Pilot Road 3 as a race rain tire??

[WinVT]

So i've got an extra set of wheels for my race bike that haven't seen much use and I figured I might as well throw a set of rains on just in case.

I've looked around a little bit and come across a couple sets of used rains reasonably priced, but I can also get a set of PR3's brand new for dirt cheap.

Some quick searching online turns up a lot of mixed opinions... most coming from riders who have never actually used the tire.

It seems that some magazines have reviewed the tire and claimed that in wet conditions it feels just as grippy as a race rain. I'm a little surprised by this because looking at the tread it doesn't seem to be able to disperse as much water and it appears to be a harder compound than a traditional race rain.

Anyone have any experience racing with this tire? Or any insight at all?

[Degsy]

Wirelessly posted

I'll offer this. In the changing conditions up at Loudon, you are probably better off with a PR3 unless you're after a championship and need that extra little bit in the rain.

Remember, a rain tire is for the rain. It isn't for the wet, slightly damp, might rain, drying conditions etc that you get at loudon. Rains need a good amount of water to work well and last more than a sprint race.

I'd say a set of PR3 is very worth looking at as your wet weather solution if budget is a consideration.

[Dannyf]

I can't attest to them for the track but my dads got them on his busa and swears by them he's done a lot of wet weather riding on them. I've put some miles on them in the dry and have nothing bad to say.

[martyk]

if my dad rode a busa....we'd probably get along much better, but he doesnt

[nhbubba]

From the other thread:

The Road 3 is also the preferred wet weather DOT race tire for Michelin.

Non racer/track person here. But that sounds good to me.

[WinVT]

From the other thread:


Non racer/track person here. But that sounds good to me.

Ok thanks for the imput everyone. I think the statement about michelin using the tire as its DOT race tire is what got me wondering.... I just don't know if there's any truth to that statement. Anyone have any evidence that they actually use this as their race rain?

[Degsy]

Wirelessly posted

It's their race "wet". Be careful. There's a difference. Between "rain" and "wet".

If Dave (karayaone) says it, you can take it as gospel.

He is the Michelin race tire guy.