Trackstar1.com
11-21-2007, 04:03 PM
(It's slow around here and I feel like typing)
There are alot of mistruths about tire warming, it's effects and how to do it. Lets try to clear some of that up. This is not just for track riders, this applies to anyone who doesnt want to fall down because their tire didnt perform. Most people want to blame the tire when usually it is their fault. I have run great laptimes on shagged OEM Dunlops with the proper pressures and temps when others complain they cant get grip at 40mph and lowsided on a city street.
Tire temp is crucial to performance. Too cold and you never get good grip - too hot and they will go greasy and then you fall down. Either is no good.
Tires heat up by the carcass (sidewall and inner tire) flexing. Tires have silica in the rubber and the flexing action creates friction (heat).
Tire temp: Every tire has an ideal running temp. These temps are dependent on each tire and how you get them there varies as well. The tires I run at the track are happy at about 170 so we'll work with that.
Tire pressure has a direct effect on temperature. If your pressure is too high they will never come up to proper temp. If it's too low they will over heat. The rule of thumb is generally a 5 lb increase in pressure from cold to hot. If you get less than 5 pounds then your pressure is too high, more than 5 and your running too low. Work in 1/2 to 1 pound increments when adjusting pressures. ALWAYS keep track of the following information: Outside temp, starting pressure and hot pressure. That way you can have the info handy whenever you need it in the future.
The most important: HOW TO HEAT UP MY TIRE!
Plug in your tire warmers. Simple. Seriously I know we dont all run warmers especially the street guys.
Proper tire warming is simple. Hard on the gas and hard on the front brake. This is the ONLY way to get heat into a tire without warmers. Weaving will do nothing to put heat in a tire. The carcass doesnt flex from lateral (weaving) motion. If it did our tires would always feel wobbly in a turn. Hard braking will flex the carcass of the front tire and hard accelleration will flex the carcass on the rear creating heat. This is the good heat that comes from inside the tire, surface heat created by turning or weaving dissipates before it can be used to build pressure.
Your tires are the only thing keeping you from having a personal relationship with the ground. Take the time to set things up correctly and you will find that your rides become much more enjoyable.
Hope that helped.:thumbup:
There are alot of mistruths about tire warming, it's effects and how to do it. Lets try to clear some of that up. This is not just for track riders, this applies to anyone who doesnt want to fall down because their tire didnt perform. Most people want to blame the tire when usually it is their fault. I have run great laptimes on shagged OEM Dunlops with the proper pressures and temps when others complain they cant get grip at 40mph and lowsided on a city street.
Tire temp is crucial to performance. Too cold and you never get good grip - too hot and they will go greasy and then you fall down. Either is no good.
Tires heat up by the carcass (sidewall and inner tire) flexing. Tires have silica in the rubber and the flexing action creates friction (heat).
Tire temp: Every tire has an ideal running temp. These temps are dependent on each tire and how you get them there varies as well. The tires I run at the track are happy at about 170 so we'll work with that.
Tire pressure has a direct effect on temperature. If your pressure is too high they will never come up to proper temp. If it's too low they will over heat. The rule of thumb is generally a 5 lb increase in pressure from cold to hot. If you get less than 5 pounds then your pressure is too high, more than 5 and your running too low. Work in 1/2 to 1 pound increments when adjusting pressures. ALWAYS keep track of the following information: Outside temp, starting pressure and hot pressure. That way you can have the info handy whenever you need it in the future.
The most important: HOW TO HEAT UP MY TIRE!
Plug in your tire warmers. Simple. Seriously I know we dont all run warmers especially the street guys.
Proper tire warming is simple. Hard on the gas and hard on the front brake. This is the ONLY way to get heat into a tire without warmers. Weaving will do nothing to put heat in a tire. The carcass doesnt flex from lateral (weaving) motion. If it did our tires would always feel wobbly in a turn. Hard braking will flex the carcass of the front tire and hard accelleration will flex the carcass on the rear creating heat. This is the good heat that comes from inside the tire, surface heat created by turning or weaving dissipates before it can be used to build pressure.
Your tires are the only thing keeping you from having a personal relationship with the ground. Take the time to set things up correctly and you will find that your rides become much more enjoyable.
Hope that helped.:thumbup: