Highlights from Day 1 - Conti Tire Test
Posted by Scott Lian on Mon, Mar 01, 2010 @ 12:02 AM
We've been sharing our pics and thoughts on facebook and twitter, but here's a quick recap of the day's events.
Sun peeking through clouds as the morning promised to dry away the rain that hit the inland empire last night was a welcome sight as we made our way to Buttonwillow Raceway Park for a day of riding with TakeIt2TheTrack and finally getting to sample the new ContiRaceAttack tires we've been hearing so much about.
First up was helping Mark from Superbike Tires unload the bikes, after which we got our very first look at the Continentals.
The first thing that struck us was how solid they felt, the tires were noticeably stiffer and meatier than the Pirellis we're familiar with. The carcass felt similar to a Dunlop tire in our hands, we'd soon find out the similarities didn't end there..
After unloading and setting up, we headed over to the riders' meeting. This was not Mark's event (we'll be riding at his event tomorrow), and fortunately the guys from TakeIt2TheTrack were kind enough to extend their hospitality. After the meeting we proceeded to registration where we found out... we'd be riding in the "A" group today. New track, new bikes, new tires, advanced group? No problem.
First session's up and the ZX-10 Mark arranged for us (his personal bike!) was sporting tires with 10 track days on them. We were somewhat shocked, but figured this would be the perfect opportunity to sample the tires at the end of their life. Derek spent most of the day on the imposing '10 and eventually found their limit just after lunch as the tires finally dropped off. Here's what they looked like to start the day.
After the first few sessions, a ZX6R (636) showed up sporting Ohlins cartridges in the forks and a stock rear shock, and we were informed this would be another option for us to try. The bike featured the ContiRaceAttack Competition (DOT) tires with a few track days on them, but showed plenty of life left. I hopped on this to get acquainted with the track. The 636 would soon become the bike of choice for Denno and me as we instantly felt at home on the bike, the tires, and as the day wore on... the challenging Buttonwillow track.
Initial impressions discussed between Degsy and me proved we got the same feelings from very different bikes, running different type of tires, at different stages of wear.... the front tire has loads of grip and feels like a stiffer version of the Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa, whereas the rear tire (not lacking for grip either, but both biks were also fitted with "Endurance" compound tires, the hardest offering) felt quite similar to a Dunlop rear, stiff but with good grip and confidence inspiring feedback.
We experienced absolutely zero squirm or pogoing from the back of either bike despite Buttonwillow's bumpy surface.
Session after session we spun laps... eventually a '98 CBR 900RR was fitted with fresh slicks and Dennis gave it a spin.. and fell in love with it's wheelie happy nature.
Buttonwillow Day 1 from Boston Moto on Vimeo.
We took turns on the used slicks, semi-used DOT's, and fresh slicks getting more comfortable with each lap. Reflecting on the day mid-afternoon, Denno couldn't recall a single instance where the tires gave the slightest wiggle.
That's about where we left off, leaving the track after a day of riding many bikes, and sampling both DOT and Slick offerings... the only "negative" we've been able to find arose when the ZX-10 and 900RR were each fitted with fresh tires... these tires absolutely need to be "scuffed" in with care. Preferably with the aid of tire warmers, it was a good 4 laps before we felt fully confident on the new rubber... not surprising given the tremendous wear properties we bore witness to.
We're knackered but quite satisfied with the first day of the test. Much, much more to come. Click here for Day 2!
