Dunlop’s idea, which changed the way the world rides, was born in 1888, Ireland. Today, the brand has been on the market for over 120 years. Their passenger, performance, sport and SUV tires are an essential to motorsport heritage. The company understands that each bike has its unique specifications. They have created a wide range of tires so that you can pick one that fits your bike best. To give you an example of the type of motorcycle tires that Dunlop has, we picked the Elite 3 Radial Tire.
When looking at buying track tyres you no doubt want to buy the very best tyres for your money, but with each manufacturer spouting endless lines of marketing gumf it’s tough to know which is best. Keep in mind that each of the below tyres have been designed, tested and manufactured to an extremely high standard, so for 99% of track day riders any of the below tyres will more than perform to the level you would expect (and want) from this type of motorcycle tyre.
The 244 series comes in a wide array of sizes, all of which can be used for rear and front fitment. If you’re riding in dirt or the street, you can count this tire for unmatched performance. Unlike other tires, this model has a tread pattern that delivers a stable and smooth highway feel, while featuring tread spacing that is carefully calculated for off-road grip.
Make sure connector plug prongs and receptacles, light bulb sockets, wire splices, and ground connections are all clean and shielded from moisture. Then, lightly coat all electrical terminal connections with non conducting dielectric, light waterproof grease. MAKE SURE all running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights are working. Above all, inspect the wiring for proper connections. You want it loose enough to make turns without disconnecting or damaging the wires, but not so loose that it’s dragging.
Those of us who ride big touring bikes such as the Ducati Multistrada and the BMW R1200GS are usually only interested in two things; comfort and performance. You see, big bikes like these are designed to munch mile after mile comfortably and quickly. They are styled as adventure bikes but most of us will never take them onto any surfaces more challenging than a patch of wet grass or gravel – it is for this reason that you’ll see most fitted with a road biased touring tire.
But, these bikes can also be a hindrance to stress free learning. Many new track day riders are better off with a simple, low powered machine that keeps them running a bit slower until they can get a handle on racetrack riding. One reason my friend Josh was having trouble at his first several track days is because he was driven to ride his GSXR1000 faster than he should have. Read about Josh’s mishap.
But, these bikes can also be a hindrance to stress free learning. Many new track day riders are better off with a simple, low powered machine that keeps them running a bit slower until they can get a handle on racetrack riding. One reason my friend Josh was having trouble at his first several track days is because he was driven to ride his GSXR1000 faster than he should have. Read about Josh’s mishap.
Of course, it doesn’t take a hundred-fifty horses to get into trouble. A well setup 70 hp bike like an SV650 can corner just as fast as a literbike, but the nature of the Gixxer liter bike often begs riders to unleash all the available horses. However, if what you have is a liter bike, don’t shy away from a track day. Just be extra aware of the temptation you can feel when piloting a hyper-superbike and keep the throttle in check.
The Kruz K673’s 3+2 design on the case improves handling and adds to the carrying capacity of your ride. So, when you’re cruising for long distances, you'll fill your saddlebag without worrying about the added stress on the tires. You'll also love the way this tire handles any weather condition thanks to its wide grooves. The H-rating on this tire means it will perform excellently, even at a speed of 130 mph, with exceptional traction. Did we mention that the price of this tire is unimaginable when compared with other tires of similar performance?
The Roadtec 01 is what Metzeler describe as their Sports Touring Tyre and we wouldn’t disagree. The name of the game here is fast and dependable performance. A Ducati Multistrada 1200 has 160 bhp on tap and we know how they’re ridden – their owners want a tire that can keep up when the throttle is pulled back and maximum power is applied as well as when the rain comes. This tyre excels at both.
So what you will uncover listed here are a collection of tyres that are intended for all those riders that are additional inclined to just have the odd spirited ride on dry roads (fair climate riders, as we’re recognized), but tyres which will also source you with extra than ample grip to hoon close to on keep track of too. And although they will get the job done in the damp to a degree, that is not what their principal goal.
According to verified independent testers, Michelin Commander II Rear Cruiser Tire last twice as long when compared to other competing cruiser tires. With this in mind, it’s no wonder that the best way to describe Commander II tires is exceptional durability. In case you are looking for sports touring tires, check the Michelin Road 3 for performance that lasts.
While all tires are (hopefully) circular in shape, there are a lot of differences, most of which being differences in design. A tire has four main parts, tread, bead, carcass, and the sidewall. The tread is the part that meets the road and has a lot of impact on the tire. Tires with smooth treads are best on dry and smooth surfaces. On the other hand, chunky treads, are best on off-road surfaces. There are other carefully designed treads, which make them great on variety of surfaces. The bead joins the tire to the wheel while the carcass is the backbone of the wheel.
The Roadtec 01 is what Metzeler describe as their Sports Touring Tyre and we wouldn’t disagree. The name of the game here is fast and dependable performance. A Ducati Multistrada 1200 has 160 bhp on tap and we know how they’re ridden – their owners want a tire that can keep up when the throttle is pulled back and maximum power is applied as well as when the rain comes. This tyre excels at both.
For track day riders who want the highest performance in DOT-approved rubber, Pirelli is introducing a new compound for the Diablo Supercorsa tire. The Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa TD tire will be available from authorized trackside vendors at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway (March 29-31), MSR Houston (April 12-14) and Aprilia Racer Days at Circuit of the Americas (April 16).
Not precious- Many new track day riders suffer undue stress over the anxiety of crashing their beautiful, high-dollar, chrome and carbon laden street bike. Thankfully, it’s easy not to crash at a track day if you ride within your ability. So, if all you have is your pride and joy, go ahead and bring it to the track, but at some point when you start pushing harder, you may want a dedicated track bike that has less sentimental value.
Motorcycle tires come in different sizes and specifications. While it may be a hustle when you’re shopping for the first time, if you have the right information, you’ll get it right. In this guide, we’ll take you through the critical considerations when shopping for a tire. We shall also show you how to decode information displayed on tires, as it all you need when making a decision. We’ve also made it easier for you by identifying some of the best motorcycle tires. After you’ve gone through our review and found the right tire for your cruiser, all you need is a GPS system and you’ll be off on the road trip of your dreams!
These tires are a downright steal. If you race competitively we would suggest you purchase a few and keep them on hand for when you need a spare set. If you are a competitive racer than we also suggest that you look into the other models in the Bridgestone range to see whether there is a tire that may be a little more specifically tuned to your needs.
Some people think that they need a dedicated track bike to do a track day. But, this simply isn’t true as long as you have a motorcycle that has a reasonable amount of cornering clearance. This includes most standard, sport, sport touring, adventure, and even touring machines. Cruiser motorcycles are probably the only machines that are not really appropriate for fast cornering and spirited riding.
The Power Ones were a very popular tyre in its old form with many track riders and racers swearing by them. The tyre was also used as a control tyre in some club races which further cemented it’s ability. Michelin have brought in the Cup tyres to replace the One, so I have no doubt they will be just as good and highly likely much better. Here’s a look at the three compounds:
