Motorbike Track Day Tyres Guide

A Run Down of the various Manufacturers trackday specific tyres and Fast Road Legal tyres to help you enjoy your Day Out to your riding potential. There's a hidden Rossi in us all.  

Detailed Guide on Motorcycle Trackday Tyres 

Types of Trackday Tyres

Road Legal Treaded Tyres : Ideal for trackday beginers / ISlower end Intermediate rider and for those who don't want the hassle of using tyre warmers - Never use Tyre Warmers on this type of tyre too. They are designed to operate at a much lower tempature, the kind you'd generate when road riding. 

These tyres are designed for both road and track use. They offer good grip and performance without the need for tyre warmers and a must if your planning to ride your bike to a trackday event. 

At the Ron Haslam School he can easly out ride his students on a set of Bridgestone BT023 Sports touring tyres on a CBR500R when his Students are riding  on CBR1000RR on sports tyre rubber...

Examples include:

Bridgestone Battlax S23 - Great for versatility and durability. 

Continental Conti Sport Attack 4 - Excellent grip and handling.

Dunlop SportSmart TT - Top Performer in Dry and wet conditions

Metzeler M9RR - Impressive in all Conditions a dark horse of tyres

Michelin Power Cup 2 - Superior Traction and perfromance 

Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Corsa - Known for its excellent grip and versatility

Pirelli Supercorsa V4 SP - Offers great performance in both wet and dry conditions

High end Intermediate / Fast Group rider - What's right for you?

Do You Need Slicks?

Motorcycle Tyres: Slicks vs. Treaded - The Fun Showdown!

Slicks

• Maximum Grip: These tyres are like the Velcro of the track world—stickiest of the sticky!

• For the Pros: Originally crafted for racers with teams of experts, these bad boys need some serious TLC.

• Modern Twist: Nowadays, they’re built on softer carcasses, making them more user-friendly but still just a smidge grippier than treaded tyres.

Treaded Tyres

• Versatile Heroes: They shine on both the track and the road. Perfect for your everyday trackday fun.

• Feedback Kings: Tread patterns give you all the feels and feedback, so you’re always in control.

• No Fuss: Less temperature and pressure sensitivity. Plus, they stay cool even if you decide to chill for a lap or two.

The Verdict

For most trackday enthusiasts, treaded tyres offer nearly all the performance with way more convenience and safety. Plus, they bring all the fun without the extra fuss!

Fun Fact: At the Isle of Man TT, there’s less than a 2 mph difference in lap records between bikes on treaded tyres and slicks. So, whether you’re going slick or treaded, it’s all about enjoying the ride and having a blast!

Keep riding with a smile!

Don't Forget those tyre Pressures... !!

Tyre Pressure Fun 101

Whether you’re a total newbie or a TT champ, checking your tyre pressures before and after each session is key.

• Pack That Pressure Gauge: Don't forget to bring along your trusty tyre pressure gauge. It's your best buddy on the track!

• Know Your Numbers: Be familiar with your tyre pressures to keep everything running smoothly.

We've got an in depth guide to motorcycle trackday tyre pressures ready for you. Not sure on the day? No worries! Just ask the friendly tyre fitter at the track or get some advice from one of the track instructors. They’re there to help you ride at your best!

Warm and Ready!

If you’re using tyre warmers, make sure to check your pressures once those tyres are nice and toasty. 

No warmers? No worries! Just check your pressures when you come in at the end of your session to keep everything in check.

Rental Perks:

Did you know you can rent tyre warmers from most trackday organisers? You’ll get warmers and paddock stands. It’s a smart move! Starting out on warm tyres means more track time and less chance of those cold tyre mishaps.

Stay safe, ride smart, and enjoy every lap!

Have a blast and keep those tyres happy!

The Best Motorcycle Trackday Tyres 

We believe there's no single ‘best trackday tyre’ because every rider has their own preferences for different tyre qualities. Prices and wear rates vary too. Just because your mate raves about their tyres doesn’t mean they'll be perfect for you. 

Variety is the Spice of Trackdays!

All the big manufacturers produce top-quality trackday tyres. With 31 different types of treaded and slick track-focused tyres out there, plus a variety of compounds, the choice is huge—and a bit mind blowing!

Find Your Favourites

Most of us have our go to brands. Rather than claiming to know the ‘best motorcycle track tyres,’ we’ll dive into each manufacturer’s offerings and share which ones our customers love the most.

Enjoy the ride and happy tyre hunting!

Bridgestones Best Trackday tyre offerings..

If your doing a trackday for the first time or in the Beginners Group to lower end Intermediates the Bridgestone S23 is a Good starting point, Road legal and you don't need to use tyre warmers with them. Just give them a lap or 2 to get them warmed up Nicely. Starting Cold tyre pressures should be set to... 

Front S23 - 120/70ZR17 - 2.3 Bar 

Rear S23 - 180/55ZR17 to 190/55ZR17 - 1.8 Bar

Rear S23 - 200/55ZR17 - 1.7 Bar

If you are in the Intermediate faster end / Lower end of Fast Group the Brigdestone RS11 is a good option to use. Road Legal and you dont need Tyre warmers, just the usual lap or 2 to get them warm. Starting Cold Pressures should be set to... 

Front RS11 - 120/70ZR17 - 2.1 Bar

Rear RS11 - 190/55ZR17 - 1.8 Bar

Rear RS11 - 200/55ZR17 1.7 Bar

For the Fast Group Rider / Racer we'd recommend the Bidgestone V02 Slicks. Not road legal tyres, the use of tyres warmers are a must with these bad boys and come in an option of compounds. Which compounds to go for can depend on you as a rider and track tempatures. A popular choice is Soft Front with a Mdeium Rear closely followed by Med front and Med Rear.

We get good wear feedback from customers on these slicks and still give very high levels of grip. 

There are no cold tyre pressures as they need to be brought up to Hot temp with tyre warmers.

Hot temp Pressures should be set to between 

Front V02 - 120/605R17 - 2.30 - 2.45 Bar (Target is 2.4 Bar)

Rear V02 - 200/660R17 - 1.7 - 1.9 Bar (Target is 1.85 Bar)

Continental Best Trackday Motorbike Tyres

If your doing a trackday for the first time or in the Beginners Group to lower end Intermediates the Conti Sport Attack 4 is a Good starting point, Road legal and you don't need to use tyre warmers with them. Just give them a lap or 2 to get them warmed up Nicely.

If you are in the Intermediate faster end / Lower end of Fast Group the Conti Race Attack 2 Street or for a higher level of grip there are the Compounded Race Attack 2 are good options to use. Road Legal and you dont need Tyre warmers, just the usual lap or 2 to get them warm but Conti do say you can use Tyres Warmers if thats for you and its 80c for an hour. 

If its compounded a popular combination is Soft Front & a Medium Rear. 

Starting Cold Pressures should be set to... 

Front 120/70ZR17 - 2.1 Bar

Rear 160/60ZR17 - 1.5 Bar

Rear 180/55ZR17 & 180/60ZR17 - 1.4 Bar

Rear 190/50ZR17, 190/55ZR17 & 200/55ZR17 - 1.3 Bar

For the Fast Group Rider / Racer we'd recommend the Conti Track Slick. Not road legal tyres, the use of tyres warmers are a must with these and thats 80c for 1 Hour and come in an option of compounds. Which compounds to go for can depend on you as a rider and track tempatures. A popular choice is Soft Front with a Mdeium Rear closely followed by Med front and Med Rear.

Feed Back from Customers are these tyres give reasonable wear rates without compromising the high levels of grip. 

Starting Cold Tyre Pressure are as follows 

Front 120/70 R17 - 2.1 Bar 

Rear 180/60 R17, 200/55 R17 - 1.45 Bar 

The Best Dunlop Trackday Tyres