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Discover the Best Motorcycle TYREs with RIDING RUBBER

 

Pirelli | Michelin | Bridgestone | Metzeler
Penrith NSW’s Trusted Source for High-Performance Tyre Knowledge

When it comes to serious road racing or weekend track days, your choice of motorcycle tyre can dramatically influence grip, feedback, lap times, and rider confidence. At Riding Rubber, we specialise in performance motorcycle setup – and that starts where rubber meets road.

This guide compares the top racing and track tyres from Pirelli, Michelin, Bridgestone, and Metzeler, covering compounds, operating temperatures, durability, grip characteristics, and recommended tyre pressures for optimal performance.

Pirelli Diablo Superbike - Ultimate Racing Slick

 

Model: Diablo Superbike (Slick)
Available Compounds:

  • SC0 - Softest; best for hot, smooth tracks. Peak grip, limited lifespan.
  • SC1 - Soft-medium; excellent balance of grip and durability. Track day favourite.
  • SC2 - Medium; best for abrasive tracks or cooler conditions.

Recommended Pressures (Hot):

  • Front: 34 - 36 psi
  • Rear: 24 - 26 psi

Notes:
Pirelli slicks offer progressive grip and quick warm-up. SC1 rear and SC2 front is a popular combo for aggressive track riding in NSW conditions.

Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SC – Track-Focused Treaded Tyre with Race Compounds

 

The Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SC is a top-tier treaded tyre designed for both road-legal use and competitive track riding. Available in the same SC0, SC1, and SC2 compounds as Pirelli’s full slicks, the Supercorsa SC offers incredible grip with added versatility thanks to its DOT-approved tread pattern. It heats up quickly and delivers outstanding edge grip and cornering stability, making it a favourite for Supersport and Superbike riders alike. Whether you’re chasing lap times at SMSP or riding twisty roads in the Blue Mountains, this tyre bridges both worlds seamlessly.

Recommended Hot Pressures:

  • Front: 34 - 36 psi
  • Rear: 24 - 26 psi

Michelin Power Performance Slick – Precision Racing Tyre for Experienced Riders

  

The Michelin Power Performance Slick is a pure competition tyre engineered for professional racers and serious club-level track riders. It’s available in Soft, Medium, and Hard compounds, allowing riders to tailor grip and durability to track temperature and surface conditions. With an extremely stable carcass and razor-sharp feedback at full lean, it delivers maximum grip and lap-to-lap consistency — but only when kept in its optimal heat range. Tyre warmers are required, and the tyre rewards riders who can manage pace and temperature precisely.
Recommended Hot Pressures:

  • Front: 32 - 35 psi
  • Rear: 21 - 23 psi
    Notes:
    Michelin power performance slicks tend to have a narrower operating window and require more aggressive heat cycles. Ideal for experienced racers or riders chasing lap records.

Michelin Power Slick 2 – Track Day Slick for Fast Riders with Easy Setup

 

The Michelin Power Slick 2 is designed for track day enthusiasts and fast amateurs looking for slick-level grip without the complexity of full race tyre setup. Unlike the Performance Slick, the Power Slick 2 is available in a single compound formulation tuned for a balance of grip and longevity across a wide range of conditions. It features a forgiving construction, fast warm-up, and does not require warmers in most Australian track environments. It’s perfect for shorter sessions, repeated heat cycles, or riders who want top-tier grip without the hassle.
Recommended Hot Pressures:

  • Front: 32 - 35 psi
  • Rear: 21 - 23 psi

Michelin Power Cup 2 – Road-Legal Track Tyre

 

The Michelin Power Cup 2 is Michelin’s flagship treaded tyre for fast road and track riders. Featuring a dual-compound construction with race-inspired rubber, it provides race-level grip with legal road usability. Its silica-reinforced compound offers faster warm-up compared to slicks and consistent performance lap after lap. While not available in multiple compounds like pure slicks, the Power Cup 2’s grip levels, lean stability, and wear resistance make it a top choice for advanced track day riders who still ride to and from the circuit.

Recommended Hot Pressures:

  • Front: 32 - 35 psi
  • Rear: 21 - 23 psi

Metzeler - Racetec RR Racing Slick

 

Model: Racetec RR Slick
Available Compounds:

  • K0 - Super soft; ultimate grip, short lifespan.
  • K1 - Soft; well-suited to medium temperatures.
  • K2 - Medium; best for colder tracks or endurance riding.
     

Recommended Pressures (Hot):

  • Front: 33 - 35 psi
  • Rear: 22 - 24 psi

Notes:
Metzeler Racetec slicks offer outstanding feel and mid-corner stability. They’re often overlooked but provide excellent performance per dollar on Australian tracks.

Metzeler TD Slicks – Track Day Performance Without Warmers

 

The Metzeler Racetec TD Slick is purpose-built for track day riders who want slick performance without the hassle of tyre warmers. Designed for plug-and-play use, the TD Slick heats up quickly and delivers consistent grip across a wide temperature range. Available in a single compound tuned for both front and rear, it balances grip and durability to suit multiple sessions in one day. Unlike traditional slicks, the TD can tolerate cold starts, making it ideal for intermediate riders or those using street-legal track bikes.

Recommended Pressures (Hot):

  • Front: 33 - 35 psi
  • Rear: 22 - 24 psi
     

Highlights:

  • No warmers required
  • Predictable wear pattern
  • Excellent for Australian track days and variable weather

Bridgestone V02 - Ultimate Racing Slick

 

Model: Battlax V02 Slick
Available Compounds:

  • Soft - Sprint use; max edge grip.
  • Medium - General purpose for most track day use.
  • Hard - High durability, less peak grip.
     

Recommended Pressures (Hot):

  • Front: 32 - 34 psi
  • Rear: 24 - 26 psi

Notes:
V02s are extremely consistent and wear-resistant. Their performance window suits fast intermediate to advanced riders who need predictability across sessions.

Bridgestone V01 – Proven Track Slick with Road Race Roots

 

The Bridgestone Battlax V01 slick tyre is a staple in club-level racing and high-speed track day environments. Tuned for stability and corner entry precision, the V01 is available in Soft, Medium, and Hard compounds, each suited to different track conditions. Its profile delivers excellent lean feedback, and the carcass design offers controlled flex under braking and drive loads. While it performs best with tyre warmers, the V01 is known for predictable heat cycles and extended wear over multiple sessions.

Recommended Pressures (Hot):

  • Front: 32 - 34 psi
  • Rear: 24 - 26 psi

Highlights:

  • Ideal for faster riders and racing use
  • Smooth, progressive grip
  • Works well on heavy and high-powered bikes

Bridgestone Battlax R11 – Track Tyre for Serious Amateurs

 

The Bridgestone Battlax R11 is a top-tier treaded racing tyre developed for serious track day riders and amateur racers looking to extract maximum performance from their supersport or middleweight bikes. It features a race-derived V-MS-Belt construction and multi-compound rear, offering enhanced edge grip and consistent feedback under hard acceleration and braking. The front comes in a single compound, while the rear is available in Medium and Soft options to suit different temperature ranges. Although it's treaded, warmers are highly recommended to get the best grip and feel from the first lap. Riders appreciate its excellent corner entry stability, predictable slide control, and long-lasting compound stability throughout a session. The R11 delivers confidence at lean and high-speed braking zones, making it a favourite in supersport and club-level racing paddocks.

Recommended Hot Pressures:

  • Front: 32–34 psi
  • Rear: 24–26 psi

Discover the Joy of Track Riding

Operating Temperature & Warm-Up Time

Operating Temperature & Warm-Up Time

Operating Temperature & Warm-Up Time

 

Race tyres are built for heat. Most slicks perform best in the 70–110°C range, with soft compounds like SC0 and K0 reaching optimal grip faster but overheating sooner.

  • Warmers Recommended: Always preheat slicks to 80°C+ before track use.
  • No Warmers? Use treaded track day tyres like Pirelli Supercorsa or Michelin Power Cup. Or Metzeler TS Slick

Grip vs. Durability

Operating Temperature & Warm-Up Time

Operating Temperature & Warm-Up Time

 

Tyre compound affects:

  • Grip: Softer compounds = more grip, less lifespan.
  • Durability: Medium/hard compounds last longer but take longer to heat up.
  • Temperature Tolerance: Match compound to conditions. Cold day? Use SC2/K2/Medium. Hot day? Avoid super softs like SC0 or K0 unless doing short stints.

Track Day Pressure Setup Tips

Final Thoughts: What Tyres Should You Use?

Final Thoughts: What Tyres Should You Use?

 

  • Measure hot pressures immediately after a session.
  • Start slightly higher and bleed off post-session.
  • Use a tyre warmer for consistent grip from lap 1.

Final Thoughts: What Tyres Should You Use?

Final Thoughts: What Tyres Should You Use?

Final Thoughts: What Tyres Should You Use?

 

Choosing the right tyre comes down to:

  • Experience level
  • Track conditions
  • Bike power & setup
  • Session length
     

At Riding Rubber, we help riders in Penrith and across Western Sydney find the ideal race or track tyre setup for their bike and goals. Whether you're chasing podiums or enjoying your first track day, our team can guide your choice and dial in your suspension to suit.

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