Metzeler Racetec TD Slick Score
The Metzeler Racetec TD (Trackday) is arguably the most sensible and user-friendly slick tire ever developed for the hobby racing community. It bridges the gap between high-performance street tires and professional-grade racing slicks, specifically designed to remove the "fear factor" and high costs typically associated with track riding. For 90% of track-day participants, this is the only tire they will ever truly need.
The Good
- Easy to use
- High grip level
- Good price
- Resistant and durable
The Bad
- Last peak performance missing
-
Grip
-
Durability
-
Usability
-
Value for money
The Metzeler Racetec TD is a slick tire developed specifically for the needs of hobby track‑day riders. The abbreviation “TD” literally stands for Trackday. In our Metzeler Racetec TD Slick test, we reveal how the slick performs on the racetrack and why it is likely the best solution for 90% of hobby riders.
Table of Contents
The Special Features & Advantages of the Metzeler Racetec TD Explained
The Metzeler Racetec TD is a slick tire tailored specifically to the needs of hobby track riders. Metzeler put a lot of thought into ease of use and tire longevity. Compared to other slicks, the Racetec TD offers the following advantages:
OEM Sizes (Plug and Play)
Because the tire is available in standard street sizes, superbikes and hyper‑nakeds can be converted for track use without major effort. This also avoids the need to recalibrate electronic rider‑assist systems for different tire dimensions.
Reversible Direction
A unique feature is the tire’s symmetrical structure, which allows it to be mounted in either direction. On racetracks where one side of the tire wears significantly more, you can simply flip the tire and use the less‑worn side – saving a lot of money.
Can Be Used Without Tire Warmers
The Metzeler Racetec TD Slick is designed to be used with or without tire warmers. This saves significant cost, especially for riders who only visit the track occasionally. Without warmers, the Racetec TD reaches temperature extremely quickly.
Multiple Heat Cycles
The Racetec TD is designed to withstand multiple heat cycles. Many racing slicks lose their chemical properties after heating and cooling, resulting in grip loss. The Racetec TD maintains performance across several sessions and even track days.
Metzeler Racetec TD Slick Review
As mentioned earlier, Metzeler put a lot of thought into making a slick tire that is cost‑effective and track‑day‑friendly. Some may assume the Racetec TD is a compromise, but that is absolutely not the case. The Racetec TD performs excellently – more than enough for the vast majority of hobby track riders. All riding characteristics are summarized below.
Dry Grip
Typically, slicks take a long time to reach temperature – but not the Racetec TD. Many riders report that on a warm track, the tire reaches full temperature after just one lap (without warmers). Metzeler explicitly states that the Racetec TD can be used completely without tire warmers.
The reason the Racetec TD heats so quickly is its racing compound, which contains polymers with a low glass‑transition temperature and carbon black/resins with high melting points. Metzeler engineers developed a compound that works across a wide temperature and asphalt range, offering consistent performance and resistance to cold tearing. This also increases durability and ensures usability across multiple sessions and track days.
Once at temperature, the Racetec TD offers overwhelming dry grip. You always feel safe and can ride the bike at its true limit. Even 200‑hp superbikes do not overwhelm the Racetec TD in normal riding conditions. Only in very specific situations (see damping) can slight deficits compared to top‑tier slicks like the Diablo Superbike be felt.
The Racetec TD offers extremely strong grip when trail braking and accelerating out of corners. The limit zone is predictable and offers plenty of reserves.
Wet Grip
The Racetec TD Slick does not work in the wet – and it was not designed to. Wet grip is therefore not part of the evaluation. For rain, the appropriate tire is the Racetec RR Rain.
Braking Characteristics
Braking performance on the Metzeler Racetec TD Slick is very good. Even when braking at lean, you always feel safe. The Racetec TD provides transparent feedback and remains very stable.
Damping
The Racetec TD has slightly less damping than big‑size slicks, likely due to its lower profile. This only becomes an issue on bumps at lean angle, where the tire may lose a small amount of grip. However, this only affects riders at a very high pace.
Wear / Durability
Wear and durability on the Racetec TD are excellent. Even with very sporty riding, you can easily get 2–3 full track days (regular sessions). The tire handles multiple heat cycles without losing performance. Wear patterns are consistently good, and the tire does not tear even after several sessions with breaks.
Riding Stability / Cornering Stability
The Metzeler Racetec TD is extremely stable and differs only slightly from top‑tier slicks like the Diablo Superbike. At maximum lean, it cannot be corrected quite as precisely as the Diablo Superbike – but only very experienced riders will notice this.
Agility / Turn‑in Behavior
The Racetec TD offers consistently good and agile handling. This is likely supported by the flexible contact patch, which provides a secure feeling at the front during turn‑in.
Uprighting Tendency
The Metzeler Racetec TD Slick behaves neutrally. There is no excessive tendency to stand up when braking at lean.
Compounds
The Metzeler Racetec TD is not available in multiple compounds. In our view, this is not a disadvantage and reinforces the tire’s ease of use.
Tire Pressure
Metzeler recommends the following pressures for the Racetec TD on the racetrack:
- Front: 2.3–2.5 bar (hot)
- Rear (all sizes): 1.6–1.8 bar (hot)
Tire warmers are optional and should be used for 60 minutes at 80°C.
Use Cases
From our perspective, the Metzeler Racetec TD is a must‑have for hobby track riders. Anyone who cannot consistently ride top lap times will be perfectly served by the Racetec TD. Higher‑end slicks like the Diablo Superbike cost significantly more and cannot be fully exploited by 95% of hobby riders.
According to former racer Martin Bauer (1000PS), professionals can get within about one second of Diablo Superbike lap times using the Racetec TD – which is sensational. For anyone not chasing lap records, the Racetec TD Slick is the perfect choice at any skill level while saving money.
Available Sizes of the Metzeler Racetec TD Slick
Front 17″
- 120/70 R 17 NHS TL
Rear 17″
- 200/55 R 17 NHS TL
- 190/55 R 17 NHS TL
- 180/55 R 17 NHS TL
- 180/60 R 17 NHS TL
Metzeler Racetec TD Slick Experiences
The Metzeler Racetec TD is the top‑selling track tire in our shop for sport motorcycles. Many customers appreciate its qualities and especially its low price. For us, the Racetec TD is one of the best tires for hobby track days. Its many clever features, low cost, and high performance speak for themselves.
In our Metzeler Racetec TD Slick test, the tire fully convinced us. It is ideal for 90% of hobby track riders and offers many useful features with easy handling. The low price further strengthens its appeal. We award the Metzeler Racetec TD Slick the rating “Highly recommended.”
Alternatives to the Metzeler Racetec TD Slick
- Metzeler Racetec RR Slick (one level higher)
- Continental ContiTrack
- Dunlop GP Racer Slick D212
- Bridgestone Battlax Racing V02
- Bridgestone Battlax Racing V03
