Using racing slicks on a road-going motorcycle is generally a bad idea and not recommended for several reasons:
Lack of Traction: Racing slicks are designed specifically for use on racetracks, where the surface is clean, smooth, and optimized for maximum grip. On regular roads, there are various types of surfaces, including rough patches, debris, and water, which can significantly reduce the traction of slick tires. This can lead to loss of control and increase the risk of accidents.
Limited Temperature Range: Racing slicks are engineered to work efficiently at high operating temperatures typically generated on racetracks. When used on the road, where speeds and temperatures are typically lower, slick tires may struggle to reach their optimum operating temperature, resulting in reduced grip and potentially dangerous handling characteristics.
Poor Wet Weather Performance: Racing slicks are not designed to displace water efficiently, which means they have limited traction in wet conditions. On a road-going motorcycle, encountering rain or wet surfaces is a common occurrence, and using slicks could significantly compromise your ability to control the bike safely.
Reduced Durability: Racing slicks are designed for performance and grip, sacrificing durability in the process. They have a softer compound that provides excellent traction but wears out quickly. On the road, where tire longevity is crucial, slicks would wear out much faster compared to tires specifically designed for road use. This would result in frequent tire replacements, making it an expensive and impractical choice.
Legal and Safety Considerations: Using racing slicks on public roads may violate local traffic regulations or safety standards, as these tires are not approved for road use. If you're caught using slicks on public roads, you could face legal consequences, including fines and penalties.
In summary, using racing slicks on a road-going motorcycle is not recommended due to the lack of traction, limited temperature range, poor wet weather performance, reduced durability, and potential legal and safety issues. It's best to use tires specifically designed for road use, which are optimized for the varied conditions encountered on public streets.