roadracingworld.com/magaz...SSUE_YEAR=2005) particularly the Bridgestones. I didn't mention Dunlop because I don't pay attention to their line.

[ND4SPD]

If money is an issue, I have heard good things about Rennsports. Soft front, Medium rear.

If you're willing to spend a little more, Diablo Corsa

[sporky]

go for the Diablo Corsas, won't let you down
..and avoid the grass
The most intense activity right after sex..trackracing!
s..

[ReaperAZ]

Originally Posted by CBRVFR

Reaper -

You have a couple of issues here - 1. Are these going to be track-only tires, or will you also run them on the street? 2. What can you get really soon? 3. If you have time to get them at a discount on line, how will you get them mounted and balanced?
If you intend to run these as street tires, get a set that is appropriate for that, like Metzeler M1- Pirelli Corsa- Michelin Pilot Power - Bridgestone 014.

If you go up a grade, like to a Diablo Corsa - Rennsport - Pilot Race - BT 002, they don't really work well or last well at street speeds / temps.

All of these tires rated highly in the recent RRW article, (http://www.roadracingworld.com/magaz...SSUE_YEAR=2005) particularly the Bridgestones. I didn't mention Dunlop because I don't pay attention to their line.

1. They will be track tires only.
2. I can pick up some Pilot Powers, M1's, and Corsa's at the local Cycle Gear as soon as needed. As for mounting I have a buddy who owns a shop and can mount em up for nuttin, Cycle Gear also mounts them.

I had thought about going to a Race tire, and Cycle gear has a set of Power Race tires in a Medium Front, Medium Rear combo. They have only a Rear Rennsport in soft compound, and a couple 208 GP rears. Does a lot of good with no fronts huh. They also have a few sets of Super Corsa's.

As it is right now I'm leaning towards the Powers or Power Races. I highly doubt I will push the limits of the Powers on the track as this is afterall my first time on one. However, the thought of having more tire then I need could be a good thing mentally.

[asiliat]

Originally Posted by sheepofblue

I would think that tire pressure is a bigger question than tire brand unless you are going slicks.

+1. I think as a first track day, I would worry about just having fun and learning the about riding smooth more than tire choices.

[jetbdude]

+1 on diablo corsa. It was pretty hot in Grattan and I did all 3 days with a set that had already one track day done.

[sheepofblue]

Originally Posted by jetbdude

+1 on diablo corsa. It was pretty hot in Grattan and I did all 3 days with a set that had already one track day done.

As did I but jetbdude was stressing his a lot more However both of our bikes are liter class so probably harder on tires than the 600

[RRWANTR]

I've heard good things about the Pilot Powers for a street/track tire, but haven't ridden them. If it's going to help you mentally, run a DOT race tire if they're going to be track only. I've ran the Power Races and like them alot. Can't beat em for 280 for medium compounds.

[Zippy]

If the temps are going to be hot and muggy, start drinking extra water as soon as possible. If you start drinking extra water a few days ahead of time, your body will be able to retain the water better. Drink a lot, like between 1 and 2 gallons during the day itself. Find shade whenever possible. Under extreme circumstances, I have even turned on my car and sat inside with the air conditioning on between sessions. It may seem extreme, but I feel that you need to take heat fatigue seriously. Some people skip sessions when it is too hot. I like to take other steps so that I can get the most track time out of my day every time.

[ReaperAZ]

Originally Posted by Zippy

If the temps are going to be hot and muggy, start drinking extra water as soon as possible. If you start drinking extra water a few days ahead of time, your body will be able to retain the water better. Drink a lot, like between 1 and 2 gallons during the day itself. Find shade whenever possible. Under extreme circumstances, I have even turned on my car and sat inside with the air conditioning on between sessions. It may seem extreme, but I feel that you need to take heat fatigue seriously. Some people skip sessions when it is too hot. I like to take other steps so that I can get the most track time out of my day every time.

Heat is a huge thing out here. We have a guy that rides with us that works at Arrowhead Water, and brings so much water it's not even funny. I always hydrate so I'll be sure to cover that base.

[mr_rua]

Originally Posted by asiliat

+1. I think as a first track day, I would worry about just having fun and learning the about riding smooth more than tire choices.

I totally agree with sheep and asiliat. No need to worry about tire type and brands for the first track day. Just make sure you have the correct air pressure in whichever tires are on the bike and go out and have fun. I know plenty of guys that run in the "I" (intermediate) group that run regular streets tires and they are damn fast.

[Diesel954]

I did a trackday yesterday and one of my buddies brought his Aprilia RSVR out for the first time. He was a little wobbly and aprehensive as he should have been with an expensive bike like that. He started becoming more comfortable and even passed someone (even thought they were slowing for pit road).
Just have fun and learn the correct lines before trying to go fast. The right lines will lead to fast times and keep you on the track and out of the dirt.
I should have left my street tires on instead of going with race slicks. Slicks make you want to go faster and faster.

[sheepofblue]

Originally Posted by mr_rua

I totally agree with sheep and asiliat. No need to worry about tire type and brands for the first track day. Just make sure you have the correct air pressure in whichever tires are on the bike and go out and have fun. I know plenty of guys that run in the "I" (intermediate) group that run regular streets tires and they are damn fast.

Also I might add from someone that knows more than me "Before you go out check the tire pressure and as soon as you get in check it again it should change by 20%ish" If I messed the quote up please correct me powers that be. But the purpose for this is the amount of change is a function of heat transfer to the tire.

[sheepofblue]

Oh and while you are likely a better rider here is feedback I recieved at Grattan (2 days of massive fun):

1) Looks like your butt is welded to the seat
2) OK lines
3) nice thong

While you likely will avoid #3, I was happy with the other 2. I could have braked later, could have got off the seat more, could have been more even and quicker onto the throttle out of the turns. However these are not the point, I had a great time learned a lot and can pick a couple of items to improve on the 'next' track day and did this without endangering others, myself or my bike I hope your time is at least as good.

[Hammer]

Pilot powers will do fine for your first track day, as you will be learning the track for the most part anyhow. (Believe me) I went to Grattan this past year and run the Pilot Race med/med and was well impressed, I probably did not need the extra grip but they felt good with good feedback.

[ReaperAZ]

Well I just ordered a 1-piece suit from New Enough. They have been great to me in that past and I hope that it ships fast. It's hard finding a decent deal on a perforated suit as most of the them are high end brands/models. New Enough has a closeout price on the Chicane 1-piece that I just had to jump on. $349 for a 1-piece with full frontal perforation. I also found a great deal on D208GP's here in town for just over $300 or Pilot Powers for under $250.

[Hammer]

Originally Posted by ReaperAZ

Pilot Powers for under $250.

[Zippy]

I agree that any sport tire should do. Anything that came stock on a sportbike in the last 5 years should be fine. I did my first 20 trackdays on BT010's.

For the first day, don't try to take over the world. Most people do find that they are not really fast in relation to the other people there. Even if you are faster than all your friends, you may find that at the track, you are one of the slower riders. Don't worry if it turns out that way. If you enjoy it and keep doing it, all that will change.

Don't push yourself. You will go faster the more you relax. If you push, you will take away your safety margin, eventually crashing. Maybe not the first day, if you are lucky. Those who push, crash. Those who don't, generally don't. Time and experience will make you faster, guaranteed. Pushing will too, but the cost can be really high. Keep the experience all positive by making it though the day as the primary goal.

I've done 45 track days without a crash, and made it to the advanced group in a fast club. It took time, and it took self control. Meanwhile, I've seen dozens of folks crash every few times at the track. Most of these people were going substantially slower that I was. So it's not just speed that does it, it is speed you are not yet ready for that does it.

Just wanted to say be sure to give yourself a break, and don't expect too much for the first day. But you can expect to have a blast, and to have an ear-to-ear grin for the next week or two. And to be totally addicted.

[ReaperAZ]

I have a single goal for my first trackday, HAVE FUN. That is all I plan to do. I have some guys say you need to do this or that, but I'm there for the fun. I've had a friend who was hell bent on scraping a knee his first trackday and never got it cause he was trying to hard to do so. I'm gonna relax and just let whatever happens, happen. I'm not worried about lap times, or who passes me, or who I pass. There's a few guys who said they're gonna "tutor" me and help me out. I guess one of them sees potential, who knows. I'm just glad these two are there to help me enjoy my time on the track.

[CBR929RE]

Originally Posted by Zippy

I agree that any sport tire should do. Anything that came stock on a sportbike in the last 5 years should be fine. I did my first 20 trackdays on BT010's.

For the first day, don't try to take over the world. Most people do find that they are not really fast in relation to the other people there. Even if you are faster than all your friends, you may find that at the track, you are one of the slower riders. Don't worry if it turns out that way. If you enjoy it and keep doing it, all that will change.

Don't push yourself. You will go faster the more you relax. If you push, you will take away your safety margin, eventually crashing. Maybe not the first day, if you are lucky. Those who push, crash. Those who don't, generally don't. Time and experience will make you faster, guaranteed. Pushing will too, but the cost can be really high. Keep the experience all positive by making it though the day as the primary goal.

I've done 45 track days without a crash, and made it to the advanced group in a fast club. It took time, and it took self control. Meanwhile, I've seen dozens of folks crash every few times at the track. Most of these people were going substantially slower that I