Rain Tires...

[d_mob]

Can someone please step up and take one for the team and buy a new and expensive set of rains, so it doesn't do just that, rain...

Thanks in advance!

Forecast last week/end and this week leading into our races looks like God doesn't want us to enjoy the weekends.

Or maybe he is telling us all to take mental health days during the week to enjoy the sunny weather, which I did yesterday @ IMI on the sumo.

[mkdiehl]

I was going to start a thread on rain tires but I will jump in here.....

if it is raining, what does every run on? Will dot race rubber work well enough to get by or do you need rains? Looking for majority opinion, I know you can go out on anything, but what is the norm?

[rforsythe]

DOT's will get you around in circles, but it will be slow - race DOT tread barely qualifies as such, and most race DOT's are smooth on the edges so your lean angle is highly compromised. The compound itself also usually sucks when wet and will not stay as hot.

Next best option is street DOT's. I've used these in the wet stuff and they do work, you can't go balls to the wall but you can at least get the bike over more. These also work in situations where the rain is coming and going and you want to stay riding.

Of course rains are the best way to go if you have the means, you can push almost as hard as you can on race dry tires (or for slower people, just as hard) and it's scary how well they stick to the ground. Do NOT use these on dry track, they will die very quickly. On days where it rains and stops, you will often see racers on these tires diving for every puddle they can find once the line starts to dry out to keep them cool.

If you can't afford a new set of rains, or if you waited until now to tell your tire guy you needed them (meaning stock will be limited if available at all), consider option B, throw warmers on them low before you ride, and BE SAFE. Planning ahead a bit on a wet track will save you a lot of money later.

[rybo]

I own a set of full rains....I'll bring them just in case I need them.

[rforsythe]

I own a set of full rains....I'll bring them just in case I need them.

Worried about traction in your C-collar?

[d_mob]

I just bought a Taichi rain suit from Bart, so we're good. It won't rain. You're welcome.

I bought one in 08', never used it and sold it on eBay last year. Awesome.

[mkdiehl]

How much?

[d_mob]

A hundo.

He only had one more, so if you want/need one, get on it.

Otherwise you'll be stuck flapping in the wind wearing a street rain jacket.

[mkdiehl]

geezzzz.....rain tires, rain suit.........hope i don't become a novice overspending statistic!!!!

[T Baggins]

if you don't wear a rain suit, your leathers will get a MUCH NEEDED washing...

[rybo]

I have an extra brand new rear rain tire that I will bring with me to the track this weekend - I'm sorry that I don't have a matching front at this time.

If someone needs it I'll sell it for a fair price.

it's a 190 Dunlop - so it should fit on both 5.5 and 6" wheels

[sheispoison]

Otherwise you'll be stuck flapping in the wind wearing a street rain jacket.

I have a green street rain jacket so I can look even more like a pumpkin just for you Mobley!

[NossLou]

trash bags and duct tape! Work surprisingly well! However Tony is right you will be surprised how clean your stuff is after a weekend!


I absolutely love rain racing!!!! Best learning experience I have ever had on a bike.... However it needs to figure out what it wants to do! Full rains or don't rain. I hate the spit and mix crap...usually a damp track is more difficult to ride in my opinion than completely wet.

If its going to rain let it rain like it did at HPR two years ago!

[NossLou]

FYI For those looking for rains there are a few guys trying to get rid of them here locally...give them a shout!

http://forums.mra-racing.org/viewtopic.php?t=14786

http://forums.mra-racing.org/viewtopic.php?t=14714

[jmaher]

I have a new set of rains ready to go. I have a rain suit and even an extra helmet with a clear visor so I don't have to swap shields. That should prevent the rain the coming.
Joe

[jeff healy]

Rybo... A fair price for rains when it is raining can be a pretty open term. $500 for that rear sounds about right lol