I'm taking the SV to the track in three weeks. I currently run stock (33 psi front, 36 rear) tire pressure in Metzeler MEZ3s. I will lower that for the track, but how much?

They have about 70-80% thread depth left (shouldn't that be enough for 7x20 minutes?), but I *might* get some Sportecs for the track day instead... http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/banana.gif

http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

SVS - after you hit the track, post up. I should have my bike on the track in the next couple months or so. I would like to know what tire pressure is best, for future reference. Is this your first time on the track with this SV?

Yup http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif I have maybe 30K miles street on numerous bikes between 250 and 1000 cc, but I've never been on the track... http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/plthumbsdown.gif So I signed up as a beginner http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Of course I can always move up during the day, but I don't want to ride with people on race bikes with slicks and tire warmers on my street bike http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

I'm sure I'll have fun and I WILL post about it - maybe I can even get some pics http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/banana.gif

SVS said:

Yup http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif I have maybe 30K miles street on numerous bikes between 250 and 1000 cc, but I've never been on the track... http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/plthumbsdown.gif So I signed up as a beginner http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Of course I can always move up during the day, but I don't want to ride with people on race bikes with slicks and tire warmers on my street bike http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

I'm sure I'll have fun and I WILL post about it - maybe I can even get some pics http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/banana.gif



remember track days are for fun, they are not for you to race people, so don't worry about us with race bikes and tire warmers.... just go out there and have fun and remember be predictable.... http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

gixxerfever said:


SVS said:

Yup http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif I have maybe 30K miles street on numerous bikes between 250 and 1000 cc, but I've never been on the track... http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/plthumbsdown.gif So I signed up as a beginner http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Of course I can always move up during the day, but I don't want to ride with people on race bikes with slicks and tire warmers on my street bike http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

I'm sure I'll have fun and I WILL post about it - maybe I can even get some pics http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/banana.gif



remember track days are for fun, they are not for you to race people, so don't worry about us with race bikes and tire warmers.... just go out there and have fun and remember be predictable.... http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif



Exactly http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif There are three experience levels on that day, so it shouldn't be a problem http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

As I've said here before, we don't have any tracks around here allowed for bikes over 125cc. For the track day, I have to go to Sweden, our neighbouring country... http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/plthumbsdown.gif Otherwise I'd probably be on the track all the time http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/banana.gif But I am considering getting a 125 race bike so I can ride track every week http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

I would recommend the sportec's, but the ME3z will work pretty good as well.

pressures, I run 31 front and 29 rear on the track.

kippie said:

I would recommend the sportec's, but the ME3z will work pretty good as well.

pressures, I run 31 front and 29 rear on the track.





Thanks http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif Knew you would answer this http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

But 29 rear? Won't it slow down the steering somewhat?

No it will not slow the steering. The trick is to get the same operating temperature into both tires. Since the rear is loaded a lot more than the front (acceleration) it will generate more heat, ie more pressure increase than the front, which is why you drop 2 lbs or so cold in the rear relative to the front.

Make sure you set your temperature in the morning, cold before you go out on track. After they are set leave them alone the rest of the day. I know that sounds obvious, but I have seen guys readjust their tire pressures before each session, if you do that you could get down to the 20/20 range..

If you do want to change your pressure during the day, check what the pressure is then add or subtract a lbs from it.

You better take pics.

Yeah, ok - makes sense http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif And don't worry - I won't try to measure the pressure with warm tires... http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/wait.gif

I think I'll try dropping the pressure this weekend and take it to my favourite twisties - I better refill the tires before I ride to work again - don't want to change tires every other week http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

And for pics - I'll bring my camera, shoot some action pics and see if I can get someone to take some of me http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

Dropped the pressure to 31/29 today before riding home from work, then hit the twisties...

http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

Much better grip and the tires get considerably warmer. I do think that I'll wear them out faster, but f*ck that http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif If I was a tire mileage whore, I'd be running Macadams http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Thanks again, Kippie http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

SVS said:


kippie said:

I would recommend the sportec's, but the ME3z will work pretty good as well.

pressures, I run 31 front and 29 rear on the track.





Thanks http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif Knew you would answer this http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

But 29 rear? Won't it slow down the steering somewhat?





I am trying to figure out if I need to go ahead and order new tires for the track...currently riding on MEZ4's. Seeing as I am in my first season of riding, I can't imagine really pushing them. I was planning to get the Sportec M1's but if I can get away with using the current tires for my first track day then I will...they only have 500 street miles on them...recommendations?

Bens2WhlGrl said:


SVS said:


kippie said:

I would recommend the sportec's, but the ME3z will work pretty good as well.

pressures, I run 31 front and 29 rear on the track.





Thanks http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif Knew you would answer this http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

But 29 rear? Won't it slow down the steering somewhat?





I am trying to figure out if I need to go ahead and order new tires for the track...currently riding on MEZ4's. Seeing as I am in my first season of riding, I can't imagine really pushing them. I was planning to get the Sportec M1's but if I can get away with using the current tires for my first track day then I will...they only have 500 street miles on them...recommendations?



MEZ4s suck - change them and get the Sportecs. As soon as you push the 4s, they'll slip (trust me - I've been there) - I'd rather change tires than change rashed fairing parts and broken levers... Maybe you can sell them to someone who just want mileage, maybe on eBay. Or save them for highway riding - apart from the fact that you don't want to use them agian after you've tried softer tires...

MEZ4 http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/piss.gif

http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

SVS said:


Bens2WhlGrl said:


SVS said:


kippie said:

I would recommend the sportec's, but the ME3z will work pretty good as well.

pressures, I run 31 front and 29 rear on the track.





Thanks http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif Knew you would answer this http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

But 29 rear? Won't it slow down the steering somewhat?





I am trying to figure out if I need to go ahead and order new tires for the track...currently riding on MEZ4's. Seeing as I am in my first season of riding, I can't imagine really pushing them. I was planning to get the Sportec M1's but if I can get away with using the current tires for my first track day then I will...they only have 500 street miles on them...recommendations?



MEZ4s suck - change them and get the Sportecs. As soon as you push the 4s, they'll slip (trust me - I've been there) - I'd rather change tires than change rashed fairing parts and broken levers... Maybe you can sell them to someone who just want mileage, maybe on eBay. Or save them for highway riding - apart from the fact that you don't want to use them agian after you've tried softer tires...

MEZ4 http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/piss.gif

http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif



I was afraid you were gonna say that...so I guess the slipping I feel on the street is the shitty tires... http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/plthumbsdown.gif I hate it though, I just bought these tires and payed too much to get them mounted...I guess another expensive lesson learned....I will figure it out sooner or later.

Bens2WhlGrl said:
...so I guess the slipping I feel on the street is the shitty tires...



Yup... They last long, but are not suited for anything like sporty riding. As I said, I'd rather change tires a little more often than having some that I don't trust...

MEZ4, Michelin Macadam, etc. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/piss.gif

SVS said:


Bens2WhlGrl said:
...so I guess the slipping I feel on the street is the shitty tires...



Yup... They last long, but are not suited for anything like sporty riding. As I said, I'd rather change tires a little more often than having some that I don't trust...

MEZ4, Michelin Macadam, etc. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/piss.gif





thanks SVS....guess I gotta make another visit to Ron Ayers again.....
http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

Found these...Pirelli Supercorsas, Supersoft 120/70 front and soft 160/60 rear..... will these be ok?

Bens2WhlGrl said:

Found these...Pirelli Supercorsas, Supersoft 120/70 front and soft 160/60 rear..... will these be ok?



I have no personal experience with them, but I've heard good things about them http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif You could do a search in General Bike Talk on them http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/idea.gif BTW, the SV front is 120/60

http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

Edit: Check out this thread! (http://www.gixxer.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB27&Number=603139&Forum= All_Forums&Words=pirelli%20supercorsa&Match=Entire %20Phrase&Searchpage=0&Limit=25&Old=allposts&Main= 602097&Search=true#Post603139)

SVS said:


Bens2WhlGrl said:

Found these...Pirelli Supercorsas, Supersoft 120/70 front and soft 160/60 rear..... will these be ok?



I have no personal experience with them, but I've heard good things about them http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif You could do a search in General Bike Talk on them http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/idea.gif BTW, the SV front is 120/60

http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

Edit: Check out this thread! (http://www.gixxer.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB27&Number=603139&Forum= All_Forums&Words=pirelli%20supercorsa&Match=Entire %20Phrase&Searchpage=0&Limit=25&Old=allposts&Main= 602097&Search=true#Post603139)



yep...I have read that thread before, but alot of the posts were Gix riders, I want to hear from SV riders http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
As for the tire size, the guy sellin them has the same year SV as me and he ran the 120/70 on the stock wheel.... http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

Bens2WhlGrl said:

yep...I have read that thread before, but alot of the posts were Gix riders, I want to hear from SV riders http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
As for the tire size, the guy sellin them has the same year SV as me and he ran the 120/70 on the stock wheel.... http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/dunno.gif




Well, the Sportecs work great on both Gixxers and SVs, so why shouldn't the Supercorsas do the same http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

As for the tire size, a different tire hight will change the steering somewhat - the 70s should flex somewhat more than the 60s, lessening steering precision http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/plthumbsdown.gif, not to mention that the speedo and ODO will be off, as the SV measures speed and distance on the front wheel... http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/plthumbsdown.gif

IMHO, as you're changing tires anyway, get 60s...

http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

done! http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif goin with the Sportec's http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

Bens2WhlGrl said:

As for the tire size, the guy sellin them has the same year SV as me and he ran the 120/70 on the stock wheel.... http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/dunno.gif




Oh, yeah, he was the one who sold you MEZ4s too... http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Congrats on the Sportecs http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/banana.gif

http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

I wrecked on MEZ4's the first time I rode the bike, after 10 laps. They are no good for track use. They are no good for agressive street riding. They are pretty good at lining the trash can. If you like them on the street, I would get some better tires for the track and remount the Z4's for street riding.

I run a 120 front, no problems. As SVS said though, it will change your speedo, and it will change the turn in and handling, but not nessisarily for the worse. If you would like to retain your turn-in, drop your forks a bit with the bigger tires.

As for compounds, I use a soft front and a medium rear Michelin slicks. A super-soft DOT race front and a soft DOT race rear would be very good combination. Personally I perfer Michelins or Dunlops rather and Pirelli's or Metzlers. The Michelins and Dunlops have a stiffer construction with provides me will for feel for the surface. The Pirellis are a flexier construction which will made the bike feel like it is flexing and weaving until your suspention is set-up. Either work very well, just personal preference.

kippie said:

I run a 120 front, no problems.



120? 120/60 or 70 was the question... http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif I suppose you mean 120/70, then...

http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

Sorry, 120/70, yes.

http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

I ran rennsport supersoft front and rear this past week end at Barber and LOVED them http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gifI don't think they will be necessary for a first track day though http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/dunno.gif Have fun at your track day and ride your own ride out there http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/punk.gif

DocDover said:

I ran rennsport supersoft front and rear this past week end at Barber and LOVED them http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gifI don't think they will be necessary for a first track day though http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/dunno.gif Have fun at your track day and ride your own ride out there http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/punk.gif



Too late!!! I already was there - now I can't wait till the next http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/banana.gif The MeZ 3s worked great with the lowered tire pressure. They balled up right to the edge and my knee sliders are pretty worn. I even had to move my feet back to keep them off the ground, even though I use race rearsets. And the Metzelers didn't do anything unwanted one single time http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

BTW, it might have been my first time on the track, but 35K miles street, 22K of them on the SV sure help a lot http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif Anyhow, IMO, you learn more from 100 miles on the track than 1000 miles on the street http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/yumyum.gif

I will get Sportecs soon, but I have considered Rennsports too http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/punk.gif

http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif