Tyre Pressures Street and Track.

Great info that might even help a newby avoid a woopsy in the future track day, just what I needed so thanks for replying. So how about road riding tyre pressures? I have been using Radial Tyres for years but on the first set, I discovered running previously used Bios tyre pressures didn't work for me. I set the front at 34psi but by the time I arrived at the ride meeting point maybe 50ks later, I wasn't happy. The bike had been doing something I call tram tracking, getting caught and following any longitudinal line on the road, it's a thing with the soft sidewalls on Radials I guess. It was not pleasant at all so I added a bit to 37psi in the front and that completely disappeared with the bike going exactly where it was pointed to. Apparently, Radials require higher pressures so I have been running 37F and 40R since. I got a comment recently about that causing a harsh ride, maybe but the bike tracks really well and the tyres wear pretty well, or so I thought but again recently I was told the front showed signs of Scolloping. BTW that's Bridgestone T32 from and rear, 10,000ks out of my last rear with very few issues with traction wet or dry.
 
Not too hard on tyres. Need to get rid of those little Dunlop wings next time :ROFLMAO:
 

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Great info that might even help a newby avoid a woopsy in the future track day, just what I needed so thanks for replying. So how about road riding tyre pressures? I have been using Radial Tyres for years but on the first set, I discovered running previously used Bios tyre pressures didn't work for me. I set the front at 34psi but by the time I arrived at the ride meeting point maybe 50ks later, I wasn't happy. The bike had been doing something I call tram tracking, getting caught and following any longitudinal line on the road, it's a thing with the soft sidewalls on Radials I guess. It was not pleasant at all so I added a bit to 37psi in the front and that completely disappeared with the bike going exactly where it was pointed to. Apparently, Radials require higher pressures so I have been running 37F and 40R since. I got a comment recently about that causing a harsh ride, maybe but the bike tracks really well and the tyres wear pretty well, or so I thought but again recently I was told the front showed signs of Scolloping. BTW that's Bridgestone T32 from and rear, 10,000ks out of my last rear with very few issues with traction wet or dry.
At the end of the day you use what feels right for you, Vince. If you feel safe and stable and have good traction then stick with what you have - scalloping on the front seems to be a natural occurrence on Lavs with the long rake, pushing the front. Mine with std rake always scalloped.
 
BTW what's the go with this front tyre Scolloping thing, is it unavoidable? Seems they all do it these days. Q what Dunlop are they, I know your a 17 but if anything new out I always scroll it for available sizes for 18s that MIGHT fit. It's rare to find much under a 150 or 120 front though.
 
BTW what's the go with this front tyre Scolloping thing, is it unavoidable? Seems they all do it these days. Q what Dunlop are they, I know your a 17 but if anything new out I always scroll it for available sizes for 18s that MIGHT fit. It's rare to find much under a 150 or 120 front though.
Dunlop Sportmax Q3 - 160/60x17 and 120/70x17. My idiot guess is that scalloping is from braking and cornering, which obviously creates 'vectors' that differ from the rear under power. A rear does it to a lesser extent as well - picture the rubber on the leading and trailing edges of a groove under brakes or power - one side will be flattened, the other raised.

A skilled race prepper will know more than me. I know that incorrect pressures will give greater rise to scalloping. To me it's a sign that you have nice soft rubber where and when you want it!
 
I need to start thinking about a set of tyres for the SFC. Want something really sticky as the bike will only be used on the track.
Even race tyres would be an option. Suggestions??
If you can get hold of Conti Classic race, as good as it gets. Otherwise the ubiquitous Avon AM22/23. Neither need warmers (banned for classic here). I think supply of anything will be a challenge. If there is a classic race club ask them what is available.
As in Piets pic, even the 45 worked fine and were a popular choice. You wont be setting lap records and almost all modern tyres are good, so feel will be high priority.
 
I need to start thinking about a set of tyres for the SFC. Want something really sticky as the bike will only be used on the track.
Even race tyres would be an option. Suggestions??
Hi Rob, On my Endurance racer I'm now using - Bridgestone CR11- https://www.bridgestone.co.uk/motorcycle-tyres/race/battlax-racing-cr11
Very much a dry tyre , will handle damp conditions. Only two sizes 110 front , 150 rear. Don't need tyre warmers. 18 inch.
Andy
 
Hi Andy, those tyres are too wide for the 750, original rims so 120 and 100 would be the preferred sizes.
I definitely won't be setting lap records, but I do like to ride it the way it should be ridden but in my comfort zone.
Sticky tyres are my insurance though.
May have to look into those CR11 tyres for the Motodd though. I assume they're race tyres??
When at my last track day there was a pommy guy that came up to me for a chat about Laverdas, use to have a monty, knew Slaters, Toddy etc.
Also mentioned his cousin?? who was racing a modified RGS that I thought may have been you.
He was riding in the same group on a CBR600?? set up as a track bike. He was way quicker than me!
So do you have a cousin?? living in Perth? His bike was painted orange too!!
 
Hi Andy, those tyres are too wide for the 750, original rims so 120 and 100 would be the preferred sizes.
I definitely won't be setting lap records, but I do like to ride it the way it should be ridden but in my comfort zone.
Sticky tyres are my insurance though.
May have to look into those CR11 tyres for the Motodd though. I assume they're race tyres??
When at my last track day there was a pommy guy that came up to me for a chat about Laverdas, use to have a monty, knew Slaters, Toddy etc.
Also mentioned his cousin?? who was racing a modified RGS that I thought may have been you.
He was riding in the same group on a CBR600?? set up as a track bike. He was way quicker than me!
So do you have a cousin?? living in Perth? His bike was painted orange too!!
Yeah that will be Chris my Cousin, quick rider runs a 600 on the track , lives in Safety Bay just south of Freemantle .The Monty was mine. The CR11 do say for race use only.
Forgot to say he mention he followed you just to enjoy the sound .
Andy
 
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If you do a little googling you can find most anything 😊👍. Pirelli make a tyre called phantom sports comp rs that comes in unfortunately only one front size but there’s two sizes available in rears, they are a radial and utilise modern rubber compounds from there track tyres.
Cheers Tom
 
New one on me Tom, nostalgic types would love that tread pattern. And the racers would love the ultra-modern compound they are made from. So a 130x70 RADIAL, that's really interesting, it's the only radial tyre made under a 140 rear available. Good on Pirelli for making that happen. A 110 front and either a 130 or a 150 rear 18inch Radial in the very latest ultra-modern sticky compound, great to see those sizes in an 18inch wheel for a change.
 
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