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Question about track tires

1K views 16 replies 11 participants last post by  Dragone 
#1 ·
I've come to acquire a set of Michelin Race tires (PR1/PR4) for 60 bucks from a friend who only used them for a qualifying race then retired them, so they still have tons of tread life. I had intentions of just throwing them on my bike once I burn through this set of Q3's so I don't have to drop a few hundred next time I need some before I go to the track for the first time. My question is: I've always heard that if you heat cycle track tires too much, you'll "kill them". What exactly does killing them entail? Will they lose grip/performance? Can I use them for the reason I picked them up and still go ride them with spirit and not worry?
 
#2 ·
Depending on your pace I wouldn't worry, just make sure get a solid 2 laps in before you turn it up, as I assume you are not using warmers. I used a few sets of pirelli dsc v2 race compound without warmers and I didn't have any problems, although when I did use warmers I got better tire wear.
 
#3 ·
You should be ok since they were only used for qualifying. Too many heat cycles will make them greasy and slippery. I've ran race d.o.t for several different track days and never had them slip and I'm A group pace. Just make sure they are up to temp and you check your tire pressure. I've even ran 4 yr old deadstock Rennsports RS1's w/out any issues.
 
#4 ·
Michelin guy at my last race weekend told me it didnt matter how many heat cycles are on their tires anymore, sorta, but once the tires are scrubbed you only have 8 to 10 months of good quality left for the tires. He said since their not made from rubber but from synthetic materials that after they are scrubbed you need to use them up within that year. He said it applies to rain tires too. He was just saying that the grip of the tires really drop off after that time no matter how little time you have on them...
 
#5 ·
The heat cycle thing is mostly a myth. Tread life is more important and you will run out of tread at the track before you ever have to even consider heat cycles lives.

Assuming you are newish to the scene, I would stick with the Q3s for a while. They are cheap and also will carry you well into advance if your bike is setup right. I'm still running them and could be for a while in advance.
 
#6 · (Edited)
Thanks for the advice, guys. I forgot to make it clear that I'll be using them for back road street riding as i'll be sure to buy a fresh set of tires for when I do go to the track. I really picked them up for good & cheap rubber to hold me over until I do go to the track rather than buying another set of Q3's new.

I'm kinda concerned I just wasted my money on them because they feel pretty hard, not soft like my Q3's.
 
#7 ·
I just had a light bulb go off in my head and I checked the DOT stamp on the side of the tire... These things are from 2004/2005. Well, that was a waste of money. These things are toast, aren't they?
 
#8 · (Edited)
10 years old, I would say that is stretching it
 
#10 ·
I wouldnt run 10yr old tires, ever.

I certainly understand the desire to save money but tires is one of the things I will not compromise on. Your life is riding on several inches of contact patch. I would make sure you could get the best you can.

On the subject of takeoffs, only buy from a reputable source and be sure to check date stamps. I sell mine pretty regularly because they have good life left and are always a very current date.
 
#11 ·
I would shy away from using a racing/track specific tire for street use (especially a 10 year old set). Those tires need heat to get traction. Rarely will (should) you ride hard enough on the street to get enough heat into them. I ran my last set on the street to commute to work.... not fun. And even sketchy on the one canyon ride on a hot day. Stick to street tires for street and until you're running an A Group pace at the track. The still stick to street tires for street use. Hit up local races for possible take offs if ya want to get some decent track rubber for cheap :D
 
#12 ·
Thanks guys.
 
#14 ·
Was at the track last weekend. I passed on a front tire a buddy had offered me when I told him I needed a new front. It was a 7 year old Pirelli Diablo.

He ended up gambling on this tire and had it mounted. The first left hander his front tucked and he low sided breaking his ankle.

Moral of the story:

1) don't cheap out on rubber

2) if there's any doubt, the decision has already been made in your head.

3) don't ride old tires (I passed on a 4 year old takeoff the day my buddy went down)
 
#15 ·
:butbut:Yep. They're officially retired.
 
#16 ·
im not sure if i could ever bring myself to even buy race takeoffs from someone.. to me, it says its not good enough for THEM anymore, why should i use em for ME?

i dunno, but i'd say these guys are right, following guys like drums advice will give you pretty solid peace of mind youre doing the right thing
 
#17 ·
Thanks for posting the question. Good learning

I did criinge however on the 10yr old set. I threw away a set of GPA's brand new because I was not able to hit up the track with them. My pirelli guy did mention that there is a shelf life of 4 yrs if out of the sun and in a controlled environment.
 
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