Riding on track days demands tyres that deliver grip, stability and predictable handling. This guide focuses on tyres suitable for track-day use across UK roads and circuits, plus accessories that help you get the most from your tyres. The picks cover sport and street-legal options, plus a tyre warmer set to keep warm temps consistent between sessions.
Summary Of Selected Products
| Product | Brand | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| KCT Motorcycle Tyre Warmer Covers Overskin Set | KCT | Tyre Warmer Cover | Two-pack, insulation for faster warm-up on race tracks |
| Mitas Sportforce+RS 150/60 ZR17 | Mitas | Sport/Track Rear | Race-track oriented performance tire |
| Pirelli MT 16 Garacross 80/100-21 | Pirelli | Off-Road/Trail | Adventure/Enduro style, versatile for track days on mixed surfaces |
| Pirelli MT 15 90/90-16 | Pirelli | Urban/City | City-to-track capable with good wet grip |
| Michelin Starcross 5 90/100-16 | MICHELIN | Motocross/Terrain | Soft- to mid-terrain performance for track-like dirt sections |
KCT Tyre Warmer Covers Overskin Set
The KCT two-pack tyre warmer covers are designed to enhance heat retention during track sessions. Each overskin adds a layer of insulation to improve heat-up times while tyres are warming under race-day blankets. Constructed from 600D oxford polyester, the covers resist wind and cold, helping maintain tyre temperature for as long as the session requires. They fit standard 17-inch fronts and rear configurations (120 front / 180-200 rear) and are a practical add-on for meeting optimal grip windows on the track. These covers support consistent performance when switching between sessions and weather conditions.
Mitas Sportforce+RS 150/60 ZR17 Rear
The Mitas Sportforce+RS is designed to meet the demands of race-track riding while retaining everyday road usability. The RS designation indicates a focus on high-speed stability and predictable warm-up characteristics. Suitable for rear-fit on sport motorcycles, this tyre aims to deliver strong grip and consistent performance across track sessions and red-flagged practice runs. For track days, its profile helps with cornering confidence, rapid reaction to steering inputs, and reliable feedback from the rear wheel in varying weather conditions.
CMPO Tyre 50 P 100/80-16
CMPO’s Tyre 50 P 100/80-16 is compatible with popular urban and light adventure machines such as the Lexmoto Urban 125 and similar models. While primarily aimed at city riding, the tyre’s all-season performance and tubeless construction can handle track-day stress on smaller displacement bikes. It offers stable handling, reliable wet-weather performance and broad compatibility with 16-inch front/ rear rims. This tyre’s design supports affordable options for riders participating in entry-level track days or weekend practice on road courses.
CMPO Tyre 40 P 80/90-14
This CMPO tyre focuses on compatibility with small-displacement scooters and light motorcycles, like the Honda Vision and Lexmoto Dart series. It supports front-wheel use on 14-inch rims and offers a tubeless formulation suitable for daily commuting as well as light track-day practice. Its all-season performance and relatively compact footprint can aid riders building confidence in traction on familiar routes before pushing into more aggressive cornering on dedicated track days.
Pirelli MT 16 Garacross
Pirelli MT 16 Garacross offers a balanced profile that suits riders venturing onto mixed surfaces and track-like conditions. While the Garacross line leans toward off-road performance, its configuration can appeal to riders who participate in track days on gravel sections or light dirt areas. The tyre is designed for robust durability, cornering grip and a reliable footprint. It is particularly useful for dual-purpose bikes that attend both on-road and light off-road track activities, delivering confidence through mid-corner stability.
TYRE MICHELIN STARCROSS 5 90 100-16
Michelin Starcross 5 is a renowned option for motocross and track-like dirt sections. The 90/100-16 size is common on off-road machines, offering strong bite and predictable feedback on uneven surfaces. For riders who occasionaly ride on dirt portions during track days, this tyre provides confident grip in soft to medium terrain, with a focus on consistency and heat management across multiple sessions. While not a road-legal sport tyre, it proves valuable for hybrid track day setups or multi-surface events.
Pirelli MT 15 Motorcycle Tyre
The Pirelli MT15 tyre excels in city riding while offering good stability and safety in wet conditions. Its central cut-outs are designed to support enhanced feedback and predictable handling, making it a suitable choice for riders who plan occasional track days along with daily commuting. The tyre balance, combined with Pirelli’s pedestrian-grade road compounds, can deliver steady performance on a variety of UK track routes and urban circuits without compromising road comfort.
Buying Guide For Track Day Tyres And Accessories
- Track compatibility: Ensure the tyre size and profile fit your motorcycle’s rims and suspension. Road-legal sport tyres should match your bike’s speed rating and load index as specified by the manufacturer.
- Grip and wear: Track-day tyres prioritise grip and predictable handling. Look for compounds and tread patterns that suit your riding style (sport, aggressive street, or track-only).
- Weather and season: UK weather can be variable. Consider a tyre with reliable wet and dry performance or carry a second set if you race in inconsistent conditions.
- Warm-up and heat management: Tyre warmers or overskins can help achieve stable operating temperatures quickly, reducing warm-up lag between sessions.
- Maintenance and care: Regular inspection for punctures, tread depth, and sidewall integrity is essential. Store tyres upright away from direct sunlight to preserve compounds.
- Budget and value: For track days, combining a high-grip front with a reliable rear is common. Balance cost against expected mileage and tyre pressures you’ll run on your bike.
- Riding kit compatibility: Don’t ignore the rest of the setup. Brakes, suspension, and tyres work in concert, so ensure your bike’s components are aligned for track performance.
- Rider skill level: Beginners may benefit from sport-touring tyres that offer predictable grip and comfortable progression, while experienced track riders may opt for dedicated sport or semi-slick options.
In summary, the best track day tyres for UK riders combine consistent grip, reliable heat management and適 compatibility with your bike’s chassis. Accessories like tyre warmer covers can improve heat retention between sessions, while a mix of sport and adventure tyres can cover a wider range of track-day conditions. Always verify fitment before purchase and consult your local tyre specialist if unsure about your motorcycle’s requirements.