| Tyre Report - Power Race
Bit of a long one here, but thought I would provide a bit of a running report on a new tyre. It's often difficult to choose tyres without any feedback so here is mine....
Having ridden on Dunlops (208gp and 209gp) since I have been track riding I am quite apprehensive about changing to a different tyre. Tony Salt from TST Tyres near Warrington is a bit of a guru when it comes to tyres having worked with some of the great riders in the past (and still today). Tony has been suggesting that I should try the new Michelin Power Race and we finally agreed that the start of this season would be the best time to change.
So having considered profiles etc (the dunlops are quite steep on the front) and discussing the compound the tyre of choice is the Michelin Power Race with both soft on front and rear. Have also swapped from 180 rear to 190.
Initial thoughts are that the pressures seem a lot lower than anything I have previously run, it’s hard to change a mindset but given the quidelines I did as I was told and dropped the rear down from my usual 30 to 27 although this is still at the top end of the recommended range. Keep the front at my usual 32 which seemed ok.
First sessions out and it is cold and the track has been very wet so a bit apprehensive and taking things steady. The Dunlops would usually feel fairly stable in this condition as long as time is taken to warm them and no getting on the gas early at which point they would ‘squirrel’ at the rear.
Returned to the pits after 3 laps due to heavy downpour, tyres are still quite cold to touch which is surprising. Tyre warmers back on and wait for next session. Another wet one so again it’s just a case of getting used to feel on the front end.
Finally a dry session and start to push things a bit harder. New leathers mean I can’t hang off much so bike is over further than I would like and I am late on the gas at times. First thing I start to notice is the missing ‘wobble’ under braking. The Dunlops would feel as if they were weaving at the front end when going hard onto the brakes the power race felt much firmer and could not feel any movement.
Last session out and starting to get back into things. The profile is similar to the Dunlops and the fast tip of the front is still there but it feels slightly more progressive as if it’s rolling in fast rather than tipping from a point. Started to up the pace slightly around Island bend which is a fast entry very fast left hander. Probably running at about 8k in 5th then dropping to 4th on entry with a heavy braking as soon as the corner is completed ready for the hairpin.
Feeling though Island is very strong. The Duc is very planted in the corners anyway, but Island pushes this and there is usually a feeling that the front may go, but the power race seemed to be more than happy with this and felt very solid.
Back in the pits and check the tyres and they are wearing very well, extremely hot and very very sticky, looking good!
Not much chance to push things any further so next test will be 13th June at Oulton.
Did get a road test in, but the rain made for an interesting ride and it was hard to judge. Main thing that was noticeable was there didn’t seem to be much rear end slide compared to the 209 in the wet. The heat retained in the tyres seemed to help keep the tyre dry in the damp conditions before it became a downpour.
Will provide updates as I use them more
[Edited on 27-5-2006 by Lily]  | 
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