Slicks?

[-72-]

I am currently running metzeler k3, but I am toying with the idea of slicks.

The question is; will I be able to work them hard enough to extract maximum grip or will I be struggling to get them to proper temp?

A percentage off the superstock times would be a nice ball park figure.
Tyre warmers are on their way. The bike is a cbr1000 '09, suspension is shorted, I am running +13% of the superstock pole at the Island (one outing on the new bike so far, 2 more track days this month and 4 more in Jan ...it's addictive ).

Thanks in advance.

edit
PS.I haver never run slick tyres on 2 wheels.

[Fastgirl]

what sort of times are you running?

[-72-]

1:51's verified

1:49's unverified. Hand held timer last year on a '08 blade (rip), PP tyres, stock suspension, running full road gear.

[Fastgirl]

If you have the warmers on, and the right tyre pressures...slicks are great. Allow you to barrel in harder and hang of better. Try 'em. Dependant on what tyre brands and compound as well. See what others in your class are running in regards to this. I ran the Diablo's...medium/soft. Mind you this was for Barbs not the Island. Dare say depending on laps ran, to what compound you run...also temp on the day ect ect.

[Arwon]

Compared to PP slicks are fucken amazing,so much more side grip and loading ability. you could drop 4 seonds easy on a track that long.

[-72-]

Thanks for the info guys. I haven't run tyre warmers nor slicks before, and my pace is kind of slow. I was going to get a set but after reading the data logging tech article on AMCN (vol 59, no.09, pg. 62) I 'm in two minds... J. Walters tyres never dropped below 92C, peaking at 150.9C (avg temp was ~120C)

Hence the question, if someone is running (compared to superstock times) 13-15% slower (equal to 10-12sec at the Island) will slics be beneficial or will they bite me on the ass?
I used percentage instead of seconds to make it comparable to any track.

Cheers

[Rich]

Quite simply I would expect you will drop time...

I know when I swapped to slicks my times dropped...

Some of that time comes in the extra grip available, and some comes from the head knowing you are on better tyres...

I suggest that once you get warmers that you buy some slicks and see the results...

You can talk and talk and analyse numbers, but at the end of the day you just have to go out there and do it...

[-72-]

You can talk and talk and analyse numbers, but at the end of the day you just have to go out there and do it...

I can't argue with that.

[Arwon]

i have never seen temps on 120 or 150 deg C. more like deg F. usual temps between 60-85 deg .

[-72-]

i have never seen temps on 120 or 150 deg C. more like deg F. usual temps between 60-85 deg .

I'm only going by what I read.
The data logging session was from Josh Waters bike at PI on the 22/9/09 race2. The temperatures are in degrees Centigrade. I'll upload a pic of the article in a sec. I hope it's not against any forum rules.

[Arwon]

nah thats fine. i will read tomorrow. finished work now. have to go.

[-72-]

I hope it's not against any forum rules.
pic of the article, interesting.

[jackerz]

interesting read, but like has been mentioned, just gotta try it.

i am constantly doing trackdays on 016's and have just changed to 003's, try them on the 20th.

next season i hope to start racing, i have almost brought my bike up to race standard, and i am thinking of giving slicks the go, and from what i have heard, i wont go back.

but keep us informed as to how you go.

would be really interested to know.

[Arwon]

would never have thought they get that hot. i wonder how they measure that. infra red on the surface would be my guess, otherwise it wouldn't heat up or cool down so quick.

good info dude.

[thro]

Yeah, must be onboard infra-red. They probably drop 20-30 degrees by the time you get back to your pit box and stop I would imagine.

Have heard that operating temp for F1/indy tyres is 270F or higher before (130C), so I would presume that similar temp range is likely fine for bikes too - am guessing bikes maybe have a little more trouble actually getting heat into the tyres though, as there's no downforce pressing them into the pavement...

[-72-]

next season i hope to start racing, i have almost brought my bike up to race standard, and i am thinking of giving slicks the go, and from what i have heard, i wont go back.

but keep us informed as to how you go.

would be really interested to know.

We are almost on the same boat Jackerz. Bike has been converted, however due to work commitments racing in 2010 will be impossible.
Back to tyres. I got my self a set of Dunlop slicks (N-tec's) we'll see how they go. One thing is for sure; when I set up the suspension to suit the tyres, I won't have any excuses.

[jackerz]

yeah... well i have bridge's 003's on at the moment, and havent used them as of yet.

suspension is the next thing on the agender, as its set really soft at the moment, but im not up to date on suspension tuning.

i just fitted my raceglass today, and looks good... will have to do some glassing in a few places here and there, just so there are no questions asked. ( side stand area is lower than the rest ), but thats easily fixeable.

then its on to, lockwiring, etc etc.

just need to grab a hold of all the things i NEED to do.

and should be all good.

how much did the N-tecs set you back? and how do you know when your tread is low on a slick?

[Ausinanas]

^^ wouldn't worry about n-tecs if ya plannig on racing in Wa
This off the mcrcwa web site...


PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
After much discussion the MCRCWA and Competitions Committee have decided that the
Dunlop N TEC Tyre will not be eligible for use in any local Club and WA State
Championship or Series competition racing in 2010.
Unfortunately this particular tyre is now priced far beyond reach of the majority of
competitors and access to the tyre is almost impossible to attain within Australia. We
apologise for any inconvenience, but this decision has been taken in the best interest of
ALL competitors within WA motorcycle racing.
Chairman
Competition’s Committee
Motorcycle Racing Club WA Inc.

[jackerz]

ahhh damn... and i just got myself a good rep in the states...

oh well

[Le Français]

Do you have access to Michelin Pilot slick ?