Gtrpimp76..... I really need suspension help. My stock '06 is straight from the factory in suspension and I know there is more to be had from it.Both matter but in reality, there are a million more variables than just tires that'll inspire confidence! Suspension and chassis geometry are also just as important.
A great rider can ride a bike that most of us would think has the crappiest set of rubber and actually suprise the hell outta you. It's all about knowing the limits of traction available, using the slide to your advantages and controlling it in a manner that helps you improve your entry, apicies, and exit speeds.
but....
a good tire is VERY CONFIDENCE INSPIRING and help you to improve your skill. An example for me was yesterday at Willow Springs Big Track, I used the trackday/street hybrid BT002RS and found some major confidence in my turn-in ability, cornerspeed, etc. Previously, I used a set of Bridgestone racing slicks that had a slightly different geometry compared to the 002RS and I had ZERO confidence in my cornering ability. That is due to the way the tire changed my overall chassis geometry and gave it a different handling characteristic. My suggestion for you is to try: Dunlop Qualifiers, Michelin Pilot Powers or 2CT's, Brigestone BT002RS, Pirelli Corsas, or any other tire of an equivalent mentioned above. You will see your confidence shoot up dramatically.
HOWEVER, WITH THAT SAID, WORK ON YOUR SUSPENSION FIRST. You'll actually gain more than just swapping tires. Tires and suspension go hand in hand. If you're a heavier rider (>140 lbs), swap out them stock fork springs and go heavier. Adjust your preload to proper SAG measurements (for better twisties riding, go closer to race sag than Street, but not full on stiff like race sag), and dial in your compression/rebound settings. you wanna dial in comp/reb to when you compress and release the front end or shock, the bike should compress, but return to it's static height within one second. That's general rule of thumb.
I'm down with meetin' up, helping with SAG settings, etc. Did you respring when you were 210lbs? If you're still on stock springs, you'll still bottom out the useable fork travel, thus reducing front tire traction (b/c front tire is forced to compress more than usual) under hard braking, even if you have the preloaders cranked.Gtrpimp76..... I really need suspension help. My stock '06 is straight from the factory in suspension and I know there is more to be had from it.Both matter but in reality, there are a million more variables than just tires that'll inspire confidence! Suspension and chassis geometry are also just as important.
A great rider can ride a bike that most of us would think has the crappiest set of rubber and actually suprise the hell outta you. It's all about knowing the limits of traction available, using the slide to your advantages and controlling it in a manner that helps you improve your entry, apicies, and exit speeds.
but....
a good tire is VERY CONFIDENCE INSPIRING and help you to improve your skill. An example for me was yesterday at Willow Springs Big Track, I used the trackday/street hybrid BT002RS and found some major confidence in my turn-in ability, cornerspeed, etc. Previously, I used a set of Bridgestone racing slicks that had a slightly different geometry compared to the 002RS and I had ZERO confidence in my cornering ability. That is due to the way the tire changed my overall chassis geometry and gave it a different handling characteristic. My suggestion for you is to try: Dunlop Qualifiers, Michelin Pilot Powers or 2CT's, Brigestone BT002RS, Pirelli Corsas, or any other tire of an equivalent mentioned above. You will see your confidence shoot up dramatically.
HOWEVER, WITH THAT SAID, WORK ON YOUR SUSPENSION FIRST. You'll actually gain more than just swapping tires. Tires and suspension go hand in hand. If you're a heavier rider (>140 lbs), swap out them stock fork springs and go heavier. Adjust your preload to proper SAG measurements (for better twisties riding, go closer to race sag than Street, but not full on stiff like race sag), and dial in your compression/rebound settings. you wanna dial in comp/reb to when you compress and release the front end or shock, the bike should compress, but return to it's static height within one second. That's general rule of thumb.
I notice it's gotten a little better since I have gone from 210lbs to 175 since last fall (not by choice)., but the bike seems to handle a bit better.
You in SOCAL... I'm in El Cajon, let's hook up and get me set up. Then we'll pick up Scar and Lamb and a few others and take a spin.
Mark
Don't forget which wax to use, and what to clean your chain with!What I have found in my research is this...There are two things in life that there is no correct answer to. 1 Is whats the best tire, the other is whats the best oil to use.
Boy oh boy, ain't that the truth....What I have found in my research is this...There are two things in life that there is no correct answer to. 1 Is whats the best tire, the other is whats the best oil to use.
+1 absolutely.What I have found in my research is this...There are two things in life that there is no correct answer to. 1 Is whats the best tire, the other is whats the best oil to use.
Never wax, only oil based lube for my chainDon't forget which wax to use, and what to clean your chain with!What I have found in my research is this...There are two things in life that there is no correct answer to. 1 Is whats the best tire, the other is whats the best oil to use.
The secret to less tire wear at the track is having your suspension dialed in. Proper suspension adjustments make a tire last 2 to 3 times longer at the track.egads this thread is getting pricey.... Tires, springs, valves.. My count is around $2700 w/track daybut yes, ideal..
Isnt it possible to just do a track day with a fresh set of tires (that will still be usable after) and someone setup the suspension?
Don, lets see a shot of that rear tire of yours.. I had a picture of it after 300 miles and you had barely scuffed it..
Just Got a Hook Up on a Set of Pirelli Diablos. Thanks DOYLE. You are the MAN
I am going to Track Day in August. Probably Won't Participate but I will Definetly get my Suspension Tuned UP !!!! Thanks Everyone for all the Input !!!! I Love the ORG !!!
if you do not do the track day , your "fast" will be pizzed off.... DO THE TRACK DAY!Just Got a Hook Up on a Set of Pirelli Diablos. Thanks DOYLE. You are the MAN
I am going to Track Day in August. Probably Won't Participate but I will Definetly get my Suspension Tuned UP !!!! Thanks Everyone for all the Input !!!! I Love the ORG !!!