OK, so here's the deal. I'm a novice rider who is hoping to make the jump to the I group this weekend at Gingerman. My last time out was at Grattan this past May and I was running near the top of group 1 in novice and my coach (Ivan) told me my speed was plenty fast to be bumped, but my lines needed a little work. I'm not saying this out of pride, but rather to give some perspective regarding the choice I find myself with. I'm currently running Michelin Pilot Power 2CT that are sort of worn, but would more than likely be fine for a completely dry weekend. Unfortunately, that scenario seems to be a bit in doubt for this weekend. My question then is this: While I know a set of r^*n tires is the preferred route, given my situation, would I be better off mounting up a new set of street tires for the weekend, or going with a set of r*^n tires? While I do have a set of spare wheels and could just do both, I'd really rather not due to some budget constraints this time around. Also, any advice for staying comfortable on the track as far as r*^ suits under the leathers or any such methods would be appreciated too. Thanks a bunch!
Pilot power 2ct are excellent tires for track days in the rain. You do not want rain tires, especially if you plan on only using one set of wheels. Rain tires are only for racing in the rain on a wet track. They aren't something you mount for a track day because the weather forecast shows a chance of rain. The life expectancy of a rain tire on a dry track is measured in minutes. Don't overthink it. Riding in the rain is fun. Really, it is.
Agreed, riding in the rain is fun on street tires! I have a spare set of wheels with rains mounted but have never bothered to put them on because if it's not really wet, you're wasting expensive rubber. I have used Bridgestone S-20's, S-20 evo's, S-21's, Dunlop Q-3's and they have all worked just fine. Rain riding on street tires is great for learning smooth breaking, acceleration and body positioning. Anybody need a set of Ducati 748/916/996/998 wheels with rains mounted (wheels include rotors)? $400 plus shipping or pick up near St. Louis.
The Michelin Pilot Power 3 is a pretty good tire. They are made for a track/street mix so they do not need warmers; they're dual compound (2CT) and would work pretty well in the rain since they have plenty of tread. I put I think 4 track days on mine and had plenty of life left. They worked well in 1 wet session at Road Atlanta. Check with Sportbike Tire Service at your next STT event; they can give you a good idea what will suit your current pace and near-term goals.
I have been running PP 2CT's for years now. They have carried me from the street to the track. From novice to Advanced. They are a great tire, very predictable and work beyond belief in the rain..... Stick with what you know and just have fun. Overthrowing your tires is what slows you down. That's the last thing that should be on your mind when you're on the track. Gotta have faith in your rubber!
Can't got wrong with a Q3 all the way thru the middle of A. Compare the prices Q3's are usually $50-100 a set cheaper than some of the others mentioned.
Thanks for the input guys. I suppose my main question was if I was "fast enough" to justify or worry about rain tires (I'm not really too worried about riding in the rain, just want to try to maximize my fun for the weekend). Since I'm pretty sure I'll need tires of some sort this weekend, I was just wondering if someone of my skill level/experience would actually benefit from having rain tires or not. Since I have a spare set of wheels laying around this would have been an OK time for me to go that route. So far, though, it sounds like I would be better off with a fresh set of street tires for possible rain duty on Saturday and maybe use up my current tires on Sunday in the drier conditions, or just to keep around as backups. Sound like a reasonable plan?
Don't spend your money on rain tires at your level. Your dot tires will do exactly what you need them to do. Just be smooth and everything else fall into place. Take the money you were going to spend on rain tires and apply it to another track day. You'll thank me later!
Heck, I'll go ahead and thank you now! Thanks. Anyone have any suggestions for staying dry-ish while on the bike? Is any type of rain preferred or even allowed?
i just wear a waterproof jacket over my suit and put walmart bags around my feet and tape them at the ankle .. keeps ur feet from gettin all soggy