ReiseMoto TraceRad Performance Tyre Review

When ReiseMoto asked us if we would test and review a set of their new sporty TraceRad tyres, their timing couldn’t have been more perfect! That’s because Generation Speed was hosting an FMSCI-approved Autocross round near Pune, and we jumped at the chance of giving these sporty tyres a proper race test! 

The TraceRad

Before the action, here’s a little bit about the TraceRads. They are the sportiest tyre in Reise’s arsenal promising superior grip in all weather conditions, and unmatched high speed as well as cornering stability. The tyre features what Reise calls a ‘spark’ groove on the centre of the tyre, as well as an extended shoulder groove that promises efficient water dispersion. These qualities give this tyre its all-weather chops. There is also a “Dual Radii” tyre profile that gives it both good straightline stability as well as a wide contact patch during cornering. It also features a 0-degree steel belt construction for great high speed performance. Reise also says that they have tuned the stiffness of the casing for optimal ride comfort. Finally, a blend of natural and synthetic rubbers and special grade resins enhance the all-weather grip and give it great durability and tyre life. 

The Test

The TraceRads went on to my 2017 KTM Duke 390, a motorcycle that’s been more than a little modified for off-road racing. With the TraceRads on, it looks like a cool supermotard, at least in my biased eyes. The competition that would be the TraceRads true test was to be a tight and twisty autocross track that was set up on the Amby Valley runway tarmac. To add to the challenge, there were a whole lot of national level rally riders, track riders and even some motocross riders participating. The tight hairpins, fast corners and hard braking zones would make this a particularly challenging track. Plus, I would get just one single run of two laps to set a time! 

The proof of the challenging nature of the track was clearly seen in the first few batches of riders who went out. Practically half of the competitors were getting disqualified for cutting the track,  missing cones or overshooting corners, and running out of bounds. I was confident of the circuit after a couple of track walks and some slow recce riding around it. Having said that, watching the chaos from the sidelines made my confidence falter despite my homework. 

In my run I started well and was consistent through the first part of the track. The TraceRads have oodles of grip especially when fully leaned over. Braking performance was also good particularly on one really fast section that runs immediately into a pair of switchback hair-pin turns. Hard braking directly transitioning into full lean was what was needed to take this section correctly. I'd managed quite well the first time around but on the 2nd lap, I missed my braking marker, and as I started to lean over the rear began to slide out. I let go of the brakes at the last moment and the rear found its grip, almost highsiding me off the bike. Thankfully I managed to stay on, but I had lost a lot of momentum. The grippy TraceRads clearly helped diffuse a situation which could have resulted in a crash. 

Post that one incident I managed to do well for the rest of the run, finishing with a time of 1 minute, 35 seconds. The quickest time of the day in my class was set by an RC 390 of 1:23, 2nd place was 1:25 and the third was at 1:27 - all set by top quality riders. There’s no way to tell how much time I lost in that snafu but, practically coming to a stop, surely would have lost me a good amount of time. So while I’m gutted with the result and my mistake, I was really impressed with the performance of the TraceRads.

Overall Impressions

For the race, the TraceRads really performed well. They were stable under hard braking, grippy in the corners with plenty of edge grip and feel too. On the ride to Amby Valley they performed really well too, feeling confident through the corners and comfortable on the highway too.  I especially liked the feeling and feedback they gave both on the brakes, and when turning into a corner.  With the weather as it is now, we obviously couldn't say much about wet weather performance but I will say this much - in transitioning from a wet surface to a dry one and vice versa, an area where tyres can really struggle for grip, I found their ability to keep traction, even under acceleration, very very good.

Since my Duke will be returning to off-road race ready trim, we’ll be shifting the TraceRads on to another Duke in the ZigWheels family now. So look out for a more detailed on-road performance review, as well as a longevity test soon. Considering that they are so grippy it will be interesting to see how they wear over time and how long they can last from the thrashing that a Duke 390 power and torque can dish out.