I never lost brakes but they did fade. Towards the end of a session I found that I was really pulling on them to scrub speed. After a few late turn-ins I started backing off the throttle early and not going WOT till the breaking zone. Sure the liter bikes were passing me that much faster but it also gave them a chance to get around be before the turns. There was someone who missed the turn altogether and ran off the end of the track, I think he was on a RSV4 demo and just did not realize how fast 200+ hp had him going down the straight. I was just trying to make it home in one piece and with the shiny bits still attached so I was not going to see how far I could push it till I lost the brakes.
Still a little disappointing to me. On a bike that comes with the brakes the 890 R does you would (OK, I would) think KTM would equip it with equally good pads. This is me assuming it's the pads at least. For context I have barely ridden mine. It has rained every day since I brought it home so I've not really even started to learn it yet. I've seen what you describe on the track quite a bit and not just on 200 HP bikes. Some riders want to brake "late", start braking lightly while increasing pressure as they get closer to the turn in point. Maybe followed by panic so they quit on the turn and ride off track. I'm sure you've seen proper brake technique on a chart. Reviewing that technique should happen at every track day, might keep some people out of the weeds.
Yeah, they have cones out and the 1-5 numbers for breaking at the end of the straight. However, the placement of the numbers is very aggressive and is in line with getting the best lap time. I learned to brake before. Besides, the back straight is my least favorite part of the track as this bike is not built for top speed. I do think some higher quality brake fluid would make a difference. I did notice that it darkened quite a bit. I wish I had taken a picture at the beginning of the day vs. the end. I will test it and see if it is shot.
Some action shots from Monday. I know I need to get over more. It is only my second time on track. Also, my pants were too tight on my thighs so I was extending my knee as far as I possibly could. New pants on order and these are for sale in the Flee Market. Pictures do help you see how you can improve your form.
I don't know if that is right, it is what I found googling and I figured it was a good starting point.
I have also had the brake fade. Usually on roads that are quite long and twisty, like Hwy 28. I can see that it would happen on a track too. It's not terribly dramatic, but the effort at the end is definitely more than at the beginning for sure. Glad someone else is noticing.. I put it on the 890 FB threads and no one believed me... but they're usually a bunch of brits who have no really curvy roads. Also, I tried an S22 on the rear (had it in the shop already) when my Power Cup 2 went out. I know the S22 is a good tire but it's not a PC2. I ran the S22 at Barber on my S1000R and never had anything like a slip, even when quite hot.. but... I felt it slip a bit on Rt 16 in VA two weekends ago when on the 890. I don't believe the PC2 would have slipped there. MAYBE the very edge wasn't broken in yet... it was a brand new tire... but MAYBE it just slipped a little because it's not as sticky as the PC2. I'll know more next outing. They're scrubbed in all the way now...
I just noticed today (and I have near zero miles) that the front brakes squeal a little at walking speed - c'mon KTM. I'm going to keep riding and see what I get but a new set of front pads may be in my near future. Tires? The Michelins feel like the tires that came on my Hypermotard. Those were Pirelli Supercorsa SP2. Stuck like mad, but never gave me the feedback I like. When the Michelins wear out I'll probably go back to my Dunlop Q3+.