I've booked up some track time for early October on my new bike at Brands. One of my concerns, is my lack of wet weather riding time if it rains (well it is England). Just a note I'm not going there to set the track on fire, simply some fun, I ride at my own pace, which is fast for some, and slow for others. I have ridden in the wet before, although I tend to avoid it in general and also wind my neck right in (as I will on the day) if it's wet. My question is what are the 899's like in the wet/damp on the standard Diablo Corsas ? Any Panigale esk tips and advise is always appreciated, I'm always looking to learn more.
I can't speak for track riding tbf but I've been riding my bike in the wet quite a bit the last few weeks and I have decent feel for the conditions underneath me, obv it should help on track as u can drop the pressures and generate some more heat. It's one area where I think your confidence suffers on the road
I got caught in a small down pour not long after getting the new bike, and had the rear spin up on me coming out of a big round about. Was nothing major, just surprised me that it spun up so easily after a long run as well. I was hardly pushing on.
I do feel like I would want to try some other tyres as it's the first ones I have had, that said I've nearly always had really good feel on pirellis.
They're mega when they're hot in the dry. But I have no confidence in them otherwise. It's probably more me than the tyres though.
Well... U could take them off and get something out on for track? You aren't gonna loose more than the £20 each time to change them? Maybe stick some sportsmart2 or something on there just for track.
hmmm, all starts getting a bit expensive for what is just a bit of fun then aye? But I see what you're thinking, and you're right. Have to see what the weather does, hopefully it'll be dry, if not.... straight in fanny mode she goes.
Yep! If it rains then just potter round tbh mate! They are still pretty slick on the sides so I guess u just want to keep it upright! I ride sometimes in wet mode, just because it's so soft but I do think that it's the front going that is the worry and no amount of ABS will help u in the corner!
dry - perfect damp no real puddles - absolutely fine wet with puddles - caution very wet - sit in the garage ABS, DTC all help to reduce the risk
I just managed to get a spare rear rim to go with the front I've had for a while but it was a bloody expensive thing. The idea was to get some practice on wets over the winter but I must admit that whenever the weather gets horrible I'd rather just go out on the dirtbike or KTM Adventure. Seems more of a natural horse for course type decision.
I was with a friend at Silverstone few months back it was raining he had his brand new 899 standard road tyres no tyre warmers and he never missed a session and the smile on his face after each session was awesome to see. However he is an experience rider so the bike will fine just ride within your limits
Got out in every session mate, the bike was moving around all over the place, but I started adjusting my body position for corners which made a whole load of difference, started to really enjoy it. Still a shame it rained so much though. Poor girl is filthy though, going to have her apart over the weekend and get her cleaned up.
