TIRES LOL

[redhenracing2]

The short version: Any drawbacks to running a race tire (sportmax GP) on a daily ridden bike?

Long version:
So I came out from work the other night and found that I had a completely flat rear tire. I went to the store next door and got a can of fix-a-flat, and it oozed a little out of a pinhole in the middle of my flattened center strip. The tire is about 5 years old with no tread, and after this I really don't trust it. I found a friend of mine just happened to have a 190 race take-off in his garage, and as I am flat broke, I can't turn down a free tire. The tire in question is a Dunlop sportmax GP, and the very outer inch or two is shredded, but the middle looks untouched and has more tread than my current tire. Could I run into any problems using this tire on a daily ridden bike, especially since it's been quite rainy lately? Also, any negative effect from having a Michelin Pilot front tire with this on the rear? Just thought I'd get some input before I go get it mounted up.

[karatechop5000]

You must not have snow where you live.  I wouldn't ride a sport tire even in the summer; but then I did slide out once on top of a nice lady who had to get wrist surgery.  I know this doesn't answer your question.  I say drive fast!  Take chances!

[redhenracing2]

Excellent suggestion

Worth noting, Dunlops website says not to mix it with other radials.

[tt_four]

Well first of all, it's a free tire so there's no reason to use it. Even if you don't feel comfortable on it it's still worth mounting it just to burn it off, haha.

As far as using a race tire on the street.... I think you'll just run into issues with running temp. Road tired warm up after a few minutes, but race tires are used to constant accelerating, braking, and leaning at angles, so they're used to pressure on them keeping them warm. If you're just riding on the street you're probably going to have a hard time actually getting them up to the temperature you need to be at. Your front tire is still stickier so if you don't mind the back end sliding around a little bit I don't really know why you couldn't ride it until you get a new tire if you're being careful. I definitely wouldn't ride like you normally do, and I wouldn't take it in the rain. Basically, the only reason I'd say it's even worth anything is because it would be fun to be able to spin your rear tire a bit. If you're looking for a serious answer, I would just order a new tire and wait it out the 3-4 days it takes to get to you. You'd probably do better with a normal street take off that's just laying next to the dumpster of your local shop. The tread would be half gone, but it's probably still safer than a race tire.

[redhenracing2]

Well after 50 miles on it, I must say it is very different, not necessarily better or worse. After a few minutes, it is very sticky and confidence inspiring. The first few minutes, however, are terrifying. It's like being on ice, any throttle that is not completely smooth spins it, and my bike is far from smooth. I got a little sideways taking off across the parking lot after work, but it panned out no problem. Once warm, it will now wheelie first and second without clutching or snapping it, just flat out power it up, and not even at full throttle. It handles much better in tight spaces as well, but that may be because the old one was flat in the center. I am pleased for now, which is good because it may be a while before I can afford a replacement.

[Twisted]

One thing I don't mess with on a bike is tyres. I like to know that I got a good set of chicken strips under me.

[luohanfan]

if you think its easy to spin em up now, wait till its wet..
Be carefull mate, not the best choice for everyday riding..

[tt_four]

Just let it spin for a second or two every time you start it off, it'll warm it up and you'll be good to go!

[tt_four]

it will now wheelie first and second without clutching or snapping it, just flat out power it up, and not even at full throttle.

That's an interesting change just based off of a little more traction. What's the usual situation with road tires? I guess normal road tires slip ever so slightly under hard acceleration and even though you can't feel the tire slipping, it still does enough to keep the front from lifting. Will it come up in 2nd without the clutch when you're sitting down at all with the normal tire?

[redhenracing2]

No, I could not even snap second gear up before. I'm thinking that that slight slip might be what caused the flat center strip, because I never did a burnout on it. The old tire was a Michelin pilot, standard road tire. I am now in the market for a Q2 front so that my tires will match a little better.