So, interested in hearing what tyres people use for racing. I used to race my 400 on slicks, and will most likely default to the local bridgestone (he attends all the race meets and has reasonable prices here in Melbourne).

Having said that, the slicks did struggle on the 400 under certain conditions (cold tearing) and that situation might be even worse on the lighter 250.

So what tyres do people use for racing?

What sizes? Is a 120/160 combo suitable?

Also for the Melbournites, what gearing do you use at PI and Broadford?

Looking to buy some tyres and sprockets and put them aside...

It all depends on the type of rider you are, +2 or 3 on the rear for Broadford, stock for PI was what seems to be what most people run. I think as you adapt to the bike your ratios may change slightly.

As for tyres, AFAIK proddie tyres like the old Alpha 10s were the choice, I haven't talked to some riders recently to know if they run slicks or not. I know you struggle to find slicks for the 250s.

dunlop kr364's for me
_________________
ive seen more tarts than mr kipling

Me too on my RS, but do they do them for standard NSR width wheels?

usually a 3.5 front wheel is recommended,but ive run them on my standard se front and sp magteks with no issues
_________________
ive seen more tarts than mr kipling

But did you actually ride it or just push it around the garage


Sorry, couldn't resist!!!

If you have to run proddy tyres, kr364,s are no good as they are a race inter, also you wont get them in 110 & 150, only 120 & 160. Try Dunlop D209gp, they come in NSR sizes, Aprillia superteen racers use em, and we all know how those little sprogs go.
_________________
Proud Father of , 05 ktm 400exc supermoto 2018 honda crf rx supermoto

leigh,i mean when i had the garage full of nsr's and they all moved without me pushing them
_________________
ive seen more tarts than mr kipling

OK, I will pipe up again, just for the record...

120/160 buggers the handling on the NSR, unless you run the HRC wheels and suspension geometry.

I don't care what anyone says! I've ridden that combo, and it does not work!

I'm no Max Biaggi, but even I know when something just isn't right. In my opinion, you are better off with Supercorsa Pro's (the Pirelli road tyre with virtually no thread) than an oversized slick. Unless you're a proper hero, with tyre warmers, I doubt you'd get the tyres warm enough anyway.

My opinion... others will differ!
_________________
Andy.
NSR-WORLD.COM

Please keep all responses to Forum posts on the Forum so that others may benefit.

Please DO NOT PM me for technical advice. My time is precious, and you will probably receive a faster response on the Forum anyway.

Check us out on Facebook! Please "like" our page!

Thanks for the info peeps.

In deference to Andy I have ordered a set of the Pirelli's in the original size, both in SC1 compound. I want to try the handling as Honda intended before I mess with 120/160 and slicks.

I know these work well on the 600's having used them for the last year or so. It will be interesting to see how the 250 gos.

The slicks worked well on the 400's (but I'm a hero and I have tyre warmers...) and they have the same rim size. There was a lot of fiddling with ride height and air gaps to get it dialled in though.

Probably jumping the gun right now, it's a long way to go until it;s ready to ride....

Greggo, what size Pirelli's did you order? 150/60 17"? I have an mc21 rear for my mc18 and it's coming up for new tyre time again. I have been running dunlop alpha 12's with good results both on road and track, they still make them in the mc18 size. But thinking I will try the 21 rear wheel as it opens up a lot more options.

greggo wrote:
The slicks worked well on the 400's (but I'm a hero and I have tyre warmers...) and they have the same rim size. There was a lot of fiddling with ride height and air gaps to get it dialled in though.

The 400 was designed to run 120/160 though.
_________________
Andy.
NSR-WORLD.COM

Please keep all responses to Forum posts on the Forum so that others may benefit.

Please DO NOT PM me for technical advice. My time is precious, and you will probably receive a faster response on the Forum anyway.

Check us out on Facebook! Please "like" our page!

My 2cents, I can go just as quick on the 120/160 set as on the 110/150.

My opinion : The 120/160 combo DOES work !

Woops, sorry for the double post ! Darn 3G !

Maybe you're not as quick as you think you are then!

On a more serious note though, what have you done with the suspension and geometry. I can honestly say only one MC21 I've ridden with 120/160 tyres rode properly, and that had HRC wheels, suspension, frame, and geometry.

Getting 110/150 can be a pain, but I think the Aprilia RS125 runs those sizes now, so it should be easier to get good rubber once again these days.
_________________
Andy.
NSR-WORLD.COM

Please keep all responses to Forum posts on the Forum so that others may benefit.

Please DO NOT PM me for technical advice. My time is precious, and you will probably receive a faster response on the Forum anyway.

Check us out on Facebook! Please "like" our page!