This test taught me a lot. Firstly, that there are so many great tyres on the market. Secondly, just how different each of those tyres are to ride. If you were asked to describe a slick, ‘black and round’ would accurately label the face values of each of these hoops, but when it comes to determining their make-ups, their qualities and even their foibles, you’d have no chance of guessing what you’re dealing with… unless you got out there and pushed them to their limits, back-to-back in a controlled environment (which is why we did exactly that). Of course, this test has identified a winner, a loser and a hierarchy of rubber in between, but it goes without saying that how you ride and the performance levels you’re after are unique to you. What’s also key is noting that each of these tyres had their own individual qualities, such as the Michelin’s with their impressive outright level of grip. The Continentals were fantastically supportive under drive, and the Metzelers were the comfort blanket in the mix. I still can’t get over the agility of the Dunlops, and the Bridgestones had the best rear end in the business. As for the Pirelli’s, they were the star of the show in the feel department… and the rubber that ticked the most boxes. They certainly weren’t cheap, though, and you’d be crackers to take just the one set if you’re planning a back-to-back trackday onslaught. Grip often comes at a price, as this test showed first hand. Some of the slower tyres sacrificed grip for improved longevity, which is just as important to trackday riders and club racers who aren’t necessarily desperate for every last tenth. Then there are those that’ll warm to the easier handling tyres, or the ones that talk to you most. I’m not here to bang on again about each tyre’s individual assets, but hopefully you’ll now have a much more thorough grasp of the rubber that’s out there and what you can expect from it. Even for me, this test proved a real education, and a whole lot of fun. In essence, slicks are awesome and you’d be hard pushed to pick yourself some duffers. So dive right in and get some on your bike this season. There’s nothing not to like.
“SLICKS ARE AWESOME AND YOU’D BE HARD PUSHED TO PICK YOURSELF SOME DUFFERS”