Its that time again!! Laguna Seca

Need some input. After doing some research on the Hawk forum it sounds like a 160 rear tire will fit on the stock Hawk rear rim.
The issue is that we signed my son up super late (thank you Iconic) for the Aprilia Seca day and the last item on the list is whether his Hawk rear tire (currently 150) will pass tech. If not our only option is the 160 Pirelli.
He will be riding C group and it will be his first track day, so I don't think we are concerned with cornering at race pace.
Can anyone that I trust here confirm 160 will work (at least this time) on the Hawk?

 

I can't remember off the top of my head how wide the stock rear rim is. BUT, I do think a 160 is fine, and also within tire manufacturers min wheel width recommendations. Probably the bottom of the allowable width. You can go to the Pirelli tire fitment guide for rim width recommendations.

Keep in mind Pirellis typically run wide, like up to a full size wider, so it will be accentuated (pinched in profile) on that rim.

I do NOT agree with people that put 120 on that 2.5 inch front rim tho. Screws up the tire profile too much and is out of the range of every tire manufacturers min rim width for 120/60 and 120/70. Plenty of people say it's fine... not me. Nor do the tire manufacturers.

 

Cool, thank you for the heads up. I have feeling the Pirelli will be the only tire available on short notice. Maybe we will get through tech and it won't be a thing.
Front is in good shape so no changing there.

 

You know damn well that you know tires and your bike's safety better than any tech dude that has to pass 150 bikes through his canopy that morning. If you're not showing cords, some awful wear pattern, or a 15 year old date code, it's gonna be fine for an intro track day. You don't crash on an intro track day because of the tires. You crash from abrupt inputs due to nerves or the "newness" of the whole experience. I'm not going to try to talk you out of new rubber though--new tires are always awesome.

You know we demand track day photos afterward, right?

 

And it might not even be yours. Stay alert and give yourself space.

Umm... yeah.

Have a great time!

 

Photos indeed.
I have given him track advice and basically “do your pace and keep some space”, Enjoy the riding and keep the stress low. I think there are at least 500-1k worth of center grip and much more on the edges of that rear.
We are going with minimal equipment since I “worked “ too much last time so we should have time to enjoy the day.

 

UPDATE!

Still waiting on photos, but it was the best track day I have ever had. dude..so stoked
1. Ride Seca with my son!
2 Ride my NSR250 flat out!
3. Draft past the Hawk and and NSF250 over the crest of turn 1
4. Watch my son pass down the hill on the inside of Turn 9..whoa it was epic
5. Ride with my teamates and duel each other to outbrake
6. Meet and have Joe Roberts (Moto2) sign my bike.
7. Meet, chat, and have Max Biaggi !!! sign my bike fuel tank.

Just and epic day. Super foggy to start, but ended up being perfect weather and we went home in 1 piece. Both bikes got lots of love from true bike enthusiast. Biaggi was confused that I could still ride the 250 on the street..lol

Oh and the tire was no big deal. In fact he finally got the edges marbled up.

 

That's so awesome man. Glad to hear it was such a memorable experience for you and your son.

 

Wow.....killer pic, Rogue! Glad you had a great day with your son....thanks for sharing with us, my brother!

 

There it is.... the pic of you two.

2 examples framed for Father's Day gifts.

So fuckin' cool.

 

I have learned after Seca that I want to race again, but unsure of how fast I want to go. Racing Groms seems about my thresh hold right now. NSR is great, but kinda small for me pysically. Same goes for the RVF. Next year I will try the RVF instead of the NSR, but I have a feeling it is too small physically.

My issue is speed. If I commit to ARHMA it would need to be super small bike so I can keep the speed down but then I am in the same boat as the track day. If I race Groms I feel like I can go flat out and not be as concerned about falling down. Weird place to be in my head.

Or I just race my RVF in ARHMA at keep it at my speed and not worry about how hard I compete (even though I am super competitive .. hmmm food for thought over the next year.

 

Should have kept that tricked out 86 and wrung it's neck. 86's love it.

Also, how about those damn cool mini racing bikes... goddamit what's the name? They are SO COOL. Watched them do the mini course at The Ridge when we were there for.... shit... whatever our US racing series is called now.

And I don't mean those cheap "Pocket Bikes". These are real machines.

Wow... great story Captain 80s.

 

Ohvale



https://www.cycleworld.com/story/motorcycle-reviews/2021-ohvale-gp-2-190-first-ride-review/

 

oooooooo yeah! That would be fun. full size-ish but small. I think WERA has a class for that now. Great idea capt!

 

I knew this was coming after I read this in your previous post :

Selfishly I'm hoping you choose to race the RVF in AHRMA and just ride your own race because then I'll get to read the stories about it.

 

I just glanced through the AHRMA rule book and from my first look I found a category for the NC30 but not the NC35. I will have to take my time and read some more.
It is definitely not happening this year, but who knows what the future holds. Besides I can live vicariously through your racing!