Buying a track bike

[azoomm]

Originally Posted by shmike

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]

Originally Posted by azoomm

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. 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.

[CrazyKell]

Originally Posted by snobuny

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.

[Mudpuppy]

Originally Posted by 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.

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..