Regardless of what tire you're running, it's important at the track to get them heated to the proper running temp for maximum traction.
There are few things in motorcycling more exciting than flogging your motorcycle at the racetrack. Just thinking about rocketing around any one of America's road courses is enough to get me giddy.
However, that bubbling enthusiasm can turn a potentially enjoyable day at the track into an upsetting nightmare in a flash. How you ask? Crashing on cold tires.
Given the increasing popularity of track days, it happens all too frequently. In the overzealous haste of arriving to the track bright and early, suiting up, getting your bike fired and on track - before your tires are up to temperature, all it takes is just one ham-fisted throttle stab at lean, and you're on your head faster than yours truly at a skateboard park.
And don't think warm, sunny weather grants immunity. A cold tire crash can happen on a sweltering 100-degree day or on a mild 60-degree afternoon.
All motorcycle tires, regardless whether they were designed for the street or track, are engineered to work within a specific temperature range. And when they aren't up to temperature they do not properly adhere to the asphalt. That's where
PowerStands Digital Tire Warmers come in.
PowerStands tire warmers help eliminate the dreaded cold tire scenario. Essentially, the warmers are an electrically-powered heat blanket that covers the entire surface of the tire. They are designed to saturate the rubber in heat, allowing it to reach near optimum operating temperature before the rider even turns a wheel on track.
Installing the warmer on either wheel is easy as each is constructed out of a single piece of thick insulated fabric. Once both the front and rear wheels are elevated off the ground, a Velcro strap allows the user to fasten the warmer onto the tire. The wheel is then rotated, wrapping the circumference of the tire within the warmer. Another Velcro strap ensures that the warmer stays in place and a fixed bungee cord-like material on either side provides a snug fit all around.
Each tire warmer is powered via an American 110-volt 2-pin plug. The smaller front tire warmer consumes 450 watts while the larger rear warmer consumes 550 watts.
Temperature is controlled via a digital thermostat and is adjustable in one-degree (Celsius) increments (from 40 to 99 C). The default setting is 70 C with a two degree tolerance. Meaning if the warmer is at 69 and above it will power-off, and if it's at 68 C or below it will remain on.
PowerStands Digital Tire Warmers, seen here on the Corona Extra Honda, can have your tires ready to attack the track in your quest for fast lap times.
PowerStands recommends that you install and power the warmers for at least 45 minutes at a temperature of between 60 and 80 C (depending on tire manufacturer recommendations). It is also advised not to excessively heat the tires for longer than one hour because you may damage either the tire and/or the tire warmer (Again, consult your tire manufacturer.)
Once you're ready to get out on track, unplug the warmers and hang them up as opposed to just tossing them on the ground. If you don't, there's a chance that you can damage the heating element and fabric because they have a tendency to bunch together.
One of the best things about PowerStands Digital Tire Warmers is the reasonable price. For just $335 you can benefit from the added safety and confidence in knowing that your bike's tires will be up to temperature before you even get out on track. Not only that, you'll be able to enjoy a few extra hot laps as opposed to wasting precious track time cruising around waiting for your rubber to heat up.
Product: PowerStands Digital Tire Warmers
Colors: Yellow, Black, Red, Blue
Sizes: 125cc, 250cc / SV650, Superbikes (600cc's and up)
MSRP: $335.00
