Buying a track bike

[CrazyKell]

I know what I'm looking for but am just curious what others set about looking for when they're buying a track bike.

I want to stick with the same bike I have now for a couple of reasons, but ultimately it's going to come down to price and goodies.

What would you go for?

R6?
GSXR?
Kawi?
CBR?

[derf]

I know what I'm looking for but am just curious what others set about looking for when they're buying a track bike.

I want to stick with the same bike I have now for a couple of reasons, but ultimately it's going to come down to price and goodies.

What would you go for?

R6?
GSXR?
Kawi?
CBR?

GSXR (and to a lesser extent the CBR) seem to be the most common track bikes (at least around here), track parts are plentiful if you break a lever or need to look at someone elses bike to get yours running right. Really though any of the four you mentioned are gonna be at any track day with at least one model from each model year

[CrazyKell]

I've been leaning towards the GSXR just for the part reason alone.

But then, I just love my Kawi and love the feel.

[Homeslice]

Popularity makes no difference.........ALL of those bikes have tons of readily available parts, including yours, so why get something different? If you are already comfortable with 636's, get another. Especially when there are only so many track day opportunities a year........Why waste them getting comfortable on a totally different bike.

Oh and WERA board ftw.

[tommymac]

I have a 2000 gsxr 750 I am looking to get rid of if youre interested.

[CrazyKell]

I have a 2000 gsxr 750 I am looking to get rid of if youre interested.

Thanks but no thanks. Only looking for a 600 and want 2004 or later.

Ideally I want my bike, but I know it may not happen.

The other idea I'm toying with is turning mine into track only and buying a cruiser for the streets. I'd just prefer to buy something with the goodies already attached.

[RACER X]

You can buy great SV track bikes for $2kish

[gavilan]

You can buy great SV track bikes for $2kish

But an SV would be so very different from Kell's bike. I recently sold my Kawi and I, too, "loved the feel".

I hadn't thought of buying the same bike for track... kinda cool idea.

[Full Throttle]

Yea i think you should go for the same bike if possible. But if you have to pick one of the other top brands i would go YAMAHA lol. I know im being Biased but ive ridden an 06 GSXR and an 07 CBR and i didnt really like either. Im sure i would of gotten more comfortable with it but it just didnt seem to even be in the same class as my R6. Ive never ridden a KAWI so i cant vouch for it but in my opinion the YAMAHA is in another league when it comes to truly being race ready.

[racedoll]

I hadn't thought of buying the same bike for track... kinda cool idea.

I'd go for the same bike as I have now, if I could find one for reasonable price.

For Kelly's question, I really don't think you could go wrong. Hubby likes the GSXRs but any would be good.

[shmike]

Gixxer.

Derf already mentioned why.


Popularity makes no difference.........ALL of those bikes have tons of readily available parts, including yours, so why get something different? If you are already comfortable with 636's, get another. Especially when there are only so many track day opportunities a year........Why waste them getting comfortable on a totally different bike.

Oh and WERA board ftw.

Popularity makes a HUGE difference.

Yes, every bike has a decent aftermarket contingent but what matters is can you get those parts in time for the next session?

If you are 4, 6, 8+ hours from home it doesn't matter what you can find on www.yourbike'sdedicatedforum.com next Tuesday, it matters what you can find at the track NOW.

[azoomm]

Popularity makes a HUGE difference.

Yes, every bike has a decent aftermarket contingent but what matters is can you get those parts in time for the next session?

If you are 4, 6, 8+ hours from home it doesn't matter what you can find on www.yourbike'sdedicatedforum.com next Tuesday, it matters what you can find at the track NOW.

If you're racing. If you're doing immediate wrenching to solve a major issue. If you are going to field-strip your bike due to a major oops.

Kel isn't going to do these [now]. Sure, maybe down the road. But, by then she will have a better idea of the performance she wants - and probably have a connection or someone at the track that she'll buy from. Right now, I'd have to go with getting another of the same bike. I mean, get a few spares [clip-ons, levers, master cylinders, rear-sets, etc] of items that will potentially snap off in a get off so you can just bolt back on what you need. For a major break and fix there are parts available for her bike. It's not like an exotic Italian where the entire country shuts down for the summer.

There is something to be said for confusion and muscle memory. Go with what YOU are comfortable on.

[shmike]

If you're racing. If you're doing immediate wrenching to solve a major issue. If you are going to field-strip your bike due to a major oops.

Kel isn't going to do these [now]. Sure, maybe down the road. But, by then she will have a better idea of the performance she wants - and probably have a connection or someone at the track that she'll buy from. Right now, I'd have to go with getting another of the same bike. I mean, get a few spares [clip-ons, levers, master cylinders, rear-sets, etc] of items that will potentially snap off in a get off so you can just bolt back on what you need. For a major break and fix there are parts available for her bike. It's not like an exotic Italian where the entire country shuts down for the summer.

There is something to be said for confusion and muscle memory. Go with what YOU are comfortable on.

I know that she isn't racing and my perspective may be different but I also know a number of people that do track weekends a great distance from home and easy-to-source parts is still a huge advantage.

Not everyone has the funds to drop an extra $500 - $1500 on spares and being able to buy or borrow a part as needed is often more financially feasible.

I understand your point about muscle memory, but give me a break on the confusion bit. :lol: We aren't talking about a bike with brakes on rider's left and a foot clutch. We are talking about a slightly different rider position, rake and seat height.

While it is certainly easier to have two of the exact same bike, I actually think that the mental "switch" from street bike to track bike can also be a benefit.

[snobuny]

I have 2 kawi's (600) one for street and one for the track and they are really not the same at all. If thats what you are comfortable on, go for it but you will change everything to make it more "trackable"

My street bike has different suspension, handlebars above the triple clamps, normal footpegs, etc. Started riding track days with it. Gearing was not great for the track, cushy suspension and foot pegs always dragging in the corners.

I did not know the difference until I actually had a dedicated track bike. Clip ons, rear sets, stiffer suspension for better track feedback, totally different rider position than my street bike, gearing for the track, etc. My lap times really are dropping now but the feel is completely different.

If you get the opportunity for a kawi like you are familar with go for it but I wouldn't pass up a good deal on another brand just because "its not the same" I didn't know I wanted something different until I actually had something different.

Kel, if you get the chance to come to any days in Michigan at Grattan or Gingerman and I am there you can give my track bike a try.

[tallywacker]

Really all of them make great track bikes. My buddy races his 2007 Kawi 6 with just race plastic and dunlop medium race tires. He got 2nd and 3rd place in the two CCS races he entered this past weekend. He also finished top 5 in unlimited up against 1098's KTM's and other various race shop and dealership sponsored liter bikes. Motorcycle racing has much more to do with rider skill than the bike. Just pick something up and get it on the track.

[CrazyKell]

Kel, if you get the chance to come to any days in Michigan at Grattan or Gingerman and I am there you can give my track bike a try.

I'm trying to go to a weekend at Grattan but none of their dates are working for me. If not this year definitely early next year. I've heard great things about that track and it's only 5 hours from me.

Where's Gingerman?

[snobuny]

SouthHaven (http://www.gingermanraceway.com/) about an hour farther than Grattan.

Grattan is definately my favorite, it just flows better. We will be there July 31 and Aug 1st.

Gingerman is a "thrust and brake track" and doesn't have much flow to it, pavement has these little ridges that are unnerving until you get used to them. Don't have any dates set for Gingerman but they will have open track days and we just show up.

[OreoGaborio]

I see some advantages to having "twin" street and track bikes, but personally, I kinda like having two different bikes... It's fun going back and forth and experiencing the similarities and differences.

Both are v-twins, but...
My street bike is upright, race bike is leaned over.
My street bike is 998cc's, race bike is 650
My street bike has 115rwhp, race bike has 70
My street bike is regular shift, race bike is GP
It also kinda helps me remember where I am and reminds me to ride accordingly. ;)



As far as popularity goes, pretty much any bike manufactured by the big four will have plenty of parts and support available to you, so I really wouldn't get too caught up on that.

And don't discount the ole Sv650! I'm a bit biased, but I find it easy to ride quick but challenging (in a good way) to ride fast. Definitely a great learning tool and inexpensive, which leaves more money for track time :)

I say just keep your budget in mind and buy what you like!

[Mudpuppy]

2007 Yamaha R6 Race/Track Bike $5500 OBO

1592 Miles

25MM OHLINS Cartridge Kit (.95 Springs in, also have .90 Springs)
OHLINS TTX SHOCK .95 Spring
SBK FACTORY EVOII FULL SYSTEM TITANIUM W/ CARBON END CAP
PC3 With Custom Tune and Map (have paperwork) 117hp
BMC Race Filter
SharkSkins Body Work (Dzus Fasterners)
GPR V4 Steering Damper (Just Freshened Up)
Woodcraft Rearsets, Clip On’s, Spools and Frame Sliders
Vortex Sprockets 15,16, 45,46,47
Spiegler Steel Lines
Versah RJL Pads
Pirellis Supercorsa Tires – SC2’s

Fully Safety wired , a lot of it with speed clips
Debaged and Destickered, ready for your numbers.

Extras

-Set of Pirellis Supercorsas Take offs
-Tank Sliders
-Vortex Sprockets 15,16, 45, 46, 47
-Stock Shock and Stock Fork Internals (with original ohlins boxes and paperwork)
-Four quarts of Honda oil and yamaha filter
-Stock Air Filter
- A set of .90 Ohlins Springs

BIO

This R6 is in excellent condition, just built over the winter. All parts have less 1000 miles on them. The Suspension was set up by Ohlins USA, personally by Mike Fitzgerald aka Thermosman. It has 5 trackdays and 1 WERA race weekend on it. The Engine is stock and pulls hard for an 07. 117 On the Dyno, have all info. Bike runs perfect, the only imperfection is on the tail, has some rash. The Rear Tire is good for a couple track days and the Front tire only has 8 laps on it. The Bodywork, chasis and all components are solid, secure, the bike is ready to ride, just detailed and gone over completely

Comes with BILL OF SALE, $5500 OBO

cliffordbienko@hotmail.com

Bike is located in Royal Oak, Michigan.

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h171/cliffordbienko/R6-1-1.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h171/cliffordbienko/R6-2-1.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h171/cliffordbienko/R6-6.jpg

[TYEster]

I'll see your R6 and raise you the most fun you'll ever have in your life on the track...


http://www.twowheelfix.com/showthread.php?t=15599

$4k OBO located in Central TX.

[Mudpuppy]

SouthHaven (http://www.gingermanraceway.com/) about an hour farther than Grattan.

Grattan is definately my favorite, it just flows better. We will be there July 31 and Aug 1st.

Gingerman is a "thrust and brake track" and doesn't have much flow to it, pavement has these little ridges that are unnerving until you get used to them. Don't have any dates set for Gingerman but they will have open track days and we just show up.

Ducati Days at Gingerman are mid-August and $100 per day.. And the new 1,000 foot section of the track is open making it a way better track..

[101lifts2]

I've ridden all of the 600 supersports. IMO the best is a toss up between the 09 ZX6r and GSXR (07-09). The Gixxer has a chassis that can be setup to suit nearly every rider and there are a TON of parts.

The R6 is really the best out of the box track bike(it just falls into the corners), but you have to haulin ass around corners to find the sweetness. The ergos are harsh too.

The 600rr is easy to ride fast, but for me it felt cramped. The GSXR feels much better for bigger people.

[101lifts2]

I'll see your R6 and raise you the most fun you'll ever have in your life on the track...


http://www.twowheelfix.com/showthread.php?t=15599

$4k OBO located in Central TX.

Is this a sales pitch?:lol

[101lifts2]

Yea i think you should go for the same bike if possible. But if you have to pick one of the other top brands i would go YAMAHA lol. I know im being Biased but ive ridden an 06 GSXR and an 07 CBR and i didnt really like either. Im sure i would of gotten more comfortable with it but it just didnt seem to even be in the same class as my R6. Ive never ridden a KAWI so i cant vouch for it but in my opinion the YAMAHA is in another league when it comes to truly being race ready.

The R6 was gutless below 10k. It needs gearing, a pipe and a remap.

[TYEster]

Is this a sales pitch?:lol

No cause I don't mention anything about financing. redflip














(and just putting the word out to those who'd be interested)

[Mudpuppy]

I've ridden all of the 600 supersports. IMO the best is a toss up between the 09 ZX6r and GSXR (07-09). The Gixxer has a chassis that can be setup to suit nearly every rider and there are a TON of parts.

The R6 is really the best out of the box track bike(it just falls into the corners), but you have to haulin ass around corners to find the sweetness. The ergos are harsh too.

The 600rr is easy to ride fast, but for me it felt cramped. The GSXR feels much better for bigger people.

I have not ridden the ZX6r or the GSXR but I believe your evaluation of the R6 is dead on.. And definitely there is absolutely nothing under 10k.. At the local track around here I have perfected keeping it 10k and above around the whole track..

I am headed to the gap next week and I am going to rent a bike.. they have options of the R1, SV650, ZX6R and some other unmentionables.. I was worried due to the fact I haven't planned my trip I wouldn't be able to get the R1.. but now I am thinking it might be interesting to try the ZX6R..

[tallywacker]

I have not ridden the ZX6r or the GSXR but I believe your evaluation of the R6 is dead on.. And definitely there is absolutely nothing under 10k.. At the local track around here I have perfected keeping it 10k and above around the whole track..

I am headed to the gap next week and I am going to rent a bike.. they have options of the R1, SV650, ZX6R and some other unmentionables.. I was worried due to the fact I haven't planned my trip I wouldn't be able to get the R1.. but now I am thinking it might be interesting to try the ZX6R..

Yep I never had to deal with any power difference since my R6 hangs around atleast 10k when I'm riding hard.

[Mudpuppy]

The 520 chain on the R6 made a big difference though.. a lot more power on hand when you need it - quicker anyways.. eliminates some of that lag from the carbs and also makes it much smoother power..

[TYEster]

The 520 chain on the R6 made a big difference though.. a lot more power on hand when you need it - quicker anyways.. eliminates some of that lag from the carbs and also makes it much smoother power..

Are you referring to the carbs you ate or something? :lol:

[HokieDNA01]

There is a sweet 636 my friend is selling here. Its all "tracked" out and ready to ride. I'll get you the info if you want. I know it would be a hike to get it but might be worth it.

Let me know

[CrazyKell]

There is a sweet 636 my friend is selling here. Its all "tracked" out and ready to ride. I'll get you the info if you want. I know it would be a hike to get it but might be worth it.

Let me know

yes please!!!!

I'd actually love to go and get one that's a hike. Make a road trip out of it!

[HokieDNA01]

I emailed him for more info.

Here is a pic of it. Its the black and green bike. SAWEET. If I had the cash I would totally pick it up.

[HokieDNA01]

Here is his ad on the Wera Board. He is thinking he will have it sold today but will let you know if it falls through

http://forums.13x.com/showthread.php?t=258799

[CrazyKell]

Here is his ad on the Wera Board. He is thinking he will have it sold today but will let you know if it falls through

http://forums.13x.com/showthread.php?t=258799

thanks.

I've been purposefully staying off Wera lately. I spend too much money when I browse there. :lmao:

[HokieDNA01]

You still looking for a track bike Kel? Killgurl is selling her 636.

http://www.easttnriders.com/forum/showthread.php?t=37005