Choosing the right tyre for a track sometimes feels as critical as selecting the bike itself. In 2024, the search for the perfect blend of grip, stability, and speed continues to be top of the list if you’re looking for the best track day motorcycle tyres.
You want something to let loose on track, all while maximising safety and performance. No one wants to have to bring along a van full of extra track tyres, we hear you and have created this guide to help you…
In this article, we explore the top 5 best track day motorcycle tyres, including offerings from renowned manufacturers like Michelin, Pirelli, Metzeler, Continental, and Dunlop.
These tyres have been measured against the top 5 areas you look at when purchasing tyres to use on both road and track. After reading this blog you will know exactly what to look for when aiming to navigate the technical world of motorcycle track day tyres.
The tyres which made the cut
Here’s a summary of our top picks, more details below…
- Michelin Power GP 2: Offers excellent dry grip with quick warm-up times, ideal for mixed track and road use.
- Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3: Precision handling and superior cornering for aggressive track performance.
- Metzeler Racetec RR K3: Balanced for track and road with excellent feedback and high-speed stability.
- Continental ContiRaceAttack 2 Street: Street-legal with racetrack capability, blending durability with performance.
- Dunlop SportSmart TT: Versatile for both track and road, quick warm-up, no warmers needed for track use.
Each tyre brings something to the table, designed to meet the specific demands of the track while also being suited to the road.
Before we dive into the specifics of these tyres, let’s first dive into how we measured each tyre against each other. and then delve into the tyres themselves and specifics of what makes each of these 2024 contenders stand out in the world of motorcycle track day tyres.
Want to see our overall top tyre choices for 2024? We have a blog for that.
What to think about when buying track day tyres
Grip levels
The importance of tyre grip on the track is undeniable as it greatly influences both safety and performance. High grip levels allow for sharp cornering, effective acceleration, and safe braking, leading to faster lap times and reduced accident risks. This makes grip a crucial feature for any track-day tyre, boosting rider confidence and control at high speeds. When riding to the track, it’s essential to choose tyres that are not only grippy but also road legal.
Handling
Handling is crucial for motorcycle tyres on the track, affecting the bike’s responsiveness and stability. Good handling enables smooth navigation through corners and stability at high speeds, essential for both racing and safe, enjoyable track days. It allows precise control, facilitating quick manoeuvres and consistent performance through various track conditions. Ultimately, effective handling contributes to faster lap times and a more enjoyable riding experience, making it a vital attribute for track-focused tyres.
Consistent performance
Consistent tyre performance is key on the track, as it ensures reliable handling, grip, and response across laps and sessions. This consistency boosts confidence, allowing you to push limits safely and maintain predictable lap times. It also minimises risks like sudden grip loss or uneven wear, crucial for competitive racers and track enthusiasts aiming to refine skills and achieve top results.
High speed stability
High-speed stability is crucial for motorcycle tyres on track, ensuring the bike remains controllable and predictable at high speeds. This stability prevents wobbling and vibrations, allowing for smoother cornering and straight-line riding. By enhancing rider confidence and allowing focus on technique and strategy, high-speed stability is key to safe and effective high-speed performance.
Precision Cornering
Precision cornering is crucial for effectively navigating racetrack layouts, allowing you to maintain higher speeds, improve lap times, and safely overtake. It provides valuable feedback, essential for quick decision-making and understanding tyre limits under various conditions. Overall, precision cornering significantly enhances both performance and safety, making it a vital feature for track-focused motorcycle tyres.
Top 5 track day tyres for 2024
Now that your clued up on what to look for. Lets get into our top choices for 2024, in no particular order:
Michelin Power GP 2
The Michelin Power GP 2 motorcycle tyre is crafted for those who split their riding time between the road and the track, offering a balanced 50/50 performance. As an advancement of the Power GP model, it aims to enhance performance in both settings, utilising MotoGP-inspired technology and materials. It features a dual-compound structure that enhances durability and stability, and it heats up swiftly, negating the need for tyre warmers on track days while ensuring strong grip akin to racing tyres on warm circuits. However, its effectiveness may diminish on cold mornings or on roads with less-than-ideal conditions, where it struggles to achieve the necessary heat for optimal performance.
Let’s find out how it measures in the top 5 areas you should consider when choosing a track day tyre.
Grip Levels
On the track, the Michelin Power GP 2 shines, providing grip that rivals that of pure racing tyres, allowing for immediate and confident high-performance riding without the need for tyre warmers. In contrast, on public roads, particularly in colder or imperfect conditions, its grip may fall short, as these tyres are designed to operate at higher temperatures, which can be challenging to maintain during normal road use.
Handling
The handling of the Power GP 2 is noteworthy, especially on racetracks, where its precise steering and feedback allow you to push their limits confidently. This level of control and responsiveness enhances the riding experience, although it may be less consistent on public roads in cooler or less ideal conditions, where achieving the optimal temperature for the tyres can be more difficult.
Consistent Performance
Designed with a dual-compound approach, the Power GP 2 tyres aim for a balance between grip and longevity. The use of soft carbon black rubber on the edges ensures effective cornering grip, while the harder silica centre extends tyre life and enhances stability for straight riding. These tyres are noted for their quick warm-up times, contributing to stable performance from the outset. However, their longevity and consistency can vary with the intensity and conditions of use, particularly when driven hard on tracks.
High-Speed Stability
The high-speed stability of the Power GP 2 is commendable, attributed to its MotoGP-derived technology and construction. This stability is essential for track performance and spirited road riding. The tyres’ dual-compound design, incorporating harder silica in the centre, supports sustained high-speed durability and stability. While specific high-speed test feedback is limited, the consensus indicates that these tyres are dependable and stable at high velocities, especially in the warm and dry conditions for which they are optimised.
Precision Cornering
Precision cornering is a forte of the Power GP 2, facilitated by Michelin’s MotoGP expertise. The tyre’s design, featuring a softer edge compound, provides enhanced grip during leaning manoeuvres, promoting confident and accurate cornering. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for track use, where precise handling is crucial. However, the degree of cornering precision can vary depending on the ambient temperature and road conditions, with peak performance typically seen in warmer environments.
Reasons to Buy the Michelin Power GP 2 Tyre
- Excellent Track Performance:
The Power GP 2 is designed with a dual-compound that offers superb grip on the track, quick warm-up times, and excellent cornering precision. This makes it an ideal choice for riders who frequently participate in track days or enjoy sporty riding on twisty roads.
- High-Speed Stability and MotoGP Technology:
The tyre benefits from Michelin’s MotoGP technology, ensuring high-speed stability and performance. The use of advanced materials and design principles derived from top-level racing enhances the riding experience, particularly for owners of super sports bikes.
Reasons Not to Buy the Michelin Power GP 2 Tyre
- Versatility in Varying Conditions:
Its performance may not be as good as other purpose built tyres in the cold or wet. It’s optimised for track and sporty road use, which is worth bearing in mind.
- Potential Overkill for Casual Use:
If you use your bike very casually, the Power GP 2 might be more tyre than you need, its features may not be fully utilised in regular commuting or less aggressive riding scenarios.
We have the most up to date price for the Michelin Power GP 2 tyre on our website.
Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3
The Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 stands out in the high-performance motorcycle tyre category, embodying Pirelli’s commitment to top-tier quality. Suitable for both racetrack agility and street durability, it provides outstanding dry grip due to its specialised design. While it prioritises traction, it tends to wear faster than more conventional tyres,
Notable for its advanced tread pattern, the tyre promotes even wear, extending its usable life. Its dual-compound rear optimises the balance between grip and stability, while the shoulder’s racing compound, derived from World Superbike Championship insights, bolsters cornering performance. Engineered for unwavering high performance, the SP V3 caters to riders who seek the pinnacle of tyre technology and performance endurance.
Grip Levels
The tyre’s grip is unparalleled, especially on dry surfaces, thanks to the shoulder’s racing compound and the stability-enhancing bi-compound rear. This configuration ensures that the Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 excels in providing both superior grip and balanced handling, making it a preferred choice for track enthusiasts and performance-focused riders.
Handling
Praise for the SP V3’s handling stems from its nimble and responsive nature in cornering, facilitated by an aggressive profile and optimised lean angle. The tyre’s design enhances the contact patch during cornering, allowing for improved handling dynamics and the ability to accelerate out of corners with confidence, making it ideal for aggressive riding and track day events.
Consistent Performance
Designed to maintain peak performance, especially on tracks, the SP V3 is distinguished by its grip and handling prowess. However, its performance-focused design and soft compound may lead to quicker degradation, especially with frequent track use, the rear tyre’s effective lifespan is estimated at 2,000 to 2,500 miles under normal conditions. Despite this, its performance remains consistent over its lifespan, making it a strong option for those prioritising track-level performance on the road.
High-Speed Stability
The SP V3 is acclaimed for its high-speed stability, a trait reinforced by its World Superbike Championship-inspired design and high-speed rating. Its structure and tread design maintain a stable contact patch at elevated speeds, ensuring reliable and predictable handling, essential for high-speed track performance and safety.
Precision Cornering
The tyre’s cornering precision is a highlight, with an aggressive profile and racing-derived design enhancing lean angles and contact patch size during cornering manoeuvres. This leads to improved traction and control, enabling precise and sharp handling, particularly valued in the racing and aggressive riding domains.
Reasons to Buy the Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3
- Exceptional Grip and Handling:
The SP V3 offers outstanding grip and precise handling, especially in dry conditions, thanks to its racing-derived compound and tread design. This makes it an excellent choice for track days and aggressive riding, where cornering performance and stability at high speeds are crucial.
- Advanced tyre Technology:
With features like a bi-compound rear design and a tread pattern developed from World Superbike Championship experience, this tyre provides a high level of performance and safety, ensuring a thrilling yet secure riding experience.
Reasons Not to Buy the Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3
- Limited Wet Weather Performance:
The SP V3’s focus on maximum dry grip may compromise its performance in wet or slick conditions. If you frequently ride in varied weather conditions, this might not be the ideal tyre choice.
- Reduced Longevity and Higher Cost:
Due to its soft compound and high-performance design, the SP V3 can wear out faster than more road-oriented tyres, leading to a shorter lifespan and potentially higher long-term costs, especially if used primarily on public roads rather than the track.
Click to see the latest price of the Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3.
Metzeler Racetec RR K3
The Metzeler Racetec RR K3 motorcycle tyre strikes a notable balance between road and track performance, providing stable and predictable handling that’s ideal for high-speed riding. It heats up efficiently on the road, ensuring confidence. On racetracks, it maintains a neutral stance, offering substantial feedback and excellent front-end feel, conducive to assertive braking and precise cornering.
Designed for enhanced stability and control, the Racetec RR K3 retains the distinct feedback Metzeler is celebrated for, positioning it as a top choice for those who demand racetrack-grade performance combined with street riding viability.
Grip Levels
The Metzeler Racetec RR K3 tyres excel in grip, particularly on tracks and during spirited road use. Their exceptional feedback and front-end sensitivity facilitate deep braking and assured cornering. As with any tyre, the more you use it and the more you push it the quicker it will fall off.
Handling
The Metzeler Racetec RR K3 tyres are known for their stable and reliable handling, offering a neutral feel and significant feedback across various conditions. This characteristic aids in delivering a consistent and controlled ride, making these tyres a favoured option for riders who demand both performance and predictability.
Consistent Performance
On the track, the Racetec RR K3 tyres maintains consistent performance throughout lifespan, which means you can enjoy it for longer. On the road, they perform reliably, with the rear tyre achieving a lifespan of 2,000 to 3,000 miles. Despite some performance decline with heavy track use, the tyres generally offer dependable performance throughout their life.
High-Speed Stability
The Racetec RR K3 tyres are acknowledged for their excellent high-speed stability, providing controlled and neutral handling at elevated speeds. This stability, rooted in Metzeler’s extensive racing heritage, ensures a secure and confident ride during high-speed manoeuvres.
Precision Cornering
The tyres deliver superior feedback and front-end feel, facilitating confident and accurate cornering. Their construction and compound are fine-tuned for balanced handling, enabling better lean angles and sustained control during cornering, making the Racetec RR K3 ideal for both track days and aggressive street riding.
Reasons to Buy the Metzeler Racetec RR K3
- Superior Handling and Feedback:
The Racetec RR K3 is known for its excellent handling characteristics, offering neutral and predictable behaviour that enhances confidence during aggressive riding and precision cornering.
- Good High-Speed Stability and Grip:
These tyres provide good stability at high speeds and offer impressive grip levels, particularly suited for track days and spirited road riding, making them a reliable choice for performance-oriented riders.
Reasons Not to Buy the Metzeler Racetec RR K3
- Cold weather performance:
While the tyre warms up quickly in warm weather which inspires confidence quickly, when the weather turns sour you will notice it. You won’t be stranded if it suddenly rains on you when you go out, but you will be brave if you were to push in these conditions.
- Competitive Alternatives Available:
Metzeler’s own lineup, such as the Sportec M7 RR, offers comparable performance in both wet and dry conditions, possibly providing a better balance of performance and longevity for riders who are not specifically looking for a track-oriented tyre.
Interested? We have the latest price for the Metzeler Racetec RR K3 on the Demon Tweeks website.
Continental ContiRaceAttack 2 Street
The Continental ContiRaceAttack 2 Street motorcycle tyre excels in both road and track environments, providing a top-tier performance choice in Continental’s lineup. Featuring the versatile Black Chili compound, this tyre achieves rapid warm-up times. Enhanced by a refined zero-degree steel belt, it delivers superior stability during intense braking and acceleration, while enlarging the contact patch at significant lean angles for improved traction and cornering speed.
As a member of the hypersport category, this tyre is apt for both the racetrack and everyday road use, providing outstanding grip, feedback, and high-speed stability. It employs MultiGrip technology to produce a dual-compound effect from a single rubber piece, resulting in a gradual hardness transition from the centre to the edges, improving both handling and durability.
Selected as the OEM choice for the BMW M 1000 XR, the ContiRaceAttack 2 Street’s capabilities are ideal for one of the most potent production motorcycles, ensuring precise handling and stability for dynamic riding on various surfaces.
Lets see how it measures up in the key areas you care about:
Grip Levels
The ContiRaceAttack 2 Street’s grip is particularly notable, thanks to the BlackChili compound that excels in dry conditions, ensuring swift warm-ups and sustained optimal grip, especially crucial for track performances.
Handling
The handling of the ContiRaceAttack 2 Street is praised for its precision and stability under changing conditions, attributed to its zero-degree steel belt design which bolsters high-speed stability and enhances rider feedback and control during aggressive riding.
Consistent Performance
Designed for endurance, the tyre’s performance remains reliable over time, supported by technologies that minimise uneven wear and maintain grip even as the tyre ages, especially beneficial for riders who frequent both track and road.
High-Speed Stability
The tyre’s high-speed stability is robust, thanks to its design that maintains stability and predictability at high speeds, this is helped by the Black Chili compound, crucial for both road rides and track use.
Precision Cornering
Its precision in cornering is facilitated by the innovative tread pattern and MultiGrip technology, which maintains grip during aggressive manoeuvres, making the ContiRaceAttack 2 Street ideal for riders who prioritise dynamic and high-performance riding.
Given its features, the ContiRaceAttack 2 Street is a formidable option for riders seeking versatile performance, combining track precision with road practicality, making it an option well worth considering.
Reasons to Buy the Continental ContiRaceAttack 2 Street Tyre
- High-Performance Grip and Handling:
The ContiRaceAttack 2 Street is engineered with Continental’s BlackChili compound which offers excellent grip and fast warm-up times, making it suitable for both road and track use. This allows for superior handling and traction, especially in dry conditions, enhancing the riding experience during aggressive manoeuvres and on varying surfaces.
- Versatility and High-Speed Stability:
This tyre is noted for its ability to perform well on both the track and the street, making it a versatile choice for riders who enjoy both settings. Its zero-degree steel belt construction improves high-speed stability, making the tyre reliable and predictable during high-speed rides and when transitioning between different types of riding environments.
Reasons Not to Buy the Continental ContiRaceAttack 2 Street Tyre
- Moderate Cold Weather Performance:
The tyre shines in warm conditions and on dry tracks, but its performance may taper off slightly in colder weather. The BlackChili compound, which allows for quick warm-ups and superb grip in dry conditions, might not reach its full potential in cooler temperatures. Consider this if you ride in cooler climates or during the colder months, though it still offers reliable performance for most riding conditions, except snow!
- Wear Rate in Intensive Use:
Like many high-performance tyres designed for both track and road use, the ContiRaceAttack 2 Street will wear the harder you push it. This might lead to more frequent replacements compared to more conservatively designed tyres, increasing long-term costs for frequent track users. But with those other tyres you won’t get the same lap times…
These factors should be considered based on your specific riding habits and preferences to determine if the ContiRaceAttack 2 Street aligns with your needs.
To get the latest price, go to our website.
Dunlop SportSmart TT
The Dunlop SportSmart TT motorcycle tyre sits within our best picks for this year as it’s well-respected for its performance on both the road and track, known for its excellent grip and stability across all sorts of motorcycles, from lighter sports bikes to powerful superbikes. Its quick warm-up time is a highlight, making it ideal for track days.
As with all the other tyres in this list, it excels as a tyre with multiple purposes, continue reading to see how we have stacked it in the areas you care about:
Grip Levels
The SportSmart TT features a rear NTEC carcass that allows for lower pressure settings on the track to increase the contact patch and enhance grip, while higher pressures can be used for regular road riding. Additionally, its Speed Vent Tread design utilises aerodynamics to regulate temperature and sustain high levels of grip.
In dry conditions, the SportSmart TT’s grip is exceptional, providing confidence for both aggressive road riding and track activities. The integration of Dunlop’s NTEC carcass and Speed Vent Tread technology aids in temperature management and grip retention under aggressive use.
Handling
The tyre is praised for its stable and predictable handling, valuable during both dynamic road riding and on the track. It offers effortless handling with reduced steering effort, better turn-in grip, and stability under braking in corners, suitable for a broad range of riding styles and conditions.
Consistent Performance
Notably, the SportSmart TT maintains consistent performance, particularly in grip and handling in the initial usage phase. It performs well across both road and track environments, incorporating technologies that support quick warm-ups and durable performance.
While it excels in dry conditions, its performance in wet conditions and colder weather is not as strong as other purpose built wet weather tyres. It tends to require more time to warm up in cold weather.
High-Speed Stability
High-speed stability is a forte of the SportSmart TT, underpinned by its NTEC carcass technology and Speed Vent Tread design. These features enhance the contact patch and stability at high speeds, providing confidence across fast corners and straightaways.
Precision Cornering
The tyre’s tread design and section profile contribute to its precise cornering capabilities. Its ability to adjust pressure for track conditions improves contact with the road, enhancing grip during cornering and enabling more confident and controlled manoeuvres.
Reasons to Buy the Dunlop SportSmart TT Tyre
- Excellent Grip and Handling:
The SportSmart TT is designed for both track and aggressive road use, offering excellent grip and handling. Its technologies like the NTEC carcass and Speed Vent Tread design ensure quick warm-ups and effective temperature management, enhancing stability and control during high-speed manoeuvres and precision cornering.
- Versatility:
This tyre is versatile enough to be used on the track without the need for tyre warmers and still perform exceptionally on the road. It’s designed to be a hybrid that can handle both environments well, which is great for riders who enjoy both track days and road riding with the same set of tyres.
Reasons Not to Buy the Dunlop SportSmart TT Tyre
- Moderate Wet Weather Performance:
The Dunlop SportSmart TT performs exceptionally in dry conditions, though its effectiveness in wet weather might be somewhat diminished due to the nature of the tyre. If you regularly encounter rain or ride in colder climates, you may find purpose built wet weather tyres more confidence-inspiring, but don’t worry, they still maintain a level of grip that supports general riding needs.
- Durability Under Heavy Use:
Designed with durability in mind, the SportSmart TT may exhibit accelerated wear when used extensively on the track. While the tire delivers robust initial performance, frequent use in high-demand conditions might shorten its lifespan compared to tires specifically crafted for regular road use. This is worth considering for those who prioritise longevity in high-stress environments, such as travelling long distances.
The Dunlop SportSmart TT is an excellent option for those seeking a tyre that seamlessly transitions between road and track, offering quick warm-up times and durability for extended track use.
The latest price is available on the Demon Tweeks website.
Let’s sum it all up
There it is, our top picks for motorcycle tyres which are just as suited to a track as well as a road.
It is a real pain having to transport track tyres along with your bike for a track day, but now you’ve read this guide you don’t need to! We have highlighted 5 outstanding choices, all from different brands and all which are more than capable, so you can stay with your favourite brand.
If you’re still unsure, you can get in contact with our experts who will be able to guide you down the right path, giving you added confidence you have made the right decision come your next track day!
Enjoyed this? Read more of our latest news:
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- Understanding Motorcycle Tyre Markings
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