Why Correct Tyre Pressure is Critical for Track Days

If you're serious about performance on track days, getting your tyre pressures right is one of the most important things you can do. Tyre pressure directly impacts grip, handling, and tyre wear — all of which are critical when pushing your bike to its limits on the track.

Unlike road riding, track riding generates more heat in the tyres due to higher speeds, aggressive braking, and increased lean angles. That means your tyre pressures need to be carefully adjusted to handle those conditions. In this post, we'll explain why tyre pressure matters on track days, how to set it correctly, and share some recommended pressures for different tyre models.

Why Tyre Pressure Matters on the Track

Track conditions are very different from road riding — the demands on your tyres are higher, and the margin for error is smaller. Here’s why tyre pressure makes such a difference on track:

  • Heat Build-Up – As you push harder on track, your tyres heat up and pressures increase. Running the correct starting pressures allows for this increase without causing the tyres to overinflate.

  • Grip and Contact Patch – Lower starting pressures increase the size of the contact patch, improving grip and stability when leaned over.

  • Tyre Wear – Running incorrect pressures can cause excessive wear and even tearing on the tyre surface, reducing the lifespan of your tyres.

  • Consistency and Feedback – Tyres with the right pressure give you more predictable feedback and help you stay consistent lap after lap.

  • Cold vs. Hot Pressures – Track day tyre pressures are usually set when the tyres are cold, but it’s the hot pressures (after the tyres have warmed up) that determine how the bike behaves on track.

How to Check and Adjust Tyre Pressure for Track Days

Setting your tyre pressures correctly for track conditions takes a bit of trial and error. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Start with the recommended cold pressures – Use the manufacturer’s guidelines as a baseline.

  2. Measure pressures before and after each session – Pressures will increase as the tyres heat up. If the increase is more than 5–6 psi, your starting pressure may be too high.

  3. Bleed air if necessary – If your tyres are overinflating due to heat, release small amounts of air to bring them back into the optimal range.

  4. Check for Tyre Wear Patterns – If you see tearing on the edges or uneven wear, your pressures or suspension setup may need adjusting.

  5. Use Tyre Warmers (if available) – Preheating your tyres with warmers helps stabilize pressures and improves grip from the first lap.

Common Track Tyre Pressure Mistakes

  • Overinflation – Too much pressure reduces the contact patch and makes the bike feel nervous and unstable.

  • Underinflation – Too low a pressure can cause the tyre to overheat and tear, especially on the edges.

  • Ignoring Hot Pressures – Setting pressures when cold is fine, but it’s the hot pressures that matter most on track.

  • Not Accounting for Tyre Type – Slicks, road tyres, and track-focused tyres all have different ideal pressure ranges.

Tips for Dialing in Tyre Pressure on Track

  • Adjust pressures based on track temperature — on hot days, start slightly lower since pressures will increase more rapidly.

  • Check pressures immediately after a session to see how much they’ve increased.

  • Work with a tyre technician (if available) to fine-tune pressures based on feedback and tyre wear.

Final Thoughts

Getting your tyre pressures right for track days isn’t just about improving lap times — it’s about staying safe and maximizing tyre performance. Small adjustments can make a huge difference in how your bike handles and feels through corners, under braking, and at high speeds.

Dial it in, keep it consistent, and you’ll feel the difference every time you hit the track!

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