What tire is on top right now...

nonstockrider · 09-19-2007, 07:07 PM

Hope this is in a good spot. It's been some time for me...

Heres the deal. I've been working my a$$ off the last 3months I just now put my ear to the ground and I've been hearing that the dunlop tire is now the best tire for the track... I'm a hard core michelin man so it's going ta take a lot more than just talk to get me on another brand.
Back in 04 was the 1st time I ran michelin. My times droped, The bike turned faster,The front end was never befor so planted, ect,ect...
What i'd like to know is is there anyone here that has ran both and can give some indepth coverage..

Sorry for being gone for so long...

Cyanide41 · 09-21-2007, 07:15 AM

Well of course you are going to get all the loyalists arguing that their brand is best. Dunlops are good tires, I find that hard to disagree with. Look at last weekend's Toyota 200. All the guys on the podium were wearing Dunlop hats. Same with most of the AMA grids. My arguement against Dunlops are #1, top guys are using different tires that the average Joe. #2 Price. #3 I hear "reports" of inconsistancy as far as quality and longevity.

Personally I run Pirelli. I found that lasted longer than my Michelins and were cheaper too. As far as grip, both are good. The Michelins are said to hold very well until the point where they start to go, then the grip goes away fast. Pirelli's seem to "go off" a little more predictably. (sp?)

Most of that stuff you mention about handling, could be corrected with suspenions/geometery settings.

nonstockrider · 09-21-2007, 02:18 PM

Let's say the dunlop has 10% more grip over the michelin. I think I would stay with michelin. The front has never did me wrong yet, they fit my riding style to a T... I think the bigest thought of mine is that I would be the under dog. I'd get ta prove others wrong with less. Hell i'm only .48 off the track record on my 03CBR6RR with only an adjustable rear link for more ride hight.

If the dunlops had more than 10% I would be a fool ta give that up. I must say it would take some getting use to. I guess i'm lookin for the reason NOT ta get on the dunlop band wagon LOL...

HenryF · 09-21-2007, 06:55 PM

Yeah I've only tried michelin and pirelli and I like the pirelli.

DC_in_SD · 09-24-2007, 03:39 PM

I tried Pilot Powers on the track once and hated them, but the Power Race tires were a different animal entirely, and I liked them a lot.

I switched to Dunlop 209GP's about a year or so ago mainly for the price I get them, but I've also found I really like them on the track. I don't have a real solid answer why, but I feel more confident on the Dunlops. I've pushed them to the edge more than a few times, and each time they give me plenty of warning before sliding/spinning.

The Pirelli's my Honda came with were nice, but didn't last at all. I think I tore up the rear in about 2500 miles of relatively slow canyon riding.

RADEK · 10-01-2007, 11:49 PM

elephants always

RADEK · 10-01-2007, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyanide41

Well of course you are going to get all the loyalists arguing that their brand is best. Dunlops are good tires, I find that hard to disagree with. Look at last weekend's Toyota 200. All the guys on the podium were wearing Dunlop hats. Same with most of the AMA grids. My arguement against Dunlops are #1, top guys are using different tires that the average Joe. #2 Price. #3 I hear "reports" of inconsistancy as far as quality and longevity.

Personally I run Pirelli. I found that lasted longer than my Michelins and were cheaper too. As far as grip, both are good. The Michelins are said to hold very well until the point where they start to go, then the grip goes away fast. Pirelli's seem to "go off" a little more predictably. (sp?)

Most of that stuff you mention about handling, could be corrected with suspenions/geometery settings.

dunlops are different category, sure they fast

Bad-mofo · 10-02-2007, 01:28 PM

It really depends on what you'd use that tire for. Racing tires are for one race, nothing else. Using it for trackdays is, well, not the primary purpose of those tires, so even with tire warmers and other care you're doing something those tires weren't designed for: repetitive use. Having said that, there are no trackday tires. PP 2CT and Qualifiers are cr@p. I ran 2CTs at Buttonwillow and they kept melting and sliding until completely gave up resulting in a lowside in T2. I'm sorry, no one mentioned racing here, so I'm assuming it's just trackdays.

It also depends on your skills. Pros (like Jeff Tigert I observed once) would ride the cr@p out of a street tire and not crash. They're comfortable with sliding. So whatever alleged 10% difference in grip is not worth $100. I'm sure you're up to the task, so just consider it additional challenge: managing the loss of traction (if any) and practicing smoothness to prevent it. That's how I look at it.

I've tried 208GP, Supercorsas (regular and Pro), and now Power Races. All medium compound as I recall. So far I like Michelin the best, but it's also $100 more than Dunlop and Pirelli. 208GPs and Supercorsas feel completely different and require different warm up, but the confidence level is the same. I'm not a racer, so I figured the low-end DOT race tires will do for trackdays, as it's not about trophies, but learning. On average all of them start slipping at the end of the third trackday.

It's very simple: if you're racing, buy the best tires you can afford (the price reflects quality). If it's just trackdays, look for the best deal.

seesm · 10-09-2007, 02:57 AM

I ran dunlop 209's for quite awhile... They cost me $100 more than Pirellis or Metzelers so I tried other ( p and m) but I go ok on any of them... I think the New pirellis are great.. The dunlops are ok too... Not tried the michelens (sp) yet but I say if it is a track tire they are all good. Dunlop street tires that came on my r6 are great my buddy who is running em says... Pick a flavor and run it. I will go with cost as long as it is a good tire... after 4 sets It is like I get a free set with Pirelli cuz they cost less. And heck they work GREAT!!

09-21-2007, 06:55 PM	#4
HenryF Squid Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Twentynine Palms Bikes: R1/R6 Age: 28 Posts: 183 iTrader: (0) Rep Power: 3 (11)	Yeah I've only tried michelin and pirelli and I like the pirelli. __________________ www.actracing.com

09-24-2007, 03:39 PM	#5
DC_in_SD Squid Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Diego Bikes: 05 CBR1000RR Age: 40 Posts: 138 iTrader: (0) Rep Power: 2 (10)	I tried Pilot Powers on the track once and hated them, but the Power Race tires were a different animal entirely, and I liked them a lot. I switched to Dunlop 209GP's about a year or so ago mainly for the price I get them, but I've also found I really like them on the track. I don't have a real solid answer why, but I feel more confident on the Dunlops. I've pushed them to the edge more than a few times, and each time they give me plenty of warning before sliding/spinning. The Pirelli's my Honda came with were nice, but didn't last at all. I think I tore up the rear in about 2500 miles of relatively slow canyon riding. __________________ Doug '05 Honda CBR1000RR (race) PCIII, Akropovic Exhaust, Penske 3-way in back, Ohlins cartriges up front, HotBodies Bodywork, Vortex Rearsets, Pazzo Levers, Galfer Wave Rotors, Galfer Braided Front Brake Lines.

10-09-2007, 02:57 AM	#9
seesm Canyon Carver Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Auburn, California Bikes: (2) 2007 R6's, lots of minibikes and a Bobcat ready to work... Posts: 919 iTrader: (1) Rep Power: 2 (13)	I ran dunlop 209's for quite awhile... They cost me $100 more than Pirellis or Metzelers so I tried other ( p and m) but I go ok on any of them... I think the New pirellis are great.. The dunlops are ok too... Not tried the michelens (sp) yet but I say if it is a track tire they are all good. Dunlop street tires that came on my r6 are great my buddy who is running em says... Pick a flavor and run it. I will go with cost as long as it is a good tire... after 4 sets It is like I get a free set with Pirelli cuz they cost less. And heck they work GREAT!! __________________ MotoElite.com / Snap Dragon Photos / Fast50s.com / Slide Motorsports / Advanced Metal Finishing & Powder Coating / greateryamaha.com / Bell Helmet / leovinceusa.com / Gpr Stabilizer / Mike Wymer Perf. / Kevin Greene /Oury Grip / www.sportbikeswest.com / Catalyst Reaction Susp / Elka Shocks / Race Tech / Inhouse Susp / two2cool / Works Connection / motionpro.com / Tech Spec / SupermotoUSA / axialvideo.com / bickleracing.com / Got Moto Parts

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09-19-2007, 07:07 PM	#1
nonstockrider Newbie Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Mesa AZ / Wyandanch NY Bikes: 04 CBR 1K, 03 600RR, 07 600RR, 03 SV650 Age: 35 Posts: 91 iTrader: (0) Rep Power: 2 (10)	What tire is on top right now... Hope this is in a good spot. It's been some time for me... Heres the deal. I've been working my a$$ off the last 3months I just now put my ear to the ground and I've been hearing that the dunlop tire is now the best tire for the track... I'm a hard core michelin man so it's going ta take a lot more than just talk to get me on another brand. Back in 04 was the 1st time I ran michelin. My times droped, The bike turned faster,The front end was never befor so planted, ect,ect... What i'd like to know is is there anyone here that has ran both and can give some indepth coverage.. Sorry for being gone for so long... __________________ CCS Southwest 2004 Am Unlimited supersport champ 2004 5th Am overall 2005 EX Thunderbike champ 2005 EX GTU champ 2005 4th Ex overall

09-21-2007, 07:15 AM	#2
Cyanide41 Know It All Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: San Diego Posts: 489 iTrader: (0) Rep Power: 4 (20)	Well of course you are going to get all the loyalists arguing that their brand is best. Dunlops are good tires, I find that hard to disagree with. Look at last weekend's Toyota 200. All the guys on the podium were wearing Dunlop hats. Same with most of the AMA grids. My arguement against Dunlops are #1, top guys are using different tires that the average Joe. #2 Price. #3 I hear "reports" of inconsistancy as far as quality and longevity. Personally I run Pirelli. I found that lasted longer than my Michelins and were cheaper too. As far as grip, both are good. The Michelins are said to hold very well until the point where they start to go, then the grip goes away fast. Pirelli's seem to "go off" a little more predictably. (sp?) Most of that stuff you mention about handling, could be corrected with suspenions/geometery settings. __________________ ..::JAMES::..

09-21-2007, 02:18 PM	#3
nonstockrider Newbie Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Mesa AZ / Wyandanch NY Bikes: 04 CBR 1K, 03 600RR, 07 600RR, 03 SV650 Age: 35 Posts: 91 iTrader: (0) Rep Power: 2 (10)	Let's say the dunlop has 10% more grip over the michelin. I think I would stay with michelin. The front has never did me wrong yet, they fit my riding style to a T... I think the bigest thought of mine is that I would be the under dog. I'd get ta prove others wrong with less. Hell i'm only .48 off the track record on my 03CBR6RR with only an adjustable rear link for more ride hight. If the dunlops had more than 10% I would be a fool ta give that up. I must say it would take some getting use to. I guess i'm lookin for the reason NOT ta get on the dunlop band wagon LOL... __________________ CCS Southwest 2004 Am Unlimited supersport champ 2004 5th Am overall 2005 EX Thunderbike champ 2005 EX GTU champ 2005 4th Ex overall

10-01-2007, 11:49 PM	#6
RADEK Know It All Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: San Diego Bikes: 03 ZX6R,02 RC51,01 XR650L,XR50:) Age: 34 Posts: 320 iTrader: (0) Rep Power: 4 (12)	elephants always

10-02-2007, 01:28 PM	#8
Bad-mofo Canyon Carver Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Aliso Viejo, CA Bikes: 03 R6, 04 R1, 06 450SMR Age: 37 Posts: 556 iTrader: (0) Rep Power: 4 (16)	It really depends on what you'd use that tire for. Racing tires are for one race, nothing else. Using it for trackdays is, well, not the primary purpose of those tires, so even with tire warmers and other care you're doing something those tires weren't designed for: repetitive use. Having said that, there are no trackday tires. PP 2CT and Qualifiers are cr@p. I ran 2CTs at Buttonwillow and they kept melting and sliding until completely gave up resulting in a lowside in T2. I'm sorry, no one mentioned racing here, so I'm assuming it's just trackdays. It also depends on your skills. Pros (like Jeff Tigert I observed once) would ride the cr@p out of a street tire and not crash. They're comfortable with sliding. So whatever alleged 10% difference in grip is not worth $100. I'm sure you're up to the task, so just consider it additional challenge: managing the loss of traction (if any) and practicing smoothness to prevent it. That's how I look at it. I've tried 208GP, Supercorsas (regular and Pro), and now Power Races. All medium compound as I recall. So far I like Michelin the best, but it's also $100 more than Dunlop and Pirelli. 208GPs and Supercorsas feel completely different and require different warm up, but the confidence level is the same. I'm not a racer, so I figured the low-end DOT race tires will do for trackdays, as it's not about trophies, but learning. On average all of them start slipping at the end of the third trackday. It's very simple: if you're racing, buy the best tires you can afford (the price reflects quality). If it's just trackdays, look for the best deal.