Hi guys I'm looking for advice, want a set of wet weather tyres for my track bike, fed up of not riding everytime it rains at track. So obviously looking at full race wet tyres but also looking at wet road tyres, this is only track days not racing. What do we reckon??
If you have the space and cash to have a spare set of proper wets on wheels its the way to go, though you have to ask yourself if you will commit to riding in the shite when its just a trackday. Personally, while I was happy to slog it out in the rain while racing, I couldnt be arsed circulating in the ropey weather on track days just to get my moneys worth and 9 times out of 10 would just pack up and go home.
I have always had a set of wets on spare wheels for each of my bikes for the last 20+ years. I got my first set as an insurance policy as I, like you, got fed up going to trackdays and not going out. I quite like an occasional wet day as it can still be fun, just a different riding style.
Spare wheels with discs fitted, your wets are both a weight off your mind and bloody good fun. Oh and good for keeping an eye on break pad wear. You then have the opportunity to learn just how much fun you can have in the wet. After an evening of rain, Join the club of extremely smug people, as you do the siting laps and are the only one on wets, and watch as people with slicks depart asap. And of course, it's all in the best possible taste
Full wets is my call. Grip levels on wet tracks are very different to wet roads, and the grip is normally found well off the normal racing line so I think you would be safest / get most fun per £ with full wets, especially on a drenched track. On a drying track ride off the drying line on straights to cool the tyres and limit block wear. If you get caught on a rapidly drying track, just ease off the power, brake and steering push a bit and you will not damage the tyres.
Yeah wets on wheels is a must - otherwise its an hour and 30quid a time to get them changed I used Metzeler and conti race attack wets Metzler's had more feel/grip on them in proper rain, but changable conditions wasnt so good. Conti race attacks great all round, but didnt last as long and slightly less feel in full wet but better on the mixed conditions (and cheaper) As pointed out above, you actually want to avoid the racing line on braking using wets, and early acceleration to get the most grip/feel I think. And when the track is drying stay in the wet parts/off the dry line on the straights as avoids them over heating - they lose grip and tread quickly when hot
I always load my wets on wheels into my van when doing trackdays. I’ve paid to ride so I will happily go out in the wet. It hones your riding skills aswell especially if your bike is old school without any rider aids. Can’t comment on bikes with newer tech as never I’ve had that. do it and enjoy.
