Just picked up a set of spare wheels for my 07 CBR and I'm trying to decide what type of tires to mount on them. I currently run GPAs which require warmers. I wouldn't even consider running a tire when it's wet or even damp, as I feel like there's a reason they require warmers. The way I see it, I have two options. 1. Just put on backup GPAs and take my chances. Would probably be fine 70% of the time. I think I only saw some form of rain about 6 times last year. 2. Have a Q3 mounted. I ran into only 2 situations last year where I could have actually used a rain tire, one time I used a Q3, it was scary, but it worked. The other time, I just packed up as it was pouring when I showed up in the morning and there was no relief in sight. My thought is the Q3 would at least be better than the GPA if it was some sort of a light rain or just damp in general. I'm curious what other people do with their spares. Thanks. Steve
If not rains. Then just whatever tire's you normally run. Or have a different compound mounted for different weather conditions. You should have a good idea going into a weekend, whether you'll to swap tires or not. The most common reason for second rims is for rain tires. When I was racing and rain was not going to be an issue, I always had another set of tires mounted and ready. Never know when you may need a fresh set or if you pickup some safety wire or bolt in the tire, you have to be ready to go!!
IMO it kinda depends on what it's worth it to you. I see 2 scenarios: 1. Racing: in this case definitely have 2 sets of wheels. One for slicks and the other for rain tires. If you can swing it, wouldn't hurt to have a 3rd set for another back-up set of race tires in case a tire wears out sooner than you thought, or you tear it up, or you catch a nail in it and need to get going quick. 2. Track days: for a track day, how willing are you to go out in the wet?? For me, that answer is "not very". I enjoy going fast, and you can't do that in the rain. So taking a bigger risk and going 15+ seconds slower is not really enjoyable to me, so if it rains, I just hang out in the pits until it's semi-dry. So in that case one set of wheels is enough, or again...have a back-up if you want that also has race tires on.
I bought an extra set of wheels for rains because I schedule my track days way in advance and I'll ride rain or shine rather than waste my money. Given that said, it's got to be looking like a rain all day situation before I decide to switch and that has not happened to me yet. I've become very comfortable riding wet with Dunlop Q-3's and Bridgestone S-20 Evo's and now plan to sell the extra wheel set with the rains mounted. I keep one extra rear rim mounted with a good tire so I don't have to hassle with changing or flipping tires at the track. I don't race but I'm a regular track day rider who's in it for fun on a budget. I'll use the money I get from the sale to buy more track time!