I’m getting back into track days this year. Due to my over excitement and looking for a deal, I have already pre-purchased 24 days and am looking at another 4. That said I’m sure I will run into a few days with rain. Rather than pout on the sidelines, I want to find a way to have fun in the wet stuff. I currently run Q3+ on my Daytona 675 and for right now that is the go-forward plan (in the dry). For the wet, I’m trying to decide between 3 options and would appreciate your input. #1: Run the same Q3+ in the wet as they work well enough #2: Buy a set of rains and put them on when its wet #3: Run my KTM RC390 with M7RRs in the wet, lower power helping to reduce slides Thank for your input , Steve
Really depends on what track you’re at. Grattan & Mid Ohio are absolutely no rain riding for me. I believe Tally, Jennings and Barber are all supposed to be good in the wet. So my advice is to ask the locals what that particular track is like in their wet. Other than that if it were up to me and just for fun and prep the KTM as my rain bike. See ya at the track.
Thanks for the replies! Tracks will be Road America, Blackhawk, Autobahn, Grattan, NCM and maybe Gingerman and Putnam. Sounds like I should start prepping my KTM for the track Thanks for the input, Steve
Get rains and send it. I never understood why people would want to “tip toe” around on a race track. Get the right tire for the job and have fun.
Late to the thread, but Road America is pretty slippery when wet. I felt like I was going 50% the speed of all the other riders running similar tires. I had Dunlop q3+ lowered to 28psi and turn 13 the front just let go at about 30mph when I normally take it around 80 in the dry. I was using maintenance throttle with no sudden movements and there was no warning. If it makes any difference the bike was a 500lb vfr set fairly stiff for my weight. I'm not sure if it's more beneficial to have less weight or more in the wet especially when on slight throttle which the front is unloaded. That said not much damage and I was able to ride a couple sessions later just fine once the track dried up. If you only do a few trackdays a year like I do, it's probably not worth getting rains, because If it doesn't rain they will start rotting from bring unused. In your case then I would definitely look into getting a second set of wheels and keep some rains with you for more confidence. It definitely isn't fun going through each turn hoping it doesn't let go and makes it impossible to actually learn how to ride in the rain
Another vote for rain tires. You should also soften up your suspension for the rain - pull out pre-load and compression. It helps with grip.