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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.
Model: Diablo Superbike (Slick)
Available Compounds:
Recommended Pressures (Hot):
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.
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:
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:
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:
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:
Model: Racetec RR Slick
Available Compounds:
Recommended Pressures (Hot):
Notes:
Metzeler Racetec slicks offer outstanding feel and mid-corner stability. They’re often overlooked but provide excellent performance per dollar on Australian tracks.
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):
Highlights:
Model: Battlax V02 Slick
Available Compounds:
Recommended Pressures (Hot):
Notes:
V02s are extremely consistent and wear-resistant. Their performance window suits fast intermediate to advanced riders who need predictability across sessions.
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):
Highlights:
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:
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.
Tyre compound affects:
Choosing the right tyre comes down to:
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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