Updated November 2024
There are two types of motorcycle trackday tyres; Road legal treaded motorcycle track tyres and Slick motorcycle tyres. If you’re riding your motorcycle to the trackday, then you need to use treaded tyres as slicks are not road legal.
In this guide we’re going to help you choose a great pair of road legal trackday-focused tyres. You’ll be able to ride to the track on them and they’ll offer good road-going performance but you’ll also be able to push them hard on track, with or without tyre warmers and ride home at the end of the day.
So let’s run through a few basics before we get to the tyres.
Table of Contents
Do you need motorcycle trackday tyres?
You don’t need to have specific track-focused tyres to ride on track. Ex-GP racer Ron Haslam can lap Donington Park on a CBR500R Honda on Bridgestone touring tyres faster than most of his track students can lap on a FireBlade on sticky sports rubber.
Of course, a sticky tyre will give most riders more grip and more confidence and therefore faster lap times. However, a grippy track-focused tyre doesn’t always equate to faster lap times.
A trackday tyre, whether a slick or a treaded tyre is designed to offer the ultimate in grip. However, the more track-focused a tyre is, the more temperature and pressure sensitive it is. If conditions aren’t perfect; for example the track is cold, slightly damp or your tyres aren’t warm, then any advantage of a super grippy tyre is diminished.
If you’re riding to a trackday then a Sports tyre is a great option. It’ll warm up faster, still offer loads of grip and be less sensitive to changes in track temperature or tyre pressure.
Do you need slicks?
Opinions on this vary but as far as we’re concerned, if you’re just into trackdays and not top-level racing, then you don’t need slicks. If you’re not in the fast group, then you definitely don’t need slicks. Of course, if you want to run them, it’s no problem – but there’s probably no advantage in using them.
A decade ago, slicks were the grippiest tyres by far but they were aimed at racers, not trackdayers. They were expensive and tricky to get hold of. They were also stiff, fickle and very sensitive to pressures and temperatures. They used a different compound of rubber that needed a careful warm-up procedure. Their stiffness could throw out a previously well-setup bike, so they needed expert input in order for the rider to extract the maximum from them. Do these sound like a lot of fun for the typical trackday rider? Nope?
Exactly.
Competition Slicks vs Trackday Slicks
These top-end slicks still exist and are still used by professional racers with a team of experts to help them get the best from them. They are known as ‘Competition Slicks’ or ‘Compounded Slicks’ (because they are available in a range of compounds).
However, the tyre manufacturers also produce a range of slicks that are based on a road tyre but with a slick tread pattern. These are often referred to as ‘Trackday Slicks’. They usually have a softer carcass than a competition slick and are normally only supplied in one compound. Essentially they are built on the same carcass as the firm’s stickiest treaded road legal trackday tyre but with a slick outer.
Trackday slicks are still used by club racers. They offer great feel and loads of grip. If you’re a first time user of slicks, they are a great choice.
There’s no doubt motorcycle slicks offer marginally more outright grip than their treaded siblings but for the average fast-group pace rider, we feel a treaded tyre has more upsides. They offer more feel and feedback due to the tread pattern, they are also less temperature and pressure sensitive than slicks. Finally, they don’t go off the boil as quickly as slicks. If you slow down for a lap or two competition slicks, they can cool down enough that you’ll lose traction if you don’t carefully get them up to temperature (for example coming back into the pits on a red flag, waiting and then going back out again. The upside of a slick versus a treaded tyre is that a like-for-like rider will probably get a bit more life from a slick.
There is less than 1mph difference in the lap records at the Isle of Man TT between the bikes on treaded tyres and the ones on slicks.
So be honest with yourself: why do you need a slick?
What you need to check when you ride on track
Whether you’re a total novice or a TT winner, you need to check your tyre pressures before and after each session. So make sure you pack a tyre pressure gauge and know your pressures. We have published this in-depth guide to motorcycle trackday tyre pressures. If you’re not sure on the day, you can always ask the tyre fitter at the track or go and ask for help from one of the track instructors.
Our digital tyre pressure gauge and analogue tyre pressure gauge were featured in RiDE magazine.Â
If you’re running tyre warmers, you should check your pressures once the tyres are up to temperature. If you’re not running tyre warmers, then check your pressures when you come in at the end of a session to ensure your tyres aren’t running too high a pressure. It’s worth mentioning that you can rent tyre warmers from most trackday organisers. You’ll rent the warmers and paddock stands. It’s worth doing as you’ll then be able to go straight out on warm tyres and get more track time, with less chance of crashing due to a cold tyre.
Do you need to run tyre warmers?
We stock a range of motorcycle tyre warmers. You don’t have to run them but they have lots of benefits. Firstly, you can ride out of pit lane with more confidence when your tyres are pre-warmed. You’ll get more track time actually getting stuck in, rather than having to spend a couple of laps each session getting the tyres up to temperature. You’re far less likely to have a silly cold tyre crash (which can end your day and cost you £100s). Plus you’ll get more life from your tyres, due to the fact you’ll reduce cold tear.
If you’re doing a couple of trackdays a year, we recommend you invest in a set of tyre warmers. If you ride your road bike to a trackday, you can often rent tyre warmers from the organiser. Well worth it!
RaceReady tyre warmers are used in BSB and at the TT. They feature rim heaters; the same technology used by MotoGP teams. Designed to quickly, evenly and accurately heat your tyres. They are are digitally controlled, with temperature ranges from 30°C and 99°C. Elasticated edges ensure a secure and snug fit. The rim heaters help warm the tyres from the inside, warming the tyres faster and providing a more even temperature spread throughout the carcass, which reduces cold-tear and improves tyre wear. You can check out the RaceReady Motorcycle Tyre Warmers here.
What are the best motorcycle trackday tyres?
We don’t think there is a ‘best trackday tyre’ because different riders like the different qualities of the various tyres on the market. They’re also all priced differently and wear differently. Just because your mate swears by the tyres he or she’s on, doesn’t mean they’ll work well for you. The tyre that someone won the TT on might not be the best tyre for you either.
All the major manufacturers produce top-quality trackday tyres. There are over 30 different types of treaded and slick track-focused tyres on the market and they come in a variety of compounds too. So there’s a lot of choice but that choice can be a bit overwhelming.
Most of us gravitate towards a few brands we prefer. So instead of claiming to know the ‘best motorcycle track tyres’ we’ve got a list below of our top-selling motorcycle trackday tyres and underneath that, we’ve got a breakdown of each manufacturer’s offerings where we show you a breakdown of the most popular tyres in those categories.
The most popular motorcycle trackday tyres
These are our 7 best-selling track-focused motorcycle tyres. We’ve listed whether its a slick or road legal and also our opinion on what the tyre is like and who its best suited to.
1 Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa V4 SP (Road legal) – This is a superb road-legal performance sports tyre. It’s capable of fast-group pace but it’s also a decent road tyre. A softer-feeling carcass but it offers loads of feedback and warning before it lets go. A great choice if you’re mainly riding on the road but want to do the occasional trackday, as you don’t have to run these in warmers.
2 Dunlop D212 GP Racer Treaded (Road legal) – If you want just about the stickiest road-legal tyre, this is it. It’s road-legal but it’s a compounded high-performance tyre that needs to be warmed-up. This is not a tyre we recommend for a sunny Sunday A-road blast as it needs to be kept on the boil. The different compound choices mean you can tailor this tyre to your needs. In terms of performance, it’s on par with most slicks. We would definitely run these with tyre warmers.
3 Bridgestone V02 (Slick) – These are just about the best motorcycle slicks you can buy. Not only do they offer superb grip and feel. Incredibly, for a motorsports slick, they also last well too. In terms of lap per £, these are right up there. A soft front and medium rear is the most popular compound combination. Warmers required.
4 Pirelli Rosso 4 Corsa (Road legal) – It’s no surprise these are popular. The Rosso 4 Corsa has the same harder-wearing central section as the Rosso 4 but with softer shoulders using the compound of the SC3 slick – which is virtually the same as the Supercorsa SP. This is a great choice for road riders due to its versatility. Tyre warmers not required.
5 Metzeler TD Slick (Slick) – The TD Slick offers excellent value for money. It’s not a compounded slick (i.e. it’s only available in one compound) but as a first step into the world of slicks, these are possibly the best choice due to their simplicity. The rear can also be run in both directions, meaning you can spin it around to extract a few more laps. Tyre warmers recommended.
6 Michelin Power 6 (Road legal) – The Power 6 is the most road-focused tyre here but it’s still plenty capable on track. If you’re in the Novice or Inters group, these will be a great match. They warm uop quickly, offers lots of grip and importantly, lots of feedback when you’re starting to push. Unlike stiffer tyres, which arguably offer more grip, the softer feel gives you lots of warning, which is great for your confidence. Tyre warmers not required.
7 Michelin Power GP2Â (Road legal) – The Power GP2 sit one underneath the extreme Power Cup 2 but one above the Power 6 in terms of track focus. It’s an equivalent to the Pirelli Supercorsa SP. These are brilliant ride-to-the-track tyres that warm up very quickly and offer more grip and a more precise turn-in than the Power 6. We’d happily run these on the road too. Tyre warmers not required.
Avon Trackday Tyres
Avon have recently been acquired by Goodyear (owners of Dunlop). They are slimming down their tyre product offering and some lines are in and out of production.
Avon might not be the first manufacturer you think of when you’re considering trackday tyres but this plucky British brand is no slouch when it comes to track rubber. They are already very popular in classic racing circles, winning multiple different championships and dominating classic race events like the Manx GP.
However they also produce a range of quality trackday tyres for modern bikes. Their development riders test their tyres at race circuits across Europe but their HQ, as it were, is Castle Coombe.
The 3D Ultra Evo is a great tyre for fast road riding and trackdays. If you’re looking for a bit more grip and flexibility then check out the 3D Ultra Xtreme. It’s a race tyre that is available in 3 different compounds: AC1 = Supersoft, AC2 = Soft, AC3 = Medium.
And one last point to mention. These quality track-ready tyres are all made right here in the UK.
Our Sports tyre pick: Avon 3D Ultra Evo
Avon’s grippiest road-legal motorcycle tyre: Avon 3D Ultra Extreme
Bridgestone Trackday Tyres
Bridgestone are on a roll with their track-focused motorcycle tyres. It’s no surprise that they’re a force to be reckoned with because they’ve spent millions (and millions) developing tyres for MotoGP (as the sole supplier from 2009 to 2015). It’s only logical to assume they’re looking to get a bit of a return for that investment, and we’re the beneficiaries. Messrs Stoner, Rossi & Co’s feedback at the pinnacle of motorcycle racing has trickled down into the tyres we can buy today.
The S23 is the latest generation tyre for fast road riding but it’s also a peach of a tyre on track. If you’re riding to the track and you’re not going to run tyre warmers, then these are the tyres we’d go for. If you want a little more grip, then the RS11 (Racing Street) is the one to go for. It’s road legal so you can ride on it to the track but this wouldn’t be our first option as a road tyre. As a track-focused tyre it’s a good’un and even better if you can sling some tyre warmers on them.
Our Sports tyre pick: Battlax S23
Road-legal Trackday tyre: RS11 Racing Street
Bridgestone’s grippiest road-legal motorcycle tyre: R11 (now no longer being produced but some stock still available)
Continental Trackday Tyres
It’s fair to say that Continental are big in the car world but not as well known in bikes. They are a huge company, with a wide range of products and an extensive set of R&D facilities. They’re well known in Enduro and Adventure-bike circles and their TKC range of knobbly motorcycle tyres has a loyal following.
It’s perhaps the fact that Continental don’t sponsor any major motorcycle racing series that keeps them slightly under the radar of most track riders but the quality of their motorcycle trackday tyres is right up there.
For fast road riders, we recommend the Conti Sport Attack 4 which offers a fast warm up and plenty of grip. It’s a great choice for the occasional trackday too but if you’re a trackday regular, consider the Road Attack 2 Street. If you run a dedicated track bike then check out the Race Attack 2 which is available in Soft and Medium compounds.
Our Sports tyre pick: Conti Sport Attack 4
Road-legal Trackday tyre: Conti Race Attack 2 Street
Continental’s grippiest road-legal motorcycle tyre: Continental Race Attack 2
Dunlop Trackday Tyres
Dunlop are the current holders of the Isle of Man TT lap record – at 135.452mph – thanks to Peter Hickman and his awesomely fast Smiths BMW S1000RR. That’s enough for some people to stick a set of Dunlops on their track bike – and who can blame them?
While we might not have Hicky’s talent or a 230bhp superbike, we can still benefit from Dunlop’s extensive motorcycle racing experience to help shave a few tenths off our best lap. Not only do they support the TT but they’re also the tyre supplier to the MotoGP ‘support’ classes, Moto2 and Moto3.
Some riders find Dunlop tyres stiff and more fickle than other brands when it comes to track and tyre temperatures but there’s no denying the outright grip you get from their D212 and D213 models.
Our Sports tyre pick: Sportsmart TT
Road-legal Trackday tyre: D212GP Racer
Dunlop’s grippiest road-legal motorcycle tyre:: Dunlop D213GP
Michelin Trackday Tyres
Michelin are the current tyre suppliers to the premier MotoGP class, they’re all over four wheeled motorsport and they make great road tyres for motorbikes but for some reason, they’re not the go-to brand for track work.
Some people at Michelin think it’s the fact they don’t sponsor British Superbikes and other production-based motorcycle racing championships that affects the perception of their tyres among the trackday and club-racing fraternity.
And that’s a shame because there’s no denying Michelin’s track record at the top flight of almost any racing series in two wheels or four over the past few decades. Their motorsports tyre knowledge and R&D is arguably second to none. Their Power range of tyres is aimed at fast road riders all the way up to racers. The Power 6 is their fast road tyre, while the Power GP2 is the slightly-confusingly-named road legal trackday option. For full-on trackday nuts or racers, the Power Cup 2 is the stickiest road legal tyre Michelin produces.
Our Sports tyre pick: Power 6
Road-legal Trackday tyre: Power GP2
Michelin’s grippiest road-legal motorcycle tyre: Michelin Power Cup 2
Metzeler Trackday Tyres
Metzeler only produce motorcycle tyres, so there’s no questioning their commitment to two wheels. They’re also owned by Pirelli, who are arguably the go-to brand for motorcycle trackday nuts.
While Pirelli are aimed at out-and-out performance Metzeler is the slightly more sensible sibling. But don’t confuse that for lower performance. Metzeler were for years the tyre supplier to the British Superbikes Superstock 1000 series, which is one of the most competitive championships anywhere in the world. If a tyre’s good enough for 30 nutters wringing every last drop of performance from a litre-class superbike then it’s good enough for us.
Metzeler’s Racetec range is track focused while the M7RR and now M9RR are their tyres aimed at fast road riders. The Racetec RR K3 is a great choice for road riders who like to have the occasional spin on track but to be honest the M9RR will be more than good enough for a rider of Fast group pace.
If you run a dedicated trackbike then check out the Racetec RR, which is available in a K1 and K2 compound. They offer great grip and feedback and better tyre life than a lot of their rivals.
Our Sports tyre pick: M9RR
Road-legal Trackday tyre: Racetec RR K3
Metzeler’s grippiest road-legal motorcycle tyre: Racetec RR (compounded)
Pirelli Trackday Tyres
Pirelli have worked hard to become the go-to tyre for trackday riders and racers. They are the tyre supplier to World Superbikes, British Superbikes and other domestic race championships around the world. However it’s not just a case of Pirelli writing the biggest cheques; the product itself is also very good.
The technology used in top-flight racing doesn’t just trickle down, it positively floods in to the tyres that you and I can buy for trackdays and road riding.
The SP range of Supercorsa tyres is aimed at trackday riders and the slightly stickier SC tyres are aimed at ‘competition’ use. These tyres were used in classes like the Ducati TriOptions Cup and National Superstock 1000 and are capable of lap times that are knocking on the door of what the riders on slick tyres are capable of.
Our Sports tyre pick: Pirelli Diablo Rosso 4
Road-legal Trackday tyre: Diablo Supercorsa V4 SP or Pirelli Diablo Rosso 4 Corsa
Pirelli’s grippiest road-legal motorcycle tyre: Diablo Supercorsa V4 SC
We’re here to help
If you’re in the market for a new set of sticky tyres and you’re not sure what’s best for you, give us a call on 0207 205 2205 and we’ll help you choose a great pair of tyres for your fast road riding or on-track shenanigans.
