Tire condition for C group

[NoTraffic]

Returning to do my second trackday after a long 5 year hiatus. What's the perspective of running 50% tread tires in Group C?

I have some Pirelli Angel GTs (A spec) that will probably last the entire day but wanted to hear opinions from others. Obviously putting on some new tires are better but I think I can last the duration and then get new rubber after the track day.

I assume tech will let me pass with 50% left, FZ1, C group.

 

[sckego]

I've always heard 50% tread as the minimum requirement. Also, I'd be REALLY surprised if you get through half the tread of a sport-touring tire at C group pace, even on a higher-powered bike like an FZ1. I think you're probably fine.

 

[puckles]

Age/Rubber condition is more important than tread depth. They can have 100% tread, but if there's dry rotting and they are hard as plastic, there's a good chance you'll have a bad day. You won't burn through that much tread. Check the date code as well.

 

[superhawk]

What he said:thumbup

Age/Rubber condition is more important than tread depth. They can have 100% tread, but if there's dry rotting and they are hard as plastic, there's a good chance you'll have a bad day. You won't burn through that much tread. Check the date code as well.

 

[SCC Ryder]

Although very unscientific and very simple, I have always believed if you are asking “ should I replace my tires before this track day / trip ? “ , you probably already know the answer and should do it to ease your mind. One less thing to worry about on your fun day :cool.

 

[R3DS!X]

Do you really think the savings of not replacing your tires now is going to outweigh a binned bike and the amount of guilt you would have if you knew that your crash could have been avoided if you just changed your god damn tires? Just change them out so you can have more of a peace of mind when you ride.

 

[NoTraffic]

Do you really think the savings of not replacing your tires now is going to outweigh a binned bike and the amount of guilt you would have if you knew that your crash could have been avoided if you just changed your god damn tires? Just change them out so you can have more of a peace of mind when you ride.

It's not necessarily saving money that guilts my mind, it's just being over precautious. I have complete confidence my tire will hold up during the sessions (and if not, get a tire change there) but why replace 50% tire when it's operating just fine?

 

[squidworth]

Operating fine at track speeds, heat, and tire stress or operating fine at road speeds, heat, and tire stress?

 

[NorCal Factory]

So you want to take a risk going 100 mph about a hundred times on a not so grippy tire in order to Defer buying a new tire for 150 miles of riding?

Sounds like a medium risk, high consequence, low reward decision.

Unless you fail tech and miss the first session buying a new tire anyway it’s up to you.

It’s been done before.

Be sure to check the tire pressure for track use and after the first session as most street tires have higher street pressure settings and then heat up so much the tire pressure goes way too high compromising the limited grip a used non track tire affords.

 

[inthewoods]

And if you fall because of incompetent tires, hoping it just involves the rider on said motorcycle.

If the bike set up is off you just may burn through that rubber.

 

[NoTraffic]

Thanks all, I'm putting on some fresh rubber. Interesting to hear varied sides of the coin. Part of me was hesitant because I hope to take out of the Yamaha demo bikes, so that leaves 4 sessions, thanks for the input.

 

[afm199]

Returning to do my second trackday after a long 5 year hiatus. What's the perspective of running 50% tread tires in Group C?

I have some Pirelli Angel GTs (A spec) that will probably last the entire day but wanted to hear opinions from others. Obviously putting on some new tires are better but I think I can last the duration and then get new rubber after the track day.

I assume tech will let me pass with 50% left, FZ1, C group.

LOL. I won't pass a bike that shows up with 50% tread. That tire's at the end of its traction life. "Getting through the day and buying new tires" is really poor reasoning. Buy new tires and get through the day.

 

[two wheel tramp]

Bring good rubber. It makes the track day more fun.

 

[stangmx13]

If you have the skill to recognize when a tire has less grip and can slow down to not push past that limit, run it. But that’s not an ez skill. It’s not really a C or even B group skill.

 

[afm199]

If you have the skill to recognize when a tire has less grip and can slow down to not push past that limit, run it. But that’s not an ez skill. It’s not really a C or even B group skill.

This, totally. When you feel the rear spinning up easier, the front pushing more, then it's time to slow down a bit. But those aren't C or B skills, half the guys in A group don't understand.

 

[beje]

For C group (and even low B) i would not worry unless the tire is 1year old.

I've seen people running 2:00 at thill without thread left on their supercorsa.. lets be realistic.

In case you dont pass tech (which i really doubt) you can always replace the tyre at the track

 

[stangmx13]

For C group (and even low B) i would not worry unless the tire is 1year old.

I've seen people running 2:00 at thill without thread left on their supercorsa.. lets be realistic.

In case you dont pass tech (which i really doubt) you can always replace the tyre at the track

Its a big risk to make an internet recommendation to a random person based off of what other potentially much better riders can do. Fast, experienced, skillful riders can do A LOT on a motorcycle that a less experienced rider cant.

 

[89fj]

Bring good rubber. It makes the track day more fun.

bingo, plus, if you crash and there's a red flag, it slows down the whole day for everyone else. don't be that rider. It really sucks being stopped on the side of the track during a red flag sweating in leathers

 

[NoTraffic]

Its a big risk to make an internet recommendation to a random person based off of what other potentially much better riders can do. Fast, experienced, skillful riders can do A LOT on a motorcycle that a less experienced rider cant.

In this scenario, I'll have to side with beje. Equally, you can have a new rider go out with 45 psi in their tires and not know why they are riding the way they are (after tech inspection). There are many variables, arguably you have to assume the rider is competent when assessing a bike's condition and evaluating if its in the right condition to let in on the track. I've heard many get three track days out of their tires which is not unreasonable. Could it fail? Yes. Is there a huge margin in the risk? Maybe? Will it pass tech- yes.

 

[beje]

Also we are talking of a very good street tire... more than thread depth my worry would be the temperature and the risk of melting the tire... but at C group pace? I doubt this can happen if the tire is not under inflated; also assuming the tire is in good shape.