Bullet

No problem on your questions Bobby, I'll tell you exactly what I use. We have 4 bikes currently in our house, (the wife rides too on track), I have an Aprilia RSV (my older track bike), My CBR Racer, and the 1098R I just procured before Xmas. The Wifes 749R (her baby), runs Dunlops 211GP Racers, she never complains, and the tyre is very much better than she, though she's a good intermediate rider and can crack on well. The Aprilia curretly has Pirelli slicks on, and I've used Michelins on it, (slicks and DOT tires), Dunlop slicks and I used supercorsas on it initially. I've varied around over the years to get some experience and as you said, just what I could get at the time really. My racer (an old CBR 600), has Dunlop 211 NTec's on, and I love them on this bike. It's a proper race bike and they're more tyre than the bike needs really, just stunning. Normally get a couple of rounds out of them really. The 1098R currently has Supercorsa's on it, (it came with them), and they're ok, they're cretainly very grippy, though they don't feel the same as the Dunlops, (feedback). I don't have any real complaints with them as I've only used it once and I wasn't trying to go absolutely flat out, but the tyre's lasted well, and didn't tear up, or anything like that. when they're done though, i'll be going onto Dunlop NTEC' slicks, so I think that probably tells you what I really like. Those, are just unreal things. Bullet

Ok Guys, I'll happily share what experience we have. I think, having had a quick look around on t'internet, that perhaps you don't have sportsmarts in USA yet? It's a new tyre in the UK this year, which we've used. So, we've use Qualifiers II's (we mainly we use these on Student school bikes, though we sometimes run them on the 600's at school), Sportsmarts on our coach 600 bikes, and some of our R1's, and we also use the D211GP Racer NTEC. I believe in the UK these are how the tyres rate with respect to relative rating of performance, Q2's being oldest of the 3 tyres and not an NTEC based tyre, the newer 2 are both new in 2010 and are NTEC based to one degree or other. If we were two say where I understand they're to be used, Q2's are a supersport road based tyre really, Sportsmart are the newer tyre that has a range of abilities to cover both supersport and Hypersport bikes mainly road usage orientated. the 211GP Racer NTEC is a road/track tyre, with more empahsiss on that aspect. So Q2's, Is, as was stated in other threads, a very good tyre indeed, performs very well in all conditions. We typically get about 4-5 days of track usage out of the rear and a few more days student bikes on the Q2's. I've personally never had any issues with grip at lean, warm up in dry or wet weather grip. In the dry, we're probably talking a little longer warm up than the newer tyres, as these tyres aren't NTEC and aren't as lower pressure based, so for example in the Uk, we'd probably run 31F 29R in these tyres (from memory). If I had a slight niggle about them, I'd say the were a little slow to warm up in the wet, and until we had them warmed up, they were a little slippy until you had perhaps 3-4 laps into them and graudually built that up. Sportsmarts, new tyre this year, and we used these tyres actually because the new D211 GP NTEC were very much in supply constraint earlier in 2010. I would suggest we hadn't actually planned to run them on the coach bikes, but if you don't have the top tyres available, you goto the next ones down the stack. Well, what a suprise this tyre turned out to be. It's a stunninly good tyre really. It warms very quick, has great feel from the front and the rear and is good in both wet and dry. The thing that's exceptional about the tyre really though is the compound and the construction of the tyre, I remember riding a set earlier this year on an R1, and had the tyre spinning (yet driving forward), darkies everywhere. I was really, really leaning on the tyre very hard. We came back into the pits and the tyre didn't tear at all, was beautifully smooth and wear was just remarkable. We run the sportsmarts on our coach bikes for around 4-5 days on the rear, which is probably double what a Q2 would handle with one of us lot leaning on it allday, specifically the Q2's, whilst very good, do show very hard signs of use when on an R1 in a day or so. If i have a criticism/observation of the Sportsmart, is that it has a different profile, and I'd describe it as a rounder profile from the more track orientated tyre like the GP Racer. This means that the tyre isn't as quick to turn and feels a little like a rolling into the turn rather than quickly flicking into the turns. This is more than likely because of it's orientation for road usage I would suggest. Feel from the tyre is very good all the way upto the very edge where the tyre becomes a little vague (to my feel), though we're talking about the very edge with pegs and knees buried on the floor, so really I use this floaty feeling (is all I can descirbe it as) as gauge of I'm at max lean. Given we totally abuse these tyres and they're really a road orientated tyre, it's absolutle amazing it puts up with the level of abuse we give them and how we use them and the level of longevity, and is definitely a step up I believe from the Q2 in all areas, though I would expect this from a newer tyre. The D211GP is an amazing tyre, the grip and feel from this tyre is just amazing. Having used the older 209's before, they had stunning feel from the front, but were a little lacking in feel (again for me), in the rear, they tyre's gripped fantastic, but you couldn't feel a lot through the tyre, the 211's changed all that. It runs much lower pressure, and the tyre carcass must be much stiffer, and this I guess (though I'd appreciate the technical explanation), and this really does give you lots of great feel from the rear tyre. I remember when i first rode it, I started to feel all manner of weird and wonderful things from the rear, I thought there was something wrong with the tyre, but what I was feeling was the tarmac underneath the tyre and it feeding that information back to me. This just allows you to lean on the tyre, so, so hard, its stunning. We're talking first gear hairpins, rolling onto full throttle power wheelies and blacklines all at the same time. Criticisms of the tyre? Well, it's a super grippy tyre and it's all about performance and grip and lean angle, so you wouldn't expect it to last forever and it doesn't, and doesn't last as long as a sportsmart, however that said, we don't take the piss on them the same as we do on the 211's. Given the choice, I'd always choose the 211's over the sportsmarts because of that amazing grip and the feel though, because it's an incredible trackday tyre! I have to be honest, I'm not sure where tyres are manafactured, though I think the 211GP's are made in France (again from Memory)? I have to confess, I don't really check that out when I'm looking at tyres, pressures are my only concern normally. So that's it really, If you're a trackday rider, I'd go 211's over the others which are clearly more road orientated, the Q2's are very good, the sportsmarts are remarkably adaptable and show exceptional longevity and grip. Hope that helps. If you have further questions, please ask, I'll try and clarify. Bullet

I have to also own up, I've crashed twice on very worn rear tyres over the many years, (lowsides both times), and I have to confess, untill I read the thread on depth being a big factor in grip, i really didn't know, and used to just think the problem was wear and heat cycles. (shows you there is always something to learn). I wouldn't even contemplate not changing a tyre now that's got a worn of edge, as my bikes a hell of a lot more expensive to repair than replacing the tyres. Just thought I'd add to the point. Bullet

Hi richie, I'll let our friend steve from dunlop tell you the technical differences, and then I'll give you my opinion on how they both ride, as we use/have used both of these tyres the last couple of years (sportsmart this year), and comprehensively in both dry and wet, colder and very warm conditions in the UK. They're both great though, the sportsmart frankly remarkable for what it is and how we abuse them at the school. Bullet

Now that's a very, very interesting thread indeed, so thank you so very much for sharing it. It definitely explains the reason why I feel tires are going off, when in fact it's mainly wear that's the bigger factor. This is going to be part of my racing/trackday book of setup. Bullet

Morning guys, Hope you've had a wonderful Xmas, and are looking forward to 2011? Ok, yes, I would agree Stowe has the slower more tricky/ slower turns. The national circuit hasn't any slow speed stuff at all, and south has one very tricky turn that you approach at speed and the chicane which is very tricky too. I would therefore concur that stow is the one. Since they changed it last year it really is a completely better circuit and great for coaching on. Bullet

Guys/Gals, These are the additional european dates that are scheduled for 2011. - March 4th and 5th Yas Marina UAE - April 30th to May 3rd - Spain Calafat, 2 day camp - May 6th and 7th, Sweden - May 19th and 20th - Turkey - May 28th and 29th - Bulgaria - July 30 and 31st - Bulgaria - October 2 and 3rd - South Africa - October 22 and 23rd - Spain, Almeria Bullet

Yeah mate, I was mailed them last week, will post them tomorrow for you sir. bullet

Thanks for the comment Bullet. The thread started with a link about a D211GPA, but the pic was of a D209GPA. The track in question was Philip Island. D211GPA and D209GPA are both USA made tires. Your posting now mentions "similar issues the UK", yet only UK tires are used in the UK. Are you commenting on the D211GP UK made or the N-Tec slick? Which track did you note this happening? I have to say, I never noticed the pic in the thread didn't match the comment, I suppose I should be happy really I don't know the treads of by heart, and take comfort you do. So I use the UK 211 gp NTec race tyre on my 600, not the slick, though will be using those badboys next year on my duke. so I never really had any issues at all with them ever, though there were lots of notes/threads on some of the racing forums in the UK of people remarking on this problem. Snetterton and Brands Hatch were much talked about, though in fairness this was early in 2010 and ambient temp would be low. For myself, I made great use of Dunlop expert who works with us the school, and he kept me unto date with pressure info, so just did as I was told. The 211 is stunning tyre though and the feel now achieved from the rear is amazing. Thanks for excellent insight, it's brilliant. Bullet

We'd seen similiar issues in the UK when they first came out. I raced on these in 2010, and they're superb tyres, but most of these issues were about people running to low pressures. I think initially, some of the racers were running 18-19psi cold, (hence the 23 hot on warmers), it appeared to be a little low, and the suggested pressures were raised, (only to 26 hot), but it made a world of difference in the UK. It could be a feature of the tracks and surfaces, as was commented in the other thread. I have to say, I didn't have any of these problems, when running the right pressures, sure they wore, but then when you're racing, you're really hurting those tyres as much as you can. Bullet

Steve, What brilliant, invaluable advice. As a coach and a racer, I found that just an exceptional, interesting read. Thanks so very much. Bullet

I fully expect this one's going to get some viewing with some professional input and advice to debunk some myths and mysteries. Bullet

I have to remark, whilst I admire the skill, the place that's all being done is just reckless and I've no doubt someone's got hurt or will do soon doing that on open roads. At 2:30, they nearly hit another car. Frighteningly really. Bullet

Yes. Why do you think a Goldwing and sportbike differ in lean for a given speed? Would this carry over between the two bikes in the video? Bullet

Interesting question 4 for me. Part time, work in the IT industry by day (unfortunately) Bullet

Fossil, most impressed, great work man. Bullet

Hi Ozzy, So, I don't think you're alone in facing this dilema, is the curse of riding a fast bike and having a pulse, there is always something new, shiny and bling to tempt you to part with your cash. So, you didn't talk much about what type of rider you are, or where you ride, so have you been riding only a year or so, or 10 years plus? do you lots of miles, or just the occasional blast? Do you ride on track much, not at all? What kind of riding do you enjoy? What training have you done, how comfortable do you feel with your GSXR-600, well capable of managing it, or still a little intimidated by it? Whilst these may all seem like a lot of involved, considered questions, they're questions I'd ask myself (as a starter), before parting with my cash. So, now to my own experience, as I'm fortunate enough to have ridden all these bikes, the Yam's a lot as we use them in the UK for school. So in my experience, the GSXR is a little more road biased over the Yam R6, which is an absolute joy on track, though you have to rip the absolutle nuts of it to really get it to go. I'd suggest that whilst the R6 is amazing on track, the GSXR600 is probably a little (read marginally) more comfortable, enjoyable road bike, so work this into your answers. I'd say the R6 is a much sharper looking bike than the GSXR though, if that comes into your consideration. So, onto the R1. Well, I have to say, it sort of provides me with a polar view really. I love riding it, it has an amazing engine, and the motor is without doubt the star of the show. the feeling from the throttle to the rear wheel is incredibly good, and it has lots of mid range and revs very well too. the brakes are excellent, and the chassis has potential, though is sold with quite underwhelming bouncy pieces either end. the shock is terrible, and the fork internals could do with an upgrade too. That aisde though, in the riding department, big enjoyment. Looks, well, terrible to my eye, especially with those standard cans, but I don't have to look at it too often, just the clocks and controls. Now, probably the most pertinent point/question I guess. A litre bike is very OTT in my opnion for the road. Sure, they're easy to ride these days, and they're really very easy to ride just like there 600 cousins, but I find the need for 180Bhp on the road all a little moot really. How often do you ever get the chance to use all of your 600? Well, imagine that with 40% more power and you'll be able to see how often you'll ever be able to get that near it's power limit too. So there you have it, quite a dilema indeed, they're all amazing bikes, and the 600's are very similiar really, and if it were my money, I'd probably stick with your GSXR until you're sure you really wanted to upgrade. The Yamaha's are better made in my opinion, and whilst not quite Honda quality, are very well made these days and R1 aside, look very sharp indeed. Any other questions, please ask, though i doubt this has really change your desires much, has it really. LOL Bullet

Hi Steve, Thanks for your post and your intro, is always great to see new friends and students join in with what goes on in the forum. Great to hear you've got the DVD, and that you're considering the school, even greater that you aspire to become one of the team and share your learning with others. We're always on the look out for new crew, so when you come and do a school, be sure to tell Andy of your interest in ultimately becoming one of the team, he'll be very interested to hear all about you. It's a great honour to coach and be a member of the team, though be warned it's very addictive and can be very tough work, though of course we all really enjoy it and keep coming back for more. Have a good look around on the forum and please, ask any questions you'd like to find out further information about, you'll find everyone very accomodating. Bullet

I think that's very true mate, though I think the truly exceptional have talent as well. Bullet

Ahha. Welcome my friend. Would you like to tell everyone a little about who you are? Bullet

Hi Nikolas, I believe many others have your condition. Perhaps we should start a cornering annoymous club for people to air their troubles? I don't if there will be a camp in the new year, we'll see, but I've not been informed one way or the other. When I know, I'll post here. Keep smiling, even in hard times. Bullet

very cool, can see the visuals a treat there mate. Bullet

I've been away.. LOL Actually knew about them 2 weeks back, but was asked not to release them till they were confirmed, and they were this week. Thanks for being so dilligent my friend. Bullet

Mate, you kept that quiet. I'm sorry to hear you're unwell/banged up, I hope you're starting to feel a little better? What happened mate? Highside? Get tagged? Am really gutted for you. Hope it's not an end to the racing? Bullet

Hi Razor, Well, I see nothing wrong with not sticking your knee all the way out, if you feel it's not detracting from your riding in anyway, why change? For my own riding, I find I use the knee only as a guide for lean angle, i.e. when it hits, I know I'm leaning quite a long way, and I don't have lots of lean angle left. I personally have a tendency of just finding lean angle, then brining it in a little anyway. I can make a set of knee sliders last about 2 seasons because of this. So, if you're body is well aligned as in the pic, your relaxed and going with the bike not fighting it, I personally see little wrong with keeping the knee in a little, it certainly doesn't make much in the way of cornering speed difference one way or the other. Bullet