If you’re heading to the racetrack and want to get serious about riding on slicks, sooner or later you’ll need tire warmers. When slick tires are brought up to temperature with heating blankets, they can deliver their full potential immediately upon exiting the pit lane. In the following guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about motorcycle tire warmers for slicks and show you the best models in detail.
Table of Contents
Why do you need a motorcycle tire warmer?
A tire warmer is essential for riding on the racetrack with slicks. Slick tires are designed to perform optimally only within a specific temperature range, which can be difficult or slow to reach through riding alone. The result is reduced grip and a loss of the slick’s positive characteristics.
With a tire warmer, you can preheat your tires to the recommended temperature before riding, allowing you to enjoy excellent grip right from pit lane exit. It also enables you to set tire pressure accurately, as slicks are usually specified with warm pressure values.
Who needs motorcycle tire warmers?
Riders who are on track purely for fun without competitive ambitions generally don’t need tire warmers. There are tires, such as the Metzeler Racetec TD Slick, that work well without them. For hypersport street tires with track capability, tire warmers can be skipped – and in some cases, their use is even discouraged. A list of tires suitable for track days without warmers can be found at the end of the guide.
True slicks, like the Pirelli Diablo Superbike or Metzeler Racetec RR Slick, absolutely require tire warmers.
What makes a good tire warmer?
- Heating performance – This is the core function. All models presented here reach the minimum 60 °C quickly. To reach the maximum 80 °C, they take about 60 minutes, which is standard and a good benchmark.
- Fit – A proper fit ensures quick and even heating. Many manufacturers offer size options to match your tire dimensions, making installation easier and heating more efficient.
- Build quality – Stitching and wiring are common weak points in lower-quality products. All models featured here are exemplary in terms of quality.
- Ease of use – With practice, fitting warmers becomes quick and routine, though some models are easier to handle than others.
- Price – Hobby riders don’t need to spend excessively, but cheaper warmers may involve compromises in build and features.
Handling and using motorcycle tire warmers
Using tire warmers is straightforward. For slicks, follow these steps:
- Put the motorcycle on stands.
- Clean tires of dirt and stones (to protect the warmer from damage).
- Place the warmer on the tire, rotating the wheel while keeping the warmer taut.
- Ensure the warmer sits centered and snug.
- Apply for at least 1 hour to fully heat the tire.
- After 1 hour, set tire pressure according to recommendations.
- Remove the warmer.
- Always switch off/unplug warmers after use to avoid damage or overheating.
- Never rest the bike on its tires with warmers fitted – this can damage the electronics inside, use stands instead.
You’ll need paddock stands so both wheels are off the ground for fitting/removing warmers.
Note: Many track day tires and slicks come with manufacturer-recommended pressures specified for warm conditions, including warm-up time and temperature with tire warmers.
17‑Inch Tire Warmers – The Best for Track Days
There are quite a few tire warmers on the market, and new models are constantly being released. Prices vary widely, which unfortunately often leads to poor purchasing decisions. Be especially cautious with cheap tire warmers from the Far East, although there are differences even among those. We’ve taken a close look at the most recommendable models and will tell you which ones we consider particularly worth buying.
Alpha Racing Tire Warmer EVO Supersport 600 – Adjustable up to 99 °C
The Alpha Technik EVO Supersport 600 tire warmer – the ultimate solution for perfect tire temperatures and optimal performance on the racetrack. With a digital thermometer that can be set separately for the front and rear tire, you maintain control over each tire’s temperature. The adjustment range of up to 99 °C allows precise tuning to your bike’s needs and track conditions.
- Price: approx. €310
- Adjustable temperature: Yes, stepless up to 99 °C
- Outer material: Nylon
- Rating: Very Good
Racefoxx Pro Digital Tire Warmer
For us, the Racefoxx Pro Digital tire warmers are among the best on the market. They are well‑made and offer excellent value for money. Tires heat quickly, especially to 60 °C. Reaching 80 °C takes just under an hour, which is perfectly fine. A toggle switch lets you choose between 60 °C and 80 °C. They come in a practical carrying bag for safe transport.
- Price: €299
- Adjustable temperature: Yes, 60 °C and 80 °C
- Cable length: 1.85 m
- Outer material: Nylon
- Rating: Very Good
Racefoxx MATRIX BASIC 100 °C Superbike Tire Warmer
The Matrix Basic 100 °C set lets you achieve full performance from the start without the lengthy warm‑up process. A clever optical early‑warning system shows via color change whether your tire is heating or cooling. Fits all 17‑inch wheels (front 120/125, rear 180/190/200).
- Price: €299
- Adjustable temperature: Yes, up to 99 °C
- Cable length: 1.80 m
- Outer material: Nylon
- Rating: Very Good
Capit Suprema Spina Tire Warmer
The Capit Suprema Spina tire warmers are professional‑grade. While not cheap, the internal technology impresses. Water‑resistant Teflon wires mean they can handle rain showers. They heat the tire evenly and consistently, reaching 80 °C in about an hour, with a maximum temperature of 95 °C.
- Price: from €311
- Adjustable temperature: No
- Cable length: 1.55 m
- Outer material: Polyester
- Rating: Good
Thermal Technology Trizone (SBK/MotoGP Spec)
High‑performance warmers meeting professional standards. Made from premium rubberized outer fabric and special TDH (Total Diffusion Heater) inner fabric for even heat distribution. A dual temperature control system with integrated electronics allows precise adjustment between 0 °C and 120 °C. Supplied in a zippered carrying case.
- Price: from €815
- Adjustable temperature: Yes, 0–120 °C
- Outer material: Rubberized fabric
- Rating: Very Good
Budget Tip: Racefoxx Basic 80 °C – Only €189
An affordable, simple entry‑level model with a fixed temperature of 80 °C. Cannot be adjusted or checked digitally (a laser thermometer is useful). Silicone‑coated heating loops and double loop count ensure even heat distribution. A good choice for occasional hobby track‑day riders.
- Price: from €189
- Adjustable temperature: No, fixed at 80 °C
- Outer material: Nylon
- Rating: Good
Tire Alternatives – Track Day Tires Without Warmers
Tire warmers are expensive and can be tricky to use. If you want a relaxed track day, you can skip them entirely. Many manufacturers offer track‑capable tires that can be used on the circuit without any preheating. While you won’t be chasing the last tenth of a second, these mostly street‑legal tires are more than enough for fun laps.
Examples:
- Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 (street legal)
- Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V4 (street legal)
- Metzeler Racetec TD Slick (not street legal)
- Metzeler Racetec RR (street legal)
- Metzeler Sportec 01 RS (street legal)
- ContiRaceAttack 2 Street (street legal)
- Dunlop Sportsmart TT (street legal)
- Dunlop D213 GP Pro (street legal)
- Michelin Power Cup 2 (street legal)
- Bridgestone Battlax RS11 (street legal)
- Bridgestone Battlax RS12 (street legal)
For a true slick that works well without warmers, check out the Metzeler Racetec TD Slick – designed for top performance with easy handling on track days, and usable without warmers in a pinch.
Did our guide on tire warmers help you? Leave us a comment with your tips and favorite tire warmers for track days below.
