verslagen1 wrote on 01/29/09 at 11:40:10: I don't know where you are going with that line of logic.
point is most people will try to straighten out the bike when a panic stop must be initiated. This is to minimize sliding to the side and low siding.
Will they? Just because they were told to do so in class doesn't mean they will. Even practicing panic stops does not mean you actually will straighten up and stop when in a real panic. I have absolutely no idea of what I would actually do in a panic situation. And I rather NOT find out. Just as I would rather not find out how fast I can take a turn.
Quote:Car tires are made to follow uneven surfaces and roll laterally in turns to keep a maximum contact patch. Cars have negative camber on the outside wheel to counter this.
So for most people, trained to straighten in panic stops and tires that will maintain a larger than m/c contact patch up to a minor turn (less than 15° lean) a car tire is an advantage.
Contact patch is not the only varible when it comes to traction. The psi loading on that patch matters, as does the stickyness of the rubber. But I'm really not concerned with straight line performance.
My riding involves quite a bit or turns, often over painted lines on the pavement, and often when those lines are damp. I have felt my tires cut and grab at times, which tells me I'm pushing the limits a bit too close. I would rather not give up the margin of safety of riding on motorcycle tires for the economics of a car tire.